Best Cities to Be a Massage Therapist

The best cities to be a massage therapist are the locations where there are the most diverse job opportunities, cultural offerings and educational advantages. The fact is that this job is expected to see great employment increases. You can be a massage therapist anywhere in the world, even on a cruise ship sailing the seas, but some cities are better than others. The following are considered the best cities to be a massage therapist in the United States:

1. Dallas, Texas: This is considered one of the best cities to be a massage therapist because it is a major business and cultural center where therapists can explore many different health care settings such as hotels, resorts, spas and wellness centers. There are many career opportunities and average salaries start at $39,000 for recent graduates.

2. Houston, Texas: This is the fourth largest city in the United States, and it has become a multicultural hub of education, performing arts, sports and tourism. Starting salaries of $38,000 and abundant career opportunities make this an excellent location to practice the healing arts.

3. Phoenix, Arizona: With so many chiropractic clinics, fitness centers, health care facilities, medical offices, resorts and spas catering to professional athletes, retirees and vacationers, this desert city is ideal for massage. Average salaries of $42,000 and great demand for massage therapists sweeten the deal.

4. San Diego, California: It's easy to see why this is one of the best cities to be a massage therapist just from the warm, sunny beaches that call to vacationers year round. People love healthy living here, and there is a huge resort and spa tourism industry, so a massage school degree can help you earn a $42,000 average salary and a steady job.

5. Seattle, Washington: This northwest coastal city has the highest average salaries for massage therapists at $45,000, and local residents tend to embrace the healing arts. There are both public and private massage therapy practices to choose from throughout the city.

These top five best cities to be a massage therapist include sprawling metropolises, a desert oasis and coastal hot spots. They are all excellent cities to begin or continue a career as a massage practitioner.

Massage Therapy For Rheumatic Fever

Ayurveda, an age old Indian system of medicine, emphasis that Rheumatic diseases occur due to accumulated ama accompanied by the vata dosh. Panchakarma, is a cleansing process, which is very much unique in Ayurvedic medicine and by undergoing it, the body is able to release excess doshas and amas (toxins) from the cells and it strikes at the root cause of Rheumatic fever.

Panchakarma means five therapeutic measures which are undergone for the purification of the body. The simple logic on which Ayurveda operates is that the body has to be purified before preparing it for treating it for the complex health problems.

The pre-purification measures of panchakarma are :

1.Snehana (abhyangam) - oil massage is done which helps the ama to move towards the gastro intestinal tract.

2. Swedana (sweating) - a process which liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of ama towards the gastro intestinal tract.

Next comes the main purification measures :

1. Vamana - It is a therapeutic vomiting which eliminates the kapha casuing the excess mucus.

2. Virechana - It is a purgation therapy. To treat the fever which is the result of the excess Pitta being secreted in the gall bladder, liver or small intestine.

3. Nasya - It is believed that nose is the doorway to our brain which in turn is the doorway to consiousness. In Nasya, the excess of bodily humors especially the ones that are found in throat area, are eliminated through administration of medication through the nose.

4. Basti - It is an enema therapy where the herbal concoctions of sesame iols and other herbal preparations in the form of liquid medium are introduced in to the rectum. Janubasti is also very effective in treating vata disorders which results in RA disorders.

Hence panchakarma treatment is found very effective in treating the rheumatic disorders and after undergoing it the person is then advised to lead a modified lifestyle, take proper diet and do yogic exercises that helps him in keeping himself at bay from RA disorders in future too.

Massage Therapy - Pain Elimination Vs Pain Management

Massage Therapy is an excellent source of health benefits. Massage has been proven to decrease stress, improve circulation, boost energy, and calm the nervous system. Massage can help treat acute injuries and help athletes decrease pain and soreness from intense exercise. Massage Therapy can also help prevent many issues such as frozen shoulder and Repetitive Strain Injury. If you are receiving regular Massages you're less likely to have tension built up into those nasty knots that cause us so much muscle aches and pain. Massage Therapy is even known to lessen the pain associated with Arthritis, Plantar Fasciitis, and Shin Splints. Headache sufferers can greatly benefit from massage of the neck, head, and back as headaches often come from tension in the upper body. The list could go on and on of what painful conditions can be managed and prevented with Massage Therapy.

As a Massage Therapist I am often asked if the tension and knots I feel in my client's body will "ever go away?". "Will my pain be eliminated?" I will always respond the same. Massage Therapy can help you manage your pain, but I will not promise to eliminate it completely. It is my belief that our bodies are not machines and therefore the more you demand from your body, the more you will become aware of the ware and tear you are putting on your body. This is felt through soreness, aches, and sometimes pain.

When pain is present getting a Massage can not only benefit you by decreasing the pain, but the Massage Therapist should also be able to tell you what is possibly happening in your muscles and joints that may have caused the pain in the first place. The goal is to get to the root of the problem.

The Massage Therapist can give you advise on proper stretching techniques and home care tips such as hot/cold therapy. With your help, you can both come up with ideas as to activities and habits you may be doing that could be done in a better way to prevent injury and pain. Sometimes it is as simple as walking with the entirety of your foot, and displaying your weight properly. Sometimes it is the shoulders to ears syndrome as I like to call it, when someone does not relax their shoulders down and back but holds them up to their ears, causing a major strain on their shoulders and neck. This is simply bad posture and can be corrected if you're aware of it! Massage Therapy is wonderful because it makes you so much more aware of your body and the pain patterns that you have going on.

Start young! It is always hardest to work through pain patterns when you've been living with them for 10, 15, 20 years! When you're young you may recuperate quicker but that doesn't mean you're not doing damage. You should receive regular Massage as maintenance for your bodies health, starting young. The frequency depends on your lifestyle, how active you are, how much stress you have in your life, and of course it needs to meet your budget.

Massage Therapist's are certainly considered "healers" but I try to use the word "help" instead of healing because I want people to appreciate the help we are able to give and not expect to be healed. We are all going to experience pain in our lives, it's how you choose to manage it that will make the difference in your pain and happiness levels.This being said, I have had significant results with my clients over the years. I have worked with a wide variety of clientele ranging from young athletes, back surgery recovery patients, car accident victims, senior citizens, pregnant women, world travelers, and the many stressed out hard workers out there. I have been able to help take a client's pain level down from a 10 to a 1 with regular Massage treatments. But I can not take all the credit for this feat. The client's who take the suggestions and "home work" I give them seriously have the best results.

Pain is also said to be a state of mind. I also believe this to be true. So, when a client is lying on the table, having his or her knots worked out in a serene and relaxing environment, I hope for them to be enjoying every moment of this time of pleasure and pain relief. I hope for my clients to feel pain release during this hour or hour and a half, and to allow tension and stress to melt away. This is my goal, and I hope to educate my clients on looking at Massage in this way. I want them to enjoy every minute of their massage time, worry free. If pain is a state of mind, taking away the worries of eliminating your pain forever, and appreciating the moments in life when you are experiencing decreased pain and increased pleasure could produce amazing results for your body and mind.

Massage Therapist: How to Become One

Have you ever wondered what a massage therapist does? Massage therapists use body manipulation to give relaxation to the body and even the mind. These therapists target the muscles, joints, connective tissues and even the skin through the use of pressure. The massage can help stimulate healthy functioning of the body. At present, there are a lot of massage styles available and offered to the public. The therapists usually use their hands or elbows but some other styles necessitate the use of foot. Techniques of massage therapy include reflexology, trigger point therapy, Thai and Swedish massage.

So, now you really want to become a massage therapist? You need to know that there are several requirements to become a massage therapist. First, you need a high school diploma. If you already have the first requirement, you can look for a massage therapy school. You need to make sure that your massage school is accredited by Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. More than 100 massage therapy schools are already accredited by the said organization. Once you have chosen an appropriate school, you need to prepare for the coursework. The school will provide specialized training. You will study anatomy and physiology so will have an extensive knowledge of the human body. You need to know each organ system and tissue plus all their functions. Kinesiology or the science of human movements will also be tackled. This subject will give you the needed knowledge about human motion and the physics of the human body. Pathology, the study and diagnosis of disease, will also be studied. Of course, history and professional ethics will be included in the coursework. Generally, you should be able to get your certificate in less than a year. If you already have a certificate, you can also attend continuing education classes. Associate of Occupational Studies is an example of a degree program that serves as continuing education for massage therapists.

Where will you work? Massage therapists work in different settings. You may choose to work for health clinics, sports centers, nursing homes, spas or hotel. You can also work for Chiropractors or Physical Therapists. One interesting to note is that most massage therapists work in private practice. That means that they are self-employed or independent contractors. If you are interested in becoming self-employed, you need a strong foundation in business. You need to study accounting, finance and even tax laws if you want to start your own business.

Your next question would probably be: Would there be work for me? Yes, of course! This career is forecasted to grow faster in the upcoming years.

How Swedish Massage Therapy Is Done

Just like any other massage therapy, the Swedish massage therapy is used to help rejuvenate the health of a person by striking on the vital points which makes our body relieved from pain and stress. This is done by carefully kneading and using long, smooth strokes on the body of the person being massaged.

