Physical Therapy Programs - The Considerations

In order to work as a physical therapist, it is important to get a physical therapy degree. There are several physical therapy programs to choose from and the application process if often time consuming. However, it is of utmost importance and there are a couple of things you need to take into consideration in order to determine what works for you.

• The first thing you need to do is determine the type of degree you want. In this case, it can either be a doctorate or masters.

• Next, you have to determine the geographical region. This is important as it makes it possible to determine whether there are schools within the locality that offer what you are looking for. In essence, this is the only way to narrow down your search.

• The size of the physical therapy programs is another important consideration that needs to come into play. Look at the curriculum been offered and the timeline provided to complete it. In the long run, this goes a long way to increase the possibility of making the most appropriate decision.

• You also have to consider whether you ought to settle with programs offered at state or in private institutions. Keep in mind that your finances play an important role in determining whether you can afford the program and as such, this is an aspect that should not be overlooked.

• You must ensure that the programs selected are accredited. Therefore, it is important to review the school in this aspect. This should be accompanied by a description of the program in question and while at it, it is also important to select something that matters the most to you.

• Always take time to carry out thorough research in order to compare what different schools have to offer on the backdrop of what you intend to achieve once through with the course.

There are several schools that offer physical therapy programs and it is for this reason that it is advisable to tread carefully when choosing one. Make sure that you consider all the factors mentioned above and what is more, take time to review each program independently before making your choice. This is the only way to ensure that the school you choose meets your individual needs. One of the most reliable ways of meeting this end is looking at the curriculum offered in the school and taking a short tour of the school. This goes a long way to determine whether you make a choice based on individual needs.

Ohio Massage Therapy Licensure

As of January 2012, the State of Ohio Medical Board, which licenses a person to practice massage therapy, will be accepting the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) developed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, as its "credential" for practicing in the state. It will actually be a two-step process. First, a person will have to apply to take the exam. It costs $195. Secondly, after passing the exam, the applicant will have to apply to the State of Ohio Medical Board for licensing. This fee will be an additional $150.

Currently, the MBLEx is a licensing exam that is recognized in approximately 30 states and the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. It should not be confused with the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork that is offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). Passage of the MBLEx exam will permit a person who desires to practice massage in Ohio to APPLY for licensure. The NCBTMB exam will not.

If you are preparing for the MBLEx, you will find that there will be 125 multiple choice questions and you will have 140 minutes to complete the exam. The exam is taken at a PearsonVue testing center and you register to take it based on your available days/times. Twenty-five percent of the questions will be on basic anatomy and physiology content, 13% on pathology, 5% on history of massage, 10% on professional practice, 13% on ethics, and 34% on massage techniques, client treatment plans, etc. You receive your results upon completing the exam.

After passing this exam, you will apply to the State of Ohio Medical Board for a license. The application, once completed and money paid, will take about 10-12 weeks to process.

For more information about the MBLEx, go to http://www.fsmtb.org/index.html

The usual procedure for licensure as a massage therapist in Ohio has been to "sit" for a paper-and-pencil test either in December or June of each year. There have been two sections of this test, one for Basic Science and the other for Limited Branch (massage). If a person did not pass either section, they were not granted a license to practice. If a person did not pass either part of this exam after three attempts, they were required to get additional "schooling", what was known as a certificate of competency. Only after passing each exam part was the person granted a license to practice in Ohio.

For more information about the State of Ohio Massage Therapy licensure, go to http://www.med.ohio.gov/mt_about_massage_therapy.htm

Physical Therapy for Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common types of pain that motivates people to consider physical therapy. In fact, lower back pain is so common that one out of four Americans report having had at least some of it at some point in the last three months. Most of the time, it's mild and goes away on its own, but when it's chronic, it's best to consult a professional.

In fact, if your lower back pain is ever accompanied by the loss of bladder control or numbness in your groin, then you should head straight to the ER. It could be that the end of your spinal cord is getting squeezed.

While much lower back pain isn't an emergency, it can run the gamut of severity. It's technically defined as "chronic" when it has persisted for more than three months. ("Acute" is less than three months.) If it comes back, it's called, "recurrent." Most people with acute lower back pain suffer at least one recurrence. The bottom line here is that if your pain last for more than a few days, or of it gets worse, then you should see a physical therapist so that he or she can at least perform an evaluation. While you're waiting for your appointment, you should try to stay as active as you can. Too much bed rest can actually slow down your recovery.

After an initial evaluation, your physical therapist will tailor a treatment plan to your specific symptoms. That treatment plan will include the use of such techniques as spinal joint mobilization, which improves the mobility of your joints. Your treatment will probably also include a regimen of mobility and strength exercises. Direct pain relief can also be achieved during your physical therapy sessions, via the use of ice packs, hot packs, and electrical stimulation. Your therapist will also go over some simple tips with you that are intended to help you manage, or event prevent, your lower back pain in the future.

Part of that additional training your therapist will provide will include information on how to properly bend, lift, and sit, as well as information about proper sleeping positions. Don't neglect the importance of these instructions. A surprisingly high amount of lower back pain is simply caused by consistently bad posture. The advice your therapist provides isn't intended as nagging. It is intended to enable you to live a life that is as pain free as possible.

If you or a loved is suffering from Back Pain, contact a physical therapist today to see how we can help.

Physical Therapy Assistant Colleges and Programs

With the recent rise in healthcare related jobs, one that is projected to continue for quite a few years to come, becoming a physical therapy assistant can be a great career path for many.

It is a hand-on job that those who enjoy working directly with the public will probably enjoy, and a highly valued position to the medical facilities in need of assistants. As with any course of study though, understanding what to expect in regard to schooling and job offerings afterward is an important part of deciding whether or not this course of study is for you; learning about physical therapy assistant colleges and programs should give a good idea on whether or not this seems like the right profession to become involved in.

Types of Physical Therapy Assistant Colleges and Programs that Are Available

As with many of the different assistant and technician jobs in the medical field today, there are a few different kinds of learning programs available to those who want to become employed in the field of physical therapy, though there are distinct differences in the titles received with different training.

Those who attend short training courses that typically last a number of months, and get much of their training through hands on experience are generally employed as a physical therapy aide, which is a wonderful profession in its own, but quite different than becoming a PTA.

With the lesser educational requirements, aides typically have much lower responsibility, as well as little patient contact and lower salary.

On the other hand, those in study to become a physical therapy assistant are required to attend courses to obtain their Associates' in Applied Science degree for Physical Therapy.

Once they have reached this goal, students earn the title of Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), and are able to apply for licensure in their state. License to practice as a PTA is required in 48 of 50 US states today.

What is ironic is that in the UK, where in most cases assistants and technicians involved in healthcare have considerably more strict requirements and qualifications, a person may be employed as a physiotherapy assistant without schooling other than the necessary GCSEs. There are specialist positions available, which do require continued education and work experience, however.

PTA Colleges and Course Information

College courses that award students with the title of PTA and qualify them to apply for state licensure cover many different topics related to the medical field, not just classes directly related to therapy.

It is important for students to be well rounded in general, as well as understand the entire workings of the human body, and the healthcare business as it relates to physical therapy and the many different job settings a PTA might work in. Standard study topics include courses in English, Social Sciences, Psychology and Communication.

Specialized classes generally include Anatomy, Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation, First Aid/CPR, Massage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and other therapeutic treatments and many other, more specialized topics.

Additionally, in order to graduate and earn their PTA, students must fulfill a required amount of externship hours; in most Associates' degree programs students participate in on the job work-study during the last two to three semesters of their education.

Including these externships, graduating with a PTA usually takes an average of 20 months in the US today. Professional organizations in the medical industry report that there is a push to change educational requirements for physical therapy assistants to a 4-year Bachelors degree in the future, too.

Though it may seem like a long time, earning a 2-year Associates' degree it is the best way to enter this type of medical field. Having any degree at all is preferable to simply attending vocational classes, besides the fact that with that head start, it is easy for a PTA to continue education to become a licensed physical therapist, or even enter a different medical profession.

The word "assistant" should not fool anyone into thinking the position is not an important and demanding, however. Physical therapy assistants are required to perform and track all prescribed therapy, and actually spend more time with the patient than the therapist does.

Knowing this, attending the most reputable physical therapy assistant colleges is the best way to get the necessary education, pass the licensing exam and move on to a most rewarding lifetime career.

Why Go to a School For Massage Therapy Instead of Learn From a Book at Home Or Online?

Indeed, the massage therapy is fast growing. In fact, massage therapists will continuously be in demand for such a very long time. This alternative therapy has been practiced since ancient times to promote an overall sense of well-being. However, due to changing times and new discoveries in the medical and technological field, the ancient ways were somewhat forgotten. Yet, there are those who seek to preserve the teachings and the arts of ancient times. And as society continue to progress and many of the past has been forgotten, still there seem to be incidents where the past keeps up with modern times.

One such ancient art is the healing art of massage therapy. Touch has always been regarded as the greatest healing weapon for majority of illnesses; especially stress related ones and those triggered emotionally. In recent times, when man has been plagued with numerous illnesses partly brought about by society's progress, man turned to alternative forms of healing. The rediscovery of holistic treatments seemed more appealing to several people due to the fact that these treatments do not involve the use of artificial drugs.

