How to Become a Masseuse

Many people are looking for alternative ways to ensure their bodies are healthy. Massage therapy is currently in high demand due to the benefit it provides to overall health and wellness. If you feel that this career is a good fit for you, keep reading for tips on how to become a masseuse.

There are many massage schools across the country and probably even in your own area. The key is to find a school that provides some sort of certification after graduation and has a good rate of student job placement. Do not be afraid to take a tour of the school or even schedule a massage prior to enrolling. This will give you an idea of the type of teaching provided.

Paying for a massage program can be a challenge. Tuition can range from $7,000 to $20,000 for a 3-9 month program. Some schools offer scholarships and need based assistance for their students. It is important to have your funding decided prior to enrollment.

During your training, you will be required to work in the school's clinic. This gives you actual time working with a client under the direction of a supervisor. You will be able to hone not only your technique but your interaction with clients as well.

Once you have completed your program, your school may provide job placement for you. If not, seek employment at spas, salon, or clinics. You may even wish to open your own practice, which will give you the opportunity to travel to client's homes or work out of your own space.

MLM and Massage Therapy - A Good Match Or Total Bust?

There is no doubt in my mind that many of you reading this have enjoyed the release and rejuvenation massage therapy can give. Cheers to you for treating yourselves well. The following content is a special message to the massage therapist interested in earning more money without physically taxing their body.

I'll happily be the first to confess my days of soreness and pain as a result from giving too many consecutive massages in one day. Although I spent a year in an intensive massage certification program learning techniques for longevity, ambition to maximize earning potential in one day can literally hurt. If you're in a similar boat, when one more hour of leaning on elbows or taxing the hands just sounds like too much, then read on.

Wanting to supplement my massage income, I decided to dive into the network marketing or multi-level marketing industry. As a massage therapist, continuing to work from home with a flexible schedule was attractive to me. I had been pitched and approached by friends and strangers to "strike while the iron is hot" for many of their marketing opportunities and deals before, but something never felt right about how they went about their marketing and finding prospects. But, I have them to thank. Their example had made clear to me that if I was going to get into network marketing, I needed to go about it a different way - a proven way that guaranteed success without hassling anyone.

Network marketing is host to a great range of products and services, of which many massage therapists, like myself, need or want on a frequent basis. For example, products like vitamins, health care supplements, cell phone service, skin care products, and travel deals among others. The important thing is finding a company and a product you understand and believe in. www.npros.com is a great website I recommend to learn more about particular companies.

After getting my feet wet and getting a glimpse of the income potential of multi-level marketing, I decided to aim to replace my income from massage to allow myself to do bodywork as a hobby and in service instead of depending on it as a career. One thing I want to make clear - my massage clients and my networking prospects are totally separate. This is not a kill two birds with one stone kind of thing here. I do not pressure or even suggest my massage clients to be involved in any of my other business pursuits. My clients have come to me seeking relaxing and healing massage work, and that's what they receive. The last thing they want is to be getting a massage and all of a sudden get pitched on some product or company by me! Clear boundaries in all entrepreneurial efforts will only serve as a benefit, and your clients will appreciate it too.

One final note regarding network marketing. Most people get excited about their product along with the earning potential and blindly follow the advice of their sponsor or company who are using out-dated marketing techniques. Now, there is nothing more frustrating than chasing friends and family about something you're really pumped about and get nowhere! I speak from experience when I say that hard-work, dedication, and knowledge about your product is not enough. If there is no step-by-step proven method for sustainable success, failure is only a matter of time.

Consider this analogy. Imagine telling an ambitious and compassionate yet inexperienced beginner to do an hour of massage work only using his or her elbows...this could seriously hurt the client! Having a strong desire to help others in their intentions is important of course, but equally crucial is being equipped with a cutting edge skill set to focus and direct this intention. Likewise in network marketing, hitting the streets with excitement is not only not enough, but is counterproductive if unprepared. One needs to equip their passion with a marketing skill set.

What Are the Common Physical Therapy Forms That a Patient Should Fill Out?

Physical therapy forms should cover the following aspects of patient-client management: initial examination/evaluation, visit, re-examination and discharge.

Every visit by a patient should be supported by the relevant physical therapy forms. The patient's full name and identification number should be documented on every form. All physical therapy forms related to examination, evaluation, visits and discharge must be authenticated by the physical therapist who provided the service. The forms should clearly indicate if the patient came through a referring doctor or just came for a visit directly. All physical therapy forms should mention the referral source through whom the patient was sent for the visit.

Initial examination or evaluation forms should include the following data: general demographics, social history, employment details, growth and development, living environment, general health status, health and social habits, family history, medical or surgical history, main complaints at present, current medications, and other clinical tests.

Forms related to visits should ask the patient for the following information: self-report by the patient, changes in patient condition and response to interventions.

Discharge forms should contain the patient's current physical status, degree of improvement, and referrals for additional services.

Typically, most physical therapists ask their patients to fill out forms depending on the kind of insurance they are covered under and the type of injury. If the therapy is covered under 'No Fault Insurance', the patient will need to fill in a patient information form, appointment policy form, financial policy form, Assignment of Benefits form, history form and an authorization form.

If covered under workman's compensation, a patient would be required to fill in a patient information form, appointment policy, history and authorization.

For a patient not covered by any of these insurance covers, the following forms would need to be filled out: patient information, health survey, health questions, financial policy, appointment policy, history and authorization.

Physical Therapist Salary And Employment Statistics (Get The Facts)

Today there is a wealth of information available for nearly every profession, in terms of employment potential, job outlook, salary levels, and specific information about where individuals in the field work and what they do. All of this information is available for physical therapy as well, and it can help you gain a better understanding for what the field is all about, and why it has become so popular. Take a look at all of these facts and findings to learn about physical therapy as a career in today's world.

A great place to start is the job outlook and prospects for professionals in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, provides decade-long projections for every industry and field. For physical therapy from 2008 to 2018, there is a projected 30% uptick in jobs. That is obviously a very high rate of growth, and is much quicker than average. When you look at the number of jobs that translates you to, you see a total of more than 56,000 new jobs becoming available.

But it's not enough to know that there will be jobs coming available for these professionals. You also have to know what these jobs actually will be, and what you'll be doing. For physical therapists, 60% of jobs are located in hospitals or health practitioner offices, offering a majority of the employment for licensed, practicing physical therapists.

Even though that's a very high number, it still means that there is another 40% of physical therapists who are plying their trade in other environments. For example, physical therapists work in nursing facilities, outpatient and rehabilitation care centers, adult day care, schools, and of course, private practices, just to name a few other potential options.

Now that you know where you'll be working, in addition to knowing that finding a job should be pretty easy with the right education and full licensure, it's also time to take a look at salary levels. In 2008, the most recent data available as of this time, the median annual salary for physical therapists was $73,000. Taking a closer look, the top 10% earned at least $104,000, while the bottom 10% earned less than $50,000.

Those different environments and settings mentioned above translate to slightly different median salaries. Physical therapists working with home healthcare services average the highest wage, $77,500 annually, while nursing care facilities offered $76,500, and hospitals offered $73,000, for example.

Once you take a look at all of these statistics and facts for physical therapy, you can begin to understand why the field is emerging right now. There is a very high rate of job growth, a number of different environments and work settings, high salary levels, and much more. The time to become a physical therapist is now, and then you'll be able to take advantage of all of the above for yourself.

Better to Go to Massage Therapy School Than Hurt Someone

Very often I have seen my husband or a friend to get a massage for some sort of pain and they end worse than they were before. I also have had the unfortunate experience of this because I wanted to spend less money and still get a nice massage. I changed my ways however when I went to a spa where every worker was certified in a specific study of massage from a massage therapy school.

While it is not common to believe as such, massages are seen as a medical treatment; it isn't just a swerving and gentle or firm movement of the hands. Much like a doctor, one needs to be trained properly so they do not cause any serious injury. These injuries can cause a lot of problems in both the short and long run varying from temporary back pain to possible problems just walking properly.

Therapy schools that teach massage are aware of these issues and do not teach just movements of the hands. In their curriculum, it is required that you understand the human anatomy and the function of each muscle and bone in the body. After learning how the body is linked anatomical, the institute will teach how to properly apply pressure to help alleviate medical pain without causing any stress.

Generally, if one is not educated on this or certified, they will not know this and if you choose to go them for some body work, it may be a disaster for you. So always make sure your therapist is well trained and properly certified.

How a Massage Therapist Can Help?

Nowadays, massage therapy has become the fastest and the most reliable natural treatment technique in the field of health care. It offers psychological, emotional and physical benefits while effectively promoting overall health of the body. A professional and trained massage therapist is the right person who can provide you gentle and profound body massages to address any kinds of health complaints. In this article, I will describe the role of a massage therapist and will reveal how various body massages can promote a sense of well-being.

