The Effects of Massage on the Human Body

Most of us cannot deny that there is nothing better than taking timeout from our stressful day to day lives and having some "me" time. A perfect way to unwind and give you that very much needed "me" time, is to book an appointment with a well trusted and qualified massage therapist. A full body massage isn't just about winding down and relaxing, it really can have multiple benefits to your general health too. There has been many medical studies based around the full body massage procedure, and these studies have proven some of the positive effects that may come from having a full body massage.

A full body massage is a hands-on manipulation of the skin, muscle and joints. It's a therapeutic stroking and kneading of your body's muscles, which is done to relax muscle spasm, relieve all of that built up tension, help improve your body's circulation, and help to rid all of those built up toxins and wastes from your body.

In today's fast moving world that we all live in, it can become ever so easy to simply forget about our health and well being, but if you can afford to take timeout and keep having a full body massage on a regular basis, this really is an excellent way to fight off tensions and keep you feeling on top of the world.

Some of us are guilty of only ever taking this sort of timeout when it is a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary, which is still pleasant for you and leaves you feeling ever so relaxed, but if you can book yourself a course of massage treatments...well, this is where you will gain the maximum benefits which the full body massage procedure has to offer.

Did you know that stress and tension is one of the main causes of diseases and illnesses in people today? Quite shocking news really when you think of how stressful even your daily commute to work can be. It really is imperative to relieve all of this built up stress and tension if you wish to lead a long and healthy life.

The benefits from simply having a body massage truly seem to be endless, and depending on your current lifestyle and general health, the benefits will be different for you, than they will be for let's say your next door neighbour. Having a body massage can improve your body's blood circulation, which most of us know is vital for a healthy body. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking it will only benefit the external parts of their body, but this isn't the case at all. A body massage will also help to keep all of your internal organs healthy and keep them all working efficiently.

Having a body massage on a regular basis will help to fight depression, blood pressure, back problems, diabetes and even infertility. After reading this, it now seems body massage is the best thing going for you and your health, but it is not suitable for everyone and you must keep this in mind. If you suffer from heart problems, cancer, or skin problems, then you really should discuss this with your doctor before booking yourself in for your very first massage session.

You really can improve your well being and live a much healthier life by having a regular body massage. So stop putting off that all important "me" time and get yourself booked in for your first session.

Here's to a much healthier life for you and me!

Thai Yoga Massage - Ancient Wisdom For Modern Healing

Like most of the best things in my life, Thailand and Thai Yoga Bodywork arrived as surprises.

On a May afternoon six years ago, I sat with a friend and a couple of cappuccinos at The Hungarian Pastry Shop in New York City's Upper West Side. I was a senior at Barnard College at the time, catching up with a former high school teacher who was in the neighborhood. That fall he would be heading over to Chiang Mai, Thailand to serve as the headmaster of an international boarding school. He told me that one of the teachers lined up to join him there had unexpectedly backed out. Knowing both my thirst for travel and that my graduation was imminent, by the last sip of our coffees he had offered me the newly vacant teaching position. "I don't mean to rush you," he concluded, "but I need to know your decision within forty-eight hours."

As an African Studies major, the only things I associated with Thailand at the time were rice fields and elephants. Clearly I had some research to do. A walk down to 86th Street and Broadway's Barnes and Noble's travel section led me to The Lonely Planet. Turning to the chapter on Chiang Mai, I learned that it was a city in the country's mountainous north, it had a yoga studio-and, best of all-I could get a two hour massage for a measly $6. With that, I closed the book, needing to know no more. That evening I accepted the job. This was no mistake; for from this decision evolved an unexpected love affair with Thailand and its healing art, traditional Thai massage.

Upon arriving in Chiang Mai for the first time, I caught onto a few things very quickly: Thailand's cuisine is mind-boggling delicious; everyone seemed to be smiling; and Thai massage is ubiquitous! Within my first 72 hours as an expatriate, I experienced my first Thai massage. Having only received Swedish and deep tissue massages, I didn't quite know what to expect: but as I am never one to decline an adventure, I succumbed willingly. Ensuing were two decadent hours of lying on a floor mat in a borrowed cotton tank top and pants and being pressed, rocked, twisted and stretched into the most ingenious of shapes and possibilities. I left feeling much like I do after practicing yoga: grounded and bright. Amazing! I was hooked-and puzzled, left wondering, "What was that?!"

I soon learned that Traditional Thai Massage (known as nuad boran in northern Thailand) arrived in Thailand approximately 2,500 years ago after its birth in India through Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhacca, personal physician to the Buddha. Today, Thais continue to honor Dr. Jivaka as the "Father of Healing" in Thai medicine. Once landing in Thailand, this healing art thrived in Buddhist temples, where lay people would come for healing. From there, it spread out into villages where children treated their elders at the end of long days working in rice fields.

Due to its migration, Traditional Thai massage consists of a fusion of multi-cultural healing disciplines such as yoga, Ayurveda, Buddhist meditation, traditional Thai medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. From this fusion arises interactive bodywork that combines deep tissue compression, acupressure and reflexology, energy line work, toning of internal organs, energy balancing, range-of-motion exercises, and assisted Hatha yoga postures. These techniques address muscles, connective tissue, joints, and the more ephemeral 10 major energy lines (or "Sen," similar to the nadis in the yogic system). A typical session runs around 2 hours. During this time, a Thai therapist uses her palms, thumbs, feet, elbows, forearms, and knees on a lucky recipient who is configured in some or all of five positions: supine, prone, side-lying, inverted, and seated. Relaxation, rejuvenation, and well-being follow.

Today, to the delight of many, Thai massage's migration persists. Thanks to an initial handful of pioneers, Thai massage has landed here in the United States where it adapts without compromising tradition. Here, such adaptations assume the names of "Thai Yoga Massage," "Thai Yoga Therapy," "Traditional Thai Massage," and "Thai Yoga Bodywork." One of these initial pioneers, Jonas Westring, serves as the director of Thai Yoga Healing Arts/Shantaya and leads workshops and certification trainings around the world. As a yoga practitioner and teacher, as well as a physical therapist, Westring has spent much of his life traveling and studying in Asia. It comes as no surprise, then, that Westring finds Thai massage to be the perfect container for melding Eastern and Western perspectives. Within his take on the theme, "Thai Yoga Bodywork," Westring reveals, "I marry biomechanics and yoga into the Thai tradition." While his clinical background compels him to keep safety a high priority, Westring laughs that it's really about "yoga, yoga, yoga." "By bringing in the yogic perspective for both recipient and giver," he adds, "It's a great place to introduce people to yoga and to maintain my own practice."

Using Thai Yoga as a self-help modality for the giver makes Westring's approach unique. After waking up at 4:30 or 5 in the morning and then working eight to nine hours a day as a physical therapy assistant in Mattawan, MI, Colleen Potter-Burton, a student of Westring's, still motivates to find time for her Thai Bodywork practice in the evenings. What makes this possible, she urges, is, "When you're going back to diaphragmatic breathing and connecting your breath to the receiver's, by the end of giving a two hour session I feel really wonderful!"

And helping oneself does not negate helping another. Maggie Hopson, also one of Westring's students, is a physical therapist, yoga instructor, and co-owner of High Desert Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation in Winslow, Arizona. Thai Yoga Bodywork, she says, has "added a new dimension to how I approach rehabbing patients. In the past I would work on single joints, but this helped me to look at people more holistically." Patients with injuries such as a torn ACL-- and even those with more severe movement disorders like as Parkinson's, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Lupus-- benefit from Hopson's integrated approach. "These people feel great afterwards," she gushes, "Other patients in the clinic see this and are saying, 'Why aren't you doing that to me?!' "

But Hopson knows that applying advanced body manipulation techniques to injured individuals can be dicey. While her studies with other Thai massage teachers have concerned Hopson due to their lack of emphasis on anatomy, Hopson appreciates Westring's mindful and scientific approach. "Jonas teaches safety first," she says, "and that you need to keep a clear mind so you can sense resistance in the tissues and joints."

On a larger scale, safety is a real issue as Thai massage's popularity soars higher today than ever before. Some practitioners are more skilled than others, and the reality is that people are getting injured. In addition, with so many people practicing, there is concern about the integrity of the traditional form fading into extinction. Bob Haddad, a practitioner in Chapel Hill, N.C., has responded to these concerns by creating the non-profit organization, Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI). THAI aims to build more cohesiveness amongst practitioners and standardize certification. Basic membership requires a minimum of 30 training hours and evidence of an ongoing practice.

Yet beneath the techniques, certification requirements, and rapid growth, the irresistible magic of Thai massage lives on. What keeps an old pro like Westring still going back for more? He concurs with the masses: "It feels good."

Should You Choose Physical Therapy For Frozen Shoulder Relief?

Of the numerous options available for treatment of a frozen shoulder syndrome, physical therapy remains the most widely accepted conservative choice. Physical Therapy, if provided by a therapist specializing in disorders of the upper extremity, can address not only the loss of motion and stiffness that accompany this condition, but also can provide a significant measure of pain relief during the process.

A good program starts with an accurate diagnosis by your physician. Simply trying to "self-treat" a frozen shoulder with randomly chosen exercises runs the risk of inducing further loss of motion and increasing the amount of pain. However with a properly chosen PT program a patient with this condition can make a difference in his/her recovery, although it is almost always preferable to have "hands-on" care from a specialist who can provide joint mobilization.