Swedish massage is by far the most popular and most commonly used method of therapeutic massage in the United States today although there are many other types of massage therapy used world-wide. This type of therapy uses long, gentle strokes and a kneading motion.

In a Swedish massage session, it is similar to all the other methods of massaging where the massage therapist asks the customer to take of his or her clothes for a better access on the body that the therapist will massage. It is inevitable though that some people are not comfortable having their private body parts exposed, that's why they always have the option to keep their underwear on during the therapeutic process. The massage therapist will then pour oil or lotion on your body and on his or her palm and begin massaging you as you lie face down on a padded massage table with a hole where you will position your face inside it.

Its purpose is for you to lie down comfortably on the table while breathing without any difficulty while you are being massaged. The first part that will be massaged is your back where they will start from its top to the bottom and then finish on your legs. After the therapist is done working on your back and legs, you will be asked to gently and carefully turn around so that you will be facing up on the massage table. Your chest, neck, arms and legs will then be gently massaged. Additional light oil or lotion will be applied on your body when needed to avoid harsh friction on your skin. When your therapy is done, you will be left alone on the room as you put on your clothes and exit the room afterward.

Expect a comfortable and relaxing session every time you get Swedish massage therapy. You will significantly notice that your back pains, arthritis, headaches and migraines as well as other muscle spasms and pain will be relieved. A good explanation of your revitalized body is because a massage therapy helps in loosening those stiff muscles, removes lactic acid formation, and helps in providing a good oxygen flow and circulation which are the end result in a relieved body.

Any massage therapy is usually done by professional massage therapist to ensure that you are being treated with the best service. However, there are always references on how to use the Swedish massage method on your own so that you can massage at home. Be amazed on what this method of massage therapy can do to improve your health's condition and how it will make you feel much younger. So if you haven't tried one yet, better check your nearest local spa and make a schedule for a relaxing Swedish massage session.

Physical Therapy School

A career in physical therapy can be defined by the school you choose to go to for your education, therefore, a lot of care and thought must be put in for you make the best decision. Take the time to sit down and determine your career and personal goals, then try to find the closest match you can with over 200 schools with accredited programs to choose from before you make this all-important decision to avoid any regrets and disappointments.

The study of physical therapy requires serious academic commitment, in which science plays a strong role. In addition to this, the learning of therapeutic techniques is also prioritized. Training in developing strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be innovative at work is also included in the programs, however, you do need to check them out individually to find the best match for your personality and circumstances.

One of the best indicators of the quality of the school's program is its ranking. Part of the good reputation a school earns is from the members of its faculty, their experience and their contributions to research. You can also check out how many students per category (DPT, MPT, PT, PTA) the school graduates each year and what their passing scores are for the State Board Exams. This may be a telling indicator of how well the school's program was able to prepare these students for their licensing requirements.

Other factors you need to consider include: program and faculty size, campus location, internships and affiliations, mentorship, tuition costs and financial aid support, prerequisites and school requirements, graduate support, networking opportunities by way of an alumni association and even career counseling services.

Today, there are basically two degrees you can go for: the master's degree or the doctorate degree in physical therapy. These two programs replaced the bachelor's degree at the turn of the century. The main difference between the two is length of training and depth of content. For more detailed information with regards to their program content, you can check out the particular school's website and program offerings.

But to help you come to a better decision consider the following: area of specialization you are interested in and does the school offer it, is their program accredited, is there sufficient practicum exposure, what's the faculty like and are its professors available for productive interactions with their students, what are the financial aid opportunities like, etc.

With regards to the practicum, find out as much as you can about it. There are instances where the students are so appreciated that they are offered a job after graduation, so find out if the program actually puts you in opportunities to apply what you learned in a clinical setting. Check if there are enough qualified clinical instructors to guide you and find out their commitment to research and their attitude towards advanced and up-to-date therapeutic techniques.

In the end, the search for the most appropriate physical therapy school for you lies in how methodical you are and how well you know what you want. Once you figure this out, you will be on your way to fulfilling your dreams.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools And Colleges

The last five years have been characterized by seismic changes in the job market as professions which were hitherto popular lost their quondam allure.

Against this backdrop many people lost their jobs while high school students did not know exactly which career to join. Amidst this entire hubbub, one profession has remained constant in offering prestigious opportunities and still offering opportunities for growth and this is the physical therapy industry.

The US BLS in its Occupational Handbook Outlook for 2010-2020 projects that this profession is to grow by about 45% which is way above the national average. According to CareerCast this is ranked as the second most all-round satisfying profession due to wealth accumulation, working conditions, occupational hazards, and physical demands.

If this information has whetted your desire to work as a physical therapist assistant (PTA), you need to enroll at a physical therapy assistant school to ensure you get the prerequisite skills. What are some of the germane issues while thinking about training as a physical therapy assistant?

A Brief on Physical Therapy Assistant Training

In any institution dealing with training physical therapy assistants, you will first tackle the roles of this profession. Some of the PTAs roles include assisting a physical therapist to prepare equipments necessary during therapy.

You will organize the room where the sessions will take place before the patient and the therapist arrive and all equipments should be tested to ensure it is working.

At a school you will also be taught on how to provide massage and help patients to work with equipments in order tor educe pain while also enhancing mobility.

Other techniques that you will learn through such programs include hot and cold baths and electric stimulation though all these will be supervised in actual practice by a certified therapist.

You will also learn how to observe and record any patient behavior during therapy sessions as part of the evaluation of the treatment plan. Most of the programs offer certificate programs, associate degrees running for at least two years, Master and even Doctorate programs.

Qualification to a physical therapy assistant school will also differ but a high school diploma with strong credits in mathematics, biology and English will be a requirement. If you are already working as a PTA, different schools will ask for certain number of working hours to enable you take their programs.

Some of the common subjects covered include medical terminology, anatomy, psychology and physiology, communication for health professionals, rehabilitation, growth and development among many other areas.

Choosing the Best Physical Therapy Assistant School

There are thousands of institutions offering these programs and it is important to ensure you choose the best to ground you solidly in the profession. Some of the key considerations include;

Accreditation; for you to get certified as a PTA you must have trained in an accredited institution. Some of the major accreditation bodies in the profession include Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPT) among others.

This will ensure that you can later sit for a National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) to get certified. Moreover, such accreditation ensures that the courses offered are professional.

College record; it is important to check an institution's performance record from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) website. This will show you previous performance of students in the college and it is possible to compare them with the rest of local schools.

Faculty qualification; always pick a college that has qualified personnel to ensure that you exploit their knowledge in the industry. A good college will always feature a staff page where you can evaluate all tutors who will take you through the program. Ensure they are certified in their particular specialties.

Facilities and services; any physical therapy assistant school that is credible must have sufficient facilities to provide holistic training. These include laboratories, libraries, and extra-curricular facilities among others. Moreover, there should be adequate resources in all these facilities to ensure your program runs efficiently.

Flexibility; there are many types of learning methods. Some schools offer fully online courses while others have on-campus training programs. Others will merge the two and provide academic bits online and practical work from a campus. As such, ensure you pick an institution that fits your schedule especially if you are working.

As the population ages, there will be more demand for therapeutic services and with the best training from a good physical therapy assistant school, you will have taken a pivotal position to exploit these opportunities.

Job Responsibilities, Training Requirements and Wage Expectations for Massage Therapists

The need for qualified massage therapists is expected to grow dramatically within the next 2 years as individuals discover the various benefits of massage therapy. If you are stuck in a dead-end job or you are trying to determine what you want to do with your life consider becoming a massage therapist. Massage therapists promote services that are designed to relax the body for the physical well-being of the recipient. If you are a very hands on person and you are looking for a career that will give you the freedom to set your own schedule without compromise job security understand the nature of the work, training qualifications, and average earnings to make a wise decision for your future.

Massage therapy does take knowledge and skill. Therapists are instructed to use touch to manipulate soft-tissue in the body for a variety of different reasons. If done right massage therapy can treat painful ailments, reduce stress, rehabilitate injuries, and decompress muscles. While many clients seek massages for relaxation studies have shown there are innumerable medical benefits. These medical benefits have made the art of massage very popular and very profitable. With more than 80 different types of massage modalities to learn, therapists can specialize in one or many modalities to gain a loyal customer base.

Massaging practices are regulated by the state in which you wish to operate. Most states will require a therapist to attend a formal educational program and a state license. It is important to see if your state requires a license because there are currently 9 states in the nation that do not. Training requirements are set by the state you reside in. Educational facilities will construct their curriculum to meet state and examination requirements. Generally, states will require 500 hours of study or more to meet requirements. Important subjects relating to the art of massage are covered including: anatomy, body mechanics, business management, techniques, study of organs, and physiology.

If the state you reside in requires a license, you must obtain your license after you graduate from your educational program. The program should prepare you for the State Licensing Exam. There are two nationally recognized tests so it is important to know which test is enforced in your state. You may also be required to provide proof of insurance before your license requirements are met.