In fact, massage therapy is only one of the several naturopathic treatments that have gained popularity and acknowledgement from a lot of people. Currently, various states in the United States currently have varied regulations towards massage therapist licensing. Some states requires 125 hours of training while others would require 500 hours or longer before granting a license to a particular individual who hopes to take on massage therapy as a career or profession. Moreover, some states do not honor training from schools in other states. Therefore, it is best to first determine the state you intend to practice massage therapy as a profession.

Although there are books or online sites that offer substantial amount of knowledge about the procedure and how it is properly performed, it is greatly advantageous to go to a school for massage therapy instead of learning from a book at home or online. One advantage is the fact that one will not only gain theoretical education but will have the chance to practice and become adept in the field. The entire package not only provides an individual a thorough understanding of the human anatomy but the practical application of the various massage techniques as well.

Besides that, due to the growing industry of massage therapy, a qualified massage therapist has the opportunity to work in various places such as spas, hotels, resorts, clinics, and even with big companies. Moreover, this profession is a flexible one since an individual may actually choose to work full time, or part time as a massage therapist. Since most people prefer getting a massage after work or during weekends, a massage therapist may choose to work around those hours. Moreover, he may even choose to be self-employed.

To sum it all up, the job opportunities for a massage therapist are not only limitless, but is a pretty much flexible profession as well.

How to Give a Wonderful Back Massage

Who doesn't love a great back massage? And the good news is that learning how to give a proper and relaxing back massage is actually not that hard at all. Even if you never attended a masseuse school, you can still learn the basics of giving a great back massage.

Some Tips on how to Give a Back Massage

Here are some basic tips that you can apply in order to give a soothing and adequate back massage. Have your partner lie on their stomach on a firm and comfortable surface, such as a massage bed if you have one. If not, you can find something else that will do the job easily enough. Just make sure that you have complete access to their entire back without having to reach or strain yourself.

Stand or kneel by their side, placing one your hands on their lower back and the other hand goes up between the shoulder blades, or the heart. Then warm up their back by applying pressure with your thumbs along both sides of their spine simultaneously. You should start at the lower back and work you way up to the neck the area, rather than the other way around.

Then you would use a delicate stroke to apply the massage oil. You do this by using one long stroke and then sliding your palms down either side of the spine to the pelvis, and then you scoop your hands around their hips and back up the sides to the shoulder blades. Remember to constantly maintain contact with the back and always glide your hands rather than removing them completely when you are moving to another area of the body.

You should concentrate on the areas that feel hard or tight. These areas that feel tight are known as knots. If you can loosen up these knots, the person will feel looser and more relaxed. Always perform in a clockwise circular friction with your fingertips along the muscles that are close to the spine and around the shoulder blades, as these areas tend to be the tensest in a person. Also remember to always rotate the arms gently, one at a time, in order to help loosen the shoulder joints and enhance the blood flow.

There are many tremendous benefits that can be gained from a good back massage. Some of the benefits are; increased relaxation, improved circulation, increased body awareness and improved lymphatic drainage for release of toxins. One more thing to remember is that when you're giving a back massage, you must never put any direct pressure on the spine. Also avoid any broken skin, blisters or areas of possible infection.

Earning a Massage Therapy License

The notion of a job in which you can set your own hours, learn about the human body, and help people alleviate stress and pain is very attractive to a large number of candidates from all walks of life. But how do you go about getting started?

The first thing you need to do is research your state's regulations regarding massage therapy license and certification. This career involves the administration of treatment to human muscles, tissues, joints and ligaments. Therefore every state mandates that massage therapists must hold proper certification. But the requirements in California, for example, may be different from those necessary to earn a Florida massage license. The policies can also vary from county to county and town to town. Each state has its own Board of Massage Therapy you can contact for more information. Another excellent resource is the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

Next, determine what type of massage you would like to focus on. People who hold a massage therapy license can be employed at a spa, health club, hospital, private medical practice or sports organization. The ten most popular types of massage are:

1. Swedish
2. Aromatherapy
3. Hot Stone
4. Deep Tissue
5. Shiatsu
6. Thai
7. Prenatal
8. Reflexology
9. Sports
10. Chiropractic

Finally, locate an accredited massage school that can provide you with proper education and hands-on training. Because many people turn to this field as a second career, most schools offer flexible schedules that include both day and evening classes. They will prepare you to sit for state and national certification exams, earn your massage therapy license, and give you the necessary foundation to begin a successful career.

Physical Therapy Patient Testifies to Effectiveness of Wedge Pillows

Have you ever had physical therapy for back pain or been required to lie on your back during medical testing? The chances are that you were given a wedge pillow to lift your legs or support your body in a particular position. For those that experience lower back pain, the results could have seemed very dramatic. The only problem is that once you leave the hospital or clinic, you leave behind the comfort provided by the wedge pillow system. I've experience such relief from back pain, and I found myself trying to stack pillows under my legs while at home trying to get similar results. The fact is that with all the combinations of pillow stacking that I've tried, I have never been able to duplicate the relief provided by the pillow. Fortunately, these pillows were available for me to purchase.

What is a wedge pillow? Also referred to as a bed wedge or leg wedge, it is a specially shaped pillow that supports the body in positions that reduce symptoms commonly caused by such medical conditions as back pain, reflux, and snoring. A flat-topped pillow is commonly used in physical therapy and while convalescing from an injury, but it can also be used on an ongoing basis for those who experience recurring back pain. The pillow is placed under the lower legs, so that your lower legs are elevated about six to eight inches higher than the rest of your body. By lifting your legs and hips, pressure on the lower back is released. The pillow is flat and firm, so your hips will not sway as they will with traditional pillows. There is also an inclined wedge pillow that has multiple purposes. Smaller pillows have less incline and can be placed behind your back to keep you from rolling over while sleeping and snoring. Larger pillows have more of an incline and can be placed under your head and shoulders to prop your upper body up and reduce reflux symptoms or placed behind your back while sitting up in bed to provide a more comfortable time while reading or watching television.

In conclusion, wedge pillows helped me find relief from my symptoms, and it may be worth your time and money to learn firsthand how they can help you. They are available from a number of retailers. Try searching "wedge pillows" on the internet and look for the pillow that best suits your needs. Expect a more comfortable rest.

The Amazing Benefits Of A Full Body Massage

There is nothing in the world like the feeling you get after a full body massage. That sense of peace and tranquility pervades every muscle and seems to be just the thing to help you get a good rest. But a full body massage can do more than just feel good. There are a whole host of benefits that massage can give you when delivered by a licensed professional massage therapist.

The number of benefits associated with massage therapy is enormous.

Humans need touch. It's as simple as that. Without touch, we get depressed, ill, and stressed. A newborn who is not touched will not thrive. A well done massage takes our need for touch to a new therapeutic level. It can not only relieve tension and stress, it can help rehabilitate a muscle injury. It can also help prevent injury. Massage helps keep muscles loose and well-nourished, so they respond better when stressed. Massage improves circulation, which can aid healing and cell growth. The lymphatic system benefits as well through massage... like your circulation, it flows through channels throughout your body. Manipulating the muscles and these channels help clear up blockages and keep the lymph fluid flowing. Regular massages can contribute to a healthier immune system. Regular massages can also help you overcome sleep problems; enabling you to get more rest and be more alert while you are awake.

If you've never had one, you are in for a treat. Here's what you can expect.

A professional massage may cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 or more for an hour-long treatment. Once you've experienced one by a licensed masseuse, you'll know it is worth every penny. When you arrive at the massage therapist's office, you will be shown to a private space. Once there, you will need to undress and lie on the massage table. Sheets are wrapped around you, both for modesty and to keep you warm. Only the portion of your body that is being massaged will be uncovered at any one time. When you are ready, the massage therapist will come in. They may use oils for the massage that enable their fingers to slide more smoothly over your muscles. These oils are easily absorbed by your skin, and may be mixed with aromatherapy oils for additional benefits.

The therapist may start at your feet, loosening the muscles one by one with a series of strokes, pressures and other manipulative movements. They work their way up the legs, into your hips, releasing tension and restoring full circulation as they go. Most methods of massage will focus on moving the blood back towards the heart. Depending on what method of massage you choose, you may experience more methods of applying pressure, or more stroking... each method is different.

The therapist will work their way through your back, shoulders, arms, hands and neck, finishing at your head.

Sounds wonderful doesn't it? But remember to always use a licensed therapist for a full body massage. A licensed massage therapist has undergone rigorous training in the systems of the body and how they work together. They have studied how to apply pressure and stroking techniques to various parts of the body to increase circulation and loosen muscles without causing harm to the client. And they have passed a stringent written and practical exam by their state to qualify to provide massage therapy to the public.

Massage Therapy Schools

Massage therapy schools are necessary to attend if you want to become a massage therapist. Most states won't grant you a license without formal training in massage techniques.

First, find out which boards or organizations grant massage licenses in your home state. Then, go to that organization's website and find a list of the schools that it deems acceptable. Narrow down your choice of schools according to the cost of tuition, whether or not you want to take classes full time or part time (not every school offers both options) and according to which locations are most convenient for you. If there's more than one school that meets these criteria, visit all of those schools so you can get a sense of which school just feels right to you. You might also want to chat with teachers and students at these schools, and check out some online reviews if you can as well. Some schools may require an interview and/or character references, as they want to make sure that you're someone who's hardworking, good at following directions and listening, and that you care about people-that you're someone who'd be able to build a rapport with clients.