An advantage of a well designed exercise or treatment program is the education it provides regarding expected outcomes and progression of frozen shoulder syndrome. All too often a patient is evaluated by a therapist and then will attend 2-3 sessions or perform a few sessions of self treatment and abruptly stop because they are perceiving minimal progress. These patients will subsequently begin to rely on quick fixes such as medication which only serve to mask the underlying problem. Conversely, a patient who understands what each exercise is meant to achieve and understands the progression of the stages of adhesive capsulitis will be less likely to halt their treatment and follow through to the end.

Treatment techniques used by physical therapist to treat a stiff or frozen shoulder include the use of thermal modalities such as moist heat (provides short-term pain relief and increases blood flow into the affected shoulder), electrical stimulation (reduces muscle spasm and pain), ultrasound (focal deep heat of shoulder soft tissue), joint mobilization (increases the joints' mobility), and targeted exercise (increases strength and function affected by immobility or disuse of the shoulder). These techniques are used in specific combinations depending on the stage of adhesive capsulitis the patient is in or severity of the patient's symptoms.

Treating a frozen shoulder requires consistency and daily action to reduce the debilitating effects of this condition. Use of pain medication is short term at best and will not help the sufferer regain use of the arm. Surgery or manipulation under anesthesia should be a last resort and only when all other conservative methods fail. Other treatment options such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, or homeopathic treatments should be researched carefully as they often provide minimal to no relief but cost the patient hundreds of dollars. Physical therapy for frozen shoulder relief is the best option for those who wish to get to the root of the problem and maximize their recovery.

The Average Salary for Physical Therapist Professionals

The salary for physical therapist professionals can vary greatly depending on numerous factors. Therefore, those who choose to pursue such a career will likely have questions regarding the average salary that is associated with the position.

Physical Therapist Salary

The Average

As of 2010, licensed physical therapists, regardless of their level of experience, earned an average hourly wage of $37.78,according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics-USBLS. Therefore, the annual salary for such professionals is approximately $78,000 per year. As one would expect, the salary for physical therapist professionals in certain areas of the country may be a bit higher than the figure previously mentioned. One may also find that the average salary in his or her state is a bit lower than the national average.

Those employed in regions or at facilities where top salaries are offered will earn approximately $94,000 per year, while those at the lower end of the salary range can expect to earn about $60,000 annually. Those whose salaries fall within the average of this range will earn approximately $74,000 each year.

The Correlation Between Experience and Salary

Experience is a factor that has a direct influence on the salary of physical therapist professionals. As one's clinical experience increases, the professional can expect his or her salary to increase as well. This is because advanced positions typically require that one perform additional duties and complicated therapies. Therefore, those who are able to offer such services to a prospective employer will be rewarded financially.

According to the USBLS, physical therapists with ten years experience in their chosen profession earn approximately $15,000 more per year than those who have only three years experience.

Employment options

There is a wide selection of positions from which one can choose from when he or she has acquired the appropriate education and is ready to seek employment. The majority of physical therapists are employed by doctor's offices, rehabilitation facilities or hospitals. Following closely in second place are nursing homes. The professional may also choose to work in a private practice. However, the salary for physical therapist professionals who choose this option may be at the lower end of the spectrum until they have obtained a couple of years experience in the health care field.

Before a final decision is made regarding the kind of facility in which one chooses to work in, it is wise for those planning to work in this field to explore all their options. In addition, the salary for physical therapist entry-level positions will vary significantly, depending on the level of demand. For instance, facilities with several openings for which there is an urgent need to fill may offer a much higher starting salary than those who are well staffed. For this reason, it is wise to obtain specific salary information from each employer one is considering working for and compare them against each other before making a final decision. In this way, one can be sure that the most appropriate employer is selected, with whom a rewarding and lucrative career can be expected.

Massage Therapy - The Benefits of Massage

Massage has become increasingly popular over recent years as a way to unwind, relax and treat yourself. Many people even opt for massage every week and find that they benefit from it immensely. Having a massage can have many benefits to your body and overall well being. It has been no for centuries the great effects of massage and its healing capabilities. However it is only recently through scientific studies that we now know for certain the positive effects massage can have on our health.

First and foremost, probably the most important thing these days, is that massage can relieve stress and help you feel relaxed. Many people these days struggle to relax, unwind and have tense free muscles as a result of financial, work and family pressure. We are a nation of overworked people who have little time to unwind and enjoy the day. Massage can be a short term solution to this by helping you unwind and letting your problems melt away but won't completely fix the issue and you may find yourself needing another a week later.

Massage can also help alleviate pain and tension in your body. Many people suffer from constantly tense muscles as a result of poor posture, which isn't surprising when most of us sit in front of a computer all day long. Massage can help relieve these tense muscles for a short period of time, but to completely eradicate the problem a massage that helps align posture is more effective i.e. something like rolfing.

Massage also decreases inflammation, promotes speedy recovery from sports injuries or or injuries and also improves your circulation. As a result of relieving tension it will also free up energy making you feel less tired. It has also been shown to in case and strengthen the immune system, reduce anxiety and be great for helping women through "pregnancy pains"

Massage therapy has been shown to be great for a number of different conditions including arthritis, anxiety, back pain, chronic pain, acute pain, digestive disorders, depression, circulatory issues, headaches, sleep disorders, stress and many more. As a result massage is a great complementary therapy for anyone experiencing agonizing conditions.

However some people find massage therapy can be costly. There are ways around this, however. For example, many physiotherapists and chiropractors may offer you advice about the best electric massager available to help your particular needs. These can be an effective way to help yourself for a smaller cost and without having to rely on someone else to do it.

Whatever you opt for with massage will be beneficial to you overall well being, so is well worth the cost.

An In-Depth Look Into Physiotherapy Training and Its Practice

Physiotherapy training has become a popular choice for many young people today. Application of treatment procedures and principles is an important part in a physiotherapy program as well as the study of the theories behind these practices. Physiotherapists are also known as "movement" experts because of their training and education.

A Physical Therapist's Education: Knowledge and Practice

With a solid background in science and firm hands-on training, physical therapy or physiotherapy is one of today's most sought after career. A physiotherapist's work is very diverse. It usually involves working with individuals who are affected by illness, injury or developmental disability as well as those suffering from various pains and aches of the body.

Physiotherapy techniques and procedures involving the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems are all taken up by students in a physiotherapy program. An entry-level PT education course combines not only theory and evidence, but also hands-on physiotherapy training.

The Work of a Physiotherapist: Your First Visit

PT professionals are found working on an extensive array of medical settings - from cardiac rehabilitation to manual therapy to pregnancy pain program to acupuncture to orthotics.

However, first off, your session with a physiotherapist starts with the assessment of your health condition. This assessment then entails reviewing the patient's medical history, after which a physical examination follows. The evaluation of the patient's medical history is generally a subjective exam, while the physical examination takes on a more objective approach to the condition.

Duration of Physiotherapy Training: Not A Minute Wasted

To become a physiotherapist, there is a pre-requisite before you can enlist in an accredited physiotherapy program in most universities. A Grade Point Average or GPA of 3.0 is a must, especially in subjects such as chemistry, biology, statistics, and physics. There are also PT programs which oblige students to get at least one psychology or anatomy course before they get accepted into the course.

It takes about six years of education and training to complete a physiotherapy program. This includes three years of general medical course, and another three years of applied work.

Specialty Areas of Physiotherapy: The Calling

Physiotherapy being a diverse health field, several of its practitioners chooses to specialize in one of its many branches, each having its own specialized physiotherapy training. According to the American Board of Physical Therapy, there are seven major global specifications - Geriatric, Neurological, Cardiopulmonary, Neurological, Orthopedic, Pediatric and Integumentary.

Two of the main goals of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy are helping patients regain functional independence as well as improve their endurance. One physiotherapy program used to assist in clearing out lung secretions, as in those common in cystic fibrosis cases, is manual therapy. Meanwhile, neurological physiotherapy has more focus on individuals who have neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, Alzheimer's disease and among others.

Orthopedic physiotherapists undergo specific physiotherapy training that makes them experts in managing orthopedic fractures, acute sports injuries, arthritis, sprains, spinal injuries and amputations. Geriatric PT, on the other hand, entails caring for the many conditions that affect the elderly, such as balance disorders, incontinence, arthritis, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's.

In pediatric physiotherapy, the child's problem is first evaluated, and then the therapist comes up with a customized physiotherapy program to suit the child's specific needs.

Physiotherapy in Canada: The Regulating Body

In many, if not most, provinces in Canada, licensing and registration for physiotherapists is a multi-level process. The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators as well as the province's College of physiotherapists are actively involved in this process. The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators grants its ruling and evaluates the student's educational equivalencies, after which the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) is then handed out. Meanwhile, the responsibility for making the decision on the competency of the local student, or immigrant applicant, lies in the province's College of Physiotherapy.

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) is the country's main voluntary professional physiotherapy organization. The main office is in Toronto but it has branches in 10 Canadian provinces and territories. Membership is around 9,000 practicing physiotherapist from all over the country. The organization's main objective is to give leadership and direction to the physiotherapy profession as well as to further enhance excellence in physiotherapy training, research and practice.