Once you are licensed and certified you can start your business. Most therapists are self-employed and many work on a part-time basis. The average wage for therapists in 2008 was between $17 and $24 per hour. Low wage earners reported making $8 whereas high wage earners reported $33. The amount you make will depend on your employment, overhead costs, and the area where you work. If you want to work on your own and set your own schedule set fair and profitable prices. Create a relaxing and welcoming environment for your clients and build a loyal client base. Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing careers in the nation. Take advantage of this growth and take initiative to better your life and the life of others.

Massage Therapy School: A Lucrative Career for The 21st Century

Across the United States and Canada are hundreds of accredited massage therapy schools that provide hands on training programs and education massage training to health care professionals.

There is a difference between massage therapy and sensual massage as used in massage parlors. The health professionals of today are certified, insured and well trained at massage therapy schools so they are able to give massage therapy in comfortable, clinical atmospheres.

At massage therapy school, you learn that massage is part science and part art. A massage therapist applies lotion to the exposed area he/she is working on and manipulates the joints, tendons and ligaments, soft tissues and skin by using therapeutic strokes, pressing, tapping and squeezes. A session usually lasts approximately an hour.

Massage therapy is wonderful for relaxing muscles, stimulating the lymphatic system, improving circulation and quieting the nerves. Often massage will benefit people suffering with physical as well as mental disorders.

For anyone that has ever had a muscle spasm and knows just how painful it is, massage can ease the pain along with pain from cramps and tension. Stress can play havoc with your body and relaxation massages are a wonderful and beneficial way to treat stress.

At massage therapy school, you learn a variety of massages. Some of the different types of massages are:

1. Pregnancy prenatal massage

2. Swedish massage

3. Shiatsu

4. Neuromuscular therapy

5. Aromatherapy

6. Sports massage

7. Acupressure

Massage therapy schools not only teach therapists theory but also practical hands on massage. A therapist must pass a board examine and certification standards vary by state.

With the fast paced, modern lifestyles of people today, everyone needs a way to relieve stress, and relax not only their mind but also body. Massage is a wonderful way to do this.

Massage therapy school might be the career you are looking for.

The Benefits of On Site Massage: Therapy and Convenience

On site massage can take several forms - chair, table, and special event massage, among others - and can happen in many different settings - at the office, home, convention, party, athletic event, etc. Ultimately, on site massage therapy provides all the benefits of massage therapy - increased circulation, lower levels of stress, higher energy levels - in the exact location it is needed, making it highly therapeutic - and highly convenient.

First, in the office, on site massage is a highly effective tool. For starters, there are the therapeutic benefits provided by office massage. Indeed, even short intervals of massage therapy have been shown to reduce levels of stress and ease pain from common office ailments such as stiff shoulders and neck or repetitive stress injuries. Moreover, chair massage in the office can also be used to reward employees, motivate them to finish a project or be part of a larger employee wellness program. With therapists easily able to fit their equipment into a small office or even the corner of a room, and no need for recipients to remove any clothes, on site office massage is both highly therapeutic and convenient.

Next, on site table massage at a home, in the office, or at a travel destination allows for deep relaxation in any location. The demonstrated reduction in stress and pain levels a full body massage provides can be even more pronounced when done onsite as there is no need to track down a therapeutic office while on vacation or find travel time to a spa/therapist office while at work.

Indeed, therapeutic massage can also be utilized conveniently and beneficially in several other capacities, including: as a promotional tool at a convention, with a therapist offering chair massage therapy and attracting more people to a company booth; as a way to make a promotional event, party, or other gathering more special; as a gift to improve the wellness of family, friends, or colleagues; as a way for cross-country commuters to reduce their stress levels and relax upon arrival at a new location.

Too often massage therapy is thought of as something practiced only at a fixed location, like a luxury spa, salon or chiropractic office, while on site massage is ignored. This should not happen as on site massage can conveniently help improve one's wellness in both personal and professional settings. Indeed, when considering massage therapy, consumers should consider on site work, both for its therapeutic properties, and for its convenience.

An Understanding of the History of Occupational Therapy

An understanding of the history of occupational therapy (OT) is needed for those seeking a future in this industry. Today's OT techniques have been developed since around 100 BCE, when Asclepiades, a Greek Doctor, used exercise and massage to attend to mentally ill patients. The process became largely used in Europe in the 18th century. Phillipe Pinel and Johan Christian Reil are considered the developers of occupational therapy. With the use of leisure and work, mentally ill patients were exposed to a different, yet effective manner.. This technique became widely used in the United States at a time when the mental health care system needed reform.

Understanding the Career of an an Occupational Therapist

Between 1910 and 1920 the thought of specializing in OT emerged. Early methods combined the value of working and having strong work ethic. It was highly judged as most doctors considered arts and crafts trivial. Although it took time for medical professionals to account the essence of these beliefs, the system was eventually well-received. In a span of 20 years, the public was convinced that health was more than just a physiological concept, and that social and economic issues also came into play.

The early history of OT in the United States is difficult to trace, as practitioners didn't always document their developments and analysis - most practitioners did not realize how important their research results were. Everything we know about the beginnings of OT in the country came from records of government agencies and old news clippings. During the wars that followed, keeping records and organizing data became more of a priority. "Reconstruction Aides" were recruited by the Surgeon General to provide both occupational and physical therapies.

The Importance of World War 1 to Occupational Therapy in America

Approximately 150,000 wounded men were treated by reconstruction aides when they returned home from overseas. It is not known how many were attended to overseas. Most early occupational therapists were female, hoping to contribute in whatever way they could. Although these females were given much fame, the discipline was not used as much afterwards. The sentiment regarding assisting soldiers in times of war turned into financial and professional gratification. The need for a governing body that could oversee the future of occupational therapy became prevalent, leading to the creation of the America Occupational Therapy Association or AOTA.

With the AOTA in place, the profession became known as a legitimate practice. Occupational Therapy gained further assistance when Adolf Meyer presented a research paper to the US Government calling for the safety and learning of the discipline. Further attention to the field came from William Rush Dunton, who is credited as creating some of the basic ideas of the practice.

The practice managed to develop through WWII and our understanding of the role of Occupational Therapy has continued to grow. Recent theories contributing to the advancement of the field include the person-environment-occupation model, proposed in 1996. Currently developments are taking place in the field in relation to occupational deprivation, focusing on therapy needed by refugees and the homeless.

Establishing a Physical Therapy Private Practice

A practice treats pain, promotes healing, and restores movement to patients. If you want to start a private practice, you must find an affordable way to maximize referrals, revenue and reimbursement. By maximizing profit, your practice can help you to reach the independence and freedom that you want and need. With every referral that visits your practice, you will become one step closer to a decrease in workload.

Physical therapy has been evolving as a profession over the last 50 years, bringing terms like "anatomy" to the field and leaving a stronger medical connection behind. Ties to a "doctoring" profession are great for practice publicity. Embracing recent changes, many professionals are excited about this change, while others remain apprehensive. Either way, the evolution into a practice is inevitable for many working in the field.

Before establishing a practice, you need to ask yourself why you became involved in the field. What were your hopes and dreams? What goals did you want to reach? What were the most important aspects of pursuing this profession? You also need to determine how a private practice will help you work towards the aspirations you have identified.

Success is where opportunity and preparation meet. You need to prepare a personal financial statement and find out how much you can afford to put into your practice. You need to identify your competitors and see if the area where your project is located is suitable and convenient to all. If there is a practice next door, for example, you may need to revamp your marketing approach.

Marketing the services of your physical therapy practice is an essential component of success. You have to believe in yourself to overcome obstacles and work through the many challenges that you may encounter on the way. Have your products and services advertised on media so that people may get to know and understand what you are doing at your practice; by doing this you will be drawing awareness to the public.

Train your staff members and hold frequent seminars to boost the success of your practice. Think about how confident you are right now. Do your staff members posses the skills and abilities necessary to create a positive practice experience? The better equipped your staff, the better your chances of running a successful physical therapy practice. Client satisfaction is a crucial part of any business, so be sure to include great customer relations as part of your practice. With time, your practice will find its place on the map and bring you to a new level within your own life as well.

All Doctors of Physical Therapy in California

California State Universities are this year offering a Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT) as the Masters of Physical Therapy program (MPT) is fast becoming a thing of the past. This article will outline those universities making the switch and which State Universities in California now offer the DPT.

The DPT is progressively becoming the gold standard in physical therapy education across the United States. The DPT allows practitioners to become more recognised in the field of PT. This strengthens the case for physical therapists to become first contact practitioners across all states. Currently in the U.S. PTs work as first contact practitioners in 46 States and the District of Columbia, however there remain some stringent restrictions on physical therapy practice without the guidance of a doctor. To strengthen the case for physical therapists to become first contact practitioners, the American Physical Therapy Association has pushed for all PT programs to transition to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs by 2020. This leaves little room for dispute that physical therapists are well qualified to be first contact practitioners.