Offering the Right Type of a Massage Therapy

A licensed massage therapist is a professional in his field and offers numerous types of therapeutic massages to treat soft tissue, joint, tendon or muscle injuries. The ultimate goal of a massage therapist is to recommend a proper treatment plan after determining the current health status of a person and offer the right type of therapeutic massage to promote general health and wellness.

Promoting Overall Body Functions with Body Massages

Massage therapy offers a variety of health benefits including improving the range of motion, reducing nerve compression, increasing joint space and ultimately improving the overall body functions. A massage therapist provides hands-on techniques that work best for inducing a relaxation response, improving blood pressure, normalizing heart rate, boosting immunity and also playing a key role in stress management.

Providing an Effective Treatment for Pain Management

One of the best advantages of this holistic health approach is that it is very effective for pain management and has the ability to reduce any kind of pain. It activates the natural healing system of the body which improves blood circulation of the affected body areas and ultimately helps relive pain. A massage practitioner with his skilled hands provides gentle body massages that can reduce headaches, back, shoulder, neck or joint pain. Massage therapy will not only increase blood flow to minimize the intensity of pain in the affected areas but will also release muscle tension.

Strengthening the Immune System

Another featured benefit of massage therapy is that, it exhibits numerous positive effects on the immune system of the body. Regular massages can improve the function of white blood cells which will enhance the ability of the body to fight against infectious agents. It stimulates and strengthens the immune system and restores the nature balance of the body.

Improving Joint Function & Mobility

A Massage therapist usually uses the technique of gentle joint mobilization for releasing muscle tension of a number of body areas like spine, neck, wrist, ankles, head, ribs and pelvis. This technique also helps improve joint mobility and flexibility. When a massage therapist applies small gentle and passive body movements on immobilized and stiff joints, it will effectively increase the strength and mobility of the joints and assist you to achieve optimum health.

There are certain other massage techniques and therapies that a massage therapist can significantly offer to provide you a hale and hearty life. If truth be told, massage therapy is a holistic and whole-body systems approach that gives inexhaustible health benefits and helps maintain mental, physical and spiritual wellness of a person.

Read More About the Physical Therapy Career Requirements

A physical therapist attains fulfillment in his career when he is able, successfully to dole out diverse treatments to his patients, alleviate them from pain and distress, and bring a smile to their faces. This challenging career not only gives them the opportunity for treatment but also in assessing the ailments, diagnosis and providing the right kind of relief. The job being highly specialized, calls for physical therapy requirements of the highest order, for dealing with the problems of the afflicted persons.

Different states in the USA have varying standards of employment and some of them insist that the physiotherapists employed by them continue with their higher continuous education in the field to be current with the latest techniques and developments. They want all their physical therapy employees to impart the highest standards of treatment to the patients who visit their institutions.

Rehabilitation is a major factor in the physical therapist's occupation. Patients, in locations as diverse as fitness centers, hospitals, clinics and their own homes find respite from the able administration of physical therapy by the experts in the institutions. A physical therapist assistant must have at least an associate physical therapy degree, and they should know everything about operating the different medical equipment, therapeutic exercises, and monitoring the systematic progress of the patients and impart the right therapy education to them for a faster recovery.

The USA has stringent requirements laid down in the matter of employing physical therapist assistants. As of 2011, 276 Commissions on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) approved centers, conferred associate's degrees to students of therapy. American requirements prohibit employing assistants without completing post secondary programs accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) or the CAPTE, referred to above. These degree programs focus on rehabilitation, and include courses in medical terminology, physiology, therapeutic exercises, human development, health care, law, and the rehabilitation procedures itself.

Additionally, the final three semesters of the study curriculum will include three practical exams on subjects such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and even first aid. Additionally, clinical experience is a great plus point for those who covet the post of therapy assistants.

Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) held by the Federation of State Boards of therapy is inevitable for those who wish to pursue a physical therapy career. Most of the states in the USA, except Colorado and Hawaii, insist on a CAPTE accredited program, as well. Some states also hold their own exams and the physical therapy assistants will have to take progressive exams to keep their license and certification alive. Those assistants who require specialization in, say, pediatric therapy and have completed in the last 5 years, with a work experience 2000 hours and continuous education of 60 hours, can apply and obtain certificate of advanced proficiency from APTA, provided they are members.

Just for information, a physical therapist assistant must have minimum at least a state sponsored associate degree accredited by the APTA.

Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care

Massage therapy complements the therapeutic effects of spinal adjustments performed by a Chiropractor by relieving habitual patterns of tension in the soft tissue surrounding and supporting the skeleton. These patterns of tension are sometimes referred to as "muscle memory." To achieve more lasting results from a chiropractic adjustment, it is helpful to address symptoms of stress and injury found throughout the body that may be contributing to the problem. Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) are trained to identify problem areas and relieve symptoms with a variety of massage techniques.

Soft tissue is composed of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and a thin sheath of connective tissue called fascia. Techniques employed by an LMT to address soft tissue tension or injury may range from gentle relaxation massage to more deep tissue work designed to break up scarring and adhesions. The benefits massage can achieve include the following:

• alleviate pain caused by tension


• soften and relax injured, tired, and overused muscles


• reduce muscle spasms


• increase joint flexibility


• improve range of motion


• improve circulation and the body's natural cleansing mechanisms


• enhance immune response by stimulating the lymph system


• provide pain relief from the physical stress of pregnancy, labor and birth


• loosen tissue adhesions caused by surgery or trauma to the body


• help the body recover from strenuous exercise


• relieve migraine headaches


• release endorphins and create a sense of well being.

The following describes some of the most common therapeutic massage techniques:

Swedish Massage - This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you.

Deep-Tissue Massage - This massage technique uses slower, more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is commonly used to help with muscle damage from injuries and chronic patterns of tension.

Sports Massage - This is similar to Swedish massage but is geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries.

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy - The word myofascial means muscle tissue (myo) and the connective tissue in and around it (fascia). When stressed or injured, muscles form trigger points, like contracted knots, that cause pain and tightness. This massage focuses on releasing tension held in these sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers that often cause radiating or referred pain.

Rolfing 簧 Structural Integration - Dr. Ida P. Rolf, a biochemist and Rockefeller University fellow, developed a system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education designed to organize the whole body to function optimally. A series of 10 sessions is typically recommended to achieve lasting changes in posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofascial system.

Active Release Techniques 簧 - ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART.

Thai Massage - This type of massage involves stretching and deep massage. This form of bodywork is usually performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used in Thai massage.

Receiving massage therapy before or after a chiropractic manipulation helps the body release soft tissue tension that can either be caused by skeletal misalignment or may, by contracting and pulling on the skeletal system, be the cause of it. While caution must be taken to avoid overstimulating areas of inflammation, another benefit of massage is to encourage lymphatic drainage, which assists the body's own efforts to heal itself.

Breast Augmentation - How Massage Therapy Aids Results

Breast augmentation is one way that many women choose to enhance their figure and their self confidence. Breast implants can help balance out a pear-shaped figure or give more curves to a boyishly straight profile. While this cosmetic surgery is typically a safe procedure, there are some complications that can occur. One of the most common is call capsular contraction.

Capsular Contraction

Anytime a foreign object enters the human body, the body will build a shell of tissue around it as a defense mechanism. This is the case with breast implants as well. The body forms a capsule of tissue around the implant and normally this does not cause any problems.

However, some women will experience contraction where the capsule will start to shrink and tighten the implant. The breasts will start to feel very hard to the touch and will take on a ball-like appearance. This condition can also be very painful. Surgery is required to remove the implant and the surrounding capsule or to simply cut away the capsule.

Some plastic surgeons feel that the risk of capsular contraction after breast enhancement can be reduced by means of breast massage. They say that massaging the implants can keep the capsular tissue from hardening by continually moving and manipulating it. There are two basic ways to perform breast implant massage and your method may depend on the preferences of your surgeon and your own inclinations.

Compression Massage

Compression massage is the art of pushing down on the implant in one area, making bulge out in other places. This is thought to stretch out the walls of the capsular and keep them from closing in on the implant. Doctors recommend pushing down forcefully on the breast implants several times a day for best results. Compression is typically the easier of the two methods for unskilled patients to perform, although both can be effective if done correctly.

Displacement Massage

Displacement massage involves trying to push the implant around within the capsule, in order to stretch out the tissue sac. The specific movement includes a forceful side to side pinching action, performed several time a day. Many plastic surgeons believe this to be a less effective treatment in the hands of inexperienced breast enhancement patients. In many cases, you may be pushing the implant and the capsule around in the breast tissue, which will not help at all to remove the risk of capsular contracture.

There is Some Controversy

Not all surgeons agree that this technique is useful in preventing capsular contraction. In fact, some suggest that there is no proven benefit to the practice and will discourage their patients from doing it. On the other hand, there does not seem to be evidence that breast massage has any negative effects. So the choice is essentially yours.

When Not to Massage

There are circumstances when you will be advised not to massage your implants. If you have textured implants for example, you should not perform massage techniques. Also if your implants were inserted under the muscle, massaging might put too much pressure on the implants causing them to rupture.

