Massage Therapy and The Obese Patient Part I

When I first opened a private practice as a massage therapist nearly 10 years ago, I felt dismayed every time an overweight patient walked through my door. How was I going to help this person? What challenges was I going to face? Would I be up to the challenge? Every time a person with a serious health challenges comes in, I face these questions. With the overwhelming number of people in the world facing obesity, the challenge of providing good quality massage therapy that meets the patient's needs is growing.

Obesity is defined by the American Obesity Association as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. A BMI of 25 to 29 is considered overweight. Obesity affects at least 69 million Americans or more than sixty-four percent of adults. Obesity is a chronic disease with a familial component. The tendency to become fat is encouraged by our lifestyle which includes a lack of physical activity combined with abundant, good-tasting, high-fat food. Obesity increases one's risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, cancer of the breast, colon and prostate. The latest research shows that obesity may shorten lifespan. Persons with obesity are also subject to mental distress due to poor self-esteem and discrimination.

Caring for the obese patient was not what I thought it would be. During a practicum, an Instructor was asked about obese patients. He said, "Close your eyes and dig in." Of course, this is terrible advice and I'm sure it was meant to be a joke, however, it stayed with me. More and more, I realized that working with obese patients takes special skills just like working with patients with any other chronic disease.

When working with obese patients, a thorough health history should be taken. I have had a few new patients complain to me about the length and thoroughness of my intake form: "My last therapist never had me fill out a long form." I explain that there are health conditions for which special techniques are used or conditions that contraindicate massage. " You should be pleased that I am asking you these detailed questions, " I explain. "It shows how much I want to help you feel better instead of just giving you a generic massage." Most patients respond positively when they see the intake form in this manner. To say that the health effects of obesity are numerous is an understatement. The American Obesity Association lists at least 28 different categories of medical conditions for which person's with obesity are at risk of developing.

It has been my experience that most obese patients prefer light pressure. At first, this went against what I thought would be true. However, according to the American Obesity Association, increased bodily pain as well as musculoskeletal pain is reported more by persons with obesity as compared to persons with other chronic medical conditions. There is a possible physiological explanation. Skeletal muscle tissue has more density than adipose (fat) tissue. The cellular make-up of these tissue types differs greatly. Skeletal muscle tissue is striated and composed of numerous microfilaments. This allows the body to move voluntarily. Adipose tissue is a specialized form of connective tissue. Connective tissue has cells scattered throughout an extra-cellular matrix. In this case, the tissue is loose and its job is to store fat. Due to these differences, persons whose bodies have more stored fat need lighter pressure.

A treatment option for obese patients is warm stone massage. Although contraindicated at higher temperatures for diabetic patients, warm (not hot) stone massage is both gentle and therapeutic. Warmth increases blood flow, circulation, metabolism and lymph function while decreasing tension.

Most standard massage tables are not made for the extra-wide patient. I have a 31" table and I do have some patients whose arms hang off the sides while laying supine. Try to make the patient as comfortable as possible using bolsters, rolled up towels, etc. Some obese persons have difficulty breathing while in the supine position. If this is so, you may want to use a massage chair. Many obese patients will need help sitting up from the supine position and may have difficulty turning over without help.

There are a number of specialized products on the market today that may make obese patients more comfortable during the massage. These include wider massage tables, specialized bolsters for women with larger breasts, large body cushions and bolsters, and neck supports and elevated face rests. If your practice has a large number of obese patients, it will be worth the investment in proper specialized equipment for both the patient and the therapist.

I urge all therapists to read and study about obesity. Education is one of the most important aspects in learning about any chronic condition. It will help you understand the needs of your patients.

Working with obese patients can be challenging, but with the proper education, attitude and equipment, you will be successful in treating this growing segment of the population.

Massage Therapy Careers - Three Options

There are a remarkable number of variations on massage techniques.  Most professionals today concentrate on just a few of them, choosing to excel in a limited number of therapy models rather than be casually acquainted with a large number of massage techniques.  This article addresses the most widespread massage professional specialties and discusses the education and certification requirements for the job.

The different styles of massage, or modalities as they are called, can be confusing to the layman.  Reflexology, Swedish massage, acupressure, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage are terms that you'll encounter in most spas or massage studios.  Because of its long affiliation with alternative medicine, massage techniques are occasionally referred to as "bodywork."  Lesser known massage techniques such as Rolfing, Hellerwork, Aston-Patterning and Neurocranial Massage can often be found in massage facilities associated with holistic healing.

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  Day spas are a primary resource for massage treatments, and massage is important to the bottom line, typically contributing 50-60% of the facility's revenue.  Relaxation massage is an invigorating experience when provided by an experienced professional, which is why many spas have repeat customers.  Fees for this service are in the $50 - $75 range.  Many new massage therapy school graduates gain experience in this environment and then hand out a shingle and develop their own personal practice.

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  Clinical massage has become a mainstream option in recent years.  Practitioners in this sector of the trade often work with patients to reduce pain in a particular part of the body.  Clinical massage is also used in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques to help in the rehabilitation of an injured extremity or muscle group.  Therapeutic exercise designed to restore full range of motion in, for example, an injured shoulder or leg can be painful and tiring.  Massage of the affected area is a way to induce relaxation following the workout.

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  Sports massage is designed to keep athletes in top shape.  Many athletes today develop their own training regimens in order to maximize their careers.  Often they will go beyond what coaches and trainers associated with sports teams expect of their athletes.  Sports massage therapists work with injuries and soreness, but their primary focus is helping an athlete to maintain maximum flexibility.  The sports field is a growing and lucrative message specialty.

Massage therapists  learn their craft in privately run schools or academies, in some vocational schools, and in colleges.  Massage therapy programs generally cover subjects such as anatomy; physiology, the study of organs and tissues; kinesiology, the study of motion and body mechanics; as well as hands-on practice of massage techniques.  Many massage professionals seek training at more than one source so that they can learn the modalities they wish to specialize in.

As of 2007 thirty eight states and the District of Columbia had laws regulating the massage industry.  Generally they require graduation from an accredited institution and passage of a national or state exam.  There are two national certifying bodies, both of which require an exam.  The prevalent organization is the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). Many States require that therapists pass this test in order to practice massage therapy.

 

Physical Therapy School Accreditation

Physical therapy school accreditation is perhaps the most important aspect to consider when you are choosing which programs to apply to. There are many different aspects of a good school, including the curriculum, reputation, classroom and lab technology, location, budget friendliness and success of former students. If the school isn't accredited, though, none of those things will even matter. The only degree that can hold up to a high level of scrutiny is one that comes from an accredited school; this applies to physical therapist schools or any other field.

The Importance of Physical Therapy School Accreditation

There are several accrediting agencies that evaluate physical therapy schools based on a serious set of professional standards. An accrediting agency must also be accepted by the United States Department of Education to be trustworthy as an evaluator of these schools, which ads a further complication to your research on various programs. Some of the most reputable organizations that accredit physical therapist schools include the following:

- American Physical Therapy Association

- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

- Regional Accrediting Bodies (i.e., Physical Therapy Board of California, etc.)

The basic fact that you need to understand is that physical therapist schools that are not accredited are probably little more than diploma mills that do not offer an acceptable education. Even if they do offer a good education, though, employers will not take your degree seriously if it is not from an accredited school. You also need to have a degree from an accredited school to sit for the certification or licensing exams in your state. And if that isn't enough, the credits will also not transfer to other schools if you should decide to switch programs or return to school later for a higher level of education.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Physical Therapist School

Accreditation is the most important factor, but you must also consider whether this specific program is right for you. Think about whether the location, cost, availability of classes and scheduling work for your budget and lifestyle. See what kind of experience the faculty has and how esteemed they are in the professional field. Also, look into where some of the school's graduates are practicing now, and see if any of them have careers like you've imagined for yourself. The school you choose is important, so make sure it's a high quality program before applying.

A Look at Massage Therapy Jobs

Today massage therapists are quite new to many health professionals. They are registered, licensed, and certified, and today there are many massage therapy jobs out there. In fact, billions of dollars are spent in America alone on massage therapy. This is an incredible opportunity. However, there are many people who don't take time to investigate the profession which is why many massage therapists end up quitting their job within just one year. Quite a few people have the idea that this is just physical work, but there is a lot of mental work involved as well. So someone who wants to get a job in massage therapy should take time to research the opportunities and the various types of massage out there.

Essentially massage therapy is about taking the body's soft tissues, and manipulating it in order to get effects that are therapeutic. It provides the easing of tension for the joints and muscles as well as stress reduction. Massage also helps to provide better circulation, it provides lymphatic stimulation, and also helps to calm down the nerves.

Of course to get massage therapy jobs, people have to take the board exams and then become licensed. This can be a license from the city, county, or the state, depending on the area. They also need to become registered with a professional association. Only then are they able to get jobs in massage therapy.

There are a variety of different massage therapy jobs out there today. Of course there are massage parlors and clinics that offer jobs to those certified in massage therapy, but there are a variety of other jobs that are out there too. Often massage therapists can get jobs in spas, at fitness clubs, with sports teams, or even on cruse ships and at resorts.  There is also the opportunity to go with a private practice. Many massage therapists work for themselves, starting up their own business. If they are good and know how to effectively run a business, within a year a quality practice can be built up and it can be quite lucrative.

