Massage Therapy For Improving Your Health and Wellbeing

Most people I know say that their health is one of their top priorities. Unfortunately, the reality is that is what they say not necessarily what they do. This is sad to me, because we all know that we have to take good care of ourselves. The reality is that we take our bodies and health for granted. Well that is until something happens. Then we kind just wake up and then maybe we take care of ourselves-at least for a while. We have to make health a priority. We need ways to counteract the affects of stress and find balance in our lives. One method that helps people decompress from stress is massage therapy and the most convenient way to receive it is from a massage chair.

The stress we encounter at home or at work causes a build up of chemical reactions in our body and we need a consistent method to counteract this affect. Massage therapy in general is very effective and massage chair specifically can give you consistent access to this health treatment. Massage chairs are very advanced and can provide full body massages. They are particularly effective in relieving aches, pains and discomfort which can result from the build up of stress in our bodies. The massage chairs of today offer a tremendous variety of comprehensive and effective massage treatments.

Many studies are showing the positive benefits of receiving regular massage treatments. There is a misperception that massage is somehow a luxury item. Sure there are spas that offer some tremendous and expensive treatments, but massage therapy is becoming a more mainstream treatment. It can help to increase the circulation of blood and lymph; reduce your stress levels; relax the muscles, improve your flexibility and range of motion. However, the studies also clearly point out that these benefits are achieved from regular massage treatment. Just like your diet. You cannot expect to lose weight by changing one meal.

The convenience of a massage chair cannot be understated. The biggest obstacle we hear for receiving regular massage therapy is the time involved with going to a massage therapist. We just simply do not have time in our busy schedules to do this on a consistent basis. This is precisely why having a massage chair can be very convenient. You can get a 10 minute warm up massage before you hop in the shower or just before you go to bed. No appointment need and you have access around the clock.

We will be the first to admit that getting a massage from human hands is definitely the best method. There is just something special about the touch of a human that has no comparison. But then again, getting this on a regular basis is where the real benefit is obtained. The other factor in saving time with a massage chair is that the operations can be performed in parallel. A masseuse works one area at a time, then moves on to the next. Overall, it takes about 50 minutes to effectively cover the body. A massage chair works in parallel. It can massage the full body all at once. Working in parallel cuts down the total time required to get a massage.

The second biggest obstacle to receiving regular massage therapy is the expense. Seeing a massage therapist on a regular basis is not cheap. In fact, in time it is expensive. A one hour session runs about $50 per hour plus tip. A massage chair on the other hand is much cheaper over time. A $3,000 massage chair has a minimum of 1,000 hours of life and many have 2,000 hours. If we use the 1,000 hours, then an hour of massage therapy is $3 per hour. No tip required. This is a huge economic advantage.

We all say that our health is a priority, but few take the necessary action required. How hard is it to sit for 10 minutes and relax your body and mind? For some impossible, but for most of us, it is very possible. Why not start to establish a routine that helps to reverse the effects of modern day stress. Your health is not a luxury, and neither is having a massage chair to help you bring back that critical balance in your life.

6 Health Benefits of a Massage Chair

A home massage chair allows you all of the benefits of regular massage without the inconvenience and high ongoing costs of visiting a massage studio. It really is like having your very own masseuse in the living room of your home. You can improve mental alertness before work and relax and unwind after work. You can improve breathing for exercise and reduce spasms and muscle cramps following exercise. Regular massage has also been shown to improve the lymphatic system, which leads to better detoxification while the look and feel of the skin can be greatly improved.

1 - Relieve Stress And Muscle Tension

Stress is a mental and physical one that can be brought on by numerous factors. Regardless of its cause, though, regular massage can help to loosen tightened neck muscles, and reduce tension in the back subsequently ridding you of the physical symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Even a quick five minute massage when you have the opportunity and the spare time can help you unwind after a hard day's work.

2 - Reduce Muscle Cramps And Stiffness

Aching muscles and stiff joints can be caused by physical exertion, or by adopting unusual stances for prolonged periods of time. If you work at a computer all day then your wrists, fingers, and shoulders may become stiff. If you enjoy or endure regular physical exercise then you may experience muscle cramps when your body attempts to unwind. Massage loosens the muscles naturally, therefore reducing the likelihood and severity of stiffness. This is also a preventative technique, as well as a method of treating these problems.

3 - Improve Breathing

Massage relaxes muscles throughout the body, including in the chest and round the respiratory system. Regular massage, therefore, can prove a highly effective technique in improving your breathing. If you suffer from shallow breathing for any reason, then you should consider regular massage because not only will this promote deeper breathing but it will subsequently improve blood and oxygen flow around the body which helps to remove toxins, lower blood pressure, and generally promote good health.

4 - Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and other serious health complaints. It can be caused by stress and poor circulation among other problems. Massage helps to reduce stress levels and improve the flow of blood and oxygen around the body. The cumulative effect that this offers helps to lower blood pressure, therefore lowering your risk of suffering at the hands of what is commonly called "the silent killer".

5 - Detoxify The Body

The lymphatic system primarily helps to purge the body of unwanted and potentially harmful toxins. A good lymph flow will therefore ensures the proper disposal of waste products and can be improved through regular massage. It therefore helps to detoxify the body and wash away the harmful toxins and other materials that most of us have coursing through our bodies.

6 - Improved Skin And Posture

Tense muscles cause bad posture because our bodies react to pain by correcting the position of our muscles so that we experience less pain. Unfortunately, this can have a detrimental effect on other areas of our body. Relaxed muscles, which can be promoted with regular massage, will help to ensure that we have and continue to retain good posture. This can prove useful for people that are likely to suffer repetitive stress problems as well as those that work in a very physical capacity in their daily job.

Inada Massage Chair

The many benefits of massage therapy have been recognized since 4-500 years B.C. Records show that massage was widely used in China, Greece, India, Egypt, Rome and more. These ancient societies fully recognized the many benefits of massage therapy. Since prior to 1980 massage chairs have been available. These chairs provide a full range of computer-driven massage programs. It's like having an expensive weekend at the spa available at any time for their owners.

The chair designers and engineers have been very successful in their continual efforts to capture the techniques of a well-trained professional masseuse. These massage techniques have been included in the functions provided by high-quality chairs for convenient use in your own living room. In a market of nearly a dozen manufacturers, the Inada Massage Chair is the worldwide leader.