There are currently 14 public and private universities offering a degree in PT in California. All private universities in California currently offer the DPT program, and it seems that finally the State Universities are following their example.

Commencing in 2012, all California State Universities (Northridge, Long Beach, Sacramento and San Francisco/Fresno) will offer DPT programs for physical therapy students. These programs offer more advanced clinical programs and clinical internships and allow the graduate to hold a doctorate degree on completion of the program. All California DPTs are accredited by CAPTE and all students can undertake the National Physical Therapy Exam on completion of their studies. Because they are state universities, the tuition fees are governed by the California State University Board of Trustees and are system wide. Tution fees for the DPT at any CSU in 2012 are $8074 per semester. Most DPT programs in California run for 8-9 semesters and offer 30-35 weeks of clinical internships within these semesters. The average number of students accepted into the DPT programs in California is 32 however there are usually many more applicants than this so study hard!!

For those who are completing a Masters Degree this year, California State Universities will offer a postprofessional transitional DPT to act as a bridging course and allow the graduate to hold a DPT upon completion. This postprofessional program usually involves 9-12months of further studies.

The path to becoming a physical therapist is a long and challenging one, however the DPT programs, now offered by California State Universities will ease the transition to practice and is the way of the future.

Interior Design Schools - Top Schools Secrets They Will Never Tell You

Is interior design a natural talent or learned skill? I say both. You can attend school forever and never possess the creativity required for interior design. Residential certification can take just 4-6 months of studying and teach future designers how to plan projects, choose the right materials for the right purpose, use contracts, space plan, furniture design, architecture and so much more. Not to mention it can save you a ton of money when compared to a four-year college which focuses more on commercial interior design.

Adding an easy to follow certification course to your bag of skills will help you utilize your natural raw talent with basic techniques and business expertise required for your success. Training gives you the confidence and knowledge to succeed in a residential interior design career. Most colleges are too expensive and geared more towards commercial interior design. Some of the most successful interior designers in the country have studied the basic techniques and gained national attention because of their talent.

One of the best things about interior design is that there are infinite ways to express your artistic talent. Some interior designers use their artistic talent to paint a signature piece of art for their client's design. This makes them stand out as a designer and they are forever remembered by their clients. The reality is that the artistic expression is endless in this career choice. With that being said, there are still many aspects of the business that have to be taught.

Before you work with a client you should learn how to bill clients, use the right contracts, posses the proper terminology, locate wholesale items, prepare a space plan, collect useful samples, manage budgets, and understand project management. Those are just a few of the necessary skills that you'll be learning in a reputable residential course. Bring your natural talent to the course and then build upon it!

Design is a career of choice for individuals with artistic talent. This career is constantly evolving with art, color, products, green choices, ergonomics, and style. Professionals love learning about the latest products available to bring added value to their clients, as well keeping up with industry news to stand out amongst their colleagues. This is a competitive field and product knowledge is power!

The biggest pitfall for most designers is that, as artists, they do not typically posses the business skills needed to succeed in this career. Also artistically minded individuals such as designers typically possess a "flower child" mentality that provides volumes of imagination. A typical designer thought would be as follows: "Let's make the world a more beautiful place even if I have to sacrifice my income!" This is where the starving artist who does not realize his or her self-worth comes into play. Imagine having an experienced colleague protecting you from the pitfalls, helping you realize your worth, and teaching you how to charge properly.

We don't hear about the start-up struggles because, like other professions, we are a proud bunch. However, if you get a group of interior designers together in a room and bring up their first several years in the business it will go something like this: "I was so excited about designing Mrs. Smith's house that I felt guilty charging them anything! I did charge them a small amount; after all I was lucky that they liked me enough to allow me to design their three million dollar home. Yes, I had to get a roommate to meet the rent, but I didn't mind (chuckle) because I made them so happy. I lived on three cans of tuna a week and boiled noodles for seven months. They said that I did a great job and that I was lucky they chose me. Oh well, at least I stayed thin."

If that sounds like it was spoken from the heart, it was! That was just one of my first four years of experience in this industry. The early years of designing homes worth $500,000 and up, barely paying my rent, and struggling to survive are just a few of the reasons that I love to protect young designers. Yes, you guessed it. I was one of the designers that attended an expensive college, costly 2 years specialty college which left me in dept for several years after graduation and I was never taught the secrets of success in interior design, nor was I told how to avoid the pitfalls. Not to mention the fact that I was one of the few graduates of my class that actually continued into a lifelong career as an interior designer.

Though many of my fellow students may have possessed more drafting skills or auto cad skills than I did, they did not necessarily posses people skills or natural artistic ability to become an interior designer. That's when I came to the realization that it does not matter how much an interior design student spends, they either have it or they don't! Education is of the utmost importance with regards to an interior design career. In fact, a successful interior designer never stops learning and discovering the latest products available for her clients. You will succeed in this career if you have true passion for it.

You may be reading this and thinking of how many times you moved around your living room furniture or repainted your walls. Designing is such an adventure. If you get excited about new fabrics, colors, and are easily moved or inspired, you've got it - you're a designer at heart! Follow your heart and live your dream. Just make sure you are backed by technique, knowledge of contracts, and the basic skills that every interior designer should know before entering this highly competitive field. I wish there had been something like the residential interior design course certification available when I was starting.

If you are artistic and contemplating this as a career there is one more skill that I believe is required, and this may be one of the most important characteristics of a good residential interior designer - you must really like people. People skills are not often discussed in conjunction with interior design, but it is essential for your success. If you are artistic and possess people skills, then you are ready for your next step - to sign up for a certification course such as the Residential Interior Design course written by interior designers with over 20 years in today's market. Learn from their experience, and let them share their pain and achievements with you. The incredible advantage to this course is that it is the least expensive course of this caliber, http://residentialinteriordesigncourse.org/ and the mentor ship included with registration is phenomenal. Start your career with your natural talent and debt free. The simplest and easiest way to jumpstart your career is with the support and nurturing of experienced interior designers, working to prepare you for future success. You can be certified in as little as four months!

Specializing in Deep Tissue Massage

As a massage therapist, specializing in deep tissue massage can be a lucrative and rewarding decision, as this is quickly becoming one of the most popular styles of massage. It focus on realigning the connective tissue and deep layers of muscles beneath the skin to help heal chronically sore shoulders, tight lower backs, tense and stiff necks and other pains. This massage therapy style relies on many of the traditional techniques, but you will use deeper pressure and move your hands more slowly to really get into the affected areas and relieve the tension. ???

If you choose to specialize in deep tissue massage you will have many options as far as where you will work and who your clients will be. People who have had sports injuries and those who suffer from poor circulation and chronic muscle tension or adhesions in the ligaments, muscles and tendons will always be interested in this massage. You will relieve their pain and tension by breaking down the adhesions that are causing pain, and you will help to restore their muscle systems to their normal state of movement. As long as there are patients suffering from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, limited mobility, osteoarthritis pain, postural problems, muscle tension, spasms, sports injuries or repetitive strain injuries, you will have a market of clients.

Tissue massage therapists work in massage parlors, spas, fitness clubs, physical therapy offices and private practices. The hourly wages for this type of work are about $41.50 on average, although this all depends on where you work and how much experience you have. Before you can become a massage therapist, you will need to complete a training program, perform the required number of hours of massage experience and become certified. You will also need to complete specialized training in deep tissue massage.

Specializing in deep tissue massage could be ideal for you. If you are passionate about the healing arts and want to help people live pain-free lives, contact a local accredited massage school and find out more about their tissue massage training.?

Giving a Great Massage - The Little Things Make All the Difference

One of the perks of being one of the senior Massage Therapists at the spa I work at is that I get to receive massages from potential candidates for hire. At least, at first glance, this seems like a perk. Sure, I get lots of free massages, especially when we're on a hiring spree. But, I also have to face the unfortunate reality that the majority of the massages are not going to be good. Yes, there IS such a thing as a bad massage! Some of you know how it is, especially if you're a massage therapist. Not all of us are created equal. Some massages blow me away, some massages make me cringe, and then there are lots in between. Here are some of the things that, in my experience, seal the deal when it comes to giving your client the best massage they have ever had:

Your energy. Most of the time, the client can actually tell if you are having a bad day. They can tell when you don't care. They may not feel it on a conscious level, but something about the experience will be a little off. Great massage therapists know how to turn off the rest of the world before they lay their hands on someone. Close your eyes and take a few deep, cleansing breaths before entering the room. Say a quick prayer for your client as you introduce your touch. Ask God or whatever higher power you believe in to help you to do only good for the being on your table, and the ability to block out everything else.

Flow. This is a tough one to explain without being able to demonstrate. Flow is the biggest key for me when it comes to a great massage. The best massages I have ever had were the ones where it seemed as though the massage therapist's hands never left my body, and where they flowed from using hands to forearms to thumbs and back to hands again without ever breaking contact. Using the full surface of the hand is very important during long effleurage strokes. Nothing is worse than an incomplete stroke - not including the glutes when working up the leg, or not including the feet in your first or last long effleurage strokes - it makes me sad just thinking about it. Another part of flow is being thorough on each part of the body, not just working the top surface of the leg or the arm...pick up the limb a little bit and "hug" it as you are spreading the oil, make sure you "hug" the sides of the body when you are working the back. There should always be a sense of completeness.