Benefits of Oils Used in Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is the most used type of complimentary and alternative medicine in hospitals and rehabilitation centers today. Nursing professionals use massage therapy to help with the relief of pain and to assist patients with sleeping. Oils are used in massage therapy to enhance the massage experience with its therapeutic effect.

Massage therapy involves an action of manipulating the body with pressure-structured movements which can be done manually with hands, elbows, fingers, forearm, knees and feet or with mechanically aids, for example hot stones or other various devices. Some of the techniques used are skin rolling, kneading, striking, stretching, compression and shearing. Different areas of the body are targeted in massage therapy, muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints and some organs. Therapy can be done clothed or unclothed, in a chair sitting or on the floor or table lying.

Essential oils and salts are used in massage therapy because they provide therapeutic benefits and help with the removal of dry skin. Each oil provides a different purpose and these are a few of the oils used. Coconut oil are the favorite oil used by therapist because it washes off easily. It helps in boosting your energy and building endurance, it enhances your performance, relieve stress and help with removing of mental fatigue. It is a safe oil to used because it prevents dryness and flaking of skin, delay wrinkles and sagging of skin, helps in treating skin ailments and preventing infections. Jojoba is the most natural oil because it resembles natural skin oil, it is soothing and nourishing and can be used on all skin type. Hazelnut is non-greasy and is used for toning skin.

Grapeseed oil is excellent for moisturizing the skin, it lubricates well, easily absorbed, tighten and tone the skin well. Macadamia oil is the best oil to used on dry skin. Sesame oil is a rich, softening oil that can be used on all skin type. Mustard oil helps to soothes arthritis pain and stiff joints and it lets off a pleasant aroma which some find appealing. Many practitioners of aromatherapy used organically produced essential oils because some states that there are pesticides residues in some essential oils.

Essential oils should not be used in its undiluted form on the skin because it can cause severe irritations or allergic reactions, it should be mixed with a carrier which is usually a vegetable base oil. Some common carrier oils used in massage therapy are Almond oil which helps with softening and lubricating dry skin. Avocado oil can be used on irritated skin, it has a lot of vitamins and can be used as a mild sunscreen. Olive oil contains a lot of protein and vitamins, absorbs rapidly into the skin and used in the treatment of muscular pains. Wheat Germ oil has vitamins, antioxidant properties and helps with diminishing of scars.

Some benefits of using oils in massage therapy are, they have antiseptic properties which provide a curative effect. They provide an uplifting feeling by decreases the feeling of anxiety and depression, increasing awareness and concentration, providing a better focus and calm mind thereby reducing stress and providing relaxation. It relieves muscular pain and provides flexibility in tense muscles. It also improves circulation, promotes deep breathing, improves posture and provides a restful sleep, increasing your general well being.

Forest Hills Physical Therapy: Restoring Your Balance

Learning to live with Vertigo can be quite a challenge, but a physical therapist can make the process much easier for you. Before we go any further, though, we should point out that there are certain symptoms which, should they ever accompany your vertigo, would be reasons to seek out immediate medical attention. These symptoms include a change in alertness, difficulty speaking, and double vision. Vertigo itself is just the sensation of spinning, even when you're standing perfectly still. It does warrant medical attention, but alone, it does not constitute a dire emergency. It has multiple causes, and the vast majority of them involve the inner ear in one way or another.

Some people don't immediately think of physical therapy in conjunction with vertigo, but there is actually a lot that a physical therapist can do to help. For example, there are various head and neck movements which can get you moving again and help you keep your vertigo under control. Often, too, it's certain activities that trigger vertigo. If that's the case with you, then your therapist will really be of benefit. He or she can show you how to do those activities in different ways which will help you reduce your dizziness. If any of those activities also cause fatigue, then those will be given priority.

A large portion of a physical therapist's treatment of vertigo will consist of coaching you through various types of exercises. The particular exercises your therapist chooses will obviously depend on which specific symptoms you have. In general, these exercises have three overall goals. Clearly, one of those goals is to improve your balance. Another goal is to help your brain "correct" the differences between it and your inner ears. You will also be helped to improve your focus and vision. In addition to these exercises, your therapist will also suggest some that are intended simply to improve your overall health.

Some people don't realize this, but there are actually therapists with more specific specialties than simply physical therapy in general. If you suffer from vertigo, then you may want to look for a therapist who has completed a fellowship in neurological physical therapy. Such a therapist would be particularly well suited to addressing vertigo. Keep in mind, though, that all of them are qualified to treat people with dizziness. Thus, if you get a recommendation from a friend, family member, or your doctor, then it's definitely worth calling to set up an appointment.

If you or a loved one is suffering from Vertigo, Gait Impairment, or Balance issues, contact the physical therapists at Forest Hills Rehabilitation to see how we can help.

The Medical Benefits of Massage Therapy

Most people know massages can help you relax, manage stress levels, re-align parts of your body, and help you feel rejuvenated.

Massage therapy is something people feel is a luxury, which it often is, but treatments also have many medical benefits to help you maintain good health and live a balanced lifestyle.

Besides stress relief and relaxation benefits, below are some other benefits you can expect to experience with massage therapy.

1. Improves Posture. People who improve their posture tend to look better and can lead to more self confidence. Plus, better posture keeps your body aligned and will lead to less body aches.

2. Improves Circulation. When you get a massage, parts of your body that might have poor circulation like certain muscles and joints get stimulated which cause a better flow of blood in those areas.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure. A number of scientific studies have shown that massage therapy can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure along with decreasing salivary and urinary cortisol stress-hormone levels.

4. Improves Flexibility. By working on muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints, massage therapy stimulates the production and retention of our bodies natural lubricants between the connective tissue fibers, making stretching and movement easier, and keeping the body limber and flexible.

Scientific research also suggests massage therapy increases a body's immune function and reduces the recovery time in many medical conditions including: allergies, depression, anxiety, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, circulatory problems, insomnia, a plethora of sports injuries, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, and musculo-skeletal disorders.

With all the direct and indirect benefits of massage therapy, you should consider explore the benefits yourself to unlock a more healthy, energetic, and stress free lifestyle.

Chicago Massage Therapists Unable to Thwart Misguided Massage Therapy Regulation

Illinois is like most other places in the United States, with the government helping to regulate and ensure the professional quality of the massage therapists who live within its jurisdiction. Indeed, 40 of 50 states now have statewide regulations of their massage therapy industries, whose nationwide, annual income totals between $16 and $20 billion. It is therefore surprising and disappointing that the city recently decided to ban the opening of any new Chicago massage therapy businesses unless they have special permits and locate themselves in "industrial corridors".

Fortunately, massage therapy businesses already licensed in the city of Chicago were "grandfathered in" and do not have to move from their current locations. But it seems unfair that new businesses, whose therapists must operate under strict regulation by the state of Illinois with specific professional requirements, must relegate themselves to neighborhoods that feature used-car lots, taverns, liquor stores, and warehouses.

One of the more frustrating aspects of this new ordinance, which officially passed in June of this year, is that Chicago therapists rallied to protest it when the ordinance first came up for a vote in April. Mainly due to this pressure from the industry, the ordinance was tabled in April. But it eventually passed, without much fanfare or notice, despite the objections of the Chicago massage therapy industry and individual Chicago-based therapists.

What does all this mean? Unfortunately, on a philosophical level, it seems to mean that people still associate the industry with others that should be tucked away, out of sight and out of mind (thus the ordinance not banning new businesses, but restricting them to certain areas of the city). This is maddeningly inconsistent considering massage therapy's strict regulation by the state of Illinois.

From a practical standpoint, this ordinance is bad for the Chicago massage therapy industry specifically and business generally. Indeed, not only will new Chicago office massage, or any other therapy business be forced to jump through extra hoops and set up shop in potentially undesirable areas, but it will also be difficult for established businesses to change locations, as they would be subject to the new policy if they decided to move. This inconsistent and unfair grouping of a legitimate and regulated industry with other less-desired business will send the wrong message to other companies and industries who may fear similar treatment.?

Scientific Health Benefits of Massage

From muscle aches to serious health issues like high blood pressure and depression, massage treatment offers a number of proven benefits. Get the relief you seek with treatment from a qualified massage therapist.

Everyone knows that getting a massage feels great. But there are actually numerous health reasons why you may want to visit a massage therapist for treatment. Many people argue that the pain-reducing or health-inducing benefits of massage treatment are all psychosomatic; however, recent scientific research has shown otherwise. These studies have covered everything from empirical data illustrating massage's effect on inflammation following exercise to evidence suggesting massage therapy can be effective at reducing blood pressure in prehypertensive women.

Muscle Pain
Muscle relaxation and pain relief are among the reasons that people have long sought massage treatment. However, it's only recently that we've discovered just why massage can help, particularly with exercise-induced muscle aches. As reported by a study from the Buck Institute (in collaboration with McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario) in the February 1 issue of Science Translational Medicine, massage reduces inflammatory cytokines in muscle cells and helps foster the creation of mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of a cell). The study's analysts point out that this reaction is actually quite similar to the way basic anti-inflammatory medications work to relieve pain.