Earnings at massage therapy jobs can vary, but they are very good. The earnings can be anywhere from about $30-60 for an hour. This all is dependent upon the location that they are in. You do need to remember that you won't be able to work long hours at this job. There really isn't a ladder to climb when you get involved in this career, which is something many people don't realize. The only way to improve is to learn new techniques that are advanced and then to charge higher rates.

People who want to start earning money with a good career will find that massage therapy is a pretty good choice. There are quite a few massage therapy jobs out there and the earnings are fairly good as well. Just ensure that you take a good look at this career and the job options before you make up your mind that this is the right option for your needs.

All About Massage Therapist Training

A massage therapist is a professional trained in one of the arts massage therapy, which varies in relation to style, atmosphere, education, and personality. The field of promoting well being and general heath is quire broad, which can run from therapists performing one of the basic massages to those, trained or specializing in a particular field, health condition, or muscular problem.

If wishing to get started in the profession of massage therapy, it's vital to research the training and certifications required to become qualified in this field. Requirements often vary from one region to the next, so be certain to review the requirements of your own local authority or jurisdiction prior to enrolling at one of the massage therapy schools.

Schools accredited to teach massage therapist programs are quite easy to come by today, although not so easy to get into. Each of these learning centers have a list of qualifications a student must process, such as a general education degree or high school diploma, in order to gain entry in a particular program.

Some of the more prestigious schools will also require that a student attends a pre-entry interview or supplies a written submission prior to being accepted at that particular institution. If a school is confident a student is serious about enrolling, and pleased with the results of the interview or written submission, than they are more often than not accepted into the program.

Most of the teaching schools start out with teaching the fundamentals, which can consist of a student having a working knowledge of the physiology and anatomy of the human body, the different types of muscle groups, and how those particular muscle groups function. With the basics learnt, students can progress to more advance matters, such as deep tissue massage and muscular tension, as well as learning how a massage therapist can use their skills to help with certain other health conditions, such as those relating to acupuncture, aromatherapy, and Reiki.

Besides learning about the human body, a student on a massage training program will also be instructed on how the mind is able to interact with the body. Also, a respected school provides information on the best business practices, ethics of running this type of business, caring for a client base, and providing exemplary customer care.

A trained therapist can expect to meet a wide-ranging mix of patients throughout a typical business day. A lot of patients visit a trained therapist for the more common purpose of comfort and relaxation, although others will walk in requiring more intense work. Each client is likely to be different; a therapist therefore needs to rely on their own training and past experience to treat patients on a one-on-one basis.

Once qualified, a therapist has the opportunity to work fulltime in medical clinic, luxury spa, or as a freelancer in their own practice, with fees varying for the different types of services provided. With experience, other services might be offered, such as those relating to other body treatments or facials.

Targeted Or Full Body Massage Therapy, Which Is More Effective?

Deciding what type of massage is best for you is not always an easy task. Normally, massage therapists will either focus on targeted or full body massage.

Targeted therapies focus on a specific part of the body that needs massaging. We often call these areas trigger points. When they are massaged properly they release any built-up knots in your muscles that have been triggering discomfort and pain in other areas of the body. But massages are not done solely for pain relief. Reflexology is the act of massage for targeting specific areas on your body to aid in regulating your body systems. This type of massage is not for relieving pain, but for making your entire body healthier from the inside out. Another targeted massage therapy technique focuses on the cranial sacral area of your body. This refers to your head and neck. It is most effective in healing TMJD, headaches, and back and neck pain. Targeted massage therapy is perfect for anyone with a specific area of discomfort.

When we traditionally imagine massages, most people picture full body massage techniques. A Swedish massage is a very popular therapy technique that involves massaging the deep tissues in your body. This aids in releasing any metabolic build up and tight muscles that may be ailing you. It also realigns your entire skeletal system and improves your overall mobility. Athletes are very common with another type of full body massage called sports massages. This therapy technique releases metabolic build up and tight muscles, while improving your level of mobility by re-aligning your skeletal system. It is much like a Swedish massage, though it is geared more towards athletes or very active people. The final type of full body massage therapy is that which is geared towards specific conditions. For example, prenatal and geriatric clients can get massages that are designed just for them. These massages are very gentle. They focus on gently releasing metabolic build up and tight muscles, while also gently realigning the client's skeletal system. The ultimate goal in mind is to improve the prenatal or geriatric client's overall mobility.

So how do you choose between targeted or full body massage therapy? Determine if you are focusing on the overall wellness that a full body massage offers, or if you are simply looking to correct a region of chronic pain or a specific condition that is greatly impacting your life. Specific regions of your body are normally better treated through a technique like reflexology. If you are still unsure about which therapy technique is best for you, then stop in to your local massage parlor and speak to a therapist. He or she should be able to determine which technique will be best for you.

Working As a Physical Therapy Assistant: Job Description

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) functions below an accredited Physical Therapist, and assists in the day to day physical therapy procedures performed by them. The PTA additionally perform an essential part in within patient treatment and care. They can be responsible for operating a number of physical therapy tasks and modalities including giving ultrasound treatment, rendering massage to affected patients, using hot and also cold compresses on affected patients, as well as teaching patients rehabilitation exercise routines. Their duties can include supervision of the physical therapy facility floor, ensuring patients are following the directions effectively, and making necessary corrections. Physical Therapist assistants can also in certain workplace settings be responsible for teaching patients how to walk with assisted devices, as well as working with individuals recovering from surgery and serious accidents. Physical Therapy Assistants will also have to be accountable and document and record patient information in a responsible and accurate format.

The duties can change from workplace to workplace for a physical therapist assistant. Some other basic duties and traits that fit the job description are:

The rest of the certified nursing assistant's duties fall into the category of "assistance." These may include the following:

*Helping patients with ambulation (walking, moving out of their wheelchairs, etc.)
*Use of mechanical devices that pertain to physical therapy treatment.
*Offering support, direction and encouragement during physical rehabilitation routines
*Providing support and documentation to the licensed physical therapist
*Assisting patients to treatment areas and commencing treatment under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist assistant.
*Depending on the work place setting, there could be many other assisted based job duties
First Aid & CPR Certification - As a physical therapy assistant, it will be necessary to be training and skilled in basic emergency procedures. Due to the work environment and the patients that are worked with this is a requirement for ever PTA
*Documentation and Awareness of Patient Needs - A physical therapy assistant is more than just an assistant who does what is asked by the supervising physical therapist.
*They are responsible for documenting patient charts with full medical terminology, while respecting and working around the patients specific needs or situation.
*Respect Patient Rights - A physical therapy assistant has a responsibility to uphold all that surrounds a patient's rights. These rights may include, but are certainly not limited to privacy, confidentiality, being aware of treatments they are receiving, as well as a right to accept or refuse that treatment. The rehabilitation process can take its toll on the sometimes frustrated patients, remember to always give them their dignity and respect.

As you can see there can be quite a diverse and long list of duties and responsibilities for a physical therapist assistant. A physical therapist assistant should and many do take much pride in their career, their education that they have received to work in such a field, and the wages they earn operating in this professional career.

Introduction to Occupational Therapy in Every Day Words

Occupational Therapy is now one of the most popular jobs for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others. Before you choose Occupational Therapy as a career, it is important to know the career, especially its good and bad sides. Working as an Occupational Therapist has its good sides and bad sides and it is important to gain the right information before making occupational therapy your main profession. This guide will help you understand the role of an occupational therapist so you can make a decision before moving into the field.

The objectives of this guide are below:

Who needs occupational therapy?
What does the occupational therapist do during rehabilitation?
An overview on occupational therapy
Decide if you are interested in pursuing a career in the field

Who Needs Occupational Therapy?

People who have become affected by physical problems will need an OT's help. Patients range the gamut from children who are having trouble developing certain motor skills up to seniors who are trying to regain the fine control they had when they were younger.

You may also encounter people who have lost their motor skills due to various accidents, trauma, or injuries. The responsibility of the occupational therapist is to help these patients find control of their motor skills or even, develop their motor skills.

Occupational therapists are given the opportunity to help children become more independent and participate more effectively in school and help adults return to work once they have cured their physical problems. From time to time, you may also be assigned to help older people care for themselves after a fall or injury.

What is the role of a therapist in rehab?

As an occupational therapist, you will identify the individual's current condition sometimes with the help of family members to determine the goals of therapy, perform these activities and realize these objectives. It is also your task to oversee the growth of your patient. When modifications are required, you will be responsible for those, as well.

On certain dates, you must visit your patients at their homes, schools, or workplace to inquire about their developments. The occupational therapist will help the family of the patient get any training needed to make the therapy successful. Your explanations will help to ensure the patient recovers as soon as possible.

The Truth Behind the Name- What is "Occupational Therapy"?

People often think that occupational therapy is associated with office work. The term "occupations" refer to those daily tasks that are required for normal functioning, and can include brushing hair and teeth, tying shoes, and self feeding. These are known as "occupations".