Why Would You Want A Massage?

Among the many health benefits attributed to regular massage sessions is that of endorphin release. Endorphins are a family of neuro-transmitters with properties similar to those of morphine in terms of relieving pain and in promoting a sense of well-being. During the massage process, these marvelous compounds are created and released into the body.

It is reported that nearly 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related issues. These include headache, back aches, eye-strain, anxiety, depression, neck pain, anger and cardiovascular problems. The latter include heart disease and high blood pressure. Physical and emotional exhaustion are among the more common ailments, as well.

The 90% figure matches well with my own daily experience as a pharmacist. Medicines used to treat these problems comprise the majority of our daily dispensing. When I discuss these issues with patients, I hear the same words used all the time. Exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety etc, etc.

A substantial number of these patients could use a regular dose of mother nature's endorphins to help with their symptoms.

Endorphins can also flow through our bodies as a result of vigorous exercise. The intensity level of exercise needed to release endorphins can be quite high, however. Getting your endorphins to flow by receiving a massage is much easier and more fun, too.

Moreover, the beneficial effects of massage are additive! This means that continual and frequent massages lead to more and more favorable results even if you can spare only 15 minutes at any particular time. Practiced routinely, massage can help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to tension build-up. It's nice that something so comfortable, indulgent and convenient helped so many people feel better, play better and perform better.

Why would you want to choose The Inada Massage Chair?

The Inada Massage Chair is very unique amongst its competitors. It is actually programmed to analyze the contours of your body. The software responds to body shape and size so as to detect and focus on shiatsu points along the spine. Shiatsu points are particular areas of the body that focus and respond to finger pressure. Shiatsu is a Japanese term and is part of a very old holistic approach to healing. Similar to acupuncture, Shiatsu pressure is thought to work on imbalanced areas of the body and to restore the natural flow of energy or qi (pronounced chee) through the body.

The surface area covered by the Inada Massage chair extends to 3,048 square centimeters.

This feature alone is foundation for the claim that the Inada Massage Chair provides the most thorough massage of any chair on the market today.

Proprietary Inada "dreamwave technology" in some models provides gentle, undulating figure-8 motion that mimics how a massage therapist would do it. The software also offers extension and flexion plus gentle rotational stretching of the shoulders, mid-back and hips.

There are over a half dozen pre-programmed massage sequences with the Inada. This is just one of the many reasons that the Inada Massage Chair has been the undisputed worldwide leader for many years.

FINDING A GOOD DEAL!

First you should visit the applicable online store and check out the current price. Keep a research file which you can update from time to time. For example: As of a certain date the (XYZ) chair costs a certain dollar amount which is less than chair (ABC). So any good deals should fall under that price.

Start by searching websites of your local stores for the cheapest price on your select massage chair. Following this advice, you may find good deals without getting into shipping and warranty risks. Move on to popular retail stores like Amazon.com which is noted for good prices and finally try moving on to auction sites like eBay where you might find a quality massage chair for an attractive price.

As long as you know how to do some research before parting with your hard-earned money you may well find a great deal.

Ideally, you can find BEST PRICE info and enjoy some great savings without compromise.

To your good health, Brandon Fields

Massage - Physical and Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy

Once you've had your first professional massage, it soon becomes something you yearn for. Just the mention of the word "massage" evokes a desire for the deep therapeutic feelings that occur when muscles and tissues are kneaded, stroked and pressed by the skilled hands of a professional massage therapist.

Your massage session is a time to be selfish. The time belongs to you and you alone. During your one hour session, nothing or nobody else matters. As you become deeply relaxed you may find yourself drifting off to a far-away place. As you escape the world and re-connect with yourself, you may notice a renewed sense of mental clarity.

Relaxation and rejuvenation are well known effects of massage, but the benefits go way beyond that. Massage creates actual physiological changes which affect the body both physically and emotionally.

Massage is known to reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. It calms the nervous system as it reduces feelings of anger and anxiety. Massage stimulates the brain to produce endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers and pain suppressors. Stress hormones such as cortisol are reduced as "feel good" hormones such as serotonin are increased. An overall feeling of well-being can be produced in just one massage session.

People who get massaged on a regular basis get fewer colds with less severe symptoms. This could be due to the effect it has on the immune system. Massage increases the number and the efficiency of disease fighting cells.

The increase in blood circulation, oxygen capacity and lymph flow created by massage can have a profound effect on the entire system. There is not a single part of the body or brain that does not benefit by these functions as they encourage proficiency within the entire human system.

Physical performance can be improved through massage as it enhances muscle flexibility, joint mobility, range of motion, and tissue elasticity, allowing athletes to train at a higher level. Chance of injury is decrease and recovery time is quicker.

There are few if any conditions which cannot benefit from massage. Being massaged on a regular basis by a skilled, professional massage therapist can be thought of as preventative medicine. It's an enjoyable and affordable way to enhance one's health and well-being!

Treating Anxiety in Dogs

Just as in people, when pets have anxiety it can cause them to become depressed. If your dogs depressed it could be that he/she is worried or concerned about something going on in your household. Many different situations can cause your pet to get tense. Dogs like small children like their routine. If anything changes in their daily lives it can upset them. A new person in the home can bother them even if it is a happy thing for you. A change in your routine can be very disruptive for your dog. I remember when I started back to school my dog chewed a large hole in the wall because she wasn't used to me being gone all day.

Vets have reported that massage therapy has been very helpful in reducing anxiety in dogs and helpful when your dogs depressed. There is good scientific evidence on the success of using massage therapy to relieve anxiety in dogs. Good scientific evidence means controlled studies were done at reputable universities by qualified professionals.

In 2002, Michael Hennessy, PhD, a psychology professor at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, was able to show that pet massage reduced anxiety levels in a test group of 40 shelter dogs.

Cortisal is sometimes called "the stress hormone" because it's secreted in higher levels when your body is stressed. This first study measured cortisol levels in dogs who had been receiving massage as compared to dogs that did not receive the massages. After eight weeks, blood tests assessing cortisol levels showed that dogs receiving regular touch and massage had significantly lower stress levels than dogs who did not receive the treatment.