Massage therapy school will involve a combination of classroom-style learning as well as actual massage practice on both mannequins and real-life human beings. The subjects you'll study include anatomy and physiology, so that you'll know by heart all the muscles of the human body, as well as the joints and organs. Since many people seek massage therapy as a treatment for pain, it's crucial that you understand how all parts of the body work, both separately and in conjunction with one another. You'll also study disease-a subject called pathology-so you can get a sense of what diseases you can help treat and what ailments are not curable at all by massage. There will also be courses in various theories of massage, the history of massage, and the latest massage techniques. These techniques can be quite involved, too, involving the use not only of your hands and wrists but also your elbows, feet and your overall body weight as well. (Don't worry, though, you don't necessarily have to have a lot of body strength in order to be a good massage therapist.) You'll even learn about nutrition.

Massage therapy schools also give their students a valuable overview of business and finance; if you are going into business for yourself, as many massage therapists do, you'll need to know the basics of bookkeeping, accounting, finance, marketing and advertising. Massage schools offer a few lessons in ethics, too. When you're working on a patient, that person is often vulnerable-not to mention naked in many instances-and so it's important to understand the kinds of things you should and shouldn't say, how to value each customer's privacy and well-being, and how to make decisions that are in the best interests of both yourself and your clients.

Schwinn Recumbent Bicycle: The Bicycle Of Choice For Physical Therapy

Often times after an illness or operation you may find yourself in need of physical therapy. Whilst you are undertaking many forms of therapy you may need exercise to help build up strength within your body.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the illness or injury that triggered the need for physical therapy, you find you often can't do any strenuous exercise or any form of exercise that puts stress or strain on various parts of your body.

This puts you in a bit of a dilemma, you need to get some exercise to help yourself recuperate but you also need to be careful of the type of exercise you do in order to avoid doing yourself any damage.

One of the best forms of exercise you can get is from a recumbent bicycle. These bikes are excellent, low impact ways for you to exercise. Due to the position you sit in to use the bike it puts very little pressure on your back and your legs.

This is very good because it means you can get some exercise whilst you are still undergoing your therapy and get yourself back to health much quicker. Naturally, before you decide to choose to start exercising you should seek the advice of a medical professional to ensure that you are undertaking the right form of exercise.

There are many different types of recumbent bikes that you can use. Remember that if you are in any way injured to get someone to help you assemble the bike as some of the parts can be heavy and you don't want to be injuring yourself as you are trying to make yourself better!

The Schwinn recumbent bicycle range are a very good range of recumbent bicycles that are very well made and suitable for helping you recover from illness or an operation. These bikes are very sturdy and will last you a good long time.

One of the biggest benefits of the entire range is that they are virtually silent in operation which is a big benefit. This means you can watch TV, listen to music and even hold a conversation with ease whilst working out.

The range starts with the A20, the low end model which still has a remarkable range of features considering the price. The top of the range is the Schwinn 240 which has a much more complex computer and many more features. Whichever model you choose to buy, it will be reliable and well made, that's guaranteed.

It will take about an hour to put together your new exercise bike and then probably another ten or fifteen minutes to fiddle with the computer and adjust the seat, but once it is done you don't need to repeat it.

Some users do report that the seat can get uncomfortable after extended use but it is easily fixed with a small cushion.

All in all, you can't go wrong with the Schwinn recumbent bicycle range to help you get fit again after an operation or illness. The prices are very good and the quality and silence of operation are superb.

Communication in Massage

Communicating with clients and understanding Variables.

Three special needs clients are:

- Mental Illness - Clinical Depression, BiPolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
- People with chronic illness
- The elderly

For these three particular groups special requirements may be necessary to accommodate their massage needs.

For the mentally ill suffering from depressive illness it may be necessary to provide a kind, caring, courteous and respectful attitude to make them feel safe, appreciated and respected. It is possible that these people may have an emotional episode while receiving treatment and it will be necessary to provide them with the emotional support they may need.

In addition to the emotional and psychological aspect to providing massage to someone with a depressive illness it may be necessary to use only a select few techniques to prevent any negative effects. Techniques such as tapotement can make them feel more stressed and anxious so it may be best to leave this out. Some clients will also be on medication and depending on the type; certain massage techniques may be contraindicated such as deep tissue massage.

As far as massage is concerned for people suffering depressive illness, it can be a great asset in helping these people deal with their emotions and any physical symptoms that may have manifested themselves through their condition and is a great tool to help them distress and relax. Care must be taken to prevent the client becoming too emotionally dependent on the therapist.

A chronic illness is a condition that has persisted for a long time and quite often there is no known cure, it often causes great pain and discomfort to the individual and possibly even lowers their quality of living. This condition can result in a compromised immune system which makes clinic hygiene and a good state of own personal health a high priority. Other conditions may be the result of physical injury or trauma or possibly another disease like HIV or Parkinson's.

When dealing with a person who has a chronic illness it is necessary to treat them much in the same way as someone suffering from a depressive illness: kind, caring, courteous and respectful. Massage techniques may be restricted depending on their current physical condition, medication or just simply personal preference. In some cases it may contraindicated to perform deep tissue massage and tapotement. If massage is not contraindicated then gentle, relaxing techniques like effleurage and petrissage can be performed. The key to massaging someone with a chronic illness is to help them relax.

For the elderly, receiving a massage is a chance for them to receive gentle human contact and have a chance to communicate, especially if they live in an aged care facility.

When providing massage to an elderly client it is important to provide only what they feel comfortable with. Some clients may prefer to remain seated and fully clothed others may like to lie on a bed or massage table and be undressed down to their underwear. No matter what they choose it's important to provide them with a feeling of safety, comfort and security. Just like the depressive and chronic illnesses it is important to be kind, caring, courteous and respectful.

In some cases full body massages aren't wanted and the client is happy to simply receive a hand, foot and head massage and other cases may want more. It is important to remember when performing massage on the elderly to take great care with stroke depth as the skin tends to become thin, dry, wrinkled, prone to bruising and has the possibility of tearing. Sometimes a client is happy to simply sit and talk and not worry about massage but no matter what the choice it's important for the therapist to communicate effectively with the client.

The general points in dealing with the elderly are:

- Monitor comfort and warmth
- Support weak, contracted, painful areas
- Short Session - They tire easily
- Be flexible and adaptable
- Adjust rate, rhythm, pressure and touch
- Modify massage techniques as needed
- Do not rush them
- Take time to build trust and rapport
- Listen and show interest, allow them to talk
- Be sensitive to their emotional needs
- Adapt the massage to client and situation
- Avoid deep work and be careful around the neck and chest
- Obtain permission to massage sensitive areas
- Ask what sort of help they need and support them
- Remember you are not trying to fix things or cure them
- Ensure safety on and off the table - Clean all oil off feet.

Skills required for being an effective communicator in the massage industry

• Be respectful - Every client has different needs and requirements and it's important to make them feel comfortable and secure. The therapist needs to respect the integrity of the client.


• Be a good listener - While massage is seen to be a physical profession people don't often realise it is also a form of counselling. Sometimes a client will reveal a lot of personal information while they are on the table and it's important the therapist is respectful, listens to what they say and comfort them in the process.


• Kind, Considerate and Warm - This falls in with the previous two points and without it is impossible to provide the client the feeling of safety and security


• Happy and Energetic - By portraying these emotions it can help boost the feelings of the client if they are feeling a little run down. If the client is already happy and energetic then it can lead to a very productive session, one which the client will enjoy very much.


• Be professional - Being professional gives the client the comfort they need knowing they will be respected and all the effort will be made to ensure their comfort and satisfaction. It is also necessary when problems arise.


• Compassion and Empathy - When a client is revealing personal information, something that makes feel distraught, it helps to be compassionate and empathetic to try and meet them on the same level. If there is the same level of understanding between therapist and client then the comfort of the client will be adequately met.

The Importance of Assessment in Massage Therapy

I have a little jar of "blog topic ideas" sitting on my desk, relatively neglected until now. I find it funny that this title was the first one I pulled out because assessment is one of the fundamental parts of my treatment, and the treatments of other health care professionals. Why else would there be so many types of specialists but to look more closely at the details to answer that constant question.... Why?

Assessment is the back bone of a reasonable and rational treatment. In school, I'd suspected this would be true, but, finding assessment difficult, I tried to avoid it; circumstance and ambition would see it otherwise. I attended a seminar given by Rob Johnston DOMTP, principal and one of the head instructors at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, here in Hamilton Ontario. It would be impressed upon me that not only is assessment important, it is the only way to truly find and correct the dysfunctions found in the people who come to my office.