Blood Pressure
Stress-reduction and relaxation are two of the most commonly cited reasons for getting a massage, but this relaxation goes beyond just mental health and into the realm of physical health. Several different studies have shown that massage therapy can reduce blood pressure in both women with prehypertension and hypertension. One Dillard University study presented in 2010 indicated preliminary positive results in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive African American women through therapeutic chair massage intervention. Another study, published in February 2011 by the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research illustrated lowered diastolic and systolic blood pressure in prehypertensive women following ten 10-15 minute Swedish massage sessions.

Depression
We know that massage can make your body feel better, but it can also provide the same benefits for your mind. Massage therapy has long been used to treat depression, operating under the understanding that human touch is stimulating and healing. However, there is now ample scientific data supporting that opinion. A compilation of studies reviewed by researchers at I-Shou University in Taiwan in 2010 indicates that massage can provide "potentially significant effects" for treating depression. By inducing the body to release oxytocin and through other physiological processes, massage can reduce the symptoms of depression.

So the next time you want to improve your health as well as get some deep-down relaxation, you may want to turn to your local massage therapy center.

As with all complementary health care treatments, make sure you consult with your doctor prior to seeking massage treatment. Be open and honest with your massage therapist regarding any relevant health history, your reasons for seeking treatment, etc. to ensure you receive the safest, most beneficial massage therapy session possible.

Massage Courses - How to Select a Best Massage School

To get going on discovering the best course for the massage therapy, research on the internet or in the telephone book for courses just near you. You could as well get in touch with Association of United States Massage Therapy or the best business concern agency (which supplies schools profiles throughout Canada and United States on their site).

Later on discovering various programs that concern you check the prospectuses and have appointment to trip the school or campus and contact the admissions faculty.

Obtaining the license for massage

Once picking out the massage courses, it is really crucial to understand the necessities to do massage therapy in your land. As well guaranteeing that the program you are looking at will fit your land certifying demands, you ought to validate that the potential campus is recognized.

To find out your land certifying necessaries, get in touch with the Association of American Massage Therapy state's chapter.

Massage courses

To discover a massage therapy campus that is good for you, consider these queries about the classes provided:

Does the campus provide business-associated classes (comprising courses on merchandising)?

What percent of course work is dedicated to hands-on coaching?

Will you actually be capable to do work with the wide kind of instructors?

What sort of certification and go through does the staff have?

How great are the courses?

You ought to as well read and learn the syllabus to find out whether the campus concentrates on the massage techniques, modalities and approaching that you would almost wish to study.

Cost of Massage courses

As you are figuring out the massage course cost, do not leave to factor out fees that might not be comprised in the tuition fees (like the price of books and issues). You ought to likewise inquire the school more about the availability of fiscal help.

The Massage Therapy profession

Once looking at the massage therapy course, get in touch with the placement faculty and inquire how far their servicing will be accessible subsequently after you grad. You ought to as well investigate just about the percent of course grads presently doing work in the industry of massage.

Picking out the massage school

At last, fix up an engagement for the session of massage therapy at the clinic of student campus. In addition to assisting you discover about the excellence of the campus coaching, a trip to a clinic will assist you to know the campus surroundings more closely.

When You're Pregnant, Therapeutic Massage Can Benefit Your Body, Mind, and Soul

Prenatal massage can ease some of the stress to your body that goes along with carrying a child. Consider the benefits and research your options to take advantage of a safe, relaxing, and therapeutic massage.

Let's face it-pregnancy isn't easy on the body. Your muscles can ache. Your skin stretches out. You may experience lower back and leg pain. You might also have trouble sleeping, or feel stressed and worried about becoming a parent and how your bundle of joy will affect your lifestyle. Luckily, many massage practitioners are now offering prenatal and post-natal massage among their therapeutic massage offerings. A knowledgeable, experienced pregnancy massage specialist will know how to work with a pregnant body, soothing your muscles and easing your mind without causing any additional discomfort or putting you or your baby at risk. Whether you're struggling with pregnancy aches and pains or are simply overwhelmed with baby preparations and need a break, consider adding pregnancy massage to your routine.

Physical Benefits

Therapeutic massage can help sore and tight muscles relax. The practice can also relieve joint pain associated with the increased load you're carrying around, as well as improving circulation. If you're experiencing edema due to the pregnancy, a massage therapist can stimulate your soft tissues to flush out excess fluids, relieving swelling. Massage therapy can also relieve sciatic nerve pain-common especially late in pregnancy-by loosening the muscles that are pinching the nerve. In short, if you go to a certified prenatal massage therapist and explain the physical problems you're having, the therapist should be able to use her expertise to find a solution.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Massage has been shown to lower stress hormones, so if you've had a difficult pregnancy or you are overwhelmed with the idea of becoming a parent, getting a massage is a great way to relax. Make it a regular part of your routine to stay calm and focused all the way up to delivery. And not only does therapeutic massage lower anxiety, it can also improve your sleep; being well rested is vital in staying physically and emotionally healthy. Plus, you can't underestimate the value of doing something that's just for you, knowing that once the baby comes, your life will be primarily devoted to his or her care.

Considerations for Pregnancy Massage

Look for a massage center in your area whose therapists are certified in prenatal massage, for the best and safest experience. The biggest consideration for pregnancy massage is positioning and cushioning, and a certified prenatal massage therapist will know how to support and cushion your body on the table to keep you and your baby comfortable and safe. A properly trained therapist will also know what pressure points to avoid during the massage to keep from putting more stress on your body or causing premature labor.

Therapeutic massage is generally believed to be safe for women in any stage of pregnancy. However, if you're experiencing a difficult or high-risk pregnancy or suspect that your muscle, nerve, or joint pain is medical rather than stress- and tension-induced, speak to your doctor before starting a massage regimen. And if you find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, don't stop going once the baby arrives! Post-natal massage is just as beneficial for your body and soul, for many of the same reasons.

Children's Massage for Kids With Autism

If you work with children with autism you know you have to get to know each child's likes and dislikes when it comes to massage. A parent may inform you ahead of time if his/her child does not like a certain area massaged. Hopefully you will be given a document that will inform you of any important information you need to know about the autistic child you are about to give a massage to.

If you are a parent you know by trial and error what works and does not work for your child when you massage him or her to try to calm him/her down. Pass this information onto any person that will be working with your child to give your child the maximum benefit.

Children massage for kids with autism can start out with you and the child on a comfortable rug or mat. Have the child lay on his or her stomach. You can take a large exercise ball and slowly roll the ball over the child from head to toe. Use a firm push on the ball. Some days the child may want you to push harder down on the ball than others. Have the child roll over onto his/her back and roll the ball slowly over the child from head to toe again.

When some autistic children get over stimulated you should not touch them as this may cause them to get even more stimulated. You can tell if an autistic child is over stimulated when he/she claps his/her hands, jumps up and down, runs back and forth and may even make loud noises. Try to talk to the child using as few words as possible. You can have the child take deep breaths, sit on a rug and turn the lights down or completely off to settle him or her down. Once he or she is calm, you can massage his/her head. Use circular motions. You can take the palms of your hands and gently squeeze on his/her head if pressure is needed.

When the autistic child's body needs to be woke up, for example, to go to school, you can have the child lay on a rug or mat. Take your hands and have your palms up in the air. Gently drop each hand one at a time so that you are softly pounding on the child's body. Start from the shoulders all of the way down to the feet. Go up and down the body about eight times. This feels good to the child and wakes up the autistic child's muscles.

Another way you can use children's massage for kids is to use circular motions on the child's hands and feet to massage him or her. You can do this for about three minutes or until the child starts to fidget. You can move onto the next children's massage technique.

There are many different children's massage techniques you can use on the autistic child you are working with. You can test them by trial and error and once you know what is liked, you can make up a massage plan to use frequently.

The Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a form of alternative medicine that involves the physical manipulation of the muscles to relieve tension and stress. This specialized treatment is often used as part of physical therapy regimes and is also effective in relieving and preventing several other serious medical conditions. Massage therapy has been used to treat arthritis, depression, diabetes, exhaustion, headaches, high blood pressure, infertility, lower back pain, poor circulation and tendonitis.

Massage therapy is a safe and effective treatment when practiced by a well-trained therapist. Massage therapists work in a number of settings including offices, hospitals, clinics, fitness centers, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. Massage therapists may also make house calls. A massage session may last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on a number of factors like the type of massage and the reasons for seeking this type of therapy.

There are a number of different kinds of massages. Some of the most common are aromatherapy, deep tissue, Shiatsu, sports, Swedish, Thai, and trigger point or pressure point massage:

- An aromatherapy massage involves the use of plant-based oils with varying properties. Some essential oils help to reduce pain while others affect one's mood. Eucalyptus, for example, may be applied to help relieve pain or treat arthritis since it has sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, and helps improve circulation.