A Massage Therapist Speaks Out On Chronic Yeast Infections

If it was the title of this article that grabbed your attention, then probably your first question is, "What does massage therapy have to do with chronic yeast infections?"

You deserve an answer.

As a massage therapist, I look at health and healing through a holistic lens. When I touch the person on my table, I know that I'm touching a whole being that includes body, mind and spirit. All true healing must address all three aspects.

I have been a chronic yeast infection sufferer for the past year and a half. Its horrible! It can literally make your life miserable!

Since I tend toward going the "natural" route when it comes to health and healing, I first tried adding a probiotic to my daily routine. Did it help? A little, at first. Then the result was like a plateau, it didn't get any worse but it didn't really get any better, either. I stopped taking the probiotic. The infection got much worse, quickly and with a vengeance!

So then I tried some of the newest anti-Candida herbal remedies. You know, those that are supposed to kill off the yeast overgrowth without any symptoms of "die-off." Yeah, right. They all made me so sick and put me in such stomach pain that I missed days of work. No work, no pay, not good!

Next up, the over the counter treatment creams, those with various antifungal agents. I first tried the 3-day variety. "Wow," I thought, "only 3 days and I'm done with this stuff!" Nope. Well then, maybe the 7-day regimen. I may need the bigger guns, here. It worked! The infection was completely gone after the 7 days and stayed gone ... for a whole week. So, I tried a second 7-day round. This time it came back within days. If I thought the first time (after I stopped taking the probiotics) the infection came back with a vengeance, this time it was brutal!

I was desperate to find a cure! I went online, I researched, I read articles, and everything I could get my hands on, until I finally figured out why everything I had tried just didn't work or only helped temporarily. In many ways, I had been trying to put the horse before the cart and I wasn't really getting anywhere.

I learned (and it was one of those "duh" moments, for me) that curing chronic yeast infections requires a holistic approach, one that addresses all three aspects of healing. Why hadn't I figured this out before?

In future articles, I'll go more in-depth about the steps I've taken to cure my chronic yeast infection. I'll discuss aspects like:

· The acid/alkaline connection to curing yeast overgrowth

· The basic supplementation you need

· Water and yeast infection

· Internal cleansing

· How hormone imbalances play a role in chronic yeast infections and more.

How NOT To Speak to or Treat Your Massage Therapist/Practitioner

Your communication with your therapist, et al service people tells a lot more than you think. It speaks volumes about your education of the service being provided, how you really feel about us personally, our profession, the purpose of massage therapy and its connection to your own health. Your gratuity, even in a bad economy, show us whether you value what's involved in treating you and the value of the work done. Sometimes we get the client who knows first hand that we are not paid what we are worth and will base our tip amounts on the value they think we should receive, not just based on his/her personal economics. Other times, we'll get the client who thinks $5 is enough gratuity on a 90-minute session, again, not based on his/her personal economics. A different message sent in each scenario. How do you communicate with your therapists/service providers?

Believe it or not, clients can often times be very abusive, condescending and outright rude in more ways than indicated below. As service professionals, it is the therapist's responsibility not to retort in kind, but we do reserve the right to do whatever necessary to maintain serenity and respect for our profession, our person and the establishment we work in. This might take several forms, but declining service to some might be necessary. Before we get there, however, one may wonder, what are some things that are abusive and will undermine your session, your therapists, and the profession? The following list should be helpful:

1. Saying "OW" (This usually is an angry sound and implies that we hurt you on purpose, which we have no reason to...)

2. Breathing angrily. We can tell the emotion behind the breath, but don't know why. Don't expect us to guess!

3. Scowling (Usually another angry reflection and we don't know why or what it means.). This is conveyed on your face and in your energy/disposition.

4. "Jerking" your body away from the therapist (just say you don't like something). If you are prone to "twitches" tell us this is involuntary.

5. Any kind of condescending tone demeans the therapist, your session and the establishment. You came to relax or be rejuvenated/healed. Don't forget your purpose.

6. "Chatty Kathy" is very distracting from the purpose at hand so leave her in the car. Therapists work better when not distracted by your stories. It is your right to respectfully request that your therapist only speak when necessary and my right to ignore comments as I commit to the work you have contracted or at least respond that I'd like to focus on addressing your therapeutic needs as precious time is passing.

7. Grabbing your therapist's arm, hand, legs or any other body part is harassment. Don't forget where you are and your purpose for coming for treatment.

8. Grabbing your own body part or moving in a sexual way is harassment. Parasympathetic Stimulation is normal and so is an "escaped moan or groan", but you aren't acting involuntarily if you start grinding your hips into the table, etc., or use our towels/sheets for sexual release after we have left the room. You should be using the 5 minutes or so left of your session to get dressed and exit. We have approximately the same amount of time to prepare for the next client and get to the bathroom before starting the process again.

9. Yelling, "you're hurting me!" (Would you like less pressure? We don't really know what you are feeling or whether you can handle it do we?)

10. Making racist or demeaning (blonde, etc.) statements are never honorable....even if I laugh with you it might be because I'm nervous or otherwise uncomfortable and don't know how else to respond in the moment.

11. Doing what you can to show me your nakedness is as much harassment as asking for sexual favors.

12. Asking "do you think I'm fat"? (That's not my purpose for being here and no answer I give is the right one anyway.) I could lose my job for any comments, complimentary or not.

13. Come on, you must get turned on by all these sexy men/women you massage! (Form of sexual harassment-not why "we" are here.!)

14. Not being considerate and gratuitous (You should tip your therapist more than you tip your waiter/bartender. They bring you food/drinks and leave then come back to take your plate. We must stay with you the whole time and physically and mentally make you, your body and health, the priority for at least one hour straight!)

15. Not paying your tab (or only paying a portion of your tab is horrible). Only a thief takes without paying for what he gets. You don't get to decide how much the service "should have been worth" or whether to pay next visit or now. The independent therapist or the business you patronize has a set price, which you agreed to when you contracted for service.

16. Telling the therapist you feel great and enjoyed your massage, only to leave, then call and complain. Most people do this to try to get a free massage but don't realize the therapist could get suspended or fired. This hurts more than you know. Be honest and considerate of this family.

17. Insisting that the therapist only work on one section of you the whole time. You might have a headache, but your feet are the source or vice versa, e.g. Trust your therapeutic therapist to know and do what's necessary to address the cause, not just the symptom.

18. We generally know when you "should be" in pain, so if every time we lay hand on you, you holler that it hurts, we won't be able to help you and so you impede your healing. A little pain might be necessary for therapy in that spot, but should not be unbearable. Can you bear up for a minute?

19. Manners are always important, but especially when dealing with service people.

20. Tell me what you like and don't like, but don't tell me how to do my job. I don't tell you how to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, chemist, banker, etc. I have no training in that field, much like I trust you don't have any training in mine.

May all my fellow therapists/practitioners feel represented in this discussion and let me know whether I have left out anything. Hopefully, armed with this information, the general public will be in a position to choose the best therapist and get the best out of the sessions. Just remember that honor and respect should be a two-way street and gratitude extends the circle of giving. Communication, then, is the lifeblood of every relationship and the possible cure to all misunderstandings. Return positive energy for energy received. Namaste!

Massage Tips - When and How Much

How much to tip a massage therapist can be a confusing thing. On one hand you have the spa massage therapist that can be put in the same group as nail technicians and hair stylists. Another group is sports massage therapists and medical massage therapists. Typically people in the medical profession don't receive tips for their services. Lastly, what if you are not from the United States? Different countries have different customs. For example, Canada reimburses its citizens for massage, thus massage is seen more as medical service versus a pampering service.

Below are listed the basic rules of how to tip a massage therapist:

Table Massage Tips Basic Rules

Massage therapist in a spa or outcall massage (at your location) - 10-20% of the total bill.

Massage therapist in a medical environment, such as Chiropractor, etc. - normally no tipping*.

Chair Massage Tips Basic Rules

Chair massage that is paid by the customer - 10-20% of the total bill

Chair massage paid by an employer or trade show - normally no tipping*.

*If you do want to tip, ask what the establishment's guidelines are. Tipping may be against the company's policies or they might not mind. Each situation is different.

What if you don't want to tip?

An exception to all of the above is when a customer doesn't want to tip and it's not a reflection on the services they received. Customers have a right to not tip because tipping is a courtesy. Many massage therapists I know are grateful for tips and don't expect them. Tipping, and how much, is ultimately the decision of the customer.

Beware Hidden Tips

Lastly, a word of caution; in many tourist areas, a spa or salon will add a tip to the bill for the customer - without asking! This is an automatic process at many places. Then, because the customer is not aware of this, the customer will add a tip to the bill not realizing they're double tipping! This is an unfortunate reality that massage customers need to protect themselves from.

Hopefully this has answered all your massage tip questions. Remember, if in doubt; ask the massage therapist or company. They will be pleased that you care enough to want to tip.

Equine Massage Therapy - The New Frontier in Horse Care

The horse can offer enjoyment on many fronts to its owner. Horses are used recreationally in sports such as:

o Barrel racing
o Jumping
o Dressage
o Hunting
o Rodeoing
o Trail riding

Horses used in these capacities are also often dear pets that owners develop deep bonds with. A horse may also be of financial importance to owners who use them as professional racehorses. But no matter how a horse benefits its owner, it must be cared for in a loving, responsible manner to ensure its continued health and friendly personality.