Anyone who begins to lose the ability to go about these daily activities will be affected tremendously. As an occupational therapist, it is your job to help these people regain their ability to care for themselves. You will definitely help people live their lives normally once again.

Occupational therapy is not a career for everyone, but those who pursue the career often find it to be deeply rewarding.

Researching Massage Therapy Education

Nowadays, massage therapy is an extension of physical therapy and goes along with the same educational standards as any medical therapist would. Meeting the requirements of national, local and state certification requires individuals to approve stringent training courses in an assortment of related subjects.

Despite the fact that there are numerous accredited schools that offer a complete message therapy education, the selections will not be simple. The benefits, naturally will be the acceptance by other medical practitioners, respect and trust of your future patients and acknowledgment by health insurers.

The Training

Over half of the states regulate the practice of massage. The requirements of the state all vary. Every one of them require at a minimum 500 hours of training as well as education and several require even more than that. There are some states that require national certification prior to a therapist being able to apply for state recognition. The national level of certification also requires at a minimum 500 hours of training in massage therapy education in an accredited school.

There must be included in the training at least 125 hours of physiology and anatomy, 200 hours of massage and/or bodywork application as well as theory, 40 hours of pathology, 10 hours of ethics as well as business and at a minimum 125 hours of related coursework. A practitioner with 500 hours of experience and training as well as knowledge of the required areas can also submit for review a personal portfolio of examination.

The national certification exam has a minimum of 160 questions that covers all of the required areas of massage therapy education. To maintain your good standing, a professional needs to be certified once every four years. Standards in the Canadian provinces will require a minimum of 2,000 hours.

Prior to choosing a school, a practitioner should determine on what the kind of massage that he or she wishes to specialize in. A general massage therapy education must include rehabilitation, pregnancy massage, sports injuries, pain relief and relaxation massage.

Be sure that the school you choose is fully accredited so that you can qualify for loans and grants. Massage therapy education tuition ranges from about $6-$17 per hour. The needed 500 hours typically runs from $5000-$9000.

Once you have graduated, there are numerous opportunities for seminars and workshops to maintain your massage therapy education and keeping up to date. When you understand the minimum that these educational and training requirements are that you need to complete, you will have a very good idea of what your competition will be like.

Other massage therapists in your area will have at least these levels of training plus contacts and experience. If all of these hours of massage therapy education as well as training sound interesting and exciting, you might have what it takes.

Chiropractors Offer Modern Pain Management Treatment Options

Chiropractor treatment has expanded in the past 15 years dramatically. Decades ago, chiropractic treatment consisted mainly of spinal manipulations and a few exercises along with maybe some weight loss treatment. That is no longer the case by an exponential amount as multiple additional treatment are now being offered by chiropractors.

Chiropractors receive considerable education after college that it's actually four years just like medical school. They receive a very good education on the musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, and treatment of the problem. As with most modern medical fields, advancements in chiropractic treatment have definitely kept up with the rest of pain management.

Upon going to a modern chiropractic doctor's office, you'll often see a significant amount of electronic equipment. This includes a spinal decompression therapy machine, which is a technology involving computerized intermittent traction that can effectively relieve back pain, neck pain, or arm and leg pain. This has revolutionized the treatment of degenerative disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and facet arthritis along with ruptured or bulging discs.

Another piece of treatment equipment you may see is electrical simulation and ultrasound. These devices are great for helping patients get better and involve laying on the table and having foam pads placed over the painful area. Then electrical stimulation is administered through the skin in order to alter the way that pain is perceived by the brain and is designed to tire out the muscles that are being treated in order to relieve pain. Ultrasound can help decrease inflammation along with pushing steroid medication from the skin a couple centimeters into the soft tissues acting as an intense anti-inflammatory medication.

Additional equipment that you may see in a chiropractic office might look exactly like physical therapy equipment. The reason is that a lot of chiropractors are trained in physical rehabilitation, which is the same exercises involved in physical therapy except being performed by the chiropractor. This can work exceptionally well for low back and neck pain and along with the other treatments now being offered. This explains why chiropractic treatment is over 85% effective in the US.

At any one point in time, over 10% of Americans are under the care of a chiropractic clinic. Based on the continually modern treatments being added to the profession, one can easily see why. Chiropractors in the US do not prescribe medications, yet the success rate for effectiveness in pain management is very high. The reason that these treatments along with spinal manipulation are great, and provide patients with the pain relief needed to increase their functional abilities.

Massage Therapy - Soldiers Can Benefit Just As Athletes Have Relied Upon Massage Therapy For Decades

Massage has numerous physical, mental, and physiological health benefits. Therapeutic massage is especially important for athletes and military personnel, not only helping the body recover from injury, but also preventing injury and helping to promote increased blood circulation. A well-trained masseur can help keep athletes and soldiers in peak physical condition at any stage of training through sports oriented massage techniques.

Through massage therapy, the body increases blood and lymph cell activity to damaged and deprived areas to stimulate repair. The deep tissue types of massage can help to reduce lactic acid build up and enable muscles to recover easier. Massage can even be used to stimulate breakdown of previous scar tissue and increase the elasticity of the muscles. The benefits help to physically repair and maintain an athlete or soldier's body.

Physiologically, an athlete or soldier's body can endure quite a beating at times. Massage can help reduce tension in the muscles that can cause pain and inflammation. Therapeutic massage can even be preferred over pain medications. Before or after a body's exertion, massage can help to soothe, calm, and relax the individual.

Mentally, an athlete or soldier needs to be constantly prepared. Constantly being on edge or at-the-ready causes anxiety and stress. Theses stressors, though ensuring alertness, also impact performance. Massage can assist in reducing these feelings of anxiety and help with mental acuity.

Working with an experienced masseur and practicing a proper massage routine, many athletes and soldiers can keep their body in peak performance condition. Both athletes and military personnel are dependent on their bodies to keep them in action, and each relies on their body to overcome and succeed beyond normal mental and physical limits. By preventing injuries and stimulating muscles through massage, their bodies will reward them with peak performance.

Shiatsu for Endometriosis - Massage Treatment of Endometriosis

From a shiatsu massage perspective, endometriosis is mostly the result of two patterns of imbalance, liver energy stagnation and kidney yang deficiency, occurring together. The following signs and symptoms - irritability, melancholy, moodiness, a feeling of fullness and pain along the side of the chest, tightness in the chest, sighing, a feeling of tightness in the throat or of something stuck in the throat - belong to a pattern of imbalance called liver energy stagnation. If the patient is a woman there could also be irregular periods, premenstrual breast or nipple distension and tenderness, premenstrual tension and irritability.

Further, the stagnating liver energy can produce strong, painful cramping which may cause menstrual blood and debris to flow upwards through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. If the liver imbalance is also accompanied with a kidney imbalance, called kidney yang deficiency, (puffiness or tending to be overweight, lethargy, low libido and general motivation, lower backache, dizziness, sometimes accompanied by pain in the knees and legs which worsens in cold weather), this combination of patterns can lead to endometriosis or infertility.

Because kidney yang is weak, the upward flowing debris is not reabsorbed but sticks to the membranes and organs in the pelvis. This endometrial tissue may be pigmented or non pigmented. The pigmented tissue contains blood vessels and bleeds at menstruation. It is more likely to cause pain. The non pigmented type has no blood vessels and so does not respond to the hormonal changes that cause the uterine lining to bleed. However it secretes mucus which can coat the fimbriae of the fallopian tubes, the ovaries and the other organs and cavities in the pelvic region.

These mucus coatings can form adhesions which hinder the release of the ovum, its movement into the fallopian tube and its fertilization. The mucus and adhesions belong to a pattern of imbalance called phlegm damp which has the following symptoms:- mucus, being overweight or a tendency to be overweight; menstrual periods often being scanty and thick or mucousy, perhaps being irregular and long; although there is an increase in mucus membrane discharges, including vaginal discharge, there is very little of the stretchy, fertile mucus occurring at ovulation as the phlegm damp obstructs the cervical glands producing the fertile mucus.

Endometriosis can be associated with painful periods, painful intercourse, premenstrual spotting and infertility but may occur without these symptoms. Women with severe endometriosis may have no menstrual difficulties or infertility while those with insignificant amounts of endometriosis can have extreme menstrual pain and difficulty in conceiving. Some of the reasons endometriosis can obstruct fertilization are:

• Endometriosis on the ovaries or fallopian can distort these organs preventing conception.


• Endometriosis may attract or activate more macrophages. Macrophages engulf matter seen as foreign, such as bacteria and cellular debris as well as sperm that have swum up the fallopian tubes onto the peritoneal cavity. If they are excessively activated by endometriosis, they may enter the fallopian tubes and engulf sperm before they can fertilize the ovum.


• Macrophages also produce cytokines which are toxic to sperm and to embryos.


• Endometriosis that adheres to the surface of the peritoneal membranes produces mucus which can coat the fimbriae and the ovary preventing the transfer of the ovum from ovary to fallopian tube.


• Endometriosis is associated with higher levels of prostaglandins which may negatively affect the function and flexibility of the fallopian tubes.


• Endometriosis is associated with luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS) and lower progerosterone levels in the luteal phase (second half of the menstrual cycle).