So what makes assessment so important? It is the difference between walking into a dark room and crashing into everything to find the one small item you needed, and walking into the same dark room and turning on the light before you begin to search. Massage Therapists have great hands and can feel a great many lumps, bumps, cold spots and textures on the bodies of our clients. But without an assessment, none of that really means anything more than lumps, bumps, cold spots and textures. My first true experience with this was in the seminar I attended. We were asked to palpate (feel) the bony prominences called Transverse Processes of the lumbar vertebrae. Once found our partners were instructed to bend from side to side. It became very obvious that when one bends to one side (say the right), the vertebrae involved in that motion will rotate to the opposite (left). This small bit of information radically changed my treatment. For, that lump I'd been feeling on so many left sides that I dug and dug at to no avail, was a poor little transverse process, right where it should be. This is the power of understanding assessment.

When we assess, we are looking at the expression or symptom, of the dysfunction. This is what makes assessment such a challenge. As assessors, we are interpreting the expression, tracing it back to the root cause in order to discover what is truly at dis-ease. We all know cough medicine doesn't make the sickness go away, it makes the symptoms/expression of it more tolerable. Manual therapy can be very much the same; it can be symptom management, like cough medicine. But unlike cough medicine, when a solid assessment is done, it can identify the root cause of the dis-ease, and, if treatment is within the scope of practice of the practitioner, it can be corrected.

Another reason assessment is so important is investment involved in treatment. Treatment can take a lot of time, and can be costly; more so if the practitioner has a poor idea of what is going on with his client's body. Not knowing why a person has pain means spending a lit of treatment time playing "hit or miss." This is a wasteful use of time for both the practitioner and the client, and a waste of the client's money. Not only is a single treatment spent mostly trying things that likely fail, but the next appointment is another session of trial and error, and the client has lower chances of actually getting better. And note there is a difference between feeling better and getting better. Certainly getting a massage can make that chronic back pain go away for a few days, maybe a week or two, but it probably will be back. So many of my clients want Trigger Point Therapy. They say "oh you can go deeper" or "dig at that!" but all that pressure really does is release natural pain killers, called endorphins. These will last for most of the day, and may even remain for a few days, but these, like cough medicine, are only managing the symptoms. In short time the back pain has returned, and you're once again at the mercy of your therapist and the Pain Scale system.

By doing very simple postural exams, I have learned to identify and correct problems of vertebral alignment, fixation of sacroiliac joints, sciatic nerve compression, rib and thorax immobility, carpal tunnel like syndromes and other joint or limb pains. Every client presents new challenges and new puzzles with all their own unique alignments to investigate. Assessment is an ongoing process, as you change throughout your treatments, and as I change throughout my career, revealing more and more information about your body, and my role in bringing it to the best health it can have. Though it is not always easy, assessment is always necessary. Next time you visit any professional, whether he or she is a Doctor, Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, or Accountant, make sure your investment is protected and respected by having your concern properly assessed, so the prescribed treatment is reasonable and rational.

When in doubt, trust your reason!

Get That Healing Touch - Learning Massage Therapy

After a long day out in the sun, frolicking in the clear blue waters, tourists and even locals, want nothing more than a relaxing massage to soothe their aching muscles. Thus, it is no wonder that perhaps there are hundreds of masseurs and massage therapy spas across the United States. This might be a good opportunity for you to learn massage therapy and earn some money, either by being a personal masseur or putting up your own massage therapy business.

The good thing is that there are many schools that offer massage therapy courses. They offer courses in many different kinds of massage, from Shiatsu to Swedish. A massage school generally offers as many as 10 different massage therapy techniques which means that you really are getting your money's worth if you study there.

Massage schools not only teach you different massage techniques, but also pertinent subjects or courses that would be helpful in your career as a masseur. For example, in one school, you will be taught not only Swedish massage, but the school would also give you lessons in human physiology, ethics, and the like. More importantly, make sure you school is accredited by the government. This means that once you graduate from one, you become a licensed massage therapist.

This gives you the ability to practice your profession almost anywhere and opens the doors to hundreds of possibilities. You can be a personal masseur, you can work at a spa, you can teach or you can even build your own business, such as a spa or your own massage therapy school. Not only that, learning the art of massage therapy enables you to make people around you feel better about themselves. You can offer your services to family members or friends either for medical reasons, or just purely for relaxation.

The beauty of learning massage therapy iis that you also learn more about yourself. and ultimately a very personal job. It requires you to form a bond with the person you are helping. You also need to be dedicated and have belief in the healing power of massage therapy. Whether you are learning or studying Shiatsu massage or Swedish massage, the school would always incorporate the importance of dedication and belief in your job to make you a better massage therapist.

Enroll in a Massage School to Become a Professional Massage Therapist

If you are gifted with a healing touch, now is the time to learn to enhance your ability as a Massage Therapist. The Massage industry is growing and it is a great time to enroll in a massage school and take a certification course to become a successful therapist.

Education from an Accredited Massage School is Valued in the Massage Therapy Profession:

Some people believe that formal education, training, certification, or licensing are not required for learning massage. However, self-taught therapists, who are not certified by an approved massage school, are not permitted to work legally in most of the United States. Therefore, in order to work legally as a massage therapist, the laws governing massage therapy require that you complete formal education at a school.

Here are facts about therapy education:

Every day the number of people entering the massage industry is increasing. Over 300 accredited massage schools and programs are available in the United States. The majority of states in the US require education and training from an approved or accredited massage school, as well certification or licensing, for massage therapy professionals.

There are more than 91,000 nationally certified therapists in the US. Therefore, to become a successful therapist, you are encouraged to receive your education and certification from a reputable massage school that will enable you to take the National Certification Exam (NCBTMB) or become certified or licensed as a massage therapist in your state.

The majority of massage therapists, as well as employers and professionals in the massage industry, acknowledge that to become a successful therapist it is best to have a certain level of education from a reputable school.

Professional schools provide 250 or 500 hours of training, which helps students learn the different techniques of therapy and provide the skills necessary for a lucrative career in the field of Massage Therapy.

A majority of successful therapists take continuing education classes from a school that is approved for continuing education by the NCBTMB

Massage schools provide entry level training in various modalities/techniques, advanced training for specific modalities, and training in working with specific populations (e.g. pregnant women, geriatrics, and athletes).

Many states in the USA require that licensed or certified therapists have at least 500 hours of training. Some states such as California allow graduates with 250 hours of training to work in the field. Moreover, many states require massage therapists to complete continuing education hours every year to maintain their license.

Enroll in a respected state approved massage school and start your journey towards becoming a successful therapist.

Massage Therapy Can Ease Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is not just one disease, but a generic term that covers more than thirty genetic disorders sharing the characteristics of progressive skeletal muscle degeneration and weakness. The severity, progression and distribution of the symptoms as well as age of onset, are some of the things that separate one form of MD from another.

There are four primary forms of muscular dystrophy. The most common is Duchenne MD and it affects mostly males, with the initial onset at between 3-5 years of age. It is a rapidly progressing form of the disease and ultimately results in an inability to walk and the need for a respirator to assist in breathing. Becker MD is less severe and less aggressive than Duchenne, affecting mostly older boys and young men. Landouzy-Dejerine MD usually affects those in their teens and can have a wide variety of symptoms. Mytonic MD or Steinert's disease is most commonly found in adults. It is typified by muscle spasms, cataracts, heart related problems and endocrine imbalances.

The most common forms of muscular dystrophy occur because of problems with dystrophin, which is a protein in the body needed for muscles to function normally. A deficiency or absence of dystrophin has a major impact on the normal functioning of muscle movement and can result in the characteristic spasms usually associated with MD.

Currently there is no way to stop the progression of any form of muscular dystrophy. Any treatments prescribed are used to ease or reduce some of the symptoms such as joint deformities, and to assist in retaining mobility for as long as possible. Drugs, such as corticosteroids, are often used to help slow muscle degeneration, and anticonvulsants help to calm muscle activity and reduce seizures.

Regular massage therapy, in conjunction with traditional therapies, can also help in reducing the severity of muscle spasms, relax tight muscles and restore some range of motion. It can also help to ease some of the pain associated with MD.

Learn more about how massage therapy can help treat the symptoms of muscular dystrophy.

Understanding Massage Therapy

We've all heard of massage and many of us have even experienced it, in one form or another. By a masseuse who happened to be an amature, loved one or professional. If the person knew what they were doing, you came away feeling like a million bucks. But what is massage, really!

Massage or massage therapy as it has come to be known in our time, began with the ancient Egyptians, then the Greeks and finally the Romans. Yes these ancient cultures used massage therapy for both healing and pleasure. The science of massage therapy had also spread to other early cultures such as India, China and Japan. The last three went further by integrating it to form an integral part of their systems of medicine and healing.

Massage is the organized form of touch. It is performed by the hands, elbows and forearms gliding over the skin and applying pressure to the underlying muscles by a system of movements. These movements involve stroking, rubbing, pressing and kneading. Massage is not a panacea, but can greatly aid in the normal functions of the body and restore balance as well.

How Massage Works

Massage works by the body responding to the various touch techniques given to it. These touch techniques causes the body to engage in there normal functions. Massage itself, acts like a natural stimuli for the body to respond with positive effects in many different ways. Some of these therapeutic effects are, stimulating the circulation of the blood and lymph, loosening of muscular tension, toning and firming the muscles.

When fibers stop sliding over each other easily, it's most likely the cause of people not getting enough exercise, too much exercise, physical or mental tension. These factors cause the drop of any increase in muscle tone. The waste products from muscular activity, like carbon dioxide, lactic acid and urea, build up in the muscles. Massage therapy fosters drainage of those wastes, therefore restoring there normal functions.