Horse ownership responsibilities are much more demanding than for other pets such as dogs and cats. The reason for this is because horses are incredible athletes. Their bodies are made up of huge muscles which provide maximum efficiency when running long distances, jumping or maneuvering through obstacles. Because of the horse's status as serious athlete, a recent addition to horse care has been created. This addition is called equine massage.

How Equine Massage can help your Horse

Massage therapy has long been used to help humans relieve tension and stress. In equine massage, there are also a number of benefits. Massages in horses can result in:

o Increased circulation-massage helps immensely with blood flow. Rich, oxygenated blood will reach every area of your horse's body effortlessly.
o Eliminated waste-fatigued muscles result in toxic buildup in horses bodies. Massage helps to dislodge toxins and hasten their elimination from the body.
o Increased flexibility-massage helps remove knots from muscles which allows for greater movement
o Muscle tone
o Range of motion
o Alleviation of pain-knotted muscles that arise from running or jumping can lead to a great deal of pain. The only way to alleviate this pain is to massage the knots out of the horse's muscles.
o Stress relief-a horse that has tense, knotted muscles that result in pain can display changes in behavior. Massage therapy can make for a de-stressed, happier animal.

If you use your horse for athletic activities, you will be glad to know that all the benefits of massage therapy will help improve performance and enhance relaxation. In fact, massaging a horse before a competition or race has been proven to result in as much as a 20 percent increase in performance quality and efficiency.

For more information on equine massage, visit the website of Austin Vet Clinics.

How to Enjoy the Benefits of Massage Therapy

At first the masseuse asks about your health condition or any other complaints that you might have in your body. After this, different techniques are introduced and possibly tried out also. Massage therapy is very versatile, being suitable for people of all ages and body types. The key is to trust your intuition and try out several techniques before you find the one that suits your needs best and that you are comfortable with.

All massage techniques roughly have the same effects. They all improve general circulation, which helps to carry around extra oxygen in the body. This makes you feel more energetic and fresh. Massaging also improves lymph fluid flow. This is an important part of the immune system of the body and the fluids carry away toxines and waste created during digestive processes. This proves that massage therapy is completely natural and stimulates the processes in the body that have slowed down because of the stressful lifestyle and environment.

To sum up, massage therapy is a natural, chemical-free way to revive, relief stress and energize your body. In addition to this, it relaxes and soothes your mind also, offering the possibility to unwind and forget all the trivial everyday problems in your day to day living. After a massage session you will feel like a completely new person. It is the perfect solution for people with busy schedules and high stress levels. Research the subject more or make an appointment to learn more about the effects and benefits of massage therapy.

Higher Level Degrees Lead To Better Career Goals For Physical Therapists

A physical therapist (PT) is the health care professional who helps patients seeking to improve their quality of life by helping restore conventional functionality to their lives. Patients working with PTs are often afflicted with genetic disorders or suffering from the results of a debilitating injury. Physical therapists must assess patients' conditions and develop treatment plans to restore their functionality while reducing pain and avoiding additional disabilities.

Physical therapists can choose to find work in a variety of work settings. A hospital is the most common place to find a physical therapist where he or she can pursue a specialty that would include acute care, geriatrics or orthopedics. A physical therapist can also choose to work in an outpatient clinic strictly devoted to sports medicine, for example, or a rehab center as a speech therapist or occupational therapist.

A school system will typically require physical therapists to work with children in the special education departments. Special education curriculum will usually need to include physical therapy for many students. A physical therapist working in a school system may find his or her summers are free to pursue other personal interests. Other employment opportunities that should be considered will be available in universities, home health agencies, nursing homes or physicians' offices.

It was not that long ago when a student interested in a Bachelor's degree would pursue this career by achieving that four-year degree. Holding a Bachelor's degree with the proper certification can provide sufficient education for a PT job, it will not, however, open career paths with additional responsibilities or higher salaries. By the year 2000, a physical therapy career often required a student to attain a Master's or Doctorate degree to find gainful employment.

The student interested in a PT career can achieve his or her degree several ways. For someone who currently holds a Bachelor's degree, a direct-entry Master's program might be the right choice. This two-year program consists of one year of classroom learning, and the second year is comprised of the student successfully completing a clinical internship.

Furthermore, there are several other education programs to choose from as you consider your physical therapy goals. The transitional Master's degree program has been created for physical therapists with a Bachelor's degree in physical therapy. It is ideal for physical therapy professionals who want to further their education and careers without having to repeat courses they have already successfully passed.

There are also two Doctorates physical therapy programs to choose from as you consider your higher level degree options. The direct-entry Doctorate program has been designed for those who currently hold a Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field; this can be completed in three years. The transitional Doctorate program has been created for students pursuing more advanced physical therapy degrees but who already have completed a four-year degree in the field. These programs are great education choices as you consider a rewarding career as a physical therapist.

Hippotherapy Is An Excellent Physical Therapy Choice

When the average person thinks of physical therapy, they immediately picture a trained expert and a gym that is equipped with the latest exercise equipment, all of it designed to help the patient recover from some sort of injury or illness. What the average person does not think of is stables and horses. The reality is that in some cases the use of a horse is every bit as good as a gym for healing the mind and body.

The use of horses for therapy, both physical and cognitive, is called hippotherapy. Hippotherapy has been successfully used to help people who have been diagnosed with all kinds of physical and or cognitive disabilities. A few of the conditions that can benefit from hippotherapy include; cerebral palsy, speech impediments, autism, and traumatic brain injuries.

One of the reason why hippotherapy is proving so successful is because it does more than just deal with the immediate problem, it helps heal the entire person. It is not at all unusual for a patient to experience some sort of physical, mental, and spiritual healing while they are enrolled in a hippotherapy program.

Scientifically, the reason that hippotherapy is a successful means for helping the body heal is that the movement of the horse mirrors the movement of a person in motion. Horse and humans, (and most other mammals for that matter) move three-dimensionally. When a person is mounted on the back of a horse their hips swing in the exact same way that they would if they were walking on their own feet. Since riding is a non-weight bearing exercise, the riding is a great way to help develop and condition muscles that have not been used in a long time.

In addition to being a great way to get the patients body in shape, riding is also a tactile experience. While the patient is going through the physical part of their therapy, they are also being bombarded by the smell and feel of the horse. Even better they are interacting with another living creature, a creature who is beautiful, kind, and does not make snap judgments about how the person walks or talks. The horse gives the person the freedom to be themselves.

A person is not set on a horse and turned loose when they enroll in a hippotherapy program. Before the patient is allowed anywhere near a horse, their condition has to be evaluated by their physician Once this happens the patient physical or cognitive therapist needs to work directly with the patient during their hippotherapy program. In addition to the physical therapist, there is also a trained therapeutic riding instructor who is usually responsible for the horse.

Not every horse is suitable for hippotherapy. Before they can be integrated into the program the horse is put through an extensive evaluation program. The horse must display a good personality, meet a certain level of training, and also have gaits that are suitable for the program.

Hippotherapy is not a new idea. It has been around for more than 30 years. One of the problems hippotherapy programs have run into is a lack of cooperation from the medical field. It is not unusual for doctors to question the therapeutic benefits of riding around the arena. However, recently more and more doctors have started to see changes in their patients that happened only after the patient became involved in a therapeutic riding program. Today respected organizations such as The American Physical Therapy Association, American Speech and Hearing Association, and American Occupational Therapy Association recognize hippotherapy as a valuable physical therapy tool.

Frozen Shoulder Manipulation Or Physical Therapy - What's Best?

Of all the remedies and solutions available for treating adhesive capsulitis, the two treatments that receive the most attention are the frozen shoulder manipulation and physical therapy. A manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) conjures ideas of an instant cure while PT is viewed as the longer route to a normal functioning shoulder. In either case, therapy is still part of the treatment - or at least it better be. So the question often asked is that between the two procedures, "which is best?" The answer depends on an individual's circumstances and expectations.

A frozen shoulder manipulation is typically performed by an orthopedic physician. The patient is prepped and given a general anesthesia. The affected shoulder is then carried to its end point of motion followed by a quick thrust into a normal range. This is hopefully done in each plane of motion: Forward elevation, abduction (out to the side and overhead), external rotation (rotating the arm/shoulder towards the patient's back), internal rotation (rotating the shoulder towards the front of the body), and across the body. Extension is rarely performed as this motion is not usually deficient with this condition. What is important to achieve normal motion is to stabilize the scapulae (shoulder blade) during each of these thrusts. If not done in this manner, the shoulder may appear to be carried to full range of motion, but is actually not because the shoulder blade is simply going along for the ride. This can lead to a poor outcome with this treatment. With that said, a frozen shoulder manipulation should be performed by a competent clinician with experience in this procedure.