Scent. Scent is so strongly tied to mood and emotion that it certainly is worth mentioning, and not just in the "massage therapists should have good breath" way. That's pretty obvious! A little lavender or lemon or other uplifting or calming scent wafting through the room will just take the experience up a couple of notches. My acupuncturist's office smells like lavender and a touch of moxa all the time, and I smile as soon as I walk in the door and take a deep breath, because it just smells like calm to me.

"Little touches". I love to use a lavender and chamomile eye pillow on my clients when they are face up. It blocks out the light to help them relax, and the particular one I use is very large and comfy and soft so it has a comforting feel to it as well. I also do some deep breathing with them, and often use essential oils that I choose based on what is happening with that particular client that day. In one recent session, my client had both parents ill and was going into a very busy day at the salon that she owns, so I used some Valor to balance her energy and give her spiritual strength, some Peace and Calming for comfort, and of course Abundance so that she could have a positive, profitable day! She said later that it was the best she'd felt in a month, and that it was the first time she actually felt like talking to people in a long time. What a great result. I know that part of it was the benefits of the massage, but I know that the little extra touch of including the oils took the experience and benefits to the next level for her. Oh, and as a bonus, she ended up signing up to be a Young Living customer!

Every massage therapist wants to give their clients the best of themselves. Our intention is always good. But there will always be those therapists that stand way out from the crowd, those who their clients can't live without. These are the massage therapists that give credit to what we do, and who will bring the art of massage therapy to the forefront of wellness care.

The Health Benefits of a Massage

For thousands of years, simple but very powerful hand and finger massage and pressure techniques have been part of the natural healing system of China, Japan, India and other great civilizations around the globe. It is believed that the healing power and health benefits from massages will bring relief from pain and eliminate a wide variety of common ailments without drugs, medical procedures, and with no side effects. With the help of massages, you will be able to safely and simply restore balance, renew energy and vitality, relieve stress and tension, and alleviate everyday aches and pains and common complaints such as headaches, menstrual cramps, neck pain, and eye strain. Massages help the body heal itself.

These ancient treatment modalities of massage can be used effectively in conjunction with modern Western medicine, and are being used in exactly that way in hospitals everywhere but only recently.

The Western approach to wellness
Modern western Medicine has not focused so much on the health benefits of massage and other holistic methods. Instead, it has given its attention almost entirely to curing disease, rather than creating health. Its expertise relies in surgery and medications to restore health once a person becomes ill. Many lives have been saved by this approach, sometime almost miraculously. However, drugs often have a toxic side effect, which weaken the body, causing future problems which then have to be treated with more drugs.

The Eastern approach to wellness to using massage therapy
The approach of natural healing systems from the East is quite different. Their primary goal is not to heal the disease once it occurs, but to prevent it. These systems encourage good health by paying attention to balance in one's own life through diet, exercise, meditation, and stress management. Massages are especially beneficial for stress management.

Given all of the evidence of the health benefits of massage, You would think a regular massage would be as important to us as taking our daily vitamins and evening walk. The good news is that the West is finally catching up. Massages are now offered at almost all major hotels and spas. They are offered on cruises and in hair salons and most recently in a well-known health food chain grocery store in the US and Canada. Yes, you can now buy a gallon of milk and have a lovely Shiatsu massage all in the same afternoon.

Messages involve releasing tension from the muscles in the body and there are several variations of massages using specific pressure points. Two of the most popular are the Swedish massage and Shiatsu massages.

Shiatsu, a form of massage to promote good health
Shiatsu, like other finger pressure massage therapies, is part of a holistic approach to good health. Blockages in the energy flow and imbalances in the system are often a consequence of personal habits in diet and activity, as well as our personal perceptions, thoughts and emotional reactions. Other factors, such as age, lifestyle, even the weather all play a part.

Because of the interconnectedness of so many factors, it is important to not use Shiatsu message therapy in the typical way many people today use medicines: popping a pill to relieve symptoms rather than finding out why they have the problem and correcting the underlying cause. For example, taking an antacid may relieve a stomach ache, but the cause was probably from over-eating, or eating foods that are too heavy, too greasy or too spicy for you. That doesn't mean its wrong to seek symptom relief when something hurts or is out of balance. But it's a mistake to rely on the "magic bullet" approach rather than seeking out and correcting the cause, because the same symptom will repeatedly arise until you amend your lifestyle.

Combine massage with other techniques
Below is an example of how message combined with other techniques can alleviate a health problem such as anxiety.

Reducing anxiety
MEDITATE. To quiet the mind and relax the body, practice some form of meditation or relaxation, such as the Relaxation Response, visualization or whatever you have found that helps you relieve stress. (In an important study comparing methods of relaxation and meditation, TM was twice as effective as any other method for reducing anxiety.)

It is better to have meditation instruction from a qualified teacher. To help you right now, try this: Sit with eyes closed and mentally "watch" your breathing. Notice the cool air coming in through the nose and how your chest or belly expands; notice the exhalation, the warmer air against your nostrils, your chest and belly settling. Just sit quietly and maintain your awareness like this, bringing it quietly back whenever you drift off. Do this for 10 to 1 5 minutes. Twice a day is best.

TRY A MASSAGE. If you can afford it, get a full body massage by a trained professional. This is one of the best ways to relax and let go of stress and tension. You can give yourself a very soothing massage at home in just minutes. Slightly warm up 2 or 3 ounces of oil (sesame, sunflower or coconut are good), and apply to your entire body. Rub some oil into your scalp with your palms, rub across your forehead and along your cheek-bones. Rub along the long bones of your body (arms, legs), and use a circular motion on elbows, knees, and shoulders. Rub your chest and abdomen and as far around on your back as you can reach. Just use the flat of your palms; kneading the muscles is not essential. Then massage your feet, especially the soles. Follow with a hot bath or shower, and see how relaxed you feel. If you don't have time for an entire massage, rub a little oil into your scalp and the soles of your feet.

Using massage therapy to promote good health is one way to begin taking charge of your own health. You may begin to notice, for example, how habituated you have become to tension, stiffness or pain. The more heightened you body awareness becomes, the more quickly you will notice tension in your shoulders, neck, or wherever it begins to collect. Now you will be able to dissolve it almost immediately, before it has a chance to develop into something more serious.

So find yourself a comfortable space and set aside some time, with the desire to give full attention to your body. Whether you spend 15 minutes a day for prevention, or work on specific points when you feel tense, tired, stiff, or achy, give the health benefits of message a try.

Down Syndrome - Is Early Intervention Critical for My Down Syndrome Baby?

You've brought your Down syndrome baby home, and now you want to get the best treatment for him or her as possible. But what can be a done to help an infant with Down syndrome?

You might be thinking, if there are no medical treatments, such as medications or surgeries, is there really anything I can do to help my Down syndrome baby, particularly when they are so young? You might be surprised, then, to learn that there are treatments and therapies, usually grouped under the heading of "early intervention," that can start helping and preparing your Down syndrome loved one for the skills they will need later in life - and that these therapies can start as early as birth.

U.S. Federal law mandates that all babies with qualifying disabilities (of which Down syndrome is one) receive early intervention services between the ages of 0 and 3. These services are usually at low or no cost to you.

Physical Therapy Can Help

How can you do physical therapy on a baby, you ask? Well, you'd be surprised. There are very specific goals and milestones that a baby is supposed to reach at different times in their life. A Down syndrome baby will most likely be delayed in most of these areas, but with help, they can be given support to be able to achieve them - maybe not at the same time as their peers, but in their own time.

Your Down Syndrome Baby Will Likely Have Low Muscle Tone

Physical therapy is about motor development. One of the very first things that it is important for a baby to be able to do is to be able to control their head, and pull into a sitting position (with some help). Most babies achieve this at three to four months. However, Down syndrome babies have low muscle tone, so this is a more difficult task for them. A physical therapist can assist in helping a Down syndrome baby to learn how to do this. Physical therapists can also help Down syndrome babies with gross and fine motor skills involved in crawling, rolling over, reaching for toys, and so on.

Start Speech Therapy Early

It may seem odd to do speech therapy on a baby who, even in the best of circumstances, probably won't talk for another two or three years. (Down syndrome babies typically have delayed speech.) But in fact, there are many skills a baby needs to have before they are able to talk. A good speech therapist knows what they are, and will work with your Down syndrome baby on them to try to prepare them to get ready for actual speech.

A speech therapist will know how to develop specific skills which will help your Down syndrome baby. These include...

• The ability to imitate and echo sounds


• Learning to take turns by playing games such as a peek-a-boo


• Learning how to sustain attention by listening to others and looking at others


• Learning how to use their tongue and move their lips

Did you know that breastfeeding can help your Down syndrome baby's speech?