Massage therapy also fosters the drainage of lymph, causing better circulation of the blood. Because of this, the skin looks much better than if drainage was difficult. Why bother with the how the skin looks? Because the appearance of the skin, is usually a good indicator of a persons inner condition. In reference to muscles, massage therapy has a good effect on the fibrous tissue surrounding the joints.

The effects of massage upon the autonomic nervous system gives birth to the feeling of relaxation. How? By stimulating the sensory nerve endings located within the skin, signals are sent to the brain by the central nervous system. This in turn produces the experience of feeling good. Once again because of this action, a new reaction takes place by causing a significant reduction in the body's stress level. When a person is relaxed, abdominal breathing becomes more natural. I can assure you, your abdominal organs appreciate this. It's quite clear that the nervous system plays a crucial role in massage therapy. It's also responsible for the vascular system, since it controls it. A decrease in efficient drainage and supply of blood, is caused by a reduction of vascular.

Massage works by reducing stress, managing the body's waste products, fostering normal bodily functions, providing a sense of well being and boosting mental health.

The Logic of Massage

The gradual development of massage therapy into a full blown art and science can be determined as only logical. When we fall, bruise or sustain any sort of physical injury, we usually tend to touch it. Even if that act produces no form of healing solution, or does it? Touch in itself is very comforting to us. It reassures us, make us feel loved and accepted. Whenever someone is in pain, we tend to want to hug, hold or touch that person in someway. Somehow sensing that the very act of physical contact will contribute to the overall holistic health of the person. Guess what? You are correct in that assumption.

Studies have shown that, touching among other comforting and intimate contact, does assist in the overall recovery and health of a person. Whether that person is in need of physical, mental, emotional or spiritual healing or comfort. In looking at the big picture, I see massage therapy continuing to play an important role in human history for a long time to come. What are you waiting for, join the minions.

Using Massage Therapy With Essential Oils For Sprained Wrist Injuries And Wrist Tendinitis Relief

Sprained wrist injuries may be quite common, but that doesn't lessen their inconvenience. The doctor will tell you that normally they will heal in five to six weeks.

In reality, the sprain can cause pain in the wrist joint (wrist tendonitis) for years to come. Using massage therapy with essential oils, many people have found the relief they've been looking for.

When there is a wrist sprain, acute pain can shoot up the arm every time the joint moves or bends. There also is inflammation and swelling in the joint making it harder to bend. This is nature's way of giving some protection to the injury.

Alternating ice packs and then using oils on the injured joint for the first twenty four hours will give much relief and lessen the swelling.

A few of the oils that are anti-inflammatory along with top acute pain relieving attributes are Helichrysum Italicum, Elemi, Geranium and Helichrysum Gemnosephalum. Within seconds, relief can happen because essential oils work by following the nerves. So when pain deadening essential oils are applied, the pain begins to subside rather quickly.

Provided the wrist sprain does not require surgery, using pain relieving oils and lightly massaging it often can cause the swelling to go down. But even if there has to be surgery, it can heal quicker with the healing help of essential oils carefully massaged around the surgery site.

Then as soon as the incision is healed, massaging the area with the oils will cause the scar tissue to soften and be more flexible.

As the wrist injury heals, adhesion's can form. Adhesions are small bits of sticky plasma that remains after the body has broken down and reabsorbed a bruise. The plasma sticks to the tissue fibers causing a restriction of blood flow, also constricting muscle mobility and nerve energy to the area. These pockets (adhesions) are usually the cause of pain in an old injury.

By massaging the wrist with essential oils that are anti-inflammatory, muscle adhesions are broken up so that the body can reabsorb them. At the same time the essential oils are helping heal the wrist injury, they rebuild the immune system and increase strength.

tendonitis can happen in old injuries and cause the joint and muscles around the joint to weaken and hurt.

The four grades of tendonitis are:

1. There is only pain after an activity

2. There is pain at the beginning of an activity then subsides during the activity and returns after the activity is finished.

3. There is pain that restricts activity and happens at the beginning, during and after.

4. The pain continually gets worse and interferes with daily living especially with activities.

There are many of the essential oils that are anti-inflammatory and are a healing sprained wrist treatment (new injury) or a wrist tendonitis treatment (old injury). It is best to choose oils that help heal the injury but are also known for their acute pain relieving qualities.

While using them to massage the affected sprained wrist, stretching the muscle and tendon/ligament carefully will help to keep some adhesions from forming.

Then after the sprain has healed, use deep tissue massage strokes. The anti-inflammatory, acute pain relieving essential oils along with the strokes help stretch the adhesions that occurred deeper into the joint and muscle. This treatment breaks up the plasma waste so it can be reabsorbed by the body.

By using essential oil massage therapy over time, an old wrist sprain can improve and heal.

Self Massage Therapy Techniques for Headaches

Chances are if you are like most Americans you have had a headache, as a matter of fact when it comes to the rate of chronic headaches in America, studies have shown that roughly 45 million Americans suffer from them each year. While I would suggest that seeking the service of a professional massage therapist, many times you can utilize self massage techniques, which may speak to men more than females. The reason being, men still have a lower rate of seeking massage therapy services than women do. But these techniques will for everyone.

With men suffering slightly more than females, 25 million men on average, while female average about 20 million that experience chronic headaches. This represents a statistic of chronic headaches that is roughly 1 out of every 6 Americans. Here are some more startling statistics that might be alarming to you.

Headache statistics according to the American Headache Society:

• Every 10 seconds, someone in the United States goes to the emergency room with a headache or migraine.


• More than $1 billion is spent on over-the-counter medications to treat headaches and Migraines.


• The lost work due to migraine disease costs more than $13 billion every year in the U.S

Follow these self massage techniques that are listed here and you will diffuse the severity of your headache or migraine.

1. Drink plenty of water before and after doing these massage techniques (most important)

2. Take your thumbs and press them firmly into the bridge of your nose, just underneath your forehead. Direction of pressure is in towards one another, pressure is firm but not causing pain. Hold for 7 - 10 seconds, breathy deeply. Repeat 2 -4 times

3. Take your thumbs and now place them just underneath your forehead, with the pads of your thumb very close to the bridge of your nose. But this time you will press firmly upwards towards your forehead, again not causing pain but utilizing firm steady pressure. Taking deep breathes while holding this pressure. Hold for 7 - 10 seconds and repeat if necessary.

4. Take both hands and pinch and then pull your skin tissue just below you eyebrows and hold. Direction of and pressure of pinch is away from face and pressure is firm, with a hold of about 5 -7 seconds and repeat.

5. Take your thumbs or your middle 3 fingers and press them firmly into the sides of your temple. You can add a slight circular motion here as well, this is very effective. Hold for 7 - 10 seconds using form but steady pressure.

6. Sinus suffers can press into the sides of their nose and move fingers firmly away from their nose towards their cheekbones. Working both sides at once and working multiple points along the ridge of your nose. Direction of pressure is in towards your face and moving away towards your cheekbones.

7. Optional: If you have something that is foam in nature or hard plastic protected with some padding, the goal here is to get something that you can put behind your head and lay the back of your head on just underneath your skull (sub occipital area)

I have tried these massage therapy techniques many times in the past with great results; most times headaches disappear almost immediately. If you have any other techniques I would love to hear about it, thank you.

What Are the Asian Massage Therapies?

Asian massage therapies refer to the types of massage therapies that originated in Asia. Most of these therapeutic massages were used as the only source of medical care during the Ancient times. Special oils and herbs are used on the body of the patient as complementary medicine during the massage therapy sessions of the Asian styles of massage.

Although most of the Asian massage therapies were inspired by the Ancient Chinese and Indian medicines, there are many oriental types of massage techniques that are originally developed by their country. Most of the Asian massage therapies applies harder pressure and uses extreme techniques on the patient during a massage therapy session.

Most of these massage therapies share the same principle of aiming for the meridian points that are located all over the patient's body in order to unleash the energies in the body that are commonly blocked due to many reasons. The Asians believe that the sole purpose of energy inside the body is to be the balancer of the health and wellness of a person. Energy realignment is done in order to improve the health, increase circulation, relieve stress, and activate the body's self healing capabilities. The energies are known in many different terms depending on the different countries of Asia. In China, energy flowing inside the human body is known as qi (chi), the Indians call energy as prana, sen is what they call energy in Thailand, and ki stands for energy in Korea and Japan. All of these are believed that they should pass undisrupted on the energy lines all over the body.

There are many different types of method used by Asian massage therapies; most of these are unique from each other while there are methods that blend two to three different methods to enhance their effectiveness. Below are some of the most popular and commonly used Asian massages all over the world:

Shiatsu - Japan is the pioneering country where this type of therapeutic massage originated and was developed. Shiatsu is a type of therapeutic massage that uses finger pressure on different pressure points to enhance the health, remove body pain, and relax the body. It is a celebrated practice that had many famous personalities tries it in Japan when it hasn't been yet introduced all over the world.