Physical therapy for a frozen shoulder is likewise best performed under the guidance of a therapist with experience in this area. Just because a therapist has a license doesn't mean they can provide the best treatment plan. One is best served to do a little investigation about a therapist's credentials and experience before blindly following his or her lead. This is why you can see so many forum or blog posts on the internet by unhappy patients who have tried therapy with minimal to no results. The clinical process is simple for a good outcome with physical therapy:  1) Pain/muscle spasm control, 2) Proper manual joint mobilization, 3) Home exercise prescription with correct frequency and intensity, 4) measures for gain, and 5) appropriate follow-up. If this process is followed by a clinician experienced in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis the outcome will be good and only conservative measures need to be used. With this I must confess that in my opinion therapy is the best solution overall. As i said before, in either case therapy will be needed as even in the case of an MUA the shoulder will quickly stiffen and scar tissue will form, potentially causing a greater dysfunction than before.

These days it is crucial that the patient take some of the responsibility for their care by doing their due diligence in regards to the treatments that are recommended to them. Even though a frozen shoulder manipulation seems to be the quicker cure, physical therapy in the long run can provide better and more lasting results if the patient chooses their therapist wisely.

Look forward To a Great Career With a Physical Therapy Assistant Degree

Becoming a physical therapy assistant is a challenging, yet very rewarding career choice for anyone interested in a much more hands on position in the medical services field.

It is a wonderful job for those who love working with the public on a one to one basis and offers an excellent salary as well. In order to secure this kind of job though, individuals are required to be titled, and (in most US states) to obtain licensure, which can be applied for after earning a physical therapy assistant degree.

How to Get a Associates Degree

First you will need to earn an Associates Degree of Science in Physical Therapy Assistance in order to obtain certification and licensure.

This involves a 2-year college education in a course that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTA), and the included, required externships.

Courses for an Associates Degree with emphasis on PTA include the basic courses of English, Maths and Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation, Therapeutic exercise, Medical Terminology and others. After formal education and passing of all related exams, students earn their degree.

There are also some online, accredited Associates Degree programs which state they can prepare a student for PTA education and training; however, even though most of the coursework is done online, students will still need to fulfill externships and other required course work offline in order to graduate, and be prepared to take their certification exams.

A licensure is required individually by state, though currently 48 of fifty states require it (Colorado and Hawaii currently do not require licensure as long as someone has their PTA).

Once a PTA has passed their certification exam they are then eligible to take their state's licensure exam, making them eligible to work as a PTA in that state, only. PTAs who change location and wish to then work in a different state are required to take a new state exam in order to do so.

Information about state licensure and the National Physical Therapy Exams (NPTE) for PTs and PTAs can be found on the Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy website at http://www.fsbpt.org

Jobs Available with a Degree

Once certification and licensure is complete, PTAs are able to apply for jobs in a variety of medical settings including in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine practices, skilled nursing facilities, home health aide services, schools and with individual companies as on-staff physical therapy providers.

Licensed PTAs can also continue their education and obtain specialty training to become qualified to work in specific fields such as post-surgical, orthopedic and cardiopulmonary. Many PTAs also continue their college education and work toward becoming an actual Physical Therapist, too.

Salary After Getting a Degree

Depending on the location, job experience and the type of position, physical therapy assistant salaries range between $31,000 and as high as $68,000 (upper 10 percent) as of May, 2010 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This range is expected to rise in the coming 5 to ten years, too, as the physical therapy field grows. Job numbers are also expected to grow as much as 46 percent during this time, so it seems that becoming a PTA is a position with a good future and a lot of promise in both opportunity and salary.

Physical therapy aides (non-licensed, non-schooled) on the other hand earn a salary of between $17,000 and $34,000.

With these kind of statistics, anyone interested in a medical profession where they will assist with actual patient care and other hands on duties is likely to be a very satisfying one, personally, professionally and financially.

Those looking to become PTAs are recommended to find the best accredited program available in order to be well prepared for physical therapy assistant degree and licensing exams.

It should also be noted, currently there is discussion of changing the course curriculum for a PTA from a 2 year Associates Degree to a 4 year Bachelors Degree, the same as there have been discussions in other medical areas of raising the schooling requirements.

Getting a degree finished now will enable someone to get into the field faster if these changes do come about in the near future.

Physical Therapy: Benefits, Conditions, and Treatment Options

Physical therapy (PT) is a great treatment option for those in need of rehabilitation. Many people who have trouble moving around on a daily basis or who have particular injuries will benefit from these treatments. PT often decreases the level of muscle and joint pain and helps to give more range of motion. There are many benefits and uses to this type of medical treatment.

A physical therapist works with each patient to develop an appropriate treatment plan. This treatment plan is developed after analyzing each patient's level of strength, range of motion, and coordination. Different exercises and activities are performed with the help of a physical therapist in order to make daily tasks easier and to minimize physical impairments and aid in preventing further injury. PT is often the recommended treatment option for those with illness, disease or serious injury. Everyone from babies to the elderly benefits from this type of treatment.

Physical therapy involves a combination of treatment options. This includes exercises that help to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and range of motion. Exercise may include weight lifting, stretching, walking, and more. A physical therapist will gradually increase the level of exercise in order to improve each patient's individual functionality and help to correct the problem at hand.

Many physical therapists utilize hot and cold packs as well as electrical stimulation to aid in treatment. This is especially common in orthopedic physical therapy which focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries and disorders that affect the joints and muscles. This is a common treatment option for people who suffer from sports related injuries, arthritis, and amputation.

As treatment progresses, a physical therapist will continue to evaluate each patient's illness or injury to monitor improvement. This will help to show if treatment needs to be modified in order to reach particular goals. While PT does take time and work, it can be an extremely beneficial treatment option.

You may benefit from physical therapy if you suffer from the following:

• Back pain


• Neck and shoulder pain


• Joint pain (arthritis)


• Balance or mobility issues


• Cardiovascular disorders


• Muscle strains


• Slip and fall injuries


• Motor Vehicle Accident injuries


• Sports injuries

This is just a small example of some of the injuries and disorders that may require physical therapy. If you have been recommended to seek PT treatment, consult with a professional physical therapist. This will help you get expert advice and personalized treatment options. With a treatment plan, you can decrease pain and improve physical performance.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Massage

What are the health benefits of massage? Well there are many so I thought I'd create a list of ones I know and others that I've read about. After reading my compilation of health benefits, I think you'll agree that massage is a valuable service to mankind and a great addition to a life of health and wellness. Here's my top 10 list, how many others can you think of?

1. Reduced pain and stiffness. Pain is reduced through many choices of techniques that are appropriate to each situation.The human body responds better to human touch than almost any man-made instrument you can think of. I would say that 95% of my clients come to me due to pain and discomfort. Since I enjoy doing treatment work so much, I love it when they're in pain because I get to chase the pain away! One of the rewarding things about doing insurance massage is seeing your clients become independent of pain medications.

2. Stress management. Life is stressful enough and it seems like things are moving faster and faster all the time. It's easy to get overwhelmed these days with so much to keep track of anymore. Massage is a much-needed time-out for many people. It's a time to turn off all cellphones and leave that computer alone for an hour or two. I like to call massages a "Mini Vacation" for those who need a break.

3. Decreased anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety can be a result of a chemical imbalance or an overtaxed nervous system. Whatever the cause, massage is great for bringing back some balance into the body and helping others to become present with themselves.

4. A stronger immune system. Many studies have shown that regular massage helps to keep the immune system strong and resistant from disease. Remember that the human body responds strongly to touch.

5. Increased lymph circulation. Lymph is naturally moved through the body through exercise which milks the muscles and helps to rinse toxins and impurities from the body. The lymphatic system is the first responder to infections and diseases. The smoother it runs, the less likely you are to become vulnerable to disease and disorders.

6. Improved blood circulation. Blood carries life-giving oxygen throughout the body and it works in tandem with the lymphatic system to keep everything moving right along.

7. Lower blood pressure. Massage can help lower blood pressure as it helps to take someone from a place of stress to a place of peace and rest. I've been told that one hour of an effective massage is equivalent to 4 hours of rest. If you're having trouble sleeping at night try getting a massage before bed.

8. Increased flexibility. Massage is great for increasing your flexibility because a massage therapist can practice range of motion and passive stretching on the limbs. A passive stretch gives you a better stretch than you can get on your own because the therapist is able to isolate the muscles more than you can do on your own. Range of motion helps to open and loosen stiff joints. Getting regular massage can help to prevent muscle related injuries in various sporting activities.

9. Reduced inflammation and swelling. Typically inflammation and swelling in the body are brought on by a trauma but sometimes they can linger in an area that's lacking good circulation. Inflammation and swelling are reduced by increasing the circulation of blood and lymph. With manual massage techniques, stagnant blood and lymph are moved back to the heart and fresh blood and lymph come back in to circulate the area. With less inflammation and swelling comes less pain and discomfort.

10. Greater enjoyment of life. Massage therapy greatly improves the quality of life for many people including the elderly, the stressed and those with painful conditions. I know that giving and receiving massage has improved the quality of my life and I've enjoyed improving the quality of life for others.

So there you have it. Hope you enjoyed my top 10 list of the health benefits of massage. I love sharing this information with my clients and they love becoming more educated about how massage can help their body.

Massage Therapy: Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu Massage Therapy is a finger-pressure technique that is developed in Japan. It is gaining much popularity in the holistic world.