For mothers who are able to breastfeed, breastfeeding helps a Down syndrome baby prepare for speech as well. The act of breastfeeding forces a baby to use the same movements and part of their body as is used for speech, so it can help strengthen the jaw and facial muscles, which are often weak. This helps when it comes time to use the mouth to actually talk.

Getting a Referral for an Early Intervention Program

Your doctor should be able to give you a referral to your local early intervention program. It is important to give your Down syndrome baby as much help and skills as they can get early in life, so please do take advantage of this program. When your baby turns 3, then special education laws take effect. A lot happens in your Down syndrome baby's life in the first three years. Try to enjoy the unique person they are as much as possible.

Don't Delay in Starting an Early Intervention Program

It is important to learn as much as possible about your Down syndrome baby's needs and to start early intervention programs early in your loved one's life. Early intervention is critical in ensuring that your Down syndrome child overcomes early handicaps and reaches his or her full potential.

Natural Bruxism Cure Focuses on Exercise and Massage

Finding a Bruxism cure is one of the biggest challenges for many nighttime teeth grinders and their sleepless partners. Conventional medicine usually employs physical aids and drugs to help fight Bruxism. Mouth guards provide protection for the teeth during nighttime bouts of grinding and jaw clenching. Drugs like muscle relaxers and anesthetics minimize clenching and grinding, while providing pain relief and helping the Bruxer (and their partner) get a good night's sleep.

None of these provides a true Bruxism cure however, and without the crutch of drugs or splints, you people often find that they quickly revert to their old unconscious habits again. Bruxism can cause sleepless nights, pain upon waking when you do get to sleep, and long-term damage to the teeth and Jaw. It is important to create a program that will help treat the cause of Bruxism at its source and end the discomfort for good. Jaw misalignment is one of the major causes of Bruxism, in severe cases, doctors may need to perform surgery to fix the condition, but often it is a result of one side of the mouth being weaker or less flexible than the other is. Jaw stretch exercises and self-massage may be able to provide relief from teeth grinding and help prevent Bruxism altogether without drugs or appliances.

Try this simple routine to get started.

Exercises: One major cause of Bruxism is misalignment of the jaw. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help balance out the misalignment by building up strength and flexibility in the weak side. Exercise is a great way to treat mild and moderate cases of Bruxism without the expense or risk of long-term drug therapy. Common Jaw exercises include shoulder shrugs, neck stretches - rising and lowering the chin and turning the head side to side. Yawning exercises are also a big help as they really stretch out both the muscles and the jaw joint itself.

Massage: Self-massage is a great way to continue the muscle relaxation process. One simple exercise is to rub the scalp in a circular motion just above the ears. Make circles about 2-3 inches in diameter and press on the muscles - if you are in the right place you should be able to feel the results across your whole head. If your muscles are especially sore, you may just want to apply pressure here rather than rubbing or even use the compress from the next step to help bring relief to the tension. If you can, schedule a visit with a trained massage therapist, they can help you work on tension areas and may even be able to teach you more techniques that will help relax your muscles before you go to sleep each night.

Apply Heat: A warm compress is a great way to end your bedtime routine. After you have finished stretching and massage your jaw and neck, take a washcloth and run it under hot running water. Wring the cloth out and then hold it directly on the areas where you usually have the most pain. Keep it there until it cools. The moist warmth will provide the final steps in allowing you to go to sleep with loose relaxed muscles and can help you start to get a good night's sleep, and awake pain free in the morning.

IEP Compliance: Be a Watchdog for Your Child

It happens more often than you think. You attend the Individualized Education Program meeting, discuss your child's goals and evaluations, talk with teachers and therapists, come up with a workable plan, and politely thank everyone for their hard work. You leave with the expectation that the course of action decided in the meeting is the course of action that will take place. Then, months later, you find out this isn't exactly so. You find out, if you're lucky.

The purpose of this article is not to point the finger at school districts or frighten parents into believing their child's teachers are trying to dodge responsibilities. Special Education teachers have an extremely heavy workload, more so than mainstream teachers. Above and beyond teaching individualized curriculum, they are behavioral analysts, data collectors, safety care specialists, technician and therapies coordinators, and bearers of mountains of paperwork. They may have ten to twenty students on their caseload, each of which has an individualized program. Rather, the purpose is to inform parents of the possibility of a slip in the administration of services.

It tends to happen with therapies. If your child is an elementary special education student, most likely he/she also receives speech therapy, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy. At the secondary level, this may also include instructional one-on-one time and/or social work. Since the IEP team has decided these therapies are necessary to the success of your child's education, it is important that your child receives the time designated by his IEP.

The slip in services usually is a result of an injury/illness or other unforeseen event for which the therapist is absent from work. One or two days out is no reason for alarm. However, if the therapist is out for weeks at a time, and the school district does not find a suitable replacement, then they are out of compliance with your child's IEP. And unfortunately, in many circumstances a suitable replacement will not be made unless parents become aware of the lack of services and make the first move.

Therefore, it is important to keep the lines of communication open between you and your child's special education teacher. Make email contact at least once every two weeks, if not every week. This takes about five minutes and can make the world of difference in your child's education. Once this email contact is established, request email addresses for the therapists listed in your child's IEP. Sending therapists and counselors a bi-weekly email asking how your child is progressing is a great way to ensure there is no slip of services. If you happen to discover that one of these professionals is on a long-term absence, do not allow the school district to sweep that service under the carpet. By law, they are legally bound to provide services to your child as designated in the IEP. Call your school district's Superintendent's Office and ask to speak to the head of Special Education.

Remember, the most important issue at stake is your child's education.

The Benefits of Sports Massage - A Look at The Physical and Mental Advantages

What Is Sports Massage

It is the application of basic and treatment oriented massage techniques for athletes with the purpose of enhancing the athlete's preparation or recovery from the physical demands of training and competition.

The golden rule is "DO NO HARM". Inappropriate techniques may have a negative effect on both the athlete's physical and mental performance.

Generally the techniques are broader and less intrusive than clinical work.

Benefits of Sports Massage

The benefits may include:

• Consistency in training

• Reduction in strain and discomfort from training

• Reduction from muscle and tendon tightness

"Physiological" Effects - May Assist In:

• Improved fluid circulation

• Muscular relaxation /stimulation

• Separation of muscle from connective tissue

"Psychological" Effects:

• Encourage relaxation and readiness

• Reduce anxiety and competition stress

• Increase alertness and mental clarity

"Performance" - Related Effects - May:

• Increase energy

• Increase range of motion at joints

• Develop faster recovery post training

3 Main Categories

There are about seven to eight stages of application for this type of massage. The following are the three most common:

1) Pre-Event Performance:

This massage has primarily a stimulating effect. Generally this type of massage is performed without oil. It takes place within an hour before an event. It is done as part of the warm up process for the athlete.

2) Inter-Event:

This type of massage occurs in between same day events. This type of sports massage occurs with and without oil. The objective here is to help with the cool down process post event and stimulate for the next competition or event.

3) Post Event Cool Down:

The major focus of this treatment is drainage. It is a relaxing massage. It should be done without creating any pain.

The depth of the strokes is light to moderate. The strokes are rhythmical and broad. Generally this massage should not last longer than twenty minutes. The areas of the body to be treated will depend on the athlete's needs.

Certification

In Canada in order to be recognized as sports massage therapist you must go through a certification process. This in general includes putting time in at sporting events collecting "field" hours as well as hours in a clinical setting.

Although many schools have sports out-reaches as part of their curriculum it is important to take a recognized course through the Canadian Sports Massage Therapists Association with a certified sports massage therapist.

The opportunity to participate with professional sports teams, winter and summer Olympians, national sports teams and high level amateur sports teams increases significantly if you have your certification.

To get more specific information you can go to the CSMTA website.

Equine Massage

This massage has recently gained some popularity in the world of sports massage.

Equine sports therapy can address issues in a horse such as:

• Inhibited motion

• Shortening of stride

• Stiffness

• Showing signs of resistance

Be aware of YouTube videos claiming to be Sports Massage, but are actually treatments or rehab for sports injuries. There are several of the out there. Check out the link in the resources box for an actual pre-event demo.

Mike Grafstein SMT(C) Certified Sports Massage Therapist

Physical Therapy Schools

Find Physical Therapy Schools in the United States and Canada. Physical therapy schools administer course instruction to potential physical therapists. Physical therapy schools help students to meet physical therapy requirements and the ability to pass a licensure exam before physical therapists can begin to practice. Physical therapy schools offer accredited physical therapist educational programs that may include masters' degrees, and doctoral degrees.

Physical Therapy Schools incorporate course instruction of biology, chemistry and physics. Physical therapy schools further give instruction on biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, disease manifestations, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Physical therapy schools also utilize classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction.

When applying for enrollment in one of the many physical therapy schools, it is wise to have had previous school instruction courses on anatomy, biology, chemistry, social sciences, mathematics and physics. Like occupational therapy, physical therapy schools prefer students to have volunteered or worked in a medical facility.