Thai Massage - a combination of Shiatsu, acupressure and Yoga which was originally from India and later on was developed and used in Thailand by monk practitioners. Shiatsu is the main type of massage therapy used with the aid of acupressure worked on the different areas of the body while passive yoga is used on the patient for the body and mind. Passive yoga is similar to yoga without the patient moving any single part of his or her body; instead the massage therapist moves the body for the patient. This in return helps the body and mind of the patient to relax. Thai massage therapist stretches the body of the patient in beneficial positions for a good circulation, release of muscle tension and calming of the body.

Foot Massage Therapy Has Many Benefits

First of all, there are the short term effects. If you recall the last time that you had a good foot massage you will probably remember that it is one of the most relaxing experiences that you can enjoy. When you are getting a massage you can understand how foot massage therapy would it affect the rest of the body as you immediately start to feel better all over.

Regarding things that happen over the long term, there have been studies that have shown that heart patients will show improved recovery times after they have received regular foot massage therapy. That may be in part because they are generally more relaxed. It may also have something to do with the fact that whenever you massage the body you improve the circulation in the area that is being massaged provided it is done correctly. We have a tremendous amount of veins and nerves in our feet so it stands to reason that foot massage therapy would be one of the most effective types of massage.

Something that can prove difficult for many people is that it is often not possible or not within the budget to a massage in a spa or at a medical center. If this is the case, then you can get an electric foot massager for use in the home that will provide the same kind of benefits. If you do, try to find one that has rulers that enable you to have the rollers knead deeply into the tissue. It will not only feel great to put your feet in one of these at the end of a long day, but you may also find long-lasting health benefits as a result.

Sports Massage Courses - How Can You Become a Pro in Sports Massage?

Have you ever wanted to get into sports massage? Does the idea of helping athletes maintain their fitness appeal to you? If you answer yes then you may want to consider doing some sports massage courses. If you decide to do this then you should find out what training you need, where and when you can do the training and what the training needs to cover.

What sports massage training do you need?

In order to become a licensed sports massage therapist you will need to complete training. This training comes in the form of certificates and diplomas. If you are already a trained massage therapist then you will simply need to do some courses in sports massage as you get credit for what you have already studied. In order to be a pro in this field you will also need to get some experience. To be the best you should also invest in continued learning in order to keep up to date with new therapies and treatments.

When and where you can go for sports massage courses

There are many institutes and schools that offer sports massage courses. You should read up on each of these places and see who offers the type of training that you want. As to the when of your training, it will depend on the school you are studying through. Some schools will offer evening classes for people who work during the day. Others will have the option of studying part-time or by distance learning. Of course the options will also depend on the course you take. Diploma and degree courses will differ as the difficulty and duration of these courses differ. If you have previously completed any training you should look at getting credit for it if possible. The reason for this is that the credit can decrease the amount of time you will have to study for. You should also know that many schools will need you to complete a practical section in order to assess your hands on technique.

What needs to be covered in the course?

When you look into a course you should have some idea as to what it should cover. Of course the higher level courses will cover more than lower level ones but there are some things that all should cover.

• The skeletal system - this should be covered as massage works with the body's structure. In sports massage it is particularly important that you know the skeletal system.
• The muscular system - knowing all the muscles and what they do is important as in sports they can pull or tear.
• The laws governing neuromuscular therapy - you have to know what the laws that regulate this therapy are. This will ensure that you work within legal boundaries.
• Injury scenarios and differential diagnosis - by covering this you will be prepared for on field injuries and be able to make a diagnosis when needed.

There is a lot of training that needs to be done before you can be a sports massage therapist. Courses should cover certain aspects like laws, techniques and practical training. There are many options in study method and time that you should know about.

Discover All the Benefits of Therapeutic Massage, Without the Painful Price Tag

Sitting in a chair for hours every day? Ignoring your body's stiff joints and pains? Maybe it's time to listen to what your body is trying to tell you, and treat yourself to a therapeutic massage from your local massage center.

Pampering, full body massage has long been a mainstay of elaborate spas and exclusive resorts. But you don't have to check into a five-star hotel or visit a lavish salon to experience the restorative bliss of a therapeutic massage. By doing away with the extravagant overhead expenses, and concentrating instead on the different types of massage techniques, your local, licensed massage center can bring the cost of a Swedish massage well within your reach, and welcome you to the wonderful world of massage therapy.

If you've never had the pleasure of a professional massage before, a Swedish massage is the perfect starting point. Using five different types of motions to achieve your desired results, this type of full body massage can involve intense or gentle stroking, kneading, tapping, friction, and vibration, depending on your body's needs and physical condition. Whatever frequency and combination of actions works best for you, you'll walk away feeling relaxed and refreshed. In fact, the techniques employed with Swedish massage have been used for centuries to accomplish a host of health benefits, including:

• Pain reduction


• Relief from stiff and achy joints


• Stimulated lymph glands


• Improved function of injured areas


• Better circulation


• And more

For individuals with musculoskeletal disorders or chronic aches and pains, deep tissue massage can be a tremendous source of relief, but only when performed by a professionally licensed massage therapist. As the name suggests, this method of specialized massage pinpoints the regions located below the muscle surface, helping to manipulate and adjust the areas of tissue below. Done correctly by a trained therapist, the intense application of deep tissue massage techniques can help to heal specific areas of the body, including stressed muscles, fascia, joints, and more.

In addition to deep tissue and Swedish massage, many licensed massage therapists offer specialized treatment options for athletes and pregnant women. Whether you're a diehard distance runner, a recreational sports enthusiast, or a woman who's expecting a baby, it's important to pay attention to your body's condition at all times and take the proper steps to ensure your ongoing safety and health. By applying massage techniques that are tailored for your specific needs, a certified massage therapist can utilize sports massage and pregnancy massage help you decrease pain, swelling, and tension, so you can keep your body feeling its best.

Most massage therapists work by appointment only and can provide flexible hours to accommodate your busy schedule. So don't think for a minute that therapeutic massage is only for wealthy CEOs or pampered trophy wives. With less emphasis on the decor, and full focus on the results, your local massage therapist can help you start feeling better today.

Physical Therapy For Herniated Discs

In addition to medication treatments and surgical procedures, a doctor will often recommend a non-invasive rehabilitation program for herniated discs. The aim of physical therapy for herniated discs is to reduce discomfort due to inflammation and pain, followed by improving muscle strength and flexibility.

A program of physical therapy for herniated discs normally, occurs over six weeks, twice or three times a week, and should only be conducted by a trained, qualified therapist.

Types of physical therapy

Physical therapy for herniated discs is generally of two kinds: passive and active. Passive physiotherapy is used to relax the body and muscle tissue. Active physiotherapy boosts body functioning in the areas of posture, joint movement, flexibility, posture, core strength.

Passive physiotherapy is normally the first approach as the patient is initially experiencing much soreness and pain. A combination of the following treatments is often applied based on the type of injury and the doctor's recommendations.

Hot and cold therapy: Hot therapy increases blood flow to the target area, providing extra oxygen and nutrients for healing, and removing waste compounds caused by muscle spasms. Cold therapy (crypotherapy) such as ice packs or fluoromethane spray, cools the injured area and reduces circulation speed to minimize inflammation, pain and muscle spasms. Sometimes hot and cold therapies are used together in alteration.

Deep Tissue Massage: This method involves applying pressure to alleviate muscle spasms and deep tissue tension, conditions that hinder smooth function of the muscle.

Hydrotherapy: As the names suggests, this method uses water. A patient is immersed in a pool of heated water, a whirlpool bath or warm shower. Hydrotherapy relieves pain and relaxes the muscles.

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): The electrodes from the TENS machine are taped to the skin and send a small electrical currents into the muscle without causing any pain. TENS reduces muscle spasms and aids in the release of endorphins - the natural hormones that deal with pain.

Traction: This therapy involves careful tugging of the back bones to counter the effects of gravity and minimize the disc hernia (bulging). It is performed on the lumbar or cervical vertebrae.

Active physical therapy for herniated discs occurs once the pain has been stabilized. It is done in a fitness-like environment where the therapist will train the patient on certain machines such as upright bicycles and muscle-exercising contraptions. The active physical therapy has the following effects:

Muscle strengthening: Rebuilding muscle strength to support the back bone and alleviate the pain.

Flexibility: The person is taught aerobics and exercises that stretch out the muscles and make them more supple. Flexibility averts stiffness and aids in easier body movement.

Core stability: This method works to boost the core (abdominal) muscles that are so important to overall spinal health. Strong abdominal muscles support the spine and when they are weak, unnecessary pressure is exerted on your back. The therapist will guide you through core-strengthening exercises.

Body toning: As opposed to passive hydrotherapy for relaxation, water aerobics are used build up the condition and tone of the muscles without exerting undue stress.

The Benefits of Abdominal Massage Therapy

Abdominal massage is a therapy treatment that is still gaining interest and credibility. Even many massage therapists aren't in agreement with this type of therapy simply because the muscles are difficult to properly access and massage. There are a lot of benefits of massage, however, and therapy to this area can certainly provide you with a lot of different perks.

Not only will you find things like the usual muscle relaxation and increased circulation, but there may be other things that you can enjoy from this type of massage. Stomach massage does a lot, but you also have to learn what it doesn't offer so that you know what you're getting into.