- Deep tissue massages involve the application of relatively strong pressure in order to help relieve tense muscles. These massages are particularly useful for relieving tension in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. They can be used to treat chronic pain and improve mobility.

- Shiatsu massage is based on the Japanese tradition of regulating the flow of qi, or vital energy. Shiatsu typically involves both the diagnosis of a health condition and its treatment by applying pressure with the hands. Pressure is applied to particular parts of the body to correct the discordances identified by the therapist.

- Sports massages can be integrated into physical therapy treatment to help with recovery from sports related injuries. These massages can also be used to improve performance and relieve tension in a specific part of the body like the neck or back.

- Swedish massages are perhaps the best known. They involve the use of kneading and relatively long strokes that span the length of the muscles. Swedish massages often involve the use of oils or powders that help to eliminate friction.

- Thai massage incorporates deep tissue massage and stretching techniques.

- Trigger point massage focuses on sore muscles and can be used to relieve tension and pain.

Selecting the correct type of massage depends on a number of factors including the condition to be treated and your personal preferences. A good starting point is to consult with your doctor to make sure you are a good candidate for massage therapy. It's well worth it to do some research in order to find a well-trained massage therapist you feel comfortable with. Many therapists are trained to perform a variety of massages so you can work with your therapist to find the massage that best suits your needs.

5 Rules Physical Therapy Practices Need to Learn About Surviving the Recession

I believe it is fair for me to say that many of the practices I work with are now feeling some effects from this recession. This is not unexpected as this recession has affected every type of business and every size of business.

I often find that the most important factor affecting physical therapy practices during these economic times is the attitude of the practice owner. I see some practice owners waiting for it all to go away while others are fighting for every bit of business they can create. This last group of practice owner is still doing well. I believe it is all about attitude. The key choice for you as a practice owner is to be upbeat, positive and confident so that you can attract new clients and keep your existing clients. When this attitude exists throughout an entire team, I find that client numbers are stable and even growing.

I would like to share with you today the 5 rules professional services businesses need to learn about surviving this recession, as I see them.

The five rules:

Rule 1: Identify Where the Opportunities Lie

Look to where the opportunities lie for retaining your existing clients and winning new ones.

Here are examples of potential opportunities for both of these scenarios.

For retaining existing clients, you need to give them the best services you can offer and do this consistently. Look for times and places in your practice where this may not be the case. Make changes in these areas immediately. Your loyal clients deserve this.

One way to succeed in getting new clients is to make sure your loyal customers know how to pass the word along to their friends and families. Make it easy for them by giving them referral cards to use for this purpose. And just as important, show your appreciation when they do give you a referral.

Rule 2: Target Your Marketing to Segments of Your Community Which are Underserved

To do more business, identify who in your community could significantly benefit from physical therapy services and is currently underserved. Next look to partner with other businesses who serve these same people but with other services than yours. This is a great way to reach a new market quickly and easily.

The keys here are seeking out new markets and then partnering with other businesses to attract them to your services.

Here is an example to demonstrate this rule. Let's say you uncover that young adults in your community are underserved, particularly those involved in competitive sports. You also truly love working with young athletes. You decide to contact some sport associations and sport coaches to determine how together you can better meet the needs of young athletes. You decide that you could do some combined programming, attend some special events, and sponsor an event. Do you see how this works, and how truly magical it can be to partner with others?

Rule 3: Close the Gap Between What Your Customers Need and What You Offer

I think you would be surprised if you asked your clients what they need from you. To do more business, it is critical to ask what more they want from you and what they need from you to get back to living their lives as they want.

Your expertise lies in knowing what they need in the way of clinical services. This is only a part of what your clients need. Ask them and find out what they say.

Let's say that you hear from your customers that they really would like to get involved in a swim program to stay limber after their therapy plan is completed. You had never thought of this before! So you decide to start one yourself or partner with an existing pool program. Now you are meeting the needs of more clients and you have another revenue source.

Rule 4: Go After Bad Costs

Remember that not all costs are the same. It is important to distinguish between "good" costs and costs that are not helping you grow your practice. You also need to identify what I call "hidden" costs, those that may not be so obvious to you.

An example of a good costs is one that helps you create a customer journey that your clients value. It will pay off many times over. An example of hidden costs is when one of your team members is not a peak performer and may be affecting the morale of others. This person is costing you money, literally!

Put your focus on dealing with the bad and hidden costs.

Rule 5: Revamp Your Processes

Consider revamping these four core processes in order to attract new clients, retain existing ones, and reduce bad costs:

• The customer journey in and through your practice to make it world class.


• Customer research and communications to establish how they perceive your services.


• Performance management for improved performance of your employees.


• Business Planning: having a plan!

When you are confident these processes are the best they can be, meaning that each process meets the needs of your customers very, very well, then you will keep the customers you have, they will tell others about their great experience with you and you will be bringing new people into your clinic. 

Act now on these 5 rules for surviving the recession!

Why Settle For Accredited Physical Therapy Programs?

Physical therapy is one of the most demanding careers in the medical field. It is therefore vital for anyone interested in pursuing the career, to make wise choices when choosing an institution as well as Physical therapy programs. There are many factors that one should keep in mind when choosing a program or a school. This includes the cost, reputation of an institution, duration of a program and accreditation. There are many programs but it is of essence to only settle for an accredited program, why?

A better pay
After the completion of a physical therapy program, it is the dream of all graduates to get a good job. Employers always look at an individuals credentials and the quality of your Physical treatment programs. An accredited program is highly valuable and enhances your chances of getting a good and well paying job. There is no doubt that it is a luxurious program but without proper credentials, it can be quite hard to get a well paying job. For instance a physical therapy assistant with an accredited degree earns a starting salary say $46,000 per yr. Therefore, to earn an attractive package, it is imperative to settle for an accredited program.

Accredited Physical therapy programs offer more flexibility
Physical therapy is a demanding field. Depending on the number of patients that one has to attend to, you can find yourself under a very tight schedule. However, with an accredited program, one is always entitled to a very flexible time schedule. This means there will be time to deliver quality treatment and time to relax. This is an enticing benefit that comes with settling for a quality and an accredited program online or offline schools. For this reason, take time to visit accreditation bodies and choose the most ideal programs for the best possible results.

Job security
It is a competent field. You must get the best training and the best hands on experience to ensure a patient's best possible treatment. More importantly, you must be a competent professional. With an accredited program, you can rest assured of quality training that will offer a cutting edge, a better pay and job security. If you cannot deliver, there are high chances that your employer will replace you. Therefore, take time to find accredited Physical treatment programs and get quality physical treatment education. This is one of the best ways to be a successful therapist and build a solid career in the field.

Physical Therapist's Annual Salary - What You May Or May Not Expect

The average annual salary for a physical therapist in the year 2002 was $57, 000. The range for the salary of the physical therapist is usually between the lower $40, 000 to higher than $86, 000. It is expected that the career opportunities will increase by the year 2012, which is good news for those that are already in this particular profession. However it is still not too late if you are planning to enter this particular field so if you think this is your true calling then this is something that you should definitely consider as a career.

As bleak as this sounds, with the increase in population there is also an increase in the number of people with disabilities. This directly affects the profession itself as many of these people would need the care and medical assistance. Besides that, the elderly population would also require assistance especially those that need therapy in order to relieve themselves of painful conditions as well as those that suffered from strokes and heart attacks and are in need of rehabilitation.

In the wake of the baby boom, more and more babies would also require therapy especially those that suffer from birth defects. There are also trauma victims which may need the medical assistance of the physical therapist for rehabilitation.

The medical community is always coming out with new discoveries and perfecting the existing ones, there are also new technologies that is created every day which can help treat the patients. However the physical therapist must be able to keep with the times in order to provide the best services for their patients. These new technologies also require qualified personal's to operate them and this is where you come in, not only does the machine require you to operate them but the patients also require the expertise and medical know-how of the physical therapist to provide them with optimal care.

Without a doubt the population is becoming more health conscious, an example would be the intake of food in our daily diet. As for the physical therapists they may be hired to create exercise regimes that may best suit a particular individual or even teach preventive measures about trauma in the work place or at home. In other words for those that plan to take this route - they will not have to worry about getting a job, all you need is hard work and discipline to achieve your dreams.

Massage Chair - Your Own Massage Therapist Anytime You Want

Today, massage chairs are so advanced to the point where they can give you a massage almost as good as professional massage therapists. It's something that really gives you lots of pleasure, and maintains your health up at the same time. It has lots of different techniques to massage all parts of your body. And there are also many other features that can help with stress relief and relaxation.

If you're a great fan of massage and relaxation, you might have been looking around for one of these products which are getting increasingly popular lately. Well, this special furniture really does work wonderfully. Here are some good reasons for you to get one.

With a massage chair, you can have a massage therapy anytime you want. It's very convenient, and it will never get tired trying to relieve your everyday stress and make you feel better. You can simply do it at home whenever you want a massage. Just simply grab a seat and take a quick 15 minute massage. Or if you have more time, go for a full body massage with longer duration. By having a massage chair, you're provided with unprecedented access to get frequent massage treatment whenever you want it.