Once successful graduates of physical therapy schools have obtained their license to practice (All states require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam.1), professional physical therapists can expect to attain gainful employment in the medical health care field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, practicing physical therapists, who have been effectively trained in one of several physical therapy schools can anticipate a lucrative earning range from $42k - $71k annually.

If you are interested in this particular field of study and to obtain information about physical therapy schools in your area, please see our vocational schools directory today at holisticjunction.com!

References:

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Find your dream job! Let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Physical Therapy Schools
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Treating Bursitis With a Therapeutic Home Ultrasound Machine

The bursa is a tough, flat, membranous sac enclosing any joint between bones in our body. This sac contains a lubricating fluid and lies close to the tendons that attach the muscles to the joint. The fluid in the bursa keeps the ends of the bones in a joint well lubricated and in good condition.

Bursitis is a very painful condition resulting from an excessive accumulation of fluid in the bursa, causing it to swell up and press on the neighboring tissues. Bursitis may be acute, occurring suddenly as a result of injury or trauma. It may be chronic, occurring frequently. When any one of the joints in the body is stressed by being frequently, repeatedly and/or overused for a sustained period of time, the bursa responds by producing excess fluid and becomes painfully inflamed.

There are many other causes for bursitis. These are: staphylococcal or some bacterial infection; deposits of calcium or uric acid crystals; abnormal joints because of difference in leg lengths; arthritis; bone spurs; rheumatoid arthritis; psoriatic arthritis; tuberculosis; thyroid diseases; diabetes; or gout.

The type of bursitis you have depends on which of the joints in your body is affected. Shoulder and elbow bursitis are often associated with excessive physical activity that stress these joints. Bursitis of the hip joint may be due to infection or injury. Runners and ballet dancers are subject to hip bursitis. Sitting for a long time in the same position may cause ischial bursitis. The knee joints could be affected by frequent kneeling in upright position, obesity in conjunction with diseases like diabetes or osteoporosis. Young athletes who do not take care to wear well fitting shoes may develop calcaneal bursitis of the heel or ankle.

There are several options for treatment of bursitis. Very often treatment for bursitis may involve simple procedures of bursitis physical therapy like R.I.C.E, which is resting, icing, compression and elevation of the affected joint. Other bursitis physical therapy procedures are stretching and muscle strengthening exercises, and soft tissue manipulation.

Bursitis treatment may also utilize therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasound physical therapy reduces pain and inflammation in the bursa because the ultra sound waves increase blood circulation and oxygen to the injury site. In short, ultrasound therapy causes micro-vibrations in the soft tissues beneath the skin's surface to increase blood supply and subsequently decrease local swelling and chronic inflammation. The vibrations also help to speed healing and relieve pain associated with bursitis.

Home ultrasound machines are now available for ultrasound bursitis treatment and rehabilitation. Such ultrasonic treatments are more affordable and convenient than chiropractor and physical therapist visits. Previously, ultrasound therapy treatments have only be available for professional athletes, but it is now possible to rehab bursitis, and many other chronic injuries, in the comfort of your own home.

Soft tissue injuries, such as bursitis, require a specific kind of home ultrasound machine. A home ultrasound physical therapy machine should emit 1Mhz ultrasound waves. It is also important to purchase an FDA approved ultrasound unit that is quality manufactured. Your portable therapeutic ultrasound device should also be covered with at least a 1 year warranty.

Because these home ultrasound machines utilize pulsed ultrasound waves, they are very safe for use by the general public. Pulse ultrasound also is just as effective as continuous wave ultrasound that is used by doctors, but in home treatments will just be more often. With a portable therapeutic ultrasound machine, you can treat your bursitis daily in the comfort of your own home.

5 Benefits of Hot Stone Therapy

Hot stone massage is an extremely relaxing and soothing technique of making the body stress free by placing heated stones on the body. The heat eases out the tension reducing the stress built up in the muscles and increases the blood flow which then results in the healing of the body. Hot stone massage does not only work on the physical body but also relaxes the nervous system and the mental parts thereby generating a general relief and wellness. Below are five benefits of hot stone therapy.

1. Promotes deep muscles and tissue relaxation.

Warm stone therapy relieves muscles aches. The heat from the smooth stone (heated by a roaster or in water together with tea tree oil) penetrates the muscles and relaxes it. This relaxation is known to relieve the pain associated with arthritis and other injuries or pains. In addition to that, the heat causes the widening of the circulatory vessels leading to a much fluent and easy flow of blood round the body which result in a better health all round.

2. Relives Nerves and Tension

One of the problems associated with modern life is stress. Most people are looking for different means of effectively relieving stress and few have proven as successful as warm stone therapy. As the flow of blood is improved, so is the flow of oxygen and nutrients in the body. These elements contribute to the detoxification and healing of your body. The overall effect is the feeling of calm as it generates a soothing effect on the nervous system leading to a higher vitality.

3. Efficient Relief of Pain

Hot stone therapy provides a soothing pain relief because of the heat that penetrates injured muscle and softens tensed muscles. As the therapist performs a deeper massage of the injured muscle or joints, it aids the process to results in a more effective massage giving an enhanced feeling of well being and relief to the areas of pain. For most people, a warm stone therapy leaves them in a physically better state than other types of massages that do not incorporate the use of heat.

4. Mental Serenity.

Smooth heated stone massage is perfect for achieving mental wellness. The strategically placed stones at pressure points of the body help melt away tension creating a calming atmosphere. Due to its effects, stress, anxiety and tension disappear long enough for your mind to truly relax at the deepest level. The heated stone therapy is usually used in the curing of insomnia and people suffering from depression have been known to gain significant relief when treated using hot stone therapy.

5. Spiritual Wellness

As the mental state of the body is appeased, retreating into a deep meditative state, your body becomes re-energized. The oil used along side with the stones contains sensory stimulants which help in the rejuvenation of your mind in the state of deep meditation. This also gives a sense of balance making you feel at peace both internally and externally.

Receiving a heated stone massage is a wonderful experience, where you will relax, revive, rejuvenate and reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.

The Career Opportunities for the Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapy or its abbreviation PT is a health care profession concerned with maximizing the movement potential for patients needing rehabilitation after being immobilized due to an accident or a stroke. The aim of the physical therapist is to recover the full mobility of the patient in order to allow them to lead a normal life. Physical therapy is provided by a physical therapist or the physio therapy assistant under their guidance and direction. These healthcare professionals work with all age groups from the elderly to those in the infant stage who have health related physical problems that limit their movements to function normally.

Physical therapy is a demanding job and the physio therapy assistant needs to be in the prime of health with a good level of strength and vigor. Predominantly, this profession involves a great deal of communication skills and ingenuity since most patients would more likely be uncooperative when faced with difficulty and discomfort. It is up to the professional skills of the physio therapy assistant to encourage and motivate the patient to undergo the treatment. When the physio therapy assistant gains the trust of the patient, the rapport and relationship will improve, hence providing an ideal situation where the patient will respond to the treatment and care provided.

The physio therapy job is a responsible job that needs a license before it can be practiced to patients. In order to acquire a license for this job, the individual needs to undertake 2-year associate degree program which can be undertaken through the online programs or educational establishments. Following the completion of the program, a licensure examination needs to be passed in order to get the license required prior to practice. The license needs to be updated that it is often necessary to keep abreast with the prevailing medical and healthcare procedures and policies. Career advancement in physio therapy can also be availed of through the 4-year bachelor's course in order to become a full-pledged physical therapist.

Career opportunities in physical therapy are very vast and even employed persons can provide physical therapy to patients on a part time basis. The hours are flexible and will not interfere with the other normal functions. The physio therapy assistant salary is a rewarding return for the skills and experience provided for people needing this kind of treatment. This is especially rewarding for people who want a part-time job to earn a physical therapy assistant salary to augment the earnings gained from another career.

A Massage Therapist Certification - 500+ Hours of Coursework is Needed to Practice in Most States

Much like physicians and nurses, most manner of medical, clinical, and therapy providers are required to hold some sort of state license or certification. It is no different for masseurs in most of the states. While the average individual is aware that every doctor actively practicing in the U.S. needs to be licensed by the American Medical Association or AMA, most individuals are not familiar with the requirements and regulations which masseurs and masseuses need to follow.

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, or NCBTMB, currently administers two certification exams which are recognized by 37 states. In addition to passing one of these tests, it is necessary for the certified massage therapist to have at least 500 hours of coursework. The coursework covers a variety of topics and information such as anatomy, physiology, ethics, pathology and more.

Even though 37 states require an individual to hold a certification and pass a background check, many local governments may have additional requirements above and beyond that of the state. Some states, however, do not as yet require massage therapists to be certified by the NCBTMB. Again, even in those few states with no requirements, local jurisdictions within those state may require certification.

Many massage therapists who have been practicing for years may not need to fulfill every requirement. Depending upon whether a new law is passed, some masseurs or masseuses can be "grandfathered" in instead. For those massage professionals which do need to hold certifications, much like doctors, continuing education is required to maintain their certification or re-taking the certification test every four years. Often times should a massage therapist move to another state, completing the coursework needs to be accomplished again.