Massage is defined as deep massage, along with very soothing talk. Deep massage is different from just petting your dog. Massage uses touch focused on various areas of your pet's body.

In a 2001 study by Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga, DVM PhD, of the Radboud University Niijmegen Medical Center in the Netherlands pet massage was also found to be an effective cure for anxiety in dogs.

In this case researchers were conducting a study on blood pressure regulation and were concerned that high variation of sodium levels in urine samples taken from laboratory Beagles could possibly confuse the results of research on blood pressure regulation. The researchers thought that the changing sodium levels were related to stress. When the dogs received massage therapy the sodium level variation decreased.

In addition to reducing anxiety and helping if your dogs depressed massage therapy can help increase circulation, reduce muscle tension and increase flexibility.

So if it seems your dogs depressed it may caused by something that is causing your pet be afraid or worried. You might try deep massage and using a soothing tone of voice to relax them. You might also want to add a natural anxiety reducing supplement to help your pet relax..

Whose Problem Do You Solve? Niche Marketing for Massage Therapists

Massage therapists often have an inherent resistance to "selling" themselves. If you find yourself reading this article: Congratulations! And just so you know, you are not selling out. You are providing a communications platform so that those who need your services can actually find you. That is a service in itself.

There is a logical principle that if you solve a client's problem better than your competition, under the same conditions (price, availability etc.) and communicate this to your potential clients, success (however you define this for yourself) is unavoidable. This simple statement opens up a whole drawer of possibilities of refining your communications practice to attract more of what you want.

Define problem?

What many do not realize is that it is not the product or service that the client desires, but rather the feeling, emotion and sensation that ensues when their problem is solved or improved. This should be the result of using the product or experiencing the service. A client's problem is not finding a massage therapist. The client's problem is that they are not feeling the way they would like to. And you might have the solution to that problem.

Here are some examples so you get the gist:

Starbucks does not sell coffee, they sell a community meeting place.

Mercedes does not sell cars, they offer status symbols.

Gatorade quenches thirst.

What is your solution?

Anticipating client problems, associating them with a demographic profile and offering a solution is essential to being able to address them successfully and critical to attracting that client group.

Every demographic has there own common set of problems. Yes, everyone is different, but based on commonalities such as age, profession, location and other keys we find that certain groups have similar needs. We often can define groups based on age, income, mobility, education, employment status, and even location.

Some examples of the more obvious groups are:

Seniors

Business people

Traveling business people

Pregnant women

Athletes

Some examples of the less obvious are:

People with fibromyalgia

Children with Down syndrome

Runners

Bikers

Shoppers

Young parents

Bereaved parents

Business leaders

Chemically sensitive

Hospice care

Cancer survivors

What does this mean for your practice?

When you define your product or service, think about what you really provide. You may not always be able to directly call it by its name, but you should try to get as close to describing it as possible.

And then think about whom you can really relate too. Often this is based on your own life experiences during which you developed a deep understanding of a situation and are relaxed about it. It's important that you can relate without judgment to others experiencing the same situation and dealing with these people will not pose a difficult situation for you. The area where you can develop a deep rapport, is where you will likely be most successful.

The more accurately you can define your solution to an existing problem, the easier it is to communicate with your target market. Does that make sense? If you know that you are catering to senior citizens, it is easier to find out where the congregate, which publications they read and what other forms of communication they tend to prefer. It is also much easier to formulate the solution(s) you offer.

The question is always: How can I improve the client's experience in their current state by guiding them to a future state in which they have a better experience of themselves.

The next question is: How can I convey this information to them?

While there are many details that can be refined in this process it is important to return to the original thought of: "What problem am I solving here". I find that there are primary issues and secondary issues and sometimes even a third or fourth layer that offer opportunities to provide a unique service.

Let me provide an example.
Most likely the primary reason your client is showing up (for the first time) is that they have a PAIN in their... Probably one of the main reasons is that they have not spent the time to RELAX and by booking a massage they are giving themselves permission to do so. Maybe underneath all that is that they find themselves in a situation that will not allow them to take TIME AWAY from the circumstances and by visiting you they are doing so.

While the primary issue is often addressed by many: example: "relieve your pain with massage therapy", secondary and tertiary layers often go unmentioned.

For example: "Get immediate relief from your migraine headache, relax deeply and give yourself the time out you deserve".

Now, if your communication says (and this is a real example):

"[Name Removed] Massage Therapy is one of the more experienced massage practices in Los Angeles (located in North End, LA). I draw from 23 years of experience in healing work and massage therapy and a strong, intuitive, compassionate, and uniquely healing touch. I am versed in Swedish, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, On-site Chair Massage, and Energy Healing."

This statement not only requires the client to figure out on their own what the benefits are, but also leaves everything open to interpretation.

Would it not be better to say the following?:
"If you are looking for someone who will really listen to you and knows how sensitive you are, can alleviate the little aches and pains with comforting touch and send you off feeling like a new person, your should call ... for a free consultation."

Acupuncture Schools - What You Should Know About Acupuncture Training

If you're thinking about a career in acupuncture you'll want to learn how and where you can earn a certificate or degree in acupuncture. Perhaps you're already familiar with the field of acupuncture but if not you'll want to find out all you can both online and offline. It's thought that acupuncture has been practiced in China for at least 2,000 years and some think it's probably been practiced at least 3,000 years or so.

First of all you'll want to choose an acupuncture school that offers consultation services for its graduates. The schools that do, allow graduates after graduation, to consult with instructors regarding care of their patients. You'll also want to check to see if your state is on the national list of about 49 acupuncture schools with accredited programs and you'll want to find an acupuncture school that offers smaller classes.

Acupuncture schools that offer courses in traditional Chinese medicine often include related training or courses in traditional medicine, such as anatomy and physiology, body therapy, massage therapy, and other sciences. For naturopathy schools that offer acupuncture programs there is a list called the: List of Accredited Natural Medicine Colleges in North America. Check with the school you're considering making sure they have a wide selection of study resources available so you can have all the essential acupuncture materials for a broad learning experience.

You'll also want to find out what the acupuncture training, school and program options are in your home area. Try to find a school whose program emphasizes courses in traditional Chinese medicine because acupuncture is just one element of traditional Chinese medicine. There are a few acupuncture schools that teach acupuncture practitioners the five-element Oriental medicine approach to acupuncture, which is often used in conjunction with the traditional Western medical practices.