Some of the Benefits of Abdominal Massage Include:

-Constipation relief. Stomach massages combined with increased fluid and fiber intake can help you avoid taking OTC or prescription laxatives and other drugs to get the relief that you deserve.

If you are struggling to have bowel movements, you don't have to suffer. You should see a doctor if it becomes a serious issue, but massage is also an option if things haven't gotten too bad.

-IBS relief and support. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that includes spasms of your intestines. This can lead to near-constant diarrhea and other stomach upset issues.

The gentle nature of abdominal massage can actually help relax the body, the stomach and colon, and stimulate the body's nerves so that you can decrease spasms and find relief from this issue.

-Peristalsis support. Through stomach massage, your body can enjoy a better digestive process. Not only will this massage relax the muscles and help get things moving in the right direction, but it can stimulate circulation and nerves, giving your intestines the support that they need to push things through properly.

-Stomach pain relief. Even if you don't have a stomach issue that is caused by your digestive tract, you can still have pain conditions in the abdomen. Sharp pain can be a sign of serious issues and you should get medical help.

However, dull or intermittent pain might be relieved by a stomach massage that can help reduce the pain and increase blood flow, no matter what the issue might be.

-Pulled muscles. Believe it or not, it's really common for people to pull or strain muscles in their stomach area. With this type of massage, the muscles can be relaxed and tension can be relieved so that healing can begin.

You can increase the circulation to the area and promote relaxation, which will both lead to healthier muscles and fewer issues in the future.

Pregnancy massage is a lot more popular than people realize. A gentle stomach massage can actually help with things like relaxation, bloating, calming the fetus/baby, and other areas of concern when you are pregnant.

This process needs to be done by someone who is properly trained, of course, but it is a benefit that you can find when you consider this type of massage.

Abdominal Massage Facts and Tips

The most important thing to remember is that this therapy should always be performed by a licensed, trained professional. Massage therapists know what they are doing and how to help you get the relief that you need. Rely on them for everything that you want from your massage treatment, no matter what you have in mind.

Trying to do this alone or working with someone who isn't trained or properly certified could be dangerous. Make sure that you always turn to a professional massage therapist for abdominal and other massage procedures.

Something that is important to note is that massage therapy does NOT replace medical treatment for issues that require a doctor or medical procedure. If you have small issues with discomfort or the types of health issues listed above, a stomach massage might be an effective solution.

If you need medical attention, however, you should always turn to your doctor so that you can get the relief that you deserve. Massage therapy is great when it can help with small issues to promote better health, circulation, and relaxation, but it does not replace medical care for serious health issues, and any professional masseuse will tell you that.

Another controversy over stomach massage is weight loss. Some people will try to argue that this massage treatment will help promote weight loss or actually cause you to lose weight. This is NOT the case, at all.

Abdominal massage isn't going to do anything for the fat in your stomach or the way that you eat or gain weight. It will help improve circulation, digestion, muscle relaxation, and other issues.

It isn't going to make you instantly skinny or help you lose weight simply by getting a massage. There are plenty of healthy, simple, and effective ways to lose weight but this isn't one of them.

It's All About Perks

The bottom line is that abdominal massage can provide you with a lot of health benefits and physical support. It will offer relaxation, improved circulation, and support for many common digestive issues. Although many professionals still argue about the validity of this type of massage therapy, it is effective when used appropriately.

You should learn more about this procedure, talk to licensed massage therapists, and figure out whether it is right for your needs. There aren't really any risks here as long as you're seeing a licensed, trained professional and there is something for just about everyone to gain.

Stomach massage can be done as a part of a full-body massage or on its own. Gas and bloating, stomach aches and pains, and 'knots' in the abdominal region are usually related to pressure, stress, and other similar issues. This particular massage might help alleviate issues, reduce stress, and give you more support for a healthy abdomen than you might find elsewhere.

Just remember to work with a trained massage therapist so that the procedure is done right and you get the best chances at relief from whatever is ailing you. This treatment is helpful to adults and children alike, and offers plenty of support for stress relief and relaxation.

Optional Practical Training Physical Therapist Jobs

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the consent given for students having F-1 immigration status to obtain part-time or full-time provisional jobs in the United States. Through optional practical training jobs, talented physical therapists can gather sufficient experience by practically applying their academic knowledge in actual off campus environments.

OPT Develops Your Aptitude and Confidence

The significant advantage offered by OPT jobs is that these enhance the degree of confidence as well as the aptitude of the candidates. With such a strong foundation one can work skillfully in different healthcare settings such as rehabilitation clinics, physician's offices, multi-specialty hospitals, acute care clinics, nursing homes, long term healthcare facilities, home healthcare agencies and so on.

Requirements for Undergoing Optional Practical Training

The approval for optional practical training is provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). For undertaking OPT jobs, the students must have registered with USCIS approved schools for a minimum period of nine successive months. In addition, they must be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application.

Candidates fulfilling all these criteria can utilize OPT job opportunities in the following four ways:

• On part-time basis (that is, when the school is in session)
• During annual vacation and at other times as part-time or full-time
• After the completion of the course requirements for degree (should be before submitting the thesis or dissertation)
• After getting the degree

Recently, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the duration of optional practical training from 12 to 29 months. This provides the students with another opportunity to improve their knowledge by working in their related field of study for a longer period of time.

Utilize Reliable Staffing Services to Find Perfect OPT Jobs

Understanding the requirements of qualified physical therapists and physical therapy students, numerous healthcare staffing solution providers in the United States are offering valuable services in finding optional practical training jobs in reputable healthcare settings. Registering with reliable staffing agencies also helps you to obtain permanent placements carrying industry-best emoluments and benefits.

Massage Therapy and the Power of Touch - Relieve Depression and Anxiety Naturally

Humans are tactile beings. From the moment of our birth and throughout our lives until death, touch plays an important role in our health. For massage therapists, it is very easy to see how the skin, as the largest organ of the body, reflects physical and emotional health. Looking back, we can all remember a time when hurt or distress has been "healed" by touch, such as Mom kissing a banged up knee, or when we've received a comforting hug from a family member or friend. Touch can also express joy and love, as well as the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, where touch can trigger fear and pain.

What role should touch play in our daily lives? It has been well researched and documented that positive touch, that being touch from someone you trust done with your consent and agreement, can affect us at a cellular and hormonal level. The release of endorphins makes us feel good, and actually contributes to not only our physical health, but also our emotional health as well. Much to our detriment, however, the inclusion of touch in our daily lives has taken a back seat to other priorities.

We live in a society where touching on a social level has become increasingly taboo. In a nutshell, we are touch deprived. A world-wide study done in the 1960's noted the number of times pairs of people touched each other when out at a cafe. Peurto Rico was at the top of the list, with 180 times an hour; at the bottom of the list was Britain, at 0 times per hour (yes, that's right,  ZERO). This would seem to indicate that a normal, healthy social gesture seems to have become degraded to something which is not appropriate and needs to be avoided. In our own culture we seem to be becoming more touched deprived; according to "The Touch Deficit" by Patti Wood, 15% of Canadians go for 3 or more days without touching another human being. Could this be a contributing factor to our soaring levels of depression and anxiety?

How might we change this unfortunate trend? In addition to changing other lifestyle factors, the inclusion of regular, positive touch may very well help turn the tide on our cultural downfall. Massage therapy has been extremely well researched, and we all know it can assist our function at a physical level, by relieving headaches, back pain and other common complaints. But did you realize that massage therapy also improves our function at an emotional level, contributing to decreased depression and anxiety, improved sense of well-being, and improved sleep?  The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School has devoted itself since 1992 to the qualitative and quantitative research of how touch affects us at every level.

I would suggest that if you are feeling even a little (or a lot) anxious, that Massage Therapy may be able to help you. If you feel great, I would hazard a guess that you may feel even better by taking an hour out of your day and taking care of yourself. Think of it as a preventive therapy, and enjoy the power of touch.

Obama's Moms School Grant Incentive

The Obama administration is keen to help moms as much as possible in their endeavors to go back to school. Many moms however don't realize that Obama's moms school grant incentive (the Pell Grant) is available, let alone that the value of it has increased and will continue to do so over the next few years.

Even though the economy is a little rough now it will not be that way forever. What goes down always comes up again and that is certainly true in the world of finance - therefore now is the best time to be getting educated and putting yourself in a very employable position.

Facts about Obama's Federal Pell Grant

1. The grant has been increased by President Obama and it now stands at $5100, up from $4050 as it was previously.

2. There are talks going on about raising the grant even more in the coming years.

3. Your eligibility for the grant is determined by your application.

4. The grant is aimed at low income students.

5. Moms are particularly suited to the grant, especially single moms who are often on a low income.

Applying for the Grant
You have to choose a college that you want to go to, and find a course that you want to do. You then fill out the FAFSA and submit it. This is your application for the Pell Grant.

Moms will enjoy using grant and scholarship money for online education as you don't need to leave the house to get your degree, but the grant money is still available for this form of study.

Obama's mom's school financial incentive gives you the money you need to finally get your education and get moving with your new life.