There are numerous types of massage therapy and many considerations that a massage therapist must address when working with a client. Circulatory issues, nervous system issues, the lymphatic system, pregnancy, and many more come into play. As a client, you would certainly want someone who is qualified and certified as a therapist, rather than an inexperienced person who may endanger your health.

The purpose of passing the NCBTMB certification requirements is to uphold the standards and legitimize the professional of a massage therapist. By requiring continued education in the field of massage, a therapist shows that they are dedicated to their clients' well-being and professional in their conduct. These standards are set in place to help ensure that the client will receive the attention of a professional and qualified massage therapist.

The Benefits of Baby Massage For Fathers

When it comes to baby activities in the early months, how many dads have the luxury to enjoy that special quality, one-to-one time with their little one? Because of work commitments, the truth is not many, but the good news is that baby massage is a wonderful way for dads to get that special bonding time with baby.

In a recent study: "A minority report: teaching father's baby massage" published in Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Peter Mackereth, who led the study, observed that that although public literature actively encouraged father's involvement in childcare, dads rarely took part in baby massage classes. Although one factor was lack of time, the study did note that another influential factor was that dads were not used to comforting babies, particularly if they had not been used to being comforted by their own fathers as a baby.

However, research in Australia (cited in the same report above), reveals that fathers who did take part in baby massage enjoyed a more interactive relationship with their babies, involving more eye contact, vocalisation and reaching out. Baby massage also helps fathers feel more comfortable - and capable - in caring for their offspring.

What's more it can be a fantastic way to de-stress. Another study on fathers and infant massage conducted by The Touch Research Institute in the US also identified similar benefits. "As they learn to soothe their babies, fathers notice their own stress levels come down. Together they experience the calming, power of touch and begin to build life-long attachments," said Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine and co-author of the survey on father-infant massage. The survey showed that fathers who used massage techniques with their infants for three months experienced increased self-esteem as a parent due to increased involvement with their newborns. The babies, in turn, greeted their fathers with more eye contact, smiling, vocalising and reaching responses.

So why not let dad to experience all these fabulous benefits and take part in a very simple and short massage routine at the end of day? I've put together this short baby massage routine for dads to try as part of the bath and bedtime routine:

1. A great time to massage your baby is after bath-time. Make sure your baby is dry and content and the room is warm and dimly lit. Apply a little oil to the palms of your hand (make sure the oil is natural and chemical-free as little hands will end up in his or her mouth!).

2. Begin with the baby's legs. Supporting one ankle with one hand, use the other palm to firmly stroke the outside of the leg from the ankle to the top of the thigh. Then glide down the back of the leg. Change hands and repeat on the inside of the leg. Massage the leg several times then change legs.

3. Move to the chest area. Start with both your hands in the centre of the chest and make a lovely heart shape, sweeping down to the baby's abdomen. Repeat several times.

4. Finish with a short tummy massage. Using your hand make a gentle circular movement in a CLOCKWISE direction around the belly button. At the end slowly sweep your hands down the baby's body, from the chest down to the toes. Repeat several times. Take your time with the massage, enjoy it and see how relaxed daddy and baby will be!

Travel Physical Therapy Companies

The first thing you'll want to look for in a travel therapy company is a company that specializes in jobs exclusively for traveling therapists. You might find an agency or two that typically do local placements but only have a few traveling jobs. These agencies are not best suited to place you in travel therapy positions because they lack the experience to help anticipate and avoid many of the common pitfalls that can occur when placing people in travel therapy jobs.

When you pair up with an experienced travel therapy company they'll know exactly what they need to ask for with you in mind. For example, typically all or some combination of your traveling, housing and meal costs will be covered by the company you work for. These are issues that must be negotiated and clearly outlined for you. It's best to leave these issues to the people who've focused an entire business on them.

You'll also want to choose a company that specializes in travel physical therapy placement because they'll have the largest variety of positions to choose from. Even if you think you know exactly the type of position you want, it's best to keep your options open. A few months from now you might find that you'd like to try out a rural area or a smaller hospital than you're used to working in. If you've chosen a travel therapy company that has a variety of positions available they can help you move on to the right job for your next move.

Obviously you will also want to make sure that you're being fairly compensated for your work. Often times with travel physical therapy jobs the pay will be on a different scale than a long term position would be. As previously mentioned, you will also need to negotiate things like travel costs and housing. Travel therapy companies specializing in these types of travel jobs will know exactly how much you can get for your services and will be in a much better position to get you what you deserve.

Taking a travel physical therapy job can be a lot of fun in the right circumstances. As long as you have adequately planned for your job and know exactly what to expect, it's likely it will be an experience that you'll remember fondly for a lifetime. Just be sure that you're pairing up with an experienced company that knows the ins and outs of the traveling physical therapy circuit to help put you in the best position to get everything you're looking for and deserve.

Physical Therapy Graduate Programs

Graduate programs in Physical Therapy are offered to help students get specialized education in evaluating and treating human body disorders that are caused by injuries, diseases and other physical or mental conditions. Students who graduate with a masters (MS) and PhD degrees in physical therapy are eligible to practice as physical therapists, human factors specialists, medical doctors, etc.

In the mid 1990's and earlier, PT was pursued as a bachelor's degree. However, things changed by the end of the 1990's and the bachelor's degree was gradually replaced by a masters and doctorate degree in PT. There are currently a few variations on these two degrees that are being offered by accredited schools all across the country.

First, is the Direct Entry Master's in Physical Therapy Degree. This is the degree of choice for people who have completed their bachelor's degree and are looking to pursue a career in PT. This degree requires you to complete a two-year long master's program and is comprehensive. The first year in this program consists of learning important concepts in physical therapy in the classroom. Successful completion of this first year promotes you to field work in the second year, which allows students to practice physical therapy in the clinical setting.

Second, is the Transitional Master's in PT Degree. This degree is perfect for those physical therapists who graduated with their Bachelor's in Physical Therapy Degree. It was created for these professionals so they have the option of continuing their educational experience and advancing their degree to that of the Master's in PT.

Third, is the Direct Entry Doctorate in PT Degree. This is the degree of choice for people who have completed their bachelor's degree and are looking to pursue a career in physical therapy. This degree takes a year longer to complete than the Master's in Physical Therapy, but when completed, earns one the title of dPT or Doctorate in PT.

The last option is the Transitional Doctorate in PT Degree. This degree was also created for physical therapists who graduated with their Bachelor's in PT Degree. People who fall into this category are now given the chance to continue their education and advance their degrees to that of a Doctorate in PT.

It is evident that the various PT graduate programs in place today meet the needs of a majority of people who are already either in the field of PT, or those who are still considering a possible career in PT. Given this information, it is now up to you to use this information appropriately to help you in the furthering of your goals.

The Bad Side of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy traces its long traditional use as a primary and regular treatment to many types of diseases and health conditions in the ancient centuries. Although the history of this type of natural body treatment is dated thousand years ago, most of the modern-day massage therapies that we enjoy are only improvements of the old ones. Regardless of which method a patient use, all of these results to the same and exact effects either beneficial or disastrous to the patient's body.

Massage therapy is popular and commonly used in treating and improving the health of a patient as well as basically for relaxing and relieving physical and emotional stress. It is well-known because of its many benefits that a patient can get after a relaxing and energizing therapeutic massage session performed by a licensed and certified masseuse. These benefits can be enjoyed from the many different types of massage therapy developed and practiced all over the world. Patient's are not only limited to western style massage therapies as oriental and other styles of therapeutic massage are performed anywhere.

However, little is known and less importance is given by both patients and massage parlors when it comes to the negative or side effects of a massage therapy session. First of all, in case the masseuse is not a licensed and certified massage therapist, the odds for having injuries and worsened health problems is definitely higher than when having a licensed therapist. Below are the risks and bad effects after having a massage therapy:

1. Temporary body pain and discomfort - although this is temporary, some patient's find it hard to recover from it. The point of having this type of natural treatment is to improve and relieve such body pain and any physical and emotional discomfort of an individual.

2. Allergic reactions to massage oils - this is not common on most patients, however there are cases where massage oil caused allergic reactions on the skin of the patient. Nut based oils are usually the culprit of this incidents are they are commonly the cause of skin allergies. This is why medical records are needed before an actual massage therapy session in order to avoid this type of problem.

3. Swelling and bruising - this is not usual though after a massage therapy, however there are some cases where this is experienced by the patient. These are common when the massage therapist fails to add the adequate amount of massage oil on the patient's body which results in harder and forced massage strokes. These are only temporary side effects though which means that they will be gone after a few days.

4. Bone fractures - it is not a common side effects compare to the previous three as most patients are screened before they can pass for an actual massage therapy. People with osteoporosis are strictly not allowed for therapeutic massages as their bones can easily break and get injured during the process of a massage therapy session. A good and concerned massage therapist will not allow a patient to suffer the consequences just to profit for the service he or she renders.