Acupuncture is used for: arthritis, headaches, migraines, to quit smoking, to lose weight , fertility, fibromyalgia, depression, insomnia, face lifts as in facial acupuncture, back pain, high blood pressure, pregnancy, cosmetic purposes, anxiety, panic attacks, Crohn's disease, asthma and on dogs and other pets or animals as in veterinary acupuncture.

If you haven't experienced acupuncture make to visit an acupuncture clinic to learn more about acupuncture. You might want to talk to an acupuncture specialist or naturopath about a possible acupuncture career also. Talk to the financial aid counselors at the acupuncture school or college you're considering to see if they have any ideas or suggestions for scholarships, grants or education loans if you need to finance your training.

Before you commit to any acupuncture school or to any acupuncture training you can check out the "Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture" by Ellis, Wiseman, and Bosson. This excellent textbook is used in many acupuncture schools and acupuncture training programs and will give you a better idea if you'd like to pursue acupuncture as a career.
If you haven't checked already may sure to check and see if you need a license to practice acupuncture in your state. You may not need a license. Get the facts first on which states require licensing. Note that each state and each discipline has its own criteria about how alternative medicine practitioners are to be professionally licensed, if at all.

Acupuncture programs in acupuncture schools can be expensive and usually require three years or so of classes and sometimes up to five years. If you have a naturopathic school in your area, email or give them a call to find out the licensing requirements in your state. If you do get financing help or aid in the form of federal assistance be sure to have selected a school that's accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

An acupuncture career has great career growth potential. Just be sure to find out the length of the coursework and the expense upfront and know how you plan to handle it. Many have done it before you. If possible, intern in an acupuncture clinic in your neighborhood to get first hand experience before you decide. But make sure to learn about the licensing requirements for acupuncturists for your state before you do anything else.

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary PT Specialist: How To Become One

Who doesn't want an upgrade? Whether it's in your PC's memory, or in your Tab's games, or in any other techie stuff, who doesn't even want to have one? Even in our careers, we need an upgrade. Specializations are one of the most dreamt-of steps in an individual's career; you get to have the edge among the others of your same kind, and you get all the benefits - well, most of it.

You are on a steady, or shall I say stagnant career of being a physical therapist. You attend to various patients, come up with plans for their conditions and do the same routine without even a spark of adventure, and suddenly you thought of an upgrade, a specialization, some new pinch of spice to your PT career! To get started, here's what you do:

1. Secure your license. Your license should be your current one, which allows you to practice physical therapy in the United States or any of its places under. The council requires you to submit only one license verification of the two ways accredited. One is the submission of a print copy of on-line license verification. Some states have this and if you could locate one, print a copy from the website. Just ensure that your name, state, license number, expiration date, and verification are in good standing. Another way could be through state licensing agencies (mostly applicable to states without on-line verification). You may have such verification by sending a letter to your state board physical therapy with the request to send license verification from the licensing agency to the Specialist Certification Program.

2. Plot down your patient care forms. Two thousand (2,000) hours of direct patient in the specialty area is a requirement for the specialization. These 2,000 hours should be within the last ten years, wherein 25% or 500 hours of it occurred within the last three years or through the completion of an APTA credentialed cardiovascular and pulmonary residency program. These forms serve as evidence to your direct patient care experiences. The Description of Physical Therapy Experience relates your exposure per facility, wherein one form should be for each facility, and another for each position acquired for the experience per facility. The other form is the Summary Chart of Physical Therapy Experience makes a rundown of your exposures for the past ten years. The summary would include the following factors: year, facility name, number of weeks, hours per week, total hours of General Physical Therapy practice, Percentage of Clinical Practice, Total Clinical Hours in Specialty, Percentage of Direct Patient Care Hours in Specialty, Total Direct Patient Care Hours in Specialty, and Cumulative Total of Direct Patient Care Hours in Specialty. It is also recommended by the specialty council that practice settings should vary in acute and rehabilitative environments.

3. Comply with the other requirements. Aside from the two mentioned above, there are other requirements that need to be complied of: (1) ACLS Certification - applicants should be currently certified with Advanced Cardiac Life Support by the American Heart Association, and (2) Research - participation to the research process within the last ten years of PT practice is needed. The experience should be printed in a form (a) relating a brief statement of the experience and your involvement in the study, and (b) the abstract summarizing the study.

4. Fill out your application form. Once you're done with the above your requirements, you are now legible to fill out the forms for application of the Specialty Program.

5. Pay the prescribed fees. Fees may vary per membership of the APTA. Review fees are $500 for APTA members and $845 for non-APTA members, and testing fees are $800 for APTA members and $1,525 for non-APTA members.

6. Know your schedule. Your schedules and other miscellaneous information are given after your application has been approved by the council.

7. Prepare for your exams. Part of preparing for examinations is knowing the coverage of it. You may browse on some advanced books, journals and the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP). Another is to get familiar with the software. Since the examinations are through computers, getting familiar with the software makes it easier for you to toggle with questions and answers.

8. Pass the exams. You get the passing rate and you get your certificate for the specialty area, a label pin, and your name in the online directory of specialists in the field.

Take the steps and you're on your way to becoming a specialist - a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Specialist to be specific!

Massage Therapy After a Car Accident

A car accident can have a devastating effect on your life and the after affects are not only financially devastating, but physically as well. This is often times why it is very necessary to seek the attention of a physical therapist shortly after an accident. The longer you delay treatment, the harder it may be to get back to normal. A physical therapist will also have access to physical therapy equipment that could very well speed healing.

There are many types of injuries that can occur as the result of an accident and the type of remedy you receive can depend on the severity of the injuries and/or where that injury is located.

Brain Injury - people who have suffered from a brain injury will often need the assistance of neurological therapists. This specialist has a cache of physical therapy supplies that are geared to help you resume normal activities and function after a prolonged stay in the hospital. Even those who have sustained severe injures may benefit from the attention of a hands on therapists. Of course, there are those individuals who may beyond even the healing touch of these professionals - again, the type of medical methodology will depend on the extent of the injuries.