Shiatsu Massage Therapy makes use of the traditional acupuncture points (Meridian points) of Oriental healing. The meridian network provides life giving and life-sustaining energy to every part of the human. It is this network that connects all the organs, tissues and cells in the body. This is in fact, the basis of understanding on how this form of massage therapy work. By stimulating the meridian points on the exterior of the body, changes can be made internally. Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance in the meridians and organs.

The Massage Therapist applies pressure with the finger, thumb, palm, elbow or knee to specific areas located along the energy meridians of the skin. Strokes used include tapping, squeezing, rubbing and applied pressure.

The many benefits of Shiatsu Massage Therapy include:

Deep muscle and tissue relaxation thus relieving back and neck pain, whiplash injury, frozen shoulders, etc.

Stress reduction and management thus reduces headaches and migranes, pre-menstrual syndrome.

Releases toxins from the body thus enhances body's natural detoxification process.

Prevents diseases eg. gastrointenstinal disorders.

Increased joint flexibility.

Improved blood circulation.

Lowered blood pressure.

Reduced stress and calms the nervous system.

Balance of "chi" or life energy.

Shiatsu Massage Therapy aims to help nature performs its work. Symptoms are not treated specifically. The goal is to help the whole body and all its body parts function smoothly and work together in a balanced manner, so as to promote self-healing.

Shiatsu Massage Therapy is safe, holistic and effective. It does not involve the use of drugs, medicines or invasive procedures. If you are experiencing some health problems, instead of seeing a doctor, you may wish to check out Shiatsu Massage Therapy as an alternative option.

Massage Therapy - Good Or Bad Choice For a Career?

If you're looking for a first career or considering a career change, massage therapy could very well be a promising choice. On the upside it can be financially rewarding for some, work schedules can be quite flexible and the possibilities of meeting interesting and entertaining people is perhaps near endless. It's important to note that employment options are the result of several factors, which include one's own hard work, professionalism, experience, work attitude and local market conditions.

Like any other career possibility in life, you should go through a process of inner reflection that allows you to discover the massage therapy discipline's true appeal for you. You will also need to be honest in a personal assessment of your own skills and physical abilities. You may often have to stand and maintain physical rigor for long periods of time when working with clients.

Massage therapists should have a good degree of dexterity and physical endurance. However, one of the most important skills you will need are people skills, which are quite often over looked in a personal assessment.

You will need to develop a good feel for people to approach them in ways that never threaten their comfort zone. The ability to do this is quite often an innate talent that may not necessarily develop in a classroom or hands-on training environment. Some talents are simply expressed best through an inner knowing.

Another thing to consider in being able to realize a massage therapy career is the respect and accreditation status of the school you hope to attend for training. Does the curriculum prepare you for what you will encounter in the real-world? Is the teaching staff knowledgeable and experienced? Is there a sound system in place that will help you find placement when it comes time to launch your career?

Perhaps the best and most reliable source of information is from the learning institution you are interested in attending. Schools that maintain a solid accreditation status will have a qualified staff of personnel that can walk you through the steps of training, how to enroll, and the financial assistance programs available for those who qualify.

There are a lot of questions that will need to be answered before you can arrive at a decision that allows you to pursue massage therapy as a career. Training in this field, with respect to required hours and curriculum may vary depending on where you hope to find employment.

There are many massage therapy courses offered that can give you the necessary training for an entry-level position.

Physical Therapy Can Significantly Alleviate Chronic Back Pains

Physical therapy has assisted many people in finding amazing relief to their neck and back problems, after having spent a lot of time and resources trying out most of recommended medical solutions without success. Physical therapy presents not only an extremely efficient way of alleviating chronic back pains, but can also assists patients who need go through rehabilitation therapy after undergoing multiple restorative surgeries.

For the most part, back ailments can be categorized into two types: those that arise from unanticipated external injuries to the back tissues, and those that materialize from within the body, which are often what trigger chronic back pain. These disorders often attack the central nervous system by stimulating it to undertake detrimental actions, which should they persist can turn into permanent neural complications even if the original cause of the ailment disappears.

Normally, this culminates in intense and prolonged back pains that if not checked can appear in other parts of the body. The most probable cause of these chronic pain disorders is usually damage to the body of muscles, and tissues that surrounds the spine. Take for instance, the intervertebral discs which are exceptionally resilient tissues that play the role of the back's buffer against all external attacks. Despite their hardiness, intervertebral discs sometimes cannot accomplish this task if the back is exposed to grievous trauma or through gradual back tissue and muscle attrition.

Additionally, the tendons and sinews that link these back muscles play a proactive role in maintaining the perfect back and spinal stability. However, sometimes the fibers that connect these tendons, and sinews get stuck together and will usually tear off, which results in chronic back ailments.

The primary goal of physical therapy is usually to alleviate the intense discomfort most chronic back pain patient's experience, and ultimately to restore their mobility.

There are two physical therapy approaches to pain alleviation which normally precede each other, passive and active physical therapy. The former comprises of procedures such as application of electrical stimulus, heat or even ice application. This type of physical therapy is formulated to strengthen the patient before commencing the more vigorous active physical rehabilitation.

A competent physical therapist will after the initial assessment of the patient, develop and establish an infallible exercise schedule, which should significantly alleviate back pain. This can include aerobics, muscle strengthening or stretching training. A significant portion of these sessions should be dedicated to stretching exercises which are guaranteed to develop the back's lumbar stabilization, and have excellent results in chronic back pain alleviation. Other low impact aerobic exercises like cycling, swimming or plain old walking can also significantly alleviate chronic back pains.

Tips To Select the Best Massage Therapist

If you are looking for a masseur, it is essential to know the type of massage that the therapist provides as there are a variety of different massages that can be done. From deep-tissue massage to Swedish massage, when you are looking for an invigorating massage that is just pleasantly relaxing but not too intense, Swedish massage is the prefect choice but if you need the massage to be intense and roll out the pain from the aching limbs, deep-tissue massage fits the bill.

Basically it just depends upon what you need and that is why before you schedule an appointment with the therapist discuss about their experience, the type of massage that they provide and your expectations need to be made clear so that they are clear on your specific requirement or can advice you more about it. It is best to know in advance about the type of massage that the therapist provides.

The first question that you need to ask the massage therapist is whether they are certified as a federal board ensures that all massage therapists have proper credentials and licenses before they can practice. If you feel that you need to get a feedback about the service provided from past clients to know about the type of massage and service they received. It can help you check if the style of massage would suit you.

Another key factor that you need to consider is whether they are new in business or have been in the industry for a long time. It is better if they have years of experience as you'll have a better experience and enhance the results but if the massage therapist is new, ask them if they can provide a quality massage or question them before they begin. Most of the massage therapists that have experience working for over 12-18 months have more than basic practical experience. Most massages heal the pain or help you manage it better and that is why it is important to have a good therapist.

Take a look around, are there dirty towels lying around, opened bottles or crumpled tissues? Another factor to consider is the hygiene and sanitary methods that are used by the massage therapist. Make sure that the massage therapist is maintaining hygiene with fresh towels and other supplies kept in proper manner. The chances of catching infections is common if proper hygiene is not maintained and in case you feel that the cleanliness quotient is low, fix your appointment with another massage therapist.

If you consider all of these key points, you'll be able to get relaxing and revitalizing massage to take away the aches and pains while the skin feels supple again. Some of the benefits of invigorating massage include better blood circulation, toning of skin/tissue and healthy glowing skin. And that is why it is important to select the right therapist because that will ensure that you have an effective massage with all benefits. Start looking for the local therapist for massage at in your phonebook or look online.

Can Massage Therapy Benefit Your Health?

What do you book your massage appointment for? While many consider booking a spa treatment to be a luxury, there are even more that see it as a remedy for pain or to improve their well-being. Just as one would take advantage of acupuncture or a chiropractor, a massage therapist can also help address issues of physical complaint. Matter of fact, many insurance plans even cover this type of treatment because they recognize the positive affects it can have on the body. So, when asking if massage therapy can benefit you health... the answer is, yes. Let me explain...

1. Improved blood circulation: first off, massage therapy can improve blood circulation. That's right, it can lower blood pressure and improve body function. When blood becomes congested, getting this type of therapy with help circulated the blood and allow blood to flow in. This also helps flush out lactic acid. Flushing out lactic acid help improve lymph fluid circulation. This is also beneficial to your health because healthy lymph fluid circulation helps move metabolic waste away from your internal organs and muscles.

2. Improved flexibility and range of motion: one of the most popular things that massage therapy is known for is relaxation. However, did you know that this service relaxes more than just your mood and stress levels? Think about it... everyone knows that it is smart to stretch before a workout. It is even smarter to stretch on a regular basis, even if you are not hitting the gym that day. Just like stretching, massages loosen the muscles and improve flexibility. They can even make you less injury prone because your joints are more fluid.

3. Headache relief: massages can really help relieve tension headaches and migraines. Getting this treatment on a regular basis can actually prevent the headache or migraine from coming in the first place. Therapists will concentrate on the head, neck, and shoulders to decrease pain if the headache is already there. They will relax trigger points and muscles spasms. This will also improve sleeping patterns and increase your body's serotonin levels.

These are just a few of the health benefits that massage therapy can provide your body. There are many different types of massages to suit each individual's needs and comfort level. As the saying goes, this type of service is beneficial to your "mind, body, and soul". By making regular appointments with a licensed therapist, you can improve your health and reduce stress levels... and as always, don't forget to stretch!