Shiatsu massage and herbal therapy can be used to treat these imbalances underlying endometriosis and infertility.

Low Back Pain Physical Therapy - Solutions For Aches and Pains

Physical therapy is a very useful tool for many different situations. With so many millions of people experiencing low back pain every single year, it's often nice to know that there are more effective solutions than medical procedures, harsh medications, and just waiting it out. While many people assume that injury to their back requires rest and keeping still, this is actually detrimental in many cases. Low back pain physical therapy is a much better alternative and can help speed the healing process along if done properly. Of course, you should be able to rest the area to give it time to heal, but you can't lie around and do nothing for any extended period of time or the muscles will get stiff and create more problems for you. Consider low back pain physical therapy if you want an effective solution that doesn't involve serious treatments or procedures.

Physical therapy routines can be prescribed by a doctor, physical therapist, or even a chiropractor. While many people will discount the credibility of chiropractors as a source of medical advice, they are trained in the physiology of the body and know what they are talking about. They can offer treatment plans for your low back pain that include physical therapy along with other procedures such as electrical therapy, heat/ice therapy, and massage. Make sure that you discuss all of your symptoms with whatever doctor you visit to ensure that you get the best treatment program for your needs without putting yourself in more danger than it's worth. The great thing about getting professional therapy for back pain is that you can often experience better results than if you tried to do things yourself.

There are many different types of low back pain physical therapy that people can take on, depending on their exact injuries and what they're capable of doing. For example, if an older person with limited mobility has lower back pain, they can still find many effective exercises that will help to alleviate or even completely eliminate their back pain if they work with a physical therapist or their family doctor. All that you need to do is to take the time to make sure that you get the right medical treatment and that you fully disclose everything to the doctor or therapist so that you don't put yourself in more danger than it is worth when it comes to working out back problems with physical therapy.

Low back pain physical therapy isn't for everyone. However, it can be an effective solution for many people who are looking for something simple and less invasive or serious than medical procedures and prescription medication. Usually, if you are prescribed some type of therapy routine, it will involve stretching and strength training exercises combined, which will help to loosen the sore muscles in the lower back and make the other muscles around them stronger so that the back isn't under as much stress and is able to function better in the future. Of course, everyone is different and so is every treatment that is prescribed, so you will just have to talk to your doctor to see what they think is best for your needs.

If you are looking for a permanent solution to pain relief, you should talk to your doctor about low back pain physical therapy treatments. In many cases, the exercises that you do in physical therapy will help to make the body healthier and stronger so that you can avoid future injuries and pain in the back because your body is not strong enough or healthy enough to handle the stress that is put on your back. However, if you have a chronic condition, physical therapy might just offer a simple pain management program that allows you to make the pain less severe and more sporadic than it might have been without the therapy. No matter how you use it or what you get out of physical therapy for low back pain, it can be an effective solution for just about anyone that is suffering from low back pain. If you want a natural treatment that is effective, you need to learn about physical therapy for back pain.

Massage Therapy for Shoulder Pain

As a massage therapist, I've seen my fair share of clients with shoulder pain and injuries. This article will review what causes shoulder pain, the massage therapy treatment that will help, as well as simple exercises you can do yourself.

Shoulder pain can be caused by a wide variety of things such as sports injury, repetitive strain, motor vehicle accidents, and in some cases the cause is unknown. Sometimes the pain can come on suddenly, and others it has a gradual onset. Even if the pain came on suddenly, in most cases, the problem may have started a while ago.

The massage therapy treatment will differ slightly depending on how the pain started, so make sure you try and explain to your RMT exactly what you are feeling in your shoulder, how long it's been there, and how it started. This will help your massage therapist determine not only what structures might be injured, but also what the root cause of your shoulder pain is, which in most cases is bad shoulder posture.

Shoulder posture, the key to all injuries

Being slumped over a desk, working at a computer, and starring at a monitor for 8 hours a day is how most Torontonians spend their weekdays. That is 40 hours sitting with your shoulders and head slumped forward, and your arm reaching for the mouse so thousands of daily clicks can be performed. CRAZY! It's no wonder I have so many client suffering with shoulder injuries, and pain.

Remember your mother telling you that if you make that funny face again, you might get stuck that way? Well she may have been wrong about the face thing, but if you repeatedly place your body in a certain position it will definitely stay that way. Muscles will adaptively shorten, or lengthen, and the fascia, the connective covering around the muscles and body, (Think saran wrap) will tighten around the new altered posture, making sure you stay that way.

In the case of slumped shoulders, the Pectoralis major and minor (Muscles of your chest) become very tight and short. This pulls your shoulders forward and upwards causing your upper shoulders and neck to get very tight as well. In contrast, the muscles of the upper back and around the shoulder blades, become very weak and overstretched, so even if you wanted to stand up straight your muscles are no longer strong enough to fight against the super tight pecs.

In this slumped position, the ligaments and capsule of the shoulder are lax, and no longer stabilize the shoulder joint like they should. This will predispose the shoulder to injury, because it is no longer as stable. On top of that, it will also cause the muscles that cross the shoulder joint to work overtime because they want to try and re-stabilize the shoulder. This will lead to chronic tension and pain the muscles of the shoulder.

Not only does this position cause tight muscles and lax ligaments, but it also alters the normal movement between the bones of the joint, we call it altered joint biomechanics. This altered biomechanics will cause the arm bone ( humerus) to squish the tendons that attach around the shoulder. So every time the arm is moved, the tendons get squished. OUCH!! Overtime these tendons get very irritated and inflamed, leading to tendonitis, or worse, a tear in the tendon.

Now if you suffer from shoulder pain you may have noticed that the pain can come and go, sometimes it's better and sometimes it's worse. This is because our body has an amazing way to repair itself, and injuries will heal. Unfortunately if the root cause, (slumped posture) is not rectified the injury and pain will re-occur... and this is where MASSAGE THERAPY STEPS IN!

Massage therapy for shoulder pain focuses not only on decreasing the pain, and speeding up the healing process, but also fixing posture, the root cause of the injury. At Myocare, our RMT's at our downtown Toronto location have specialized in shoulder treatments. These treatments begin by massaging all the muscles of the shoulder. This helps decrease the chronic tension and knots in the muscles, eliminating pain related to the musculature. We then proceed to releasing very specific muscles, such as the Pectoralis major and minor, as well as muscles of the neck, and the biceps. By releasing and re-lengthening these muscles, the shoulder joint, and blade are able to fall back to their normal resting position.

In this position, the biomechanics of the joint return to normal, allowing the tissue to heal, and before you know it, the shoulder pain is gone!!

Once the pain is gone, this means the acute swelling has decreased, and the tissues are healing nicely. In order to make sure they heal nice and strong, our RMT's will give you some very specific strengthening exercises. These exercises will re-strengthen the injured tissue, as well as fix your posture, so you're shoulder pain doesn't return.

How you can help yourself

On top of picking up your phone and booking yourself a massage with any of our RMT's you can also do some simple exercises that will help with your posture. One simple exercise is called the 5 point stance. This exercise helps re-educate your brain on what prefect posture is, as well as stretches and strengthens some of your muscles. As you've probably guessed this exercise have 5 simple steps.

1. Stand against a flat wall with your feet hip width apart, about a foot away from the wall.

2. Tuck your tail bone in, like if you had a long tail and you were trying to put is between your legs

3. Flatten your shoulder blades so they are flat against the wall. (Or as close as possible)

4. Pull your finger tips towards the floor.

5. Tuck your chin in, like you're trying to make a double chin, flatten the back of your head against the wall, and pretend a rope, tied to the ceiling is pulling the very top of your head upwards.

Now hold this position for 15 seconds, and repeat it 3 times. Do these exercise minimum 1 x per day, and within a few weeks you should see an improvement in your posture.

Physical Therapy Billing News: ICD-10 Codes Are Coming - Are You Ready?

Are you ready for the new HIPAA 5010 Requirements and ICD-10 Coding standards that are quickly approaching?

For those of you that who handle medical claims, you are probably aware of the many changes that we will soon be facing in the medical billing industry. With the first deadline of January 1, 2012 right around the corner, it is imperative that you are prepared for the new HIPAA 5010 requirements. If you are not aware of what I am referring to, please let me explain - In the near future, a federal mandate is going to require that clearinghouses, billing vendors, health plans and health care providers use a new set of coding standards in regards to electronic transactions. These transactions will include claim submission, remittance, eligibility, and claim status. So what does this mean for you and your practice? I highly suggest that you start by contacting your clearinghouse and billing software company to confirm that they are preparing for this change. It is also important to find out if it is going to be necessary for you to upgrade your software and if you will be required to submit claims for testing. What is the purpose of this upgrade? The ultimate reason for this upgrade is to prepare for the MASSIVE change in the billing process that is going to occur on October 1, 2013. I know that this seems like it is a distant date but I highly encourage you to do your research in order to fully grasp the extent of this change and understand why it is important to start preparing now.

The standard ICD-9 codes that have been used for over 30+ years by physicians, physical therapist, and other healthcare providers will soon become obsolete. The new ICD-10 coding system is not an upgrade but rather a 100% replacement for what has been used for decades.