Spinal cord injury - A two pronged therapeutic approach may be needed for a person who has suffered a spinal cord injury. While a physical therapist that specializes in neurological problems will rehabilitate someone who has suffered immobility or paralysis due to this injury, an orthopedic therapist can look into the vertebrae of the spine itself to see if any resulting damage can be corrected or resolved. Often, spinal injury involves injury to the cord as well as the destruction or misalignment of the skeletal structure of the spine. The practitioners joint physical therapy supplies and regimens are joined to increase the odds of the patients rebound to health or mobility and independence.

Orthopedic injury - sports injuries, fractures, and sprains are often the domain of orthopedic physical therapists. Tackling degenerative ailments of the bones and joints, like arthritis as well as serious breaks, the physical therapy equipment that these individuals have access to will get you back into shape after an auto accident.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy is not a mere relaxation tool, it can in fact, clear up the lymphatic system to get rid of toxins that are stored in the body after a trauma. These stored toxins can wreak havoc, decreasing the ability to heal. A great massage opens up the blood circulation and allows the lymphatic system to release a clear fluid that cleans out the tissues of the body.

Although you can come to the rehabilitation center for a therapy session, many masseuses will bring their massage therapy supplies to your home. This can be of particular advantage to individuals who have a hard time getting around due to their injuries.

Once the therapist has their massage therapy supplies out and ready for use, they can begin deep tissue massages that will free up trapped fluids and clean out the system. When done, the therapist takes their portable massage therapy equipment apart and leaves you to enjoy the wonderful health benefits that can be gleaned from their services.

Almost all of these therapists may utilize specialized physical therapy equipment like the electronic muscle stimulator, a device that helps to make the muscle contact. This helps relive stress, alleviate pain, increase blood circulation and keep muscles functioning properly.

A car accident can leave you feeling as if you are lost in limbo, but no matter what your personal injury is, a physical therapist can help you regain some semblance of the life you once lead.

3 Massage Therapy Alternatives to Relieve Pain Due to Shin Splints

Treating shin splints can be difficult when the pain is too much to handle. From the vulnerable nerves to the inability to put pressure on the lower leg, it is one of the excruciating foot conditions. Nevertheless, with the right treatments, shin splints relief is possible in most cases. Including the proper use of orthotics and several innovative massage techniques, relief is finally in sight.

Learn How You Can Make a Difference for Your Shins

Shin splints are commonplace injuries that are caused by some of the following major factors:

• Weakened anterior or tight posterior leg muscles


• Sprinting on a hard surface or a recent increase of physical activity


• Wearing shoes that are too tight or small including lack of heel cushion or shoes with little support


• Suffering from flat arches

These factors can become a life-changing injury if your career depends upon your fitness level or being on your feet for prolonged periods. In the case of police officers, for example, they must stay fit and strong so they can keep up with their requirements on the job. With better upkeep of fitness, however, shin splints can quickly become an issue.

Orthotics Help Foot Pain in More Ways than One

Research studies have concluded that shoe orthotics help relieve shin splints by cushioning the heel as well as providing arch support. These are several of the major factors listed above that can be taken care of starting today. Some athletic shoe orthotics are specially made to cushion the heels and support the feet. These devices diminish the stress to be absorbed into the insoles instead of forcing the joints to absorb most of the stress. For people with flattened arches, shoe orthotics designed for athletes can be purchased with firm arches so that normal arch support is provided to the feet. Wearing adequate foot arch support is critical to normal foot function.

Treating Shin Pain Involves More than Resting

More can be done for the lower legs aside from strengthening and stretching the muscles as well as keeping the affected area iced and rested. Massage treatments can make a huge difference in the overall healing time. One recommended exercise is to massage under water. Water massage using cold water is highly recommended, since it can help to reduce fluid retention in the area.

Shin Pain is Easy with Massage

One underwater massage technique involves first soaking the lower legs in a bathtub with some ice cubes. This will lessen the swelling and also help the nerves to be soothed. Never press thumbs into the shins, since this can send the injured person through the roof in pain. Instead, with a hand-off approach, have them point their toes and flex their foot alternately underneath the water. This not only self-massages the inner muscles, but helps bring blood to the area. It also strengthens the anterior muscles while stretching the posterior muscles in tandem.

Learn How Massagers Can Remove Shin Pain

Another massage that helps tremendously for shin splints is by way of a battery-operated or plug-in massager that provides vibration massage. With nerves ultra-sensitive to being touched, giving a skin-to-skin massage simply isn't the best option. Some types grip the leg via a neoprene sleeve while others are in the shape of a square and can be placed flat on the floor or on top of the shin. For tight posterior leg muscles, a roller-type massage machine (handheld) can also be excellent for massaging calf muscles.

You no longer have to let shin splints stop you from living. With the frequent use of shoe orthotics and these two massage techniques; shin splints can be painless and extremely effective.

Choose Different Kinds of Physical Therapy Equipments and Supplies at an Online Medical Store

Physical therapy is the combination of physiology with exercises and then application of these principles on the patient's body after the sustenance of an injury. It is specifically designed to reduce pain, restore muscular flexibility, improve overall motor skills, increase strength and endurance and bring the tendons and ligaments back close to their actual length so that they can assist the joints to do their job in a better way. From muscle injuries to spine motion, it is used in the treatment of various medical problems. It is also important for the promotion of good health. These equipments have been designed to aid the patients and to make the therapy more effective. There are different kinds of equipments and supplies available at online medical stores.

Most of the physiotherapists nowadays prefer the use of these equipments as they are easy to use and support treatments and at the same time reduce problems. There are different kinds of equipments available which are specially designed in accordance with the various types of physical therapies ranging from the devices which aid in daily activities to exercise equipments like magnetic pedal exerciser, vertical shoulder exerciser, etc. These equipments are exclusively made to cater the demands of patients who need to be under the constant support and care of physical therapy.

Some of the common physical therapy equipments are biofeedback units, compression therapy units, diathermy accessories, exercise equipments, CPM (Compressive Passive motion) units and many other which are generally used for the treatment of different types of body pains. Apart from these there are other equipments meant for the exercise of hands and legs like exercise balls and elastic bands. These equipments and products are easy to use. They are comfortable, have flexible designs, adjustable and can be used as required and portable so that they can be carried anywhere easily.