Injury Prevention Tips For Massage Therapists

Massage therapy seems to have evolved into a big industry. Today, massage is no longer limited to athletes or to celebrities. It is now being used for treatments and also relaxation of injured, wounded and also healthy individuals alike. Standard allopathic remedies often integrate massage in their plans and because of this there is a great need for licensed as well as experienced massage therapists. Across the US along with other parts worldwide, a large number of Massage treatment faculties are producing therapeutic massage practitioners each year. There is, thus, a huge pressure to provide massage services at the highest degree to remain at the very best. This kind of expectation is definitely the significant contributing factor to the striking surge in personal injuries like arthritis of wrist and even fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome and other work related spasms.

Bearing this factor in mind, large businesses, health care spas and even massage faculties are putting in ergonomic workstations to permit the students as well as their experienced workforce to be able to work perfectly.

Here are a few suggestions for Therapeutic massage practitioners to hinder work place injuries.

1) Allowing Relaxation to your body: Not that long ago, the workforce at spas as well as salons was not as well informed and prepared as therapists are these days. In order to reach for the financial pursuits of their organizations, massage therapists performed a lot of massages without taking more than a five minute break. Additionally, they performed services in crowded and uncomfortable therapeutic massage areas. These days massage practitioners are a lot more educated. The massage faculties are even incorporating Injury reduction programs into their curriculum. A physical therapist understands how to use breathing and also enjoyment approaches amid massages. This really is necessary for permitting the muscles loosen up along with minimizing the tension that gets built up due to massage appointments. It is also very important that a therapist monitors and controls their massage schedule to ensure there is no rise in number of massages with decreased break time in-between.

2) Including exercises and using high-quality massage tools: A therapeutic massage therapist must be physically energetic. This is very important to strengthen the muscles as well as also to increase blood flow. A massage specialist should get involved in aerobic exercises, stretching out and also some other physical activities at the very least three times a week. It will help in growth of good body mechanics. Using proper therapeutic massage equipment and even tools having ergonomic designs can also be most important.

3) Discontinue the massage strategies which injure: Any process that causes distress or pain must be discontinued right away by the therapist. It is also recommended that you vary the massage methodology to prevent repetitive activity to one part of the hands and even arms. Also, therapists having pre-existing injuries in addition to ailments like back in addition to neck injuries should execute only those massages that won't require much strength and also pressure. Hydrotherapy and Aromatherapy are a couple of massage forms that may maximize one's clients and even also do not demand much extreme hand-work.

4) Do Not disregard pain as well as discomfort: A regular mistake which a massage therapy professional makes is to neglect the pain as well as discomfort that one suffers from. Typical thought process is often that "If I ignore it, it is going to subside." At the slightest ache as well as discomfort one must get the injury or pain taken care of by a qualified professional. One must be aware that one is a human as well as needs to establish a practical attitude in direction of this job.

Eventually, a physical therapist should do not forget that injuries is usually a complex issue. There isn't a formula to keep one protected from work-related incidents. One must educate oneself in addition to use refresher CE courses that will help them up-date the Injury avoidance strategies learnt at faculties, which can be ignored with time. One must enhance body mechanics, allocate time for exercise, take well-timed breaks between massages and also make use of the preferred educational resources available in the market.

Expensive Physical Therapy - A Discussion

Today we have Terry L. Whipple, MD, Chief of Orthopedics at American Self, author of several journal articles and textbooks, inventor and patent holder, entrepreneur, businessman and last but not least, vigorous patient advocate.
Dr. Whipple is here to discuss Transitional Physical Therapy, a DVD.

Q- What is TPT?
A- TPT is a rehabilitation concept on DVD that empowers patients to manage their own full recuperation from surgery or injuries and return to independent function. It supplements or extends supervised physical therapy that is limited by insurance allowances. And it stimulates patient recovery in their own home settings, using common household objects without professional equipment to gain the mobility strength and balance needed for work and play.

Q- Are patient's denied Therapy today?
A- Denied, no. Limited, yes. I've been in practice over 25 years and there are several realities we face. First, when patients are released from physical therapy they usually aren't fully recovered to resume normal lifestyle. Therapy continuation as an out-of-pocket expense is prohibitive. Compliance with and correct techniques for home exercise programs (HEP) are inadequate. We believe the value of Xerox copies of exercises is wishful thinking. Patients and employers have too many expectations and too little guidance. Patients need a transition period.

Q- Should APTA revisit its own recommendations?
A- No, but as providers we should understand the different treatment modalities as well as limitations our patients experience. Under the best insurance coverage possible, patients are asked for $90 a week in co-pays for up to 6 six weeks. This can lead to two potential problems: patients dropping out of therapy limiting recovery and development of complications from too much demand too soon in the workplace, playing field or home. Re-injuries are compounding and expensive...and frustrating to the patient.

Q- What's the economic impact to our patients?
A- Chronic pain conditions from incomplete rehabilitation can severely limit function. Productivity drops and absenteeism increases. Loss of income is no less important than repeated co-payments for additional medical or therapy visits. Self-esteem is diminished.
We all see patients returning to clinic with the same complaint 6-12 months following discharge. I've found the vast majority dropped out of therapy because of cost, inconvenience, inefficient or non-productive sessions.

Q- What's the economic impact to your practice?
A- Repeat and extended visits by those same patients cost me and my practice in new referrals, time for new patients, and reputation. Consider the patient that can't continue outpatient therapy-compromised result for him, but I lose productivity in new patient visits, subpar outcomes and possibly development of chronic pain conditions.

Q- How does TPT address this problem?
A- Patients can now have a home based active therapeutic experience every day. With a DVD I address correct rehabilitation exercise techniques affecting recovery more consistently, inexpensively and independently. My patients are now engaged in making outpatient PT more personally beneficial. They are more accountable. They do this for themselves. And because it's on their own schedule, they are more likely to comply.

I can now recommend 1-2 PT visits for 8-10 weeks. I decrease my frequency but increase duration if my patients need it because they have varied but beneficial therapy routines each day. It also allows for better utilization of our therapists.

Q- How did the concept develop?
A- I met with the principles of OrthoCareRN; the nation's only dedicated Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Home Health Agency. Their patient care experience confirmed the deficiencies I found. We needed to address cost, convenience, compliance and motivation in optimizing patient outcomes. I believe we accomplished this as well as assisting physicians with their productivity.

Q- What exercises are on the DVD?
A- We address the recovery process for each group the DVD covers. There is a variety of exercises for patient ability and preference, each with demonstration for perfect technique. For example, our Spine DVD is appropriate for everything from chronic lumbago to discectomy and fusion. The Knee DVD is designed for patients with any knee injury, surgical procedure or replacement. Hip covers joint replacement and fractures. All cover arthritis. Each DVD focuses on the essential components of comprehensive therapy- SSSRB: stretching, strength, stamina, reflexes and balance.

Q- Why the Home Setting?
A- People today turn to their DVD players for education, fitness, entertainment. It addresses the convenience factor our busy lifestyles demand. How often can a parent leave his or her work, family and social obligations for a two hour trip to therapy three times a week. It's no wonder compliance is compromised when convenience is an issue. And done right, no expensive professional training or exercise equipment is necessary. The DVD shows how to use everyday household items for benefit.

Q- What role can a physical therapist play?
A- They understand this situation better than most. If patients can't afford to visit my clinic we can't expect them to afford PT clinics.

Qualify Your Massage Therapy Professional Before You Receive Treatment

Massage therapy provides immense benefit to those struggling with muscle aches and pains, stress, and tension. Not only can it lesson tension by loosening muscles, but it also improves your body's overall functioning through increasing blood flow and improving the circulatory system. Finding a good therapist makes a huge impact on your overall health and well being.

Sadly, many companies advertise themselves to be "massage therapy" providers, when their "therapists" hold no certification and have little training. Sure, the treatment these places offer may loosen your muscles and provide temporary relief, but without proper training, a therapist cannot give you the full benefit of a true treatment. Because of this, you need to do your homework when choosing one.

First, talk to those around you to find out if they have had any treatments done. If so, find out if they liked their therapist or not. This will give you good insight into whether or not a particularly therapist is a good one.

When you call to make an appointment, ask some crucial questions to ensure you will get quality treatment. Ask about certifications that the therapists hold. Ask about both state and national certification (NCTBMB certification). There is no national standardization for this industry, so do not write off a therapist because they do not have national certification, but look for at least state certification. Also ask about their license.

Other questions will be based on your personal preferences. For instance, massage therapy treatment requires you to undress before the treatment. You may want to find out about the draping technique used, and make sure that it is one you are comfortable with. You may also want to enquire as to the specific techniques that they use. As you enjoy the treatments, you will find that certain types of techniques work better for you than others, so ask for specific names of treatments they use. Also, ask about the oils, creams, or infusions they use, and make sure you like these and are not allergic to them.

As you choose a therapist, you must decide whether you would prefer someone of the opposite gender or the same gender. Remember, you will not be fully clothed throughout the session. Massage therapy can be a very personal experience, so you may feel more comfortable with someone of the same gender.

Finally, find out the price and the length of the session. The price for massage therapy ranges tremendously from one clinic to another. Make sure that you are comfortable with the price and the services offered. Do not be afraid to call around to see if there is a similarly qualified clinic that offers a better price.

Once you find a therapist you are comfortable with who provides a quality service, you will want to build a relationship with that therapist. Soon you will be enjoying the benefits of regular massage from a therapist who knows the areas that you need the treatment the most.