Helpful Programs for Developing Positive Life Skills in Unmotivated Teenagers

There are several certified treatment programs, specialty boarding schools and wilderness treatment centers for supporting the lives of struggling children and teenagers. Treatment centers prescribe quality and safe programs for making the recovery successful. Treatment programs help under pressure teens to overcome depression and stress. Treatment centers offer cost effective recovery programs for making the programs easily accessible for all families.

Professional consultants help the families in crisis and suggest best of the treatment and recovery programs for struggling boys and girls. Educational consultants play an important role in the recovery of physical disabled youth and help in solving teenagers school problems. Consultants assist the families in selecting appropriate troubled kids specialty schools therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness and boot camps for learning disabled children and ADD and ADHD.

Certified mental health recovery specialists build a strong foundation in the life of harassed juveniles that supports in eliminating negative thinking and poor emotions. For developing high teen self image confidence and motivation in life counselor offers individual and group counseling and therapy programs. Counselors offer effective parenting tips and advices to families suffering from teenage adoption issues and improve the emotional and psychological skills of difficult children.

There are several options for unmotivated boys and girls recovery such as wilderness camps, boot camps, summer camps, troubled youth camps, military schools, Christian schools, drug rehabs and therapeutic treatment centers. Wilderness treatment centers basically provide outdoor programs and emphasize on cognitive therapies, behavioral modification programs and personality development in out of control youths. Wilderness treatment centers appoint teams of skilled counselors, therapists, psychologists and caring staff to deal with all teenage problems like self injury, manipulative conduct, lying problem, cutting and self destructive nature, self suicidal tendency, stealing, bullying, shoplifting, defiance and school skipping problems successfully.

Parents must choose most appropriate boarding school or residential treatment program for difficult adolescents that can fulfill their special needs and demands in effective ways. Therapeutic schools and specialty boarding schools are specialized in coping with all types of behavioral, emotional, mental, physical and psychological issues of problematic children. Centers recommend successful therapy and counseling programs for various problems such as learning disability, autism, dyslexia, eating disorders, drug alcohol addiction and chemical substance abuse. Specialty boarding academies prescribe focused psychotherapy assessment and intervention programs for many psychological disorders such as ADD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, ODD and OCD.

Parenting relationship program is the key of successful depressed youth recovery. Treatment centers give emphasis to strengthen the relationships between parents and lonely kids and solve the teen adoption issues. Counselors offer effective therapy programs for diminishing teen negative self image. Parents can get valuable tips to improve defiant kids behavior. Christian boarding schools emphasize on the Christ centered education, Biblical knowledge, Church and retreat programs for developing healthy behavior and positive life skills in distracted adolescents.

Anxious families can also choose residential treatment centers for psychologically disordered youngsters. Treatment centers recommend inpatient, outpatient services, extended care, individualized supervision and monitoring services, fostering environment, medication and non medication programs to treat the problems of upset kids. Residential treatment programs are successful in treating the problems like concentration problem, mood swinging, youth drug addiction defiance, aggression, rebelliousness, sex addition, internet addiction, teenage pregnancy, low self esteem and confidence, behavioral issues, poor peer groups and many others.

Occupational Therapy - A Career Helping People Recover

General Overview

The main role of the occupational therapist is to assist people who have been injured or who have been disabled since birth to recover or learn the skills using adaptations that will help them be more independent in everyday life. Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy are often confused. OT deals mainly with fine motor skills, such as using hands; physical therapy deals with the big muscle groups and associated skills, such as walking. Occupational therapy was rated the ninth least stressful job in America by "US News and World Report."

Patients may make slow progress towards their goals. They may ignore instructions to practice therapy at home. Sometimes they even resent the time spent going to therapy and are angry that they even have to be there. In all of these situations, the occupational therapist must remain patient and try to motivate the patient and give him or her a view of what the future could be like if they follow through with instructions from the therapist.

Required Education

All OTs in the United States have gone through a master's-level program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). To graduate a pre-service occupational therapist must demonstrate his or her knowledge in a clinical setting for at least 24 hours. This field work is supervised. After graduating with a master's degree, the next step is passing the national certification test. If passed, this test entitles the therapist to use the title "Occupational Therapist Registered" or OTR after his or her name.

Students who plan to continue their education in an OT master's program can get undergraduate degrees in sociology, anthropology, psychology, liberal arts, biology or anatomy. Other similar bachelor's degrees also go well with a master's in occupational therapy. The actual OT courses include study of the behavioral sciences, physical sciences, life sciences and applying OT theory.

At present, ACOTE accredits four doctoral programs and 150 master's and combined bachelor's/master's OT programs in the United States.

The top five occupational therapy programs in America, as ranked by "U. S. News and World Report" are as follows: Boston College Sargent, Washington University St. Louis, University of Southern California, University of Illinois Chicago, Tufts University Boston and the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Job Growth Expectations

Ranking as one of the top 50 best careers of 2010 by "U. S. News and World Report, " occupational therapy is predicted to grow faster than other jobs. This is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Work with the elderly in the OT field will be a large part of the increase.

Between 2008 and 2018, the number of OTs is expected to rise by 26%. In 2008, 105,000 people worked as OTs. By 2018, 131,300 people are expected to be working as OTs.

Pay

Mental health facilities, home health care services, public and private schools, hospitals and nursing homes are the main places where occupational therapists find work. A few work for themselves.

The average OT salary in 2008, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $67,780. The bottom 10% of therapists earned below $42,820 and the top 10% earned over $98,310 per year.

The average salary of an OT working in home health care services is $74,510 a year. OTs working in nursing homes earned about $72,510 a year and those doing occupational therapy in schools earned considerably less at $60,020 per year.

American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (Who They Are and What They Do)

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) is a division of the American Physical Therapy Association (ABPT). This part of the ABPT coordinates and supervises the specialist certification process. They also act as the governing body for certification and recertification of clinical specialists. The APTA, the main professional organization that represents physical therapist members within the United States, established the specialist certification program in 1978.

The ABPTS is comprised of nine different individuals with varying backgrounds. These individuals include five board-certified physical therapists with different specialty areas, a physical therapist representing the APTA Council of Section Presidents, an expert in testing, a physical therapist who is also a member of the APTA Board of Directors, and a person who represents the public and is not a physical therapist. The mission of the ABPTS according to the APTA's website "is to improve public health by advancing clinical excellence in physical therapy practive through credentialing clinical specialists."

The ABTS sets the minimum requirements for certification and recertification of specialists. They approve and recommend to the APTA formation of new specialty areas. They approve and form specialty councils in areas approved by the House of Delegates. They also supervise specialty council activities. The ABTS approves the certification and recertification of candidates for specialist certification. This group develops and revises policies and procedures related to the specialist and recertification process.

Certification in a physical therapy specialty area is the process in which a therapist builds on their basic professional education and experience to develop greater skills and knowledge related to a particular area of practice. The process of certifying specialists was established to provide recognition of physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge and skills in a special area of practice. The designation of a specialist also helps consumers and others in the health care community recognize these therapists. There are seven specialty areas in which physical therapists can pursue board-certification. They include Cardiovascular and Pulmonary (CCS), Geriatric (GCS), Neurologic (NCS), Orthopeaedic (OCS), Pediatric (PCS), Clinical Electrophysiology (CES), and Sports (SCS). The initials representing each specialty area are abbreviations used by physical therapists who have been board-certified as specialists to note this achievement. There are currently 8,408 physical therapists with specialty certifications. The breakdown by specialty areas are 135 Cardiopulmonary, 136 Clinical Electrophysiologic, 927 Geriatric, 669 Neurologic, 4979 Orthopaedic, 854 Pediatic, and 708 Sports.

There are specific requirements outlined by the ABPTS for each specialty before certification can occur. Minimum clinical hours, research participation, and evidence of emergency care competency are some examples of the requirements that must be met before a licensed physical therapist can sit for a specialty certification exam. The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) provides test development and administration of the specialist certification examinations. This organization works in partnership with ABPTS to develop the tests in specialty areas. The computer-based exams are administered at proctoring centers. The passing score for a specialty certification examination is 500.

The fees associated with achieving ABPTS clinical specialization certification are sometimes paid for by employers. A recent survey by the ABPTS indicated that private practice clinics and acute care hospitals are the entities most likely to help with these costs. Incentives for physical therapists to pursue specialty certifications include salary increases, a change in job title, or additional authority or responsibilities at work. Priority is often given during the hiring process to physical therapists who are board-certified specialists.

Physical therapists who have achieved certification in a specialty area are required to recertify every ten years. The purpose of recertification in to verify a therapists up-to-date competence as an advanced practitioner in a specialty area. Physical therapists practicing in an area of specialty are encouraged to pursue continuing education and professional research. A therapist who maintains their certification indicates their commitment to clinical excellence.

When to Apply Massage Oil, Lotion, Or Cream During a Massage Therapy Session

The following interview was conducted with Mary Davis, a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) based in Asheville, North Carolina. Her practice of 10 years is located on Elk Mountain in North Asheville, and she specializes in deep tissue massage work. Davis keeps a supply of different massage oils, lotions, and creams at her practice for different clients, various types of massage, and deep tissue techniques.