The online medical stores supply all these equipments starting from treatment units like traction units, electrotherapy ultrasound units, patients' lifts and slings, dry therapy equipments and many more at reasonable prices. In addition to the equipments, the online medical stores also provide the physical therapy supplies and products. The online medical supplies and equipments are of superior quality and thus ensure efficient performance. These are also easy to access and you can get all the necessary details about the products and supplies. They also provide the price list which makes the platform even more convenient to use and buy from. So you can choose different kinds of these equipments available at numerous online medical stores and can buy them at affordable prices.

Nuru Massage As a Cure for Mental Stress

Nuru massage is a type of massage therapy that involves body-to-body contact. In this type of massage therapy, two people are involved mostly a male and a female where the female partner applies massage gel on her body. The amount of oil applied on her body allows her to slide over the male body creating a romantic sensual massage of its kind. The kind of oil used during this massage therapy should be slippery enough to enable the female partner to slide over her male partner. Nuru massage is usually done using nuru massage oil. This is a type of oil that comes with a number of special features that make it one of the best oils used by masseuses in massage therapies. The massage oil used is odorless and transparent and therefore it is a preference to many masseuses because it does not affect their clients especially those who are allergic to smells. One of the reasons why masseuses prefer odorless and transparent massage oil is because it can be used on various groups of people without any side effects being witnessed during or after its use. Those who prefer odorless massage oil usually single out allergy to strong smells as the main reason they prefer this kind of oil.

Many masseuses may prefer transparent oil because it does not stain sheets used in a massage rooms. Besides that, not all their clients may prefer colored massage oils.

Nuru massage when undertaken by a professional masseuse can be used to reduce mental stress. This is something that has been proved by many of those who happen to have gone through this exercise. When one is mentally stressed, undergoing through this massage can help alleviate this stress because it leaves one in a relaxed mood. During this massage, a masseuse will prepare the massage room to enhance the mood. The room can be lit with candles of different colors besides being decorated with colored sheets that make both partners feel relaxed.

A professional masseuse understands all the requirements of this exercise and therefore they will be able to offer tips on how to make the session enjoyable and romantic. Professional nuru masseuses who have many years of experience in performing nuru massage for their clients use varying tips to make the session enjoyable.

Nuru massage is also common among couples and has been proved to work wonders in terms of relieving stress and rejuvenating their romantic love. When couples engage in this massage, it helps in building a strong bond between them. Both partners are able to reflect on their relationship during nuru massage. Both partners also gets to think about their love in a serene atmosphere without thinking about other issues of life which may be troubling them. Because nuru massage is enjoyable, it leaves both partners not only relaxed in body but also free from mental stress. Couples who understand the benefits of this massage makes it a habit in their lives. With all the above benefits nuru massage is certainly one of the modern ways of reducing mental stress not only among couples but also among other groups of people. This is why its popularity has grown among all classes of people nowadays. Even those who never saw it as an essential part of live have realized the wonders that it can bring about in their lives and are now embracing the exercise.

Ten Benefits of Grapeseed Massage Oil

Did you know that grapeseed massage oil is a highly prized carrier oil in aromatherapy and massage therapy? It has almost no aroma and is wonderfully light in texture. It is a great non-greasy oil to use, but could be enriched by blending it with another carrier massage oils such as almond or wheat germ oil.

Some of the advantages of grapeseed massage oil:

• Grapeseed oil is almost odorless and has a fine texture.



• The fine texture make it easily absorbed by the skin and non-greasy.



• Grapeseed massage oil has mildly astringent qualities which help to tighten and tone the skin. This makes it useful for acne and other skin complaints when having a cleansing massage.



• Grapeseed oil extract is rich in linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid for the skin and the cell membranes.



• Grapeseed oil has regenerative and restructuring properties and has excellent skin moisturizing properties.



• The smooth, silky texture makes it excellent for a relaxing massage without being greasy.



• It contains vitamins, minerals, and protein, GLA, and a small amount of vitamin E.



• It penetrates the skin easily bringing it moisturizing, regenerating and protecting effects.



• It is said to be good for repairing skin around the eyes.



• If you've run out of shaving cream, it's supposed to be great for keeping the skin lubricated.

Body Detox Massage

Many body massage oils are used to assist body detox by stimulating the lymphatic system. This encourages fluid circulation and cell regeneration in the body.

A simple oil massage at regular intervals can do wonders to your overall health and can make you feel younger and more beautiful. Massage oils promote skin health, provides relief from stress and assist healing of the skin.

Grapeseed massage oil is also perfect for those who need a nut-free oil option in the case of allergies.

Medicinal Benefits of Grape Seed Oil

Food-grade Grape Seed Oil is extremely healthy to add to your diet. Some Medicinal Health Benefits Include:

• Grape seed oil can also help protect the arteries by keeping them free of plaque that can cause heart attacks and stroke.



• Grape seed oil is able to slow down and reverse free radical damage and reduce the risk of disease. (good for slowing skin aging.)



• Studies also show that certain substances in grape seed oil can help protect the body from sun damage.



• Grapeseed oil can improves the function of small blood vessels in the eyes thereby improving and maintaining good vision.

How to Become a Holistic Massage and Beauty Therapist

If you're tired of your existing job, and are looking for a change in direction to your current career, have you thought about becoming a beauty, and holistic massage therapist instead? There are lots of ways into the holistic therapy industry including working in spas, hotels, or simply on your own, but in order to gain the right skills, it's important that you have proper training. Also, having a recognised diploma or other therapist qualifications will make it easier to find work too. Unless you opt for a full-time college degree, or a HND course, learning to become a qualified therapist can be very flexible. You can book one day Indian head massage courses, or join a fast-track beauty course at the weekend. It might take a bit longer to cover the many different techniques but you'll still be able to work in your normal day job while you train.

Many people turn to natural therapies to help them relax, or to recover from a specific injury, and there are many different types of massage therapies to choose from today. If you've always enjoyed beauty therapy, and alternative massage treatments yourself, then it's a perfect choice for a new career. But how do you go about becoming a trained and qualified therapist? There are many different companies that offer a wide range of beauty and massage training courses. From reflexology, hot stone therapy, Thai foot massage courses, to Indian head massage courses, you can choose diploma courses in every style of massage possible.