Massage therapy can help you relieve pain, aches and discomfort in your body. It has been practiced for many centuries! Mentally, it helps you to relax and can increase awareness. Today, the challenges of our new economic times are causing us to be stressed more than ever before. It is very important to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. This is one of the best ways to relieve stress while still enjoying ourselves.

Other benefit is you don't even need the human interaction. To train your massage therapist to give you the massage you want. How much pressure you would like or exactly where you want the massage. Most modern chairs contains a computer which can memorize the setting you enjoy the most. Simply pick the one you like and let the chair do the rest. Some good massage chairs also have many sensors that can make sure that the massage is custom fitted just for your body.

The other reason of having one is because it's actually a lot cheaper! Think about it. Three thousand hours of massage therapy the chair can give you in just one purchase. Compare it to a massage that runs $65 per hour plus tip from a therapist.

These are just some of the reasons why you should consider having a massage chair. The massage chairs are certainly the best way to get frequent massage therapy.

The Growth Of The Massage Industry

Massage therapy has become a very popular means to relieve stress and help relax the body. Because of this, it is widely performed on many people everyday. The medical industry also recognizes that it has many healing benefits for a wide variety of health conditions, and is a great way to restore overall physical and mental well being.

In recent years, this industry has begun to grow at a very fast rate. Many people are finding there are advantages to becoming a massage therapist. One reason is that it is a profession that allows you to help others both physically and mentally. As a result, there have been significant changes in the industry over the past several years. Now, more and more people are signing up to learn how it is done. This, of course, requires a good deal of training, as it is necessary to learn a lot about the human body and all its workings. Now, more massage therapy training facilities are cropping up and people are taking notice.

While the massage school industry continues to grow, the competition is mounting. Because many massage schools are private establishments, smaller, state run schools were not formally a concern. Now, however, more of these vocational institutions are beginning to offer massage therapy training to their mix of other courses and vocations. This is, somewhat, hindering massage schools, who are dedicated to the profession and offer it and only it. These state schools include public technical colleges and community colleges.

Now, enrollment is higher than ever. This is, naturally, causing the graduation rate to rise at an alarmingly high rate. More and more people are seeing massage therapy as a viable industry, one that will not only allow them to help others on a daily basis, but one that will also provide them a way of making good money. There is a lot to be learned in these schools, and some feel that a dedicated school is the way to go. That way, you will receive the most out of your training without having to take other courses that are not related to the industry at all. Still, there is something to be said for taking these courses at a technical school or community college.

When it comes right down to it, it does not matter where you receive massage training, as long as you learn what is necessary to help you work successfully in the industry. Always keep the overall outcome in mind, and remember what you are there to do. When you consider all the advantages it provides, it is no wonder that this useful industry is only continuing to grow.

7 Essential Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a term that you are probably familiar with by now, especially with the many varieties of aromatherapy massage now popularly sold at leading salons and spas all over the world. However, what you may not have realized is that aromatherapy is an age-old practice that can be used at home to treat a number of common and even serious ailments.

Aromatherapy is a healing therapy that uses the essential oils of plants to soothe and treat countless illnesses. The first recorded use of essential oils was more than 6000 years ago as a staple of the Egyptian culture and healing system. Today, aromatherapy is becoming popular for providing the same benefits in our culture, with one of the most common uses being for relaxation and stress relief.

To get you started on your home aromatherapy treatment, here are the top seven benefits that you can expect from using aromatherapy:

1. Improved mood. Rosemary is an essential oil that has been proven to boost the mood and offer feelings of contentment. Even better, this essential oil provides a positive benefit in overall mood and performance by reducing the stress hormone cortisol in the body. At the very least, rosemary in aromatherapy can be used on a regular basis to relieve stress, induce relaxation, and prevent anxiety.

2. Get a better night's sleep! If you find yourself tossing and turning every night and even sleeping pills won't help you to relax, aromatherapy may be the answer that you have been looking for. Aromatherapy is quite helpful for treating sleep disorders, and it is one of the fastest growing alternative therapies in the Western world. The topical use of essential oils will stimulate the limbic system in the brain that controls emotion and mood, meaning that aromatherapy can effectively induce calm, relaxation, and a deep sleep so that you can wake up feeling refreshed.

3. Improve your complexion. Many aestheticians would agree that aromatherapy is a powerful tool to alleviate a number of skin conditions, especially dry and flaky skin. If dry and flaky skin is left untreated, it can cause premature wrinkling and signs of age. For this reason, aromatherapy is helpful to keep the skin youthful, moist, and balanced, and it will also improve even more serious conditions of the skin, like eczema and psoriasis. Many essential oils provide anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce dryness and irritation and calm red and rough skin.

4. Relieve chronic asthma. If you are having difficulty with constant wheezing and coughing caused by asthma, when used wisely and under professional care, aromatherapy can often free asthmatic lungs of irritation. Wheezing is caused by pushing air through swollen bronchial passages, which frequently results in an asthma attack. Professional aromatherapy treatment can provide asthma relief in between these attacks by rubbing anti-histamine and decongestant essential oils, like ginger and peppermint, directly on the chest.

5. Treat nausea and stomach problems. If you suffer with constant digestive issues, like stomach pain, intestinal gas, belching, and nausea, all of the above can be quickly relieved with aromatherapy. In fact, using essential oils for stomach issues in children is a helpful home remedy for any young kids who have difficulty swallowing medicine. Aromatherapy targets the first stage of digestion by signaling the brain that food is on the way to create the immediate response of flowing digestive juices to alleviate a number of stomach issues. Aromatherapy also provides the added benefit of relieving stress and anxiety overall, which is often the cause of nausea and a queasy stomach.

6. Reduce the symptoms of PMS. PMS is something that many women struggle with on a monthly basis, and it can often cause a series of emotional and physical problems. PMS symptoms vary individually from woman to woman, and if you have very severe symptoms around the time of your period, aromatherapy may be the perfect answer. It is helpful to take an aromatic bath or get a massage with essential oils to reduce symptoms like depression, mood swings, irritability, and even bloating and tenderness.

7. Get rid of a bladder infection. Bladder infections are more common than you may realize, especially in women. Fortunately, aromatherapy provides several essential oils to take care of this issue, such as sandalwood, chamomile, tea tree, and juniper berry. However, it is important to use trained aromatherapy techniques for this treatment because treating with too much juniper berry could cause irritation to the kidneys if administered incorrectly. A bladder infection can be quickly treated using aromatherapy by applying the essential oils in a compress over the bladder or taking an aromatherapy bath scented with essential oils.

As you can see, aromatherapy is a legitimate and effective alternative healing therapy. If you are struggling with any of the above issues and are sick of taking medications or using other forms of treatment, aromatherapy offers a gentle substitute that will alleviate numerous illnesses and concerns. Even more importantly, all of the benefits of using aromatherapy listed above are just the beginning since aromatherapy has been proven to treat countless physical and emotional issues!

It is highly important to have legitimate training for the use of aromatherapy since using some essential oils improperly could cause sickness or irritation. Perhaps the simplest way to benefit from aromatherapy is in the form of a massage or bath, which will also provide you with a multitude of relaxation benefits. If you are new to aromatherapy, you can first try out aromatherapy massage from a massage therapist, which will integrate specific essential oils to target any physical or emotional problems you may be struggling with. On top of that, you will receive the anti-stress benefits of massage to relax your muscles, improve circulation, and flush dangerous toxins from your body.

Aromatherapy is a versatile and user-friendly form of healing that offers a long list of home remedies to maintain your health without paying for expensive medications or doctor's visits! Additionally, aromatherapy will also give you the much needed stress relief that you have been looking for to relax and improve your health from the inside out.

Benefits of a Physical Therapy Career

Physical therapists are a necessity in many areas of the medical field. Without them, we would not have people to treat and help patients of all abilities in orthopedic medical centers.

There has always been a notion that becoming a physical therapist is a long arduous task but qualifying as a nurse or a full time therapist takes a minimum of 11 years. You spend four of those in college, another four at a medical school and a minimum of three years work experience at a therapeutic facility. That aside, would be therapists study a broad range of subjects that include biology and chemistry plus they must graduate from college with high marks, some even higher than the ones demanded for doctors by medical schools. Despite all these, there are numerous benefits associated with becoming a physical therapist.

Although it sounds like a physical therapists can only treat emergencies from accidents and diseases related to disabilities, a career in this field offers a wide range of options. They can become specialists in any field that they choose, i.e. treating heart problems or handling emergency cases or become teachers or consultants. Few careers give you such a vast range of options to choose from.

Do you like helping others or taking care of them? Do you believe in your communication skills? This is the profession for you. It gives you more than job satisfaction. Being a nurse gives you the power to give service and support without segregation. You save lives too. How rewarding to know that you made a difference in someone's life that would otherwise would be struggling with an ailment or even died?