Why do massage therapists choose to use massage oil, rather than massage creams and lotions?

The first issue of choice is the preference of the client. Some people actually prefer lotions because they don't make the body feel greasy. I tend to choose oil more often. When I want to do deeper work, oils work better for me. When I do deep tissue massage, I use less oil, because I can use more grip and get down into deeper layers of tissue.

How do you decide upon how much massage oil to use?

It doesn't matter if it's massage oil, lotion, or cream. The quantity of the substance you use has an impact. If I'm performing a Swedish, rather than a deep tissue massage, I use plenty of massage oil, and I'm generous with it. Lots of massage oil helps with the long, sleek, even strokes.

What about massage creams? When is it necessary to use them?

Often I will use a massage cream on a client who has had an injury or muscle spasms. Creams contain ingredients that are particularly stimulating for an area of healing. There are some fantastic massage creams.

What special massage creams facilitate the relief of muscle pain or spasms?

Banner Therapy has a Therapeutic Herbal Muscle Calm cream that is part of their organic skincare products. This is a muscle mending lotion with essential oils and Capsicum, which is the heat-producing ingredient. In terms of really getting down into deep muscle and stimulating healing the Therapeutic Herbal Muscle Cream is pretty potent.

What about other types of creams can you use in massage therapy?

I use some of the new creams. They have different textures, and I find they work well. Some massage therapy creams are designed for general use in massage and provide a pleasant experience for my clients. One main issue with massage creams is that one person's skin may react very differently than another person's skin. I am careful to select a cream when I know it will work well for that particular individual and their skin type.

Another cream I like is an all-purpose cream I use in a variety of massage situations: Soothing Touch Versa Cream. It's parabin free and for a simple general massage (as opposed to major deep tissue) this cream is nice for going a little deeper. It is slippery enough that I don't get stuck. It allows for a glide that gives more fluidity. When I want to I can go deeper with the Soothing Touch massage cream.

What types of massage techniques would be improved with the use a massage lotion?

Massage lotions are a great tool for use in deep tissue massage. Interestingly enough, some of the lotions are better than the creams. They tend to be absorbed more easily and are less slippery than creams. When the lotion is absorbed it leaves a little more grab for deeper massage work. So, many massage therapists will opt for a good lotion over a cream for deep tissue work, if they do not use oil for this.

Are there any other types of massage oils, lotions, or creams you incorporate into your therapeutic, sports, or relaxation massages?

I do prefer to use special skin products just for feet when I work on a client's feet. Usually natural and organic skincare products are made to work well on the body, but it takes a specially made cream to work well on the feet. I tend to choose foot cream with a peppermint or tea tree oil scent. Tea tree oil is good for fungus. I look for a product that not only works well for massaging feet, it softens the feet and feels stimulating and refreshing.

What's the best approach for a massage therapist to take when considering which massage oil, lotion, or cream is best?

I suggest you try new things, and see what works best for you and your client base. It's very good to have some diversity in massage oils, lotions, and creams on hand for use on different areas of the body and for various massage techniques.

Dog Physical Therapy for Dog Arthritis: An Introduction

The main goal of dog physical therapy is to maintain or improve a dog's quality of life by making sure that the mobility of the dog is not hampered by any disease or injury. Therefore, methods used in dog physical therapy are for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Physical Therapy for Dog Arthritis

Studies have shown that one in five dogs over seven have arthritis. Although it is quite prevalent, most dog owners are prepared to deal with the disease. Furthermore, since our dog cannot tell us that they are in pain, most dogs suffer the symptoms of the disease in silence. Dog arthritis is hard to detect in its early stages, and in some cases the dog is only given treatment when the disease is already in its advanced stage.

There many factors which affect the development of dog arthritis such as age, weight, size, and breed. However, why the debilitating disease occurs and what triggers it is still mystery to be solved both in human and veterinary medicine. As a result, there is no cure for arthritis. The only way to approach the disease is by managing the symptoms.

Dog arthritis works by destroying cartilage tissue in joints faster than the body is able to produce new cartilage. When cartilage is damaged, the motion of an affected joint is compromised. Joints in the body work because the parts of bones that are in contact with other bones are lined with the perfectly smooth cartilage tissue. Cartilage and joint fluid, therefore, are like oil in moving gears.

With cartilage damage caused by arthritis, the dog would experience pain when the animal uses the joint when attempting to move. Hence, dog arthritis treatment is often composed of medications that alleviate any pain or inflammation related to the debilitating disease. Drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are used.

However, proper treatment does not stop with these medications. As mentioned earlier, weight can be factor in the development of the disease. It is here that physical therapy becomes very important. For dogs suffering from arthritis, weight management is crucial. Techniques in physical therapy will not only help a dog shed some unnecessary pounds, but they will aid in strengthening the dogs muscles placing less strain on the bone.

Active Therapy for Dogs

One aspect of physical therapy uses equipment or employs certain movements so that the state of the dog's musculoskeletal system is improved. The main objectives of active therapy in dogs are to strengthen muscles, improve balance and proprioception, and to encourage weight bearing.

The following are some of the techniques or methods used in active therapy:

* Aquatic Therapy. The method usually requires an underwater treadmill, but the core of the therapy is water. The liquid works in two ways. First, it provides buoyancy. Almost half of the dog's weight is displaced which lessens significantly the strain on the animal's joints. Second, the water provides resistance. This forces the dog lengthen their stride. An additional benefit is that when warm water is used, it helps alleviate the pain at the same time helps promote blood flow to the joints.

* Dry Treadmill. Although it does not have the added benefits of water, dry treadmills are still effective for dog physical therapy. Just like its aquatic counterpart, the dry treadmill is used for muscle strengthening and post surgery or injury rehabilitation. It is helpful if the treadmill being is used is specifically designed for dogs.

* Therapy Ball. Most people are intimidated with the dog therapy ball, but it is actually simple to use. All one needs is some patience. Here are some simple instructions: (1) place your dog's front legs on the ball, you can hold your dog until the animal finds its balance; (2) move the ball from side ten times, make sure to do it slowly; (3) as your dog becomes more familiar, you extend the exercise for several minutes.

* Resistance Bands.

* Sit-Stand / Assisted Standing/Walking. The previous techniques require the use of equipment, and some of them can be very expensive. Nevertheless, there are exercises easy to do and does not require to invest in some dog exercise equipment. The simplest example is walking. Walking your dog twice a day will do wonders for your animal's condition. You can even increase the intensity of the workout by walking uphill or walking on a series of steps. Walking through an obstacle course is also helpful. The assisted standing is another fun way for dogs to get their need physical therapy. Assisted standing is a fancy word for dog dancing. What you need to do is lift the legs of your dog and then slowly move from one direction to another. Last example is the sit-stand. This is much recommended for dogs that have undergone obedience training. The owner repetitively gives the command to sit and then stand.

Visit my blog for more information on dog arthritis and the many ways you can help to control this disease.

Types of Balinese Massage

Known as an Indonesian traditional massage therapy, Balinese massage is a common type of massage therapy that deals with calming and treating the body through tissues. It uses a wide variety of techniques that includes the use of essential oils and scented candles, acupressure, reflexology and some basic massage strokes in Swedish massage.

Originally developed from Bali, this form of therapeutic massage which traces its medical roots with the Ayurvedic form of traditional healing is a commonly offered service in Asia. Buddhist monks are convinced that overall healing should include both bodywork and spiritual wellness. This type of therapy enables the body and mind to work together properly to gain the benefits of the natural treatment.

In a partially lit room, scented candles and massage oils usually welcomes the patient in a Balinese massage therapy. Although the mood in the room may vary, it is mostly set in a peaceful setting with minimum lighting for meditation and calmness of the mind. The body is prepared with the application of various essential oils or a blend of two or more of this type of oil for the body to receive healing effects and benefits, especially the skin.

Balinese massage therapy is the type of therapy to try if you are after relieving muscle pain from stiff and knotted muscles, as well as relief from anxiety, depression and stress. This type of therapy can also be used by athletes and active individuals as it also treats deep tissue issues. It specializes in loosening and relaxing tight muscles that often results to muscle cramps, spasms and sprains. This therapeutic massage also works as maintenance for the prevention of injuries by strengthening the muscles and improving the flexibility and mobility of the joints.

This type of therapy is ideal for individuals with poor blood and oxygen circulation as it provides proper flow of both within the body. Balinese helps in giving extra oxygen in the head which and within the body. Proper circulation of both supplies yields healthy results.

A Balinese massage is differentiated into four types such as Sasak massage, Lombok massage, Urat massage, and Javanese Lulur ritual. Prior to any session of these various types of therapy, a quick discussion and advice from a doctor or therapist should be considered to avoid problems and to get information on which better suits your medical needs. Although all of these types of massage contribute to the healing and whole body relaxation, each treatment varies from each other in style.

In order to achieve maximum satisfaction and to receive the full benefits of the four different types of Balinese therapeutic massage, proper preparation should be followed. For a comfortable experience during the massage therapy session, light meal should be taken instead of a heavy meal the day before your scheduled therapy. Water also helps in purifying the body from toxins and all sorts of body wastes that contributes to the added stress. Regular exercise also keeps the body in its tip top condition which allows therapies like this type of massage to be received much better by the body.