It's also very useful to study a bit of biology and anatomy too. It's essential if you're hoping to offer sports massage therapy, or reflexology, specifically to help long-term injuries. The holistic massage therapy and beauty therapy market has grown enormously over the past decade, and now top hotels all offer in-house spas that include beauty treatments such as manicure and pedicures, anti-aging facials, waxing, as well as all sorts of massage too. The employment opportunities, once you're trained, are fantastic.

Chocolate Massage and Chocolate Body Wraps

Chocolate has many positive health benefits, both when it is eaten and also for the skin.

When it is eaten it has large amounts of potassium zinc, magnesium and iron. Magnesium is known to be highly beneficial to muscles and is one vitamin that is regularly recommended by massage therapists to their clients. A deficiency in magnesium is thought to be one of the reasons why pre menstrual women crave chocolate.

Chocolate has also been shown to low cholesterol levels and the vitamin e and vitamin b are also thought to prevent memory loss.

The cacao bean and chocolate have also been noted to be mood enhancers, with the phenylethylamine in chocolate raising seratonin levels (those feel good chemicals in the brain.) Serotonin is known to reduce depression. These chemicals are also knows to reduce hunger and increase libido. It is also known to stimulate endorphins another feel good chemical.

Chocolate has also been discovered to have a relaxing effect on blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow because of the flavanoids. This type of antioxidant acts as a blood thinner and can also stimulate insulin production. Anti oxidants are also thought to reduce the incidence of free radicals in the blood stream, one of the main causes of ageing.

For the skin, it has long been thought that chocolate has beneficial qualities in nourishing the skin from the outside as well as from the inside. Some beauty therapists will use chocolate facials and chocolate body wraps in their treatments not only because of the luxurious nature of the smell and feel of chocolate but also because of these properties.

Chocolate massage is a rare style of massage, mostly found in Europe. Here the therapists warms chocolate and uses it during the massage, sometimes thinned with warmed massage oil. A chocolate massage is sometimes combined with a chocolate body wrap and chocolate facial for a complete package.

With a chocolate body wrap, the client is massage with a dark chocolate oil and then wrapped in foil or other material to allow the health properties of the chocolate to seep into the skin. Chocolate facials are also popular as they plump out the lines in the skin making it appear more youthful.

Chocolate massage and chocolate body wrap couple all the benefits of using chocolate on the skin with other health benefits of massage, such as relaxation, increased blood flow, stimulation of the lymphatic system and digestive system. Using both together increases the effectiveness of the massage, as well as being a luxurious experience.

Learn About Home Health Aide Training Classes

A common question we receive is from potential job seekers asking what home health aide classes are required or recommended to become a certified Home Health Aide. The truth is, not even a high school diploma is strictly required to enter the HHA field. But that said, proper classes and training are required both to give you a leg up on the competition and also to ensure you are properly prepared to provide the aid to those who need it.

There are a couple common ways people end up taking home health aide classes. The first is by joining a HHA Agency. Most agencies will provide training and HHA classes to their employees. These courses are often times two to three weeks long and will train the attendee on providing a clean and safe environment, proper nutrition and general care for their patients. Also included will be routine medical procedures such as taking and recording vital signs, infection control, geriatric care and other procedures of that ilk.

Home Health Aide Classes Some common home HHA classes are the following:

- principles of physical therapy and body mechanics

- proper lifting techniques

- healthy food preparation and nutrition

- physiology and anatomy

- infection control

- communication and educational skills for working with both patients and families

- patients rights and ethics

- day to day patient help with personal care such as dressing and bathing

Home Health Aide Classes

A good program of HHA classes will also include a significant practical experience portion that provides the student with directly supervised patient experience.

A second way HHA classes are available to those interested is via sponsor organizations like the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross offers HHA classes in either a 4 week day program or an 8 week night program. In the American Red Cross course, potential home health aides will be trained in basic care for residents in long-term care facilities as well as hospitals and homes. After completing the American Red Cross courses, an attendee will be qualified to take the Nurse Aide state examination and will have the skills to become a Home Health Aide or a Nurse Assistant.

College Courses For Home Health Aide Classes Finally, many colleges offer courses that can be viewed as HHA classes. Some classes to look out for are:

- Pharmacy Assistant

- Practical Nursing

- Health Care Assistant

- Spa Therapy

- CDI College

- Advanced Massage Therapy

- Assistance Health Care Facilities

- Dental Assistance

- Health Care Aide

- Health Care Assistant

- Health, Assistance and Nursing

- Intra Oral Dental Assistant

- Massage Therapy home health certification

People interested in extending their HHA classes should remember that certified home classes are almost always provided offline and in person. It is important to find teachers that you will enjoy and be engaged by. Also, when evaluating a school or institute based on course names, make sure to request information from all possible institutions in order to make sure you receive the best and most suited access to HHA classes.

Exploring Medical Professions - Undergraduate Requirements

Medical professional schools encourage students to develop the broadest academic base possible during their undergraduate years. Any undergraduate major may be used as background for entry. It is important that students understand they can major in just about anything, as long they complete the standard prerequisites for medicine. All pre-medical students should take courses that develop disciplined thinking, intelligent appreciation of values, and empathetic understanding of society and human interaction. Applicants are encouraged to take coursework in any of the following disciplines: anthropology, communication, computer science, economics, ethics, human development, literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and statistics.

Most colleges have pre-professional medical programs that serve as advisory committees for student interested in careers in allopathic or osteopathic medicine, nursing, chiropractic, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and veterinary medicine programs. These programs or societies give students an opportunity to interact with their pre-medical peers and obtain guidance from the school faculty.

A baccalaureate degree is required for admission to most professional medical programs. You do not need a bachelor's degree, however, to become a registered nurse. You can obtain an associate's in Nursing without formal college education. Professional schools base admission decisions on a variety of items such as grade point average, entrance exam score, interview, and personal references. The application process usually occurs one year before the intended entry date.

Professional schools encourage employment or volunteer experience within a professional or related medical setting. Work and volunteer experiences (including shadowing) in health care facilities, hospitals and physician's offices are strongly recommended. It is important to note that you can go outside of medicine as well - volunteer experience in and of itself is very important to the medical community.