You are able to function as a teacher when on the job and learn, especially due to advances in the medical sciences, you learn how to effectively treat diseases and save lives.

Careers in therapy give a good job growth outlook in that, health care is a practice that will only grow with time and there will always be need for skilled nurses with experience to improve the lives of their patients. Therapists enjoy good job security for their duties cannot be phased out in a medical facility or outsourced.

Though therapeutic nurses are paid well, salaries aren't the only perk they get. They are highly honored and regarded for the input they give to society. The patients whose lives they save revere them.

Massage Therapy 101, Part 2: What Do We Need To Know First?

In the first part of this article, I have briefly provided information on what is a massage, a massage therapy, types of massage therapy, what happens in a session, and how to find a certified practitioner. Now, we continue with the its benefits and precautions.

It is once considered the ultimate indulgence, is now recognized as a valuable component of preventative healthcare; a useful means of achieving a physical, mental, and spiritual balance. It offers a variety of techniques to relieve stress and tension, promoting general good health and wellness. Bodywork has been used successfully for years to manage and treat a variety of chronic health problems including Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Herniated disks, Osteoporosis, Chronic Back, neck pain, and muscle spasms- just to name a few.

Muscle Tissue, insertions, tendons and ligaments all benefit from massage. As these components are often the first line effected when the body is in a state of discomfort, remaining limber continues to be of the utmost importance in wellness and prevention.

In general, massages are believed to alleviate muscle pain and enhance relaxation. It is proven to ease musculoskeletal problems like back pain, fibromyalgia, sprains and strains. And it is proven to relieve depression, improve sleeping habits, enhance mental alertness, and improve self-image.

Clinical studies also share that massage therapies relieves chronic back pain more effectively than other alternative and complementary therapies like acupuncture.

Mothers and newborns also appear to benefit from the wonders of massage. Mothers trained to massage their infants often less depressed and have a better emotional bond with their babies. Newborns who receive massage from their mothers also tend to cry less, and are more active, alert, and sociable. Premature babies who receive touch therapy have been shown to gain weight faster than preemies. And infants who regularly gets massaged also sleeps better, tends to be less colicky, and has a regular digestion.*

Massages are relatively safe and there are none so far that is reported with a fatal complication. Though the therapies are safe, it is not for everyone. For example, expecting women should be cautious in receiving massages during pregnancy. There are certified massage therapists that specializes in massaging pregnant women so look for them in any massage therapy centers. Or if a patient has diabetes, he should check his blood sugar level after receiving a massage because it may turn below his normal range.

Those with heart and kidney failure, blood clots in the legs or arms, bleeding disorders, contagious skin conditions, and infection of the superficial veins or soft tissue in the legs or elsewhere are prohibited to take a session. Experts also advise that people with osteoporosis, high fever, few platelets or white blood cells and those recovering from surgery should avoid massages. Patients should consult first with their physician for recommendations and tell the massage therapist about any medications because massages may influence absorption or activity of both oral and topical medications.

More research is needed to determine how effective a massage is, which health problems improve the most from this technique, and whether it is more cost-effective than other types of treatment. Although massage is usually offered in the community by private practitioners, it is slowly being integrated into a variety of health care settings, such as hospice care facilities and hospitals.*

While the rules for certification of massage therapies vary from state to state, many require 500 or more hours of classroom instruction in`, pass the license exam and be certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Before you make an appointment with a day spa, find out whether the therapist is licensed by your state. If not, she should have a national certification or a be a professionally reviewed member of the American Massage Therapy Association or of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

It is best that if you have friends who has done the bodywork, you can ask for recommendations. And if you have medical condition and looking for a specific benefits of massage, seek a therapist who has the specialty.

* University of Maryland Medical Center

Learn Massage Therapy Courses Offer More Healthy Benefits Than You Might Think

Almost everyone knows what a massage is don't they? You may imagine a large, possibly rough, person working your body over in a way that feels slightly good but hurts even more. That is certainly not what a good rub down should be all about!

A Little History

Modern massage therapy was perfected in Egypt in the time of the pyramids and passed down from generation to generation to the present. It's true all the cultures have utilized massage therapy for both therapeutic healing and for sensual pleasure. Massaging techniques were also used throughout the middle and far east civilizations. Ancients in India, Japan and China made this technique a key part of their healing and medicine routines.

Definition Of Massage Therapy

A clinical definition is an organized form of touch. The therapy will use the hands and arms to knead, rub and glide over the skin which will apply pressure to the muscles in a system of practiced movements. Most often the movements consist of stroking, pressing, kneading and rubbing. Massage will not cure everything but maintain normal body functions and repair the effects of tension, stress and muscle injury.

Why Does A Massage Feel So Good?

As the body responds to the variety of touch techniques the benefits of massage become apparent. Normal function of the affected area return as the techniques are performed. The rubdown imitates natural stimuli for the body which then responds in a number of different yet positive ways. A good massage also can provide a boost to your mental health by giving you a general sense of well being, managing your body's waste products and toxins, and reducing stress.

So who doesn't love a good massage?

The power of touch is absolutely amazing. It can heal aches, cure ailments, and just make a person feel great! Many people will happily pay big money to experience a professional massage. Getting a massage is an amazing journey into total relaxation and new sense of health. You may be one of those people who not only enjoy getting one but would like to learn how to give a professional massaging experience.

If you are interested in learning massage therapy courses are available on the internet at various outlets like this one...

Massage Therapy - A Multitude of Benefits and Advantages

Massage is an age old therapeutic technique that has been practiced by the Chinese and Indians for centuries. This has become extremely popular in the West too and is a great way to beat the stress and fatigue associated with the modern day lifestyle.

A massage can be used as a therapeutic tool to get relief from various disorders; it is extremely beneficial in alleviating back pain and also helps the body to become more flexible and supple. Prenatal massages are recommended for pregnant women as it helps to shorten labor and eases contractions. Massages can also improve the flow and circulation of lymph in the body and thus boost the immune status which helps to ward off and keep diseases at bay.

If you have tired and weak muscles which have become tight or atrophied, this healing technique is the best way to loosen up the muscles and make them firm and toned once again. An Ayurvedic massage with traditional oils is highly recommended for this purpose and is often sought after by sportspersons as well as those recovering from injuries and accidents.

Massages are an awesome way to soften and nourish the skin which is constantly exposed to the pollution and harmful radiations of the sun. Get a trained masseur to give you a massage for your entire body from head to toe for a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. The therapist usually employs natural extracts, creams or aroma oils to nourish and soften the skin which will leave you glowing for days afterwards. A foot massage, popularly known as reflexology, is a wonderful way to de-stress after a tiring day; the therapist gently kneads the various pressure points on the feet to give you a complete relaxing experience and is also beneficial for good health.

Studies have now proven that a massage can also help to get relief from depression and anxiety as it is soothing and calming for the soul. This is the reason why we have many spas and wellness centers situated in exotic and beautiful locales; most spas are also designed to provide a peaceful ambience where one can de-stress and get relaxed completely.

Massages are also helpful to reduce stretch marks and hence are recommended for women post delivery and also for people who lose weight rapidly. It also helps to reduce the scar tissue that is left behind after injuries and surgeries helping the skin to get back its elasticity and suppleness. If you suffer from migraine and chronic headaches, this therapy is highly recommended especially by Ayurvedic practitioners for quick relief and comfort. Athletes and sportspersons make use of massages to relive the spasms and cramps that affect the muscles and also to relax and soften tired and overused muscles. Increased energy levels and improved concentration are the other benefits that a good massage can offer you.

In short, a massage offers multiple benefits and advantages; it works in different ways in different people and can be customized according to one's needs and wants.

Reasons You May Need Physical Therapy

Physical therapists help patients manage and recover from debilitating physical conditions that leaves them unable to function normally. The purpose of physical therapy is to help people who have conditions that limit their ability to function in their daily activities. A physical therapist uses many techniques and devices to assist clients with recovering physical strength and range of motion, improving mobility of injured body parts, managing pain, improving posture, and managing physically debilitating conditions. Conditions patients normally suffer can be the result of an injury, illness, or chronic disease such as diabetes. Therapeutic equipment can include ultraviolet and infrared lamps, EMS machines, whirlpool baths, and ultrasonic machines.

Physical therapy consists of a therapist assessing a patient's ability to function, monitoring motor function, improving balance and coordination, increasing muscle strength, improving range of motion, creating treatment plans for the rehabilitation facility as well as at home, and recording a patient's progress. They also instruct patients on how to use therapeutic medical devices such as canes and crutches, wheelchairs, braces, artificial limbs...etc.

Many people are not sure if they are in need of physical therapy. Physical therapy can be used for all neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunctions. If you have any of the following conditions, you may require physical therapy:

Sports Related Injuries: Sports or exercise injuries can be the result of training mishaps, incorrect warm up methods, trauma from a fall or other accident resulting in a physical injury.

Chronic Diseases such as Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage covering the ends of the bone wears away. Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. There is distinct pain and difficulty moving with these conditions.