To help you better understand; below are a few key points about what the new ICD-10 codes will look like:

a.) ICD-10 codes will consist of 3-7 characters

b.) ICD-10 will consist of 21 chapters

c.) ICD-10 will all begin with an alpha prefix

d.) ICD-10 will contain 5 times the amount of codes that ICD-9 codes did

e.) ICD-10 codes will show laterality (which side of the body)

f.) 8 Chapters of the ICD-10 codes will REQUIRE a 7th digit

g.) ICD-10 codes will consist of category, etiology, anatomic site, severity, extension

h.) ICD-10 codes will consist of placeholders "x", that will hold positions for future expansion

In order to demonstrate just how complex and detailed the new ICD-10 coding will be in comparison to the current coding system, I have included an example of how to build a full code under the new regulations below:

S52. - Fracture of Forearm

S52.5 - Fracture of lower end of radius

S52.52 - Torus Fracture of lower end of radius

S52.521 - Torus Fracture of lower end of right radius

S52.521A - Torus Fracture of lower end of right radius, initial encounter

As you can imagine, this coding overhaul is going to result in extensive training in order to get medical providers and billing coders up to speed on the new ICD-10 system. Although October 1, 2013 is over two years away, I believe that the severity of this change is so great that it is important to start educating and training now in order for you to be fully prepared for the ICD-10 standards.

Canine Massage: What Is Canine Massage and How Can It Help My Dog?

Canine massage is becoming more and more popular in the world of holistic pet care and more pet owners are consider massage therapy for their pets. But what is dog massage and how is it different from simply petting a dog? In this article we will exam what is dog massage, how it is different from simply petting your dog and under what circumstances therapeutic massage may be a good option for your dog.

What is Dog Massage?

Dog massage is deliberate and focused touching for the purpose of providing health benefits for the dog. Canine health benefits include increased blood circulation, increased lymph movement and stimulation of acupressure points. Canine massage therapy also helps maintain range of motion, tone and flexibility, which is especially beneficial for older dogs or convalescing pets.

How is Massage for Dogs Different from Simply Petting a Dog?

Therapeutic massage for dogs is different from simply petting a dog in several ways. First, canine massage generally follows a specific sequence to relax the muscles, to promote general well-being and to also help address any underlying health concerns.

A certified canine massage therapist is trained to assess and evaluate a dog. In addition to learning specific massage techniques for the canine body, certification includes coursework in anatomy, muscle function and holistic health.

While petting a dog is a very important bonding component for a healthy, happy relationship with your pet, it is generally less structured and usually lacks the specific intention of improving or maintaining a dog's health that canine massage offers.

Is Therapeutic Therapy a Good Option for My Dog?

Just like with people, almost all dogs can benefit from therapeutic massage. While massage should never be used as a substitute for traditional veterinary care, massage therapy is a complementary form of canine health care for dogs of all ages and breeds.

Can Puppies Benefit From Massage?

All puppies need touch to thrive and socialization to be a happy, confident member of the family. Canine massage therapy provides both for puppies. Also, puppies tend to be very stimulated by the world around them, so massage gives them the opportunity to calm down and relax.

In addition to socialization and general well being benefits, therapeutic massage is especially valuable for large breed puppies. Sprains are much more common in fast growing breeds, so regular massage therapy sessions promotes blood circulation, which in turn helps insure growing puppy bones receive the necessary nutrients to help prevent injury.

Massage Therapy Job Outlook

The Massage Therapy job outlook in the US is always made out to look more promising that it really is. Current job statistics do not take into account the fact that most massage therapists start their own business. They also do not inform you of the low rates of pay for entry level jobs and even mid level jobs. Entry level jobs start at $12 an hour which can hardly be making a living in most areas.

Some of the other things that are not mentioned have to do with the work situations that are available. Many jobs are sub-contractor jobs meaning that you are basically self employed. Also as a massage therapist most do not work more than 25 hours a week because of the physical demands of the job. When you are hired as a massage therapist, many employers also will only pay you when you have a client or they will pay you only minimum wage when you don't have a client. You will then be doing other chores like doing laundry and cleaning.

The massage therapy job outlook is questionable and quite controversial. While you can find jobs at the many franchises opening up in various cities where it can be a great way to start your career. If you go into your first massage job with the attitude that you just want to learn the ropes and get experience some of the franchises will be a great opportunity. You can then go on to find higher paying jobs.

One of the other things is that the key to finding higher paying massage jobs has more to do with your ability to sell yourself to a potential employer. While your massage skills are important, your people skills and ability to get clients to return is more important. If you focus on that skill and what you will do for the massage employer you will be able to find better jobs.

A Career in Physical Therapy - How to Become a Physical Therapist

Overview

Physical therapy is an awesome career and is full of great opportunities for people to make a difference in the lives of patients. There are several things about physical therapy that can make it very appealing. Some of these include:

• Great salary (avg. $75,000)


• Professional interaction with all members of the health care team


• Really make a difference in people's lives

As a practicing physical therapist, I get great satisfaction out of helping my clients reach their former glory. Most of my time is spent working with clients that have just completed surgery of some sort, and it's my job to help them get back to doing what they love.

So what does it take to become a physical therapist?

1-You must complete an undergraduate degree. The degree does not have to be related to health care, however you must take a number of anatomy and physiology classes relating to health professions. The prerequisite courses vary slightly from university to university, but they generally include anatomy, physiology, physics, chemistry, trigonometry, psychology, and statistics. Check with the university of your choice for specific requirements of courses and GPA.

2-Most universities require that you take the GRE. There are no specific guidelines for what score will get you into PT school, but it does play a part in the application process.

3-You must complete a number of observation hours. This requirement varies with each school, but generally you need over 100 hours. It definitely helps to have the hours in a variety of settings, including orthopaedics, geriatrics, pediatrics, and home health.

4-In your senior year of your undergraduate degree, apply to PT school using the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) and obtain the required transcripts, letters of recommendation, and forms.

5-Complete 3 years of PT school and graduate with your Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree.

6-Pass the National Physical Therapy Licensure Exam. Don't forget to study!

What can I expect for a career?

Many students get their first thoughts of what field they will focus on while they are in their first internship in school. There are so many different possible combinations of settings that the sky is the limit. I currently work at a rural hospital and am involved in inpatient, outpatient, orthopaedic, geriatric, pediatric, and home health. I really enjoy the variability, but I do know some that prefer only seeing patients with total knee replacements or some other specific condition. Whatever your choice, physical therapy is an exciting career where you can have tons of fun and truly make a difference.

What Is a Ball Chair?

A Ball Chair is actually a fitness ball used as your primary seating device. The thought behind the Ball Chair is to accomplish a couple things:

1. Comfortable seating to alleviate lumbar pain or discomfort.


2. Stimulate and possibly strengthen your core.


3. Allow you to move around and not be stagnant for extended amounts of time.

There have been many recent developments with creating complementary hardware or bases to place the fitness ball in, that give it the appearance and feel of the standard office chair. Some of them happen to be carefully engineered to look like a normal office chair.

Evolution and History of the Fitness Balls

• 1963 - The initial fitness ball or "Swiss-Balls" was made by Aquilino Cosani. He was able to build a process for making puncture resistant balls. Those balls were then generally known as "Pezzi balls".


• The Pezzi balls were first used in various programs for newborns and infants by a British physiotherapist employed in Switzerland named Mary Quinton.


• Thereafter, Dr. Susanne Klein-Vogelbach, the director from the Physical Therapy School in Basel, Switzerland used the ball for physical therapy for neuro-developmental treatment. The balls were used to help remedy adults with orthopedic or medical problems.


• 1980's - The Pezzi ball technology was introduced to America and referred to the ball as the "Swiss Balls", put to use in rehabilitation for the people with spinal injuries.


• 1990's - The fitness balls was moved into the athletic paradigm and is now quite popular in the fitness world. The fitness ball is used commonly in athletic training, fitness routines, aerobic classes, yoga sessions, physical therapy, pregnancy, gardening, offices as well as in classrooms. It would appear that functions for the balls are nevertheless developing.

Precisely what are Fitness Balls composed of?

Exercise balls are constructed of plastic vinyl or PVC (plastic vinyl, however some are burst-resistant while others usually are not. Fitness balls usually have a diameter of 35 - 85 centimeters (14 - 34 inches). Some will be more durable, created to hold more weight and in most cases will cost you a little more. It is suggested that the exercise balls are inflated to the appropriate level, and also the valve stem is used to seal air inside. Some exercise balls have "stayball technology" engineered inside, with a substance that's added inside to keep it in position.

Massage Therapy Courses Offer Various Certificate Programs

Massage therapy is increasingly becoming in high demand not only for recreational purposes but also within the medical field. With consumer demand on the rise gaining a certificate in massage therapy provides many different avenues for individuals to choose when picking a career within the industry. Many colleges offer accredited programs for massage therapy that adequately prepare students to enter the profession.

The growth of employment is estimated to rise 19 percent for the next eight years according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently, 42 states provide licensures for massage therapy and more schools that offer this program are appearing throughout the country. Certification requirements are standard from state to state giving individuals the ability to successfully enter the industry. Attending an accredited program typically has a student working within six to seven months after full-time study.

Colleges that offer massage therapy typically offer subjects including anatomy, physiology, the study of tissue, body movement, body mechanics, massage techniques, and business management. The continued growth and demand for massage therapists will lead to new opportunities in career choices. Graduates will typically find a strong client base in metropolitan areas, spas, and cruise ships. With the increased medical benefits from having a massage more hospitals and physical therapy organizations are hiring massage therapists as well.

After completing an accredited massage therapy program and passing the final examination a wide job market is available depending on skill level and techniques mastered by individuals. Upon graduating massage therapists can start their own business, work out of their home, or work for a business in an area of their choice. Other career options include working for physical therapy offices, hospitals, spas, cruise ships, and resorts.

States that provide regulating requirements for massage therapists will continue to provide jobs for individuals who have completed formal training. However, new massage therapists should expect to work only part time in a variety of places until they build their client base and work towards becoming a full time massage therapist. Because of the fact that the business is centered on referrals from other clients building strong relationships with them will help a massage therapist rapidly increase client base and success within the chosen area of work.

Many massage therapists use their work as a second income. Because of this yearly earnings vary significantly within the industry. In bigger cities a therapist may charge $60 to $70 an hour, in a rural community the average rate is $35 to $50 an hour. With the demand increasing yearly massage therapists should see a direct increase in earnings, places to work, and client base.

Consumer confidence is rising due to the health benefits of receiving a massage. More doctors are increasingly talking with patients about massage therapy, which will have a direct impact on the success of the career. However, outside the health benefits massage therapy is becoming more popular for relaxation and pleasure. With many people needing a moment to relax from the stresses of life the demand for massage therapy will only continue growing. With massage therapy gaining in popularity more schools will open to accommodate the demand and leave qualified massage therapists in a positive and secure career.

Pipe Welding: What About You Attending U University (The School Where You Teach Yourself, And Fast)

Self education is almost a lost art in our society.

We are so into institutions for everything we do, we have forgotten that we used to teach ourselves nearly everything. Conversely, my grandfather who was born in 1893, taught himself how to build radios at age 12, and was a radio operator on a ship traveling the world, at age 18.

There are modern examples of self education.

We don't think of these examples as self education. We think of them as special gifted people who popped into this world with amazing talent, period. I'm talking about people like rock stars, race car drivers, concert violinist, and famous sports figures. The simple truth is, in virtually every case, these people have spent many thousands of hours involved in critical practice - practicing hard, pushing past their previous practice high points, to make progress with each session.

You can find future stars everywhere in every field.

They are the kids that seem intensely tuned-in spending almost all their time focused on one thing. Unfortunately, you'll also find kids intensely tuned-in with video games, putting in thousands of hours of practice that probably won't end with any star status, professional status, or even a good job with great pay.

Be Careful, children driven by the dreams and aspirations of their parents can (and often do) end up with problems born of following someone else's dream.

You may be reading this, and you may be tempted to make your 12-year-old a pipe welder. You can do that, and it would be a gift that would ensure he or she will never wash dishes, but it has to be their vision, or you'll pay a price on the other end.

Here's the good news.

At almost any age, the vast majority of us can gain a valuable skill which will at least provide a good income, IF (and it is a big if) we simply practice that skill with critical practice at the edge of our ability, for 300 to 500 hours. We can become world-class, at almost anything, with thousands of hours of practice.

In the case of 6G pipe welding, the conventional institutions (welding schools) require so much baloney before you can actually weld a 6G practice joint, you can literally spend two years in welding school before you weld your first joint. Next, you'll sit in pipe welding classes where they teach you some book learning about pipe welding. Next, you'll get to weld a joint, and it's back to the classroom.

"All in all, you're just another brick in the wall," to quote an old rock song and show my age.

So, after two years of school, as another brick in the wall, and then 6 months in pipe welding school, you have welded maybe 25 pipe joints in the 6G position. You may just have one slim chance of passing a bend test to certify. 25 joints just isn't enough, but they don't tell you that. They tell you, "you just don't got it."

It is so sad, but true. Ask a pipe welding school that puts say, 40 students through a 3 month, $12,000 program how many students certify at the end of 3 months. They'll tell you, 12 or 14. Do they blame the fact that they are not getting these student enough critical practice? No! The students who can't certify, "just don't got it," according to the instructor or school owner.

I don't know about you, but if the entire point of school was to learn to weld pipe, why didn't you weld more?

Many old time welders will tell you, you just have to burn a lot of rod. That is particularly true of 6G welding. There isn't a lot more to it, after you understand to how to cut the pipe, prepare the test joint, and get it set up at 45 degrees, it is time to burn rod. Yes, you need a great video, a fantastic welding book, and your own good old determination to put the hours in, just like you did when you got so good at "World of War Craft."

Once you know how to set up and proceed, practice is all that's left, hours and hours of critical practice.

Let's say you could set up your first joint tomorrow and start welding, and you could weld up 3 or 4 joints a day, for the next 60 days. Do you think you could do more than pass your certification test? Yes! You would ready to become one of the cream of pipe welding, after some field experience - just 60 days from now. Rig welders are out in the shale oil fields making $70 an hour, right now.

Warning!

The world will constantly tell you what you can't do. Only YOU can tell you what you can do. Please seriously consider finding the right welding book, the right welder, rod, pipe, video, and written instructions to teach you. Attend U University, because it is the best, most caring and fastest school in the world - you teaching you.

Physical Therapy - Recommended Treatment for Physical Disabilities

Physical therapy is the removal of movement disabilities and functional problems by physical exercises and trainings. There are certain disabilities that develop when we recover from diseases and these include back and shoulder pains, knee pain, bone crackling and all these problems may lead to move constrains if left uncared. The best way to get these body parts in order is to go through physical exercises and trainings. These training are designed by therapy experts and each exercise is specifically meant to heal certain pain.

The good thing about getting physical therapy is that it does not bring bad with good unlike other medical treatments. It involved performing physical exercises under guidance of expert therapist and thus it can rightly be termed as the risk free and safe treatment. The doctors and health care professionals are of the view that it should be the first treatment to physical movement constrains as it does not cause any side effects or after effects. All that is required is to follow the safety guidelines given by the therapist.

Physical therapy involves physical training and thus it has to be performed under guidance of expert therapists who themselves are specialized in some area of physical therapy. Before you visit a therapist, you need to make sure that the therapist you are going to visit specializes in the pain or problem you are having. Don't blindly go the therapist simply recommended by you friend because that therapist may or may not be equally good for you if he or she was good for your friend.

If you are suffering from back or shoulder pains, knee-joint pain or crackling or any other physical disability which restrain you from physical activity then you need to get physical therapy and training in the least amount of time possible. Don't waste time on thinking that the problem will be worked out on its own without having to get therapy because you would end up having the pain permanently residing in your body. It is completely harmless and painless. If you feel any sort of unusual pain during the exercise, then let your therapist know about it.

Physical Therapy Benchmark - Manage By Numbers, Make Smart And Fun Decisions About Your PT Career!

"Give your patient twenty dollars and them to go home so at least you can have a cup of coffee while you're losing money", is what Chuck Felder of HCS Consulting suggested in his speech at the American Physical Therapy Association's Private Practice Section Conference in San Diego in the fall of 2007. He went on to explain that with the average cost of a PT visit's being $81 accepting an insurance contract that pays less can be disastrous.

How Physical Therapy Clinics are doing:

Of the PT clinics surveyed in his study they ran from a 30% loss to a 38% profit with the median profit being 12%.

What Physical Therapy Clinics are Charging:

In the clinics studied charge amounts ranged from $75/visit to a high of $160/visit. The average charge was stated as $137/visit though the average income per visit was only $91/visit. If that sounds good to you remember that the average cost per visit was $81. Chuck says that if you charge 125 to 150% of Medicare Rates you can expect a 30% write off. He also stated that the average accounts receivable for a standard PT clinic is 200% of the monthly charge. Alison Palic, PT, a contributor to the Cash Practice Secrets home study course stated that she charges $95 cash for a 50-minute session and has no accounts receivable.

The president of the private practice section of the APTA, Steve Andersen, PT notes that reimbursement rates seem to be decreasing "beyond our control".

Chuck stated that cash-based physical therapy was an area we want to grow in because there's a much higher hassle factor when you're trying to get paid after the fact.

Chuck showed a picture of his son shooting a black powder rifle but used it to illustrate a good point. He said, "Take good aim at what you want to do and you'll hit your target".

Enroll With Quality Oriented Physical Therapy Programs

The physical therapy programs are physiology medical training procedures aimed at helping trainees in acquisition of the necessary knowledge in order to make them effective in aiding patients regain the ability to walk again. The nature of these programs means that they aim therapies and assistant therapists in horning in their professional skills. Any professional falling under the two classifications can apply to join the program. This is important because the program in a way is like doing an appraisal course. The end tail of the program is examinations. Once one excels in these examinations, one is certified and these means one can practice as a licensed professional.