Surgery Issues: One may require muscle conditioning and strengthening before or after surgery.

Chronic Fatigue and Pain: An example would be a Fibromyalgia diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is an aching condition characterized by extensive soft tissue pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and regions of tenderness in the body.

Balance or Mobility Problems: This problem can result from a head injury, brain condition, or trauma resulting from an accident.

Sprains and Muscle Injuries: These injuries can result from slip and fall accidents, repetitive motion injuries, and other incidents causing a physical injury. This can include such injured areas as the arms, shoulder, knees, feet, ankles, hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Neck pain is also an area that can be treated with physical therapy.

Lower Back Pain: This can result from muscle strains, ligament strains, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, Fibromyalgia and more.

Abdominal Pressure causing Incontinence or Bowel Problems: Special physical therapy techniques can be used to strengthen the pelvic muscles.

Neuro-Rehabilitation: Physical therapy techniques are used after such incidents as a stroke, spinal cord injury, or head injury.

Physical therapy uses non-invasive techniques and devices to promote healing and restore function. It also focuses on health, fitness, and overall well being.

Because of an increased aging population, more people playing extreme sports, and an increased number of people enrolling in fitness clubs, physical therapists are in great demand. Most people can benefit from physical therapy, so it is important to discuss this method of rehabilitation with your doctor.

5 Reasons to Become a Respiratory Therapist

If you are in the middle of choosing a career, then you must also be at the receiving end of sometimes-unsolicited advice from friends, family, and well-wishers. Their constant stream of advice may be making the already difficult decision-making process seem a thousand times harder.

Take solace in the fact that you are not alone! At this moment, hundreds and thousands of people are probably in the same quandary as you.

To help you and others who are having trouble deciding on a career, we offer one option to consider: respiratory therapy. Let's look at the top five reasons why you should consider enrolling in a respiratory therapist school.

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #1

Less schooling required: As compared to most other healthcare careers, the training requirements for becoming a respiratory therapist (RT) are much less extensive. A two-year Associate in Respiratory Therapy degree from an accredited university, college, or technical-vocational school is the basic requirement to pursue a career in respiratory therapy.

Respiratory therapist programs usually include courses in life and health sciences such as microbiology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology; topics that deal with respiratory care and management such as pulmonary anatomy and physiology, cardiopulmonary pharmacology, airway management, and ventilation theory; and clinical experience that includes supervised hands-on patient care.

All the U.S. states except Alaska require respiratory therapists to have either the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) license. For both these credentials, applicants must graduate from an accredited respiratory therapist program and meet other licensure requirements above and beyond the degree.

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #2

Excellent job outlook: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment of RTs is expected to grow at a faster-than-average pace for all occupations: 28 percent through 2020.* The growing numbers of elderly folk in the country who are more vulnerable to respiratory ailments, plus an increased awareness of and focus on disease prevention, has led to this growth in the demand for RT.

This means individuals employed as RTs should enjoy excellent employment prospects over the next decade.

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #3

Options for professional growth: Once you graduate from respiratory therapist school and get some experience under your belt in direct patient care, you may start thinking about taking the next step in your career path.

Advancement to roles like shift manager, department head, hospital administrator, educational program lead, etc. is possible with experience and additional training. If this is the direction you'd like to grow your career, pursuing an advanced respiratory therapy degree should be a part of your career development plan.

RTs can also explore the option of branching out into business roles with equipment manufacturers, or join the world of research and academics.

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #4

Average income: The Department of Labor reports that the median annual wages of respiratory therapists was $54,280 in May 2010, depending on geographic location, education, and experience.**

The income of a RT also varies with the type of healthcare facility they are employed in. For example, RTs employed with nursing care facilities earned an average annual wage of $57,450, while those working in offices of physicians earned an average of $52,500 per annum (depending on location, education, and experience). ***

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #5

Rewarding work: This may be the most important of all the reasons to consider a career as a RT. At the end of a hard working day, there is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing you have worked to heal your patients, and that's what a career in respiratory therapy promises.

Through all the emergency cases of heart failures and severe asthmatic attacks; the drowning accidents; the heart-wrenching cries of premature infants; and the helplessness of patients on respiratory support equipment, the feeling you're most likely to remember is the joy of seeing them breathe life once again.

Sources:

* bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-6

** bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-5

*** Ibid.

What Is Chair Massage?

Chair massage is a short massage, anywhere from five to 30 minutes, done through the clothing. It typically focuses on key tension areas in the back, neck, shoulders and arms. A professional practitioner performs it in a specially designed ergonomic massage chair. They were originally referred to by its creator, David Palmer, as "on-site massage" since the massage chairs were portable and were usually brought into a workplace. However, this kind of onsite massage service is now more commonly referred to as simply "chair massage" and sometimes as "seated massage".

They are performed in all kinds of environments. Most people know about the service as a corporate massage service, although probably only half of all of them are done in the workplace. Retail chair massage, either done in massage stores or as stand alone massage booths or massage kiosks is becoming increasingly common.

One of the benefits of them is that it takes a service that is typically done behind closed doors and makes it visible to the public. Because it is done out in the open, people getting them know exactly what to expect. They can see who is doing the massage and what they are doing.

Another benefit of chair massage is that it is done over the clothing. Many people feel uncomfortable getting undressed for traditional massage that is done on a table. With seated massage, people can avoid the discomfort and awkwardness that they may feel having to disrobe.

The sessions are usually shorter than traditional massage making it very convenient for anyone to fit into their schedule. And because the sessions are shorter, the cost for a chair massage is relatively low. These benefits make chair massage a safe, convenient and affordable. It's no wonder that more people are introduced to massage through chair massage than through any other massage technique.

National Massage Chains Continue to Expand

The massage therapy industry is changing to meet the needs of consumers. Massage therapy used to be a luxury for most people, but as it has become more popular with the general public for its therapeutic affect, business models are changing and adapting to a more main-stream approach.

According to the 2009 AMTA Massage Therapy Industry Report, national massage chains are growing as new players enter this market and current chains expand into new locations. Seeing the growth of spas and the consumer acceptance of massage, these organizations have found a niche in the market - offering a branded product in numerous locations.

As opposed to spas, these companies only offer massage, although some firms are testing locations that offer more traditional spa services in addition. Some massage therapists have a poor view of national massage chains, seeing them as detrimental to the profession. But, as these chains continue to grow, many massage therapists see them as a place to get steady employment and potential benefits.

Because massage therapy is the only service on the menu, national massage chains are able to cut overhead from less profitable services and offer lower cost massage. The number of these firms and the lower prices available could have a significant impact on massage use in the future and employment opportunities.

Currently, only 1 percent of consumers report receiving their last massage at a national massage chain. This number is expected to grow as more chains open, and consumers look for a lower cost massage. Additionally, consumers may not understand the difference between a spa and a national massage chain.

Massage Therapy Etiquette

Massage therapy sessions are naturally intimate procedures. A massage therapist oils, kneads, touches and relaxes the client's body and plays soothing and escaping music in the background. Whether it be receiving or providing this service of healing, it will surely be an intimate experience. Although a professional massage is licensed and within the confines of a spa or office, both parties can develop insecurities, feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. This can be especially true of those receiving a massage for the first time.

The massage therapist is trained and responsible for creating a soothing, relaxing and professional environment for the client's pleasure. In this same way, the client is also responsible for communicating with their therapist in order for them to properly provide a service which is comfortable and without issue. Highly experienced therapists are also able to direct the client through the massage so there is as little confusion as possible about the process.

There are several aspects of a massage which raises the eyebrows of clients which should be noted:

1. Clothing: Each massage type will outline the amount of clothing a client should wear. For example, during a Swedish massage the client is asked to strip completely since it is a full body procedure. However, some clients may not be comfortable with baring it all and should know it is fine for them to request they keep one or two articles of clothing on such as their underwear. If a client chooses to bare it all, an experienced therapist will know how to drape fabric over their bodies in order to not over-expose them.

Before a massage begins, the therapist usually will instruct the client on its aspects including the amount of clothing usually discarded. Once this discussion is over, the masseuse leaves the room to allow the client to undress privately and get under a sheet or towel on the massage table. The therapist will only uncover the areas of the body that are being massaged to ensure their client's comfort.

2. Touching: There are several reasons as to why individuals may get a massage. For instance, a massage can be sought to alleviate stress, improve relaxation, enhance circulation, etc. The client should understand that they are able to set rules and regulations regarding their body and it is the therapist's obligation to respect those boundaries. Although therapeutic massages are sensual they are not intended to be sexual.

If a client, whether male or female, makes an overtly sexual or unsettling request, the therapist is obligated to forcefully but professionally identify how inappropriate the request is. On the other hand, a therapist should never assume the parts of the client's body that can be touched. Lastly, it is never appropriate to touch the genitals of a client during a massage. This is a betrayal of trust, is unethical and can bring about legal action.

There are several regulations regarding massage which can be sourced from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork within their policy for Standards of Practice.