There are a number of areas which are areas that the program addresses. First of all the program is aimed at ascertaining the level of the therapist's physiological knowledge. The science background of the candidate for this medical examination should be superb. This includes deep understanding of anatomy and kinesiology. One should also have perfect knowledge on how the body coordinates to bring about movement. One is also challenged on numerous techniques and their subsequent procedures. As a professional, one should have in depth knowledge on different techniques in order to be equipped in case the techniques currently applied are not effective. Such evaluating tests will help one understand the importance of close communication and understanding of the patient.

One should however be very wise when it comes to selection of the kind of institution that is offering the program. The school should be recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education. Medical institutions that have this accidental offer quality services and one is sure to excel in the field. Once one has done well in the physical therapy programs, professional possibilities are endless. One can have a private clinic. One can also get a well paying job in sports where serious injuries that can incapacitate a player occur. One can also be employed by the elderly whose anatomy is known to weaken with time. One can also enroll for the course online and take advantage of this invaluable undertaking. To ease the burden of tuition fees, there are student loans that one can take and help to pay part of the tuition fees.

The physical therapy programs are available both in physical classes and online. One should however be wise enough to select a school of medicine that is well equipped to enhance his knowledge on this branch of medicine.

Massage Therapy - Presentation for a Successful Massage Business

Brush up on your people skills and learn how to make a conversation open and pleasant. Learn how to listen instead of talking and learn when, not to say anything. One of the secrets to being an excellent massage therapist is by learning the importance of communication skills in your massage business.

But the biggest impact that you can make in your massage therapy business is learning how to present yourself, in a professional and business-like manner. I know that this may sound like common-sense but more likely, either you forget about the importance of it or you forget that your massage therapy business, even though it is a very nurturing, holistic and relaxed atmosphere, is still a business.

Your business still must pay the bills, support yourself and your family and most of all, meet the need, to have a steady stream of clients, both old and new. In my 10 plus years of working for myself and various spas, I contribute most of my success just purely on my presentation alone.

Here are some questions to consider.

• How do you speak? Are you speaking in terms that your potential clients understand?

• Are presenting yourself in a professional and clean manner?

• Are dressed professionally?

• Is your hygiene where it should be?

• Where are you conducting your business, do you have a clean and professional facility?

These are just some of things that you need to consider, the other thing is, how do you want to brand yourself?

The branding aspects are so important here, it is the very thing that will make you a successful bodyworker or massage therapist or it will drive you out of this business. Most massage therapist, do not consider the branding aspects and fail they miserably. The most successful corporations are successful because of this element of branding alone, their branding value, in many cases will be much higher than their market value. Think about this way, what if you walked into a McDonald's, one of the best known brands in existence today and it was dirty and not kept up, would you go back? This is precisely my point.

When I first started my career as a massage therapist, I was working at corporations doing chair massages. One day while working at Yahoo, this was one of my biggest accounts, I all of sudden realized that the whole time I am doing a chair massage, the customers, only view were my shoes. They were good shoes, not dirty, a little worn and had some signs of aging. But here I am working on Managers, Supervisors, Dept heads and regular staff members, and I had some Rockports from Mervyn's, not quite the professional, I am successful look that I wanted to put out there.

That very next day I went out and broke down on a pair of $175.00 pair of ECCO's, it was a very steep cost at that time, but instantly when I returned to my corporate sites, I was getting compliments after compliments on my shoes, which directly increased my leads for massage services outside of the corporation. I also went out and got manicures every other week, my hands were my money makers and I treated them as such. Presentation to success; is what I would tell every massage therapist out there in the field.

Ohio Massage Therapy Licensure - Tips For Out Of State Applicants

The Ohio Massage Therapy Licensure Exam is a challenging exam. I talk with numerous people from outside of Ohio who have graduated from a diploma program in another state. Chances are, this exam is more in-depth and difficult than any exam you have taken for massage therapy. You'll need a good review in order to be successful since only about 30% of first time test-takers from out-of-state pass.

Many people desiring licensure to practice in Ohio have graduated from a massage therapy program and taken the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. This is a quality exam but nothing like that you will be required to pass in Ohio. The Ohio exam is usually viewed as being more difficult.

Why? The actual test is a two-part exam. Both parts are 110 questions. The first part of the exam is Basic Science and is more physiology than most people are expecting. The usual anatomy and physiology text used in Ohio schools is one by Tortora and a secondary author. Most recently this text has been Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, a 1000+ page text. The second part of the exam is Limited Branch. The emphasis on this test is the content from John Harvey Kellogg's The Art of Massage, now out-of-print but still used for exam questions. Most everyone I have talked with who is from out-of-Ohio has never heard of this text. This is usually the challenge!

My answer to you. Plan on studying like you never have before for a massage therapy exam. Get the study materials and a review class that can lead you in the right direction for how to be successful on this exam. Don't "fudge" on the preparation or you will be taking the exam a second time and currently, it is only offered twice per year in June and December.

Good luck!

Facts You Should Know About Physical Therapy Jobs and Rehab Staffing

If you are a dedicated individual with a penchant for hard work, why not take up a Physical Therapy Job? In order to qualify for a PT Job, you need to qualify as a Physical therapist by earning a graduate or master's degree in a physical therapy program from an accredited institution. You also need to possess a state issued license. Holding a Physical Therapy job definitely has its advantages. In countries like the US the payment structure is high and clubbed with many additional perks in the form of Paid Housing, Medical as well as Dental Insurance, Retirement Savings Plan, Travel expenses etc to name a few.

The internet is the best way to know of the best jobs available in this field. Besides, professionals in this field can also enroll with employment agencies that can put them in appropriate positions.

What are the possible posts you can find being a Physical Therapist?

You get to work as a therapist or aide/assistant in:

a. Hospitals
b. Schools
c. Rehabilitation Centers
d. Private Nursing homes / Clinics

What are the formalities to be complied with in case you want a PT job in the US?

There are certain agencies functioning solely for the purpose of guiding potential candidates through the various processes involved in procuring a work permit in the US. You can get in touch with them through their websites. The steps involved here are:

• An application to any US State Board of your choice


• Foreign candidates must apply for credentialing


• Depending on the state, a proficiency exam which may be TOEFL, TSE or TWE has to be cleared


• The final step is to appear for the National Physical Therapy Exam which has to be answered in the US itself.

Of course, you need to find a sponsor before you start practicing with your newly obtained license.

Rehab Staffing Services

Working in rehabilitation centers provides scope for good pay and god job satisfaction. There is a constant demand for this type of job too. Information about such positions can be obtained from agencies that specialize in rehab staffing services. Experience is what counts in this field which can be gained by working in various health care institutions as a trainee. The salary and associated benefits will vary according to the level of knowledge and skill.

Naked Massage - To Cover With a Towel Or Not? (Revised 2008)

Nakedness and what it evokes is a real issue for bodywork therapists, especially female therapists because of how some clients, men or women, will use the massage session to display sexual behavior.

For this article we are not dealing with how bodywork therapists and massage persons can attempt sexuality with their clients, but only about clients displaying sexuality during the session.

I speak as a former Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Relationships counselor in the State of California, USA. I have done bodywork myself as part of the therapy I do. I have had many years of bodywork done with me, as well as a number of training courses in bodywork therapy.

I speak from counseling massage therapists in my own practice. I also am familiar with psychotherapy for sexual uses, including therapeutic sexual massage that is effective.

Sexual massage is more practiced outside the United States than in the States because of severe sexuality issues and attitudes in the United States differing from Canada and Europe.

Here is a sexual issue example:

A man asks the woman massage therapist over the phone: do you include the genitals in your massage work? This is rather direct. The presenting problem may be more, do you work with sexual problems as part of your massage work?

How is a male or female massage therapist to respond? Is this a sexual come-on? Or is this a cry for help?

A massage therapist comfortable with their own sexuality may be willing to take on a client who does have sexual problems. Many females are upset that they cannot orgasm. Males may easily get erections, but while in a woman be unable to orgasm.

It would be unusual indeed if at least half the people who come in for massage treatment do not have sexual problems. What is the massage body-worker to do?

Some forms of massage do include massaging the naked body of the client, with a towel over the pelvic region or not. Other forms work with light clothing on and consist more of stretching movements.

Rolfing works with the naked body so as to see the alignment. There is hardly a chance in this form to feel pleasure responses because Rolfing itself is to break up muscles and facia that have been emotionally tense for years, and so the work can be extremely painful.

It is rare that a male client will directly attack a female massage therapist, but it is still considered good practice not to give massage to persons you do not know fairly well in places where you have no protection should you need to call for help.

WARNING - It is the generally accepted practice to never work alone with a massage client in a building alone. Always work were there is someone who knows you within calling distance. Work where your live-in partner is at home next room over, or in a building with other therapists or businesses.

Once I did a screaming session with a member of a therapy group in a new place and the motor car salesmen and manager from downstairs came running up and loudly banged on the door. They thought someone was being murdered. We had not told them yet that we did therapy with people!

Of course a male client may not tell you he has sexual problems on the phone, but just come in and then tell you.

ISSUE EXAMPLE - The Man Who Spontaneously Orgasmed

- Was this on purpose? And how should the therapist handle it?

One female massage therapist reported to me about a male client who would get an erection every time and have spontaneous orgasm. She never touched his genitals. She had to have a box of tissues nearby so that he could clean himself up. This was Essalen massage combined with Shiatsu pressure-point massage, which deals especially with freeing blocks in the body.

The male client did not try to have sex with her or get her to touch his genitals. Was this a genuine case of being too orgasmic? What would be the best treatment?

I advised her to instruct her male client to practice full-body awareness as he was being massaged.

Indeed, a chief value for anyone being massaged in many different styles of massage is to relax totally into sensual, bodily awareness. Some fall asleep during this relaxation, which is not necessarily healing for the client but acceptable.

For this male client orgasming he was either impressed with his ability to orgasm spontaneously without touching himself, and needed a female to witness this, or he was indeed a seducer. However, what if he simply was by nature a spontaneous orgasm type male?

Let's deal with seducers first!

Men who fixate on being seducers are only interested in getting a female so open to them through their ways of seduction that they do succeed with having intercourse with her.

Thus some men have developed a seduction technique and try to make it work to perfection on female massage therapists. They are not interested in an ongoing life relationship. They want only seduction and conquest and are willing to pay the massage fees to set up these kinds of situations.

To my knowledge with the female massage therapists I have known, they were never trained through role-playing in how to handle seductive clients.

The massage therapist should keep a massage session always on a professional level with a client, not just for reality reasons of keeping one's license to practice, but to keep the massage situation objective and therapeutic.

With the man who spontaneously orgasmed while his body was being massaged he was emotionally and physically too focused on his erect penis and its ability to display and spray sperm.

So what, we might say. The therapist has to accept many peculiarities with clients, whether it is a massage session or not.

I also counseled the massage therapist to take the first five or ten minutes to talk objectively about the client and his behavior. How does it feel to orgasm here? Are you making it happen? Is it spontaneous? What happens with your own lovers?

These simple questions make the client an object of treatment. They de-potentiate the session of its potential sexuality. The female therapist asserts her professional role as a helper and not a partner. Things are kept within structure. The client is made to feel responsible for his own behavior.

In this real-life example, when my friend, the massage person, made the massage sessions objective as suggested, the man stopped coming. The object to seduce the therapist was no longer possible.

Of course, unconsciously, some do get fixated on seducing mother or father substitutes as a way of 'getting back, getting even,' an unconscious power-play that makes the seducer feel dominant in self-esteem, whether truly so or not.

ISSUE - EXAMPLE - The Man Who Spontaneously Orgasmed During Massage Who Was Not A Professional Seducer

The first edition of this article has in its first year been tremendously popular, and as author I have wondered why. Could it be that there are enough men and some women out there who do spontaneously orgasm while receiving a massage? One concerned man about the first edition of this article thought it implied that someone who spontaneously orgasmed was a seducer.

I thank him for giving his concern and I revise this article here to make it clear that for those who spontaneously orgasm, male or female, IT MAY BE A SOCIAL PROBLEM, BUT IT IS NOT WRONG, NOR EVEN A SEXUAL PROBLEM. NOR SHOULD YOU BE CONSIDERED A SEXUAL SEDUCER OR PERVERT.

Sorry for the implications I made in my original article. And many thanks to the reader who voiced his concern with me.

I would suggest that all massage body-workers have paper tissues, or even clean hand towels available, if a male or female spontaneously orgasms. Approach such a situation with positive feeling, acceptance and awareness.

"Oh, it looks like you have had a spontaneous orgasm. Don't worry about it here. Massage is meant as relaxing, and sometimes this happens, and can happen with most anyone. Would you prefer paper tissue or a hand towel to clean yourself up."

"I feel ashamed to do it in front of you. It just happens . . ."

"We can talk about it if you like. Massage is for knowing your body better and accepting it. Relaxing and letting go is a process of self-awareness and accepting your own body."

"Thanks, I'll take the towel. Maybe if you don't look for a moment."

"Fine."

"Why does it happen?"

"Try not to stay in your head as you receive my massage. To let go means letting go control, and that may mean pleasure feelings start happening, including with your genitals. If you feel an orgasm rising, just say so to me as I massage you, and see what happens. You are learning self-acceptance of your body."

"Does that mean you will massage my genitals?"

"I don't do genital work in directly touching your genitals. But I am certainly not against your having orgasms as part of your process. Are we clear? Or do you have any questions still?"

"Let's get on with it."

FOR THE CLIENT WHO SPONTANEOUSLY ORGASMS

Of course, it is your process that is important, however it happens. But why not pre-select the massage body-workers you work with?

Simply tell them on the phone, or in person is better, that you sometimes spontaneously orgasm and it embarrasses you. Ask that person you are meeting for the first time, how they might handle such a situation with you. Then make your decision on the spot, saying you will try out a session or not. You are buying the service. It is your right and necessity to feel safe with the person you work with.

Tell that person that you feel either safe or unsafe with them. Be honest and straightforward. Reality is best. Reality is healing.

ISSUE - The Massage Therapist's Responsibility

The bodywork therapist is also responsible for the effects of her treatment with any of her clients. A bodywork therapist should not think of themselves as just giving a good massage. The effect on the client is also their responsibility.

Thus I have counseled therapists on the issue: can you as a therapist handle this behavior on the part of a client and work with it to some resolution?

If you are a real therapist of course you want to take on challenges and handle every situation. But can you?

Working on the body is often a temptation to be or feel sexual. Relationships have started up between client and therapist, and always will, such is the human condition.

It is important to keep the therapeutic situation non-sexual, unless you are trained in sexual massage therapy and can practice this form, certainly a developing form in Europe and even America, despite repressive attitudes everywhere.

Thus our advice is to keep defining your boundaries as a massage therapist. It will not be just acting out sexuality that you will sometimes be dealing with. Other clients may be more into anger and you will have to structure your relation to this other great instinct as well.

We have raised some issues here. Instead of giving rigid rules we have explored the issues in terms of their human meaning and trying to be the best massage therapist you can be. You know full well it is more natural than unnatural to face the issues of human sexual feelings and expression inherent to living in a body, your body, and the bodies of your clients.

When faced with unusual or intense situations in your practice, do your best to bring the dynamics into reality.

The Man Who Never Came Back - Some Questions

Remember the man who used spontaneous orgasms to seduce?

Was he then just a seducer, using as his field of available women female massage therapists, some of whom might well be seduced by his genital expression?

He exhibited seductive innuendoes in his conversation.

Or did he simply get the point that maybe he could get over his fascination with his own behavior and seek intimacy with a sexual partner he also ate dinner with, showered with, and slept in bed with.

For in the end much of sexual expression is the expression of the need for bonding and intimacy with another human being. The goal of most massage therapy is not simply bodily expression but body-awareness that is relaxing, pleasurable most of the time, and balanced in its expression, sex, sports, sensual expression, caring, anger expression, whatever.

Sexual Expression

Why do we all mostly seek sexual expression?

Ah, you want to know everything, don't you?

So do I!

Right now I am working with the concept that at essence we are all seeking sexually to have tremendously intensified sexual experiences to know and to maximize our experience of existing.

We exist but we want to know that directly as experience of existing.

But more on that elsewhere!

Feel free to visit our web sites and explore.

How Does Massage Therapy Help Eliminate Muscle Knots?

Massaging muscle knots is instinctive. When we feel a knot in the muscles of our back, most of us reach back to massage it, without even knowing just why massage helps eliminate them knots.

To explore how knots benefit from massage, let's look at how a massage therapist, who specializes in muscle tension, injury, and knots would approach the problem.

The first duty of a massage therapist is to palpate the muscles of their clients in order to identify and assess areas of tightness, such as is the case with a knot. Sometimes this part is easy - you don't have to be a therapist to find a knot as large as a grape under the skin's surface.

A massage therapist will then warm the area of the muscle knot up with smooth strokes increasing in pressure. These initial massage strokes are designed to bring circulation to the area, and warm up the muscle before more specifically addressing the knot, which would be more painful without a proper warm-up.

The massage therapist will then apply direct, targeted pressure to the muscle knot within the muscle. This pressure should fall at about a therapeutic "7" on a 1-10 pain scale, and the massage therapist should be very communicative with the client to be sure the appropriate pressure is applied to the muscle knot.

Muscle knots are bands of muscle in spasm. The chronic, active contraction of these fibers is painful, and causes a pain-spasm-pain cycle.

When the massage therapist applies pressure directly to the knot and holds this pressure steadily, energy, in the form of oxygen in blood, can no longer feed this contraction, and the muscle knot, starved, must let go.

Commonly the client and therapist will notice that tension and discomfort increase a bit just the moment before the muscle knot does surrender and release.

A client who reported to their massage therapist that the pressure delivered was registering as a "7" on the pain scale, will commonly report that this number has dropped to a 2 or 3, with no change in the pressure applied, once the knot has subsided.

The relief to the massage client, once a muscle knot has been treated, is immense, and spreads much further than the local area of the knot itself. This is because knots bind up, and take up the space of other muscles, often causing discomfort in distant areas. This is called "referral."

Massage therapy is the remedy of choice for sufferers of muscle knots because massage therapy is muscle therapy. It is our instinct to massage muscle pain, and because of their experience and training in the muscles of the body, massage therapists are the natural choice for relief from knots.