Core Courses for Professional Schools

The undergraduate degree must also include the successful completion of the required prerequisite core of courses such as:

One Year of English Composition

One Year of College Level Math (One Semester of Calculus for some schools)

One Year of Inorganic Chemistry (w/labs)

One Year of Organic Chemistry (w/labs)

One Year of General Biology (w/labs)

One Year of General College Physics (w/labs)

Additional courses such as biochemistry may strengthen your experience.

Medicine (MD or DO)

Admission requirements are essentially the same for the MD (allopathic) and DO (osteopathic) programs. The Medical College Admissions Test is required for MD and DO professional schools as well as for most podiatry schools. It is offered electronically in January and also April through September each year.

Chiropractic (DC)

Each professional school sets its own prerequisites and requirements. Check your state or local college to learn about the prerequisites to obtaining DC training.

Dentistry (DDS)

Applicants for the field of dentistry complete the core courses listed above and also additional biology courses. An academic advisor can assist in choosing these courses. The Dental Admissions Test is also usually required.

Optometry (OD)

Entry requirements for this professional school are considerably different from the others. The Optometry Admissions Test is required. Early in their academic career, students should see an academic advisor for information about specific schools and programs.

Pharmacology (Pharm.D)

Pharmacy programs usually require two preparatory years of university level coursework followed by four years in the professional curriculum. The sequence of the courses is important, so students are urged to meet with an academic advisor early in the student's academic career. After completing the pre-requisites for pharmacy school, you will take the PCAT exam and apply for admission to the pharmacy school of your choice. Most schools with a college of pharmacy have specialized combined degree programs that allow students to move directly from undergraduate study to graduate study in pharmacology. If this interests you check with your college to find out more information.

The Origins of Stone Massage Therapy

While stone massage therapy, be it hot or cold, has only surfaced in recent years as a popular form of massage, its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations. There are three main cultures that not only influenced the origins of stone massage therapy, but also influenced how this form of therapy has evolved in modern day. Hawaiians, the Native Americans, and Chinese all have histories of stone massage therapy in their culture.

One of the first ever formally documented uses of stones for healing and massage was found in the writings of Chinese medical practitioners. These ancient doctors used stones that were shaped and sharpened to treat disease. The effects of the healing powers of these stones were enhanced with various herbs that were rubbed on the stones.

Native Americans are also well known for their use of stones in their culture. Some of the first saunas can be traced back to the Native Americans, who firmly believed that the use of these heated stones was beneficial to everyone and not just those suffering from particular ailments. That being said, it was common for Native Americans to treat lower abdominal cramping with heated stones placed on the affected area.

While the Chinese and Native Americans used stones to treat ailments and promote better health, most would agree that it was the Hawaiians that played the most major role in promoting stone massage therapy as we know it today. Hahana Stone Massage, developed by the Hawaiians, is perhaps the earliest form of actual stone massage therapy. This form of therapy utilized hot stones wrapped in leaves that had certain therapeutic properties. These stones where then placed directly on sore muscles and were meant to help relieve inflammation and pain. The use of these stones was similar to how one might use a heating pack. If a practitioner wanted to ensure that the healing properties of these leaf-wrapped stones were more fully absorbed into the body, they had the patient lay directly on top of the stones for an extended period of time.

Hawaiians also had access to large numbers of volcanic stones, which they discovered worked great for exfoliation. These stones were massaged all over the body both for relaxation and the great skin benefits. Skin often looked healthier and was glowed more after a treatment, and of course; this ancient art is still practiced today.

Modern day massage has adopted several of these practices. Most spas not only offer extensive exfoliation treatments using ground up forms of pumice and volcanic stones but they also offer hot and cold stone massage therapy. While these forms of massage are different in both execution and practice, the basic concept of using stones to promote healing and relaxation remain the same. Modern massage therapists recognize what those in ancient civilizations first realized; that particular types and shapes of stones not only work well at effectively absorbing heat but also at promoting healing in a way that's more relaxing than just using the hands alone.

The Clinical Benefits of Massage

There can be no doubt that a session of your favorite massage therapy technique can bring you to a state of utmost relaxation. But did you know that massage therapy also has a lot of clinical benefits?

In its formal sense, massage therapy or therapeutic massage is the scientific manipulation of the various tissues found in our body for the purpose improving blood flow an circulation, reducing tensions in the muscles, and enhancing tissue healing. Muscle and tissue manipulation is considered one of the oldest health care services in the history. Up until now, it is one of the methods used to help the body in its ability to heal itself.

Professional massage therapists use different hand techniques to achieve to achieve variations in the amount of pressure exerted on the muscles. Professional massage therapists from Clearwater, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, and Trinity all agree to this fact. There are five basic strokes that massage therapists use when giving a massage. These are effleurage, petrissage, percussion, friction, and vibration. Effleurage is the use of soothing, long, and gliding strokes made with the entire flat surface of the hands. Petrissage is kneading or the firm but gentle stroking of the skin and surface muscles with thumb and fingers. Percussion is the rapid alternate movements using both hands tapping, hacking, cupping, slapping, pounding, and tapotement. Frictionis the combination of long, slow, firm stroking movements in which the hand is kept in contact with the skin. Lastly, vibration is the rapid back and forth shaking or trembling movements performed by the whole hand or the fingers mostly used on the upper back, buttocks and thighs.

The combination of these strokes gives rise to the different types of massage therapy. For instance, deep tissue massage uses the combination of slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction which exerts greater pressure to deeper layers of muscle compared to Swedish massage. Swedish massage uses light pressure from long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques. Sports massage, the most popular form of body massage availed by sports oriented individuals, uses almost the same strokes as deep tissue massage and Swedish massage.

You may prefer one type of bodywork over the other. Swedish massage is the most popular technique. Nevertheless, whatever type of technique it is, recent studies have shown that having regular massage therapy sessions brings a lot of clinical benefits. For example, regular muscle therapy can improve the pulmonary function of young patients with asthma. It is also known to reduce allergies, anxiety, and stress, as well as relieve people from painful arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive motion injuries. Other conditions helped by body massage is chronic and temporary muscle pains, problems associated with the body's circulatory system, depression, digestive disorders, tension headaches and migraines, insomnia and other forms of sleeplessness, myofascial pain, sports injuries, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

How Massage Education Has Changed

When choosing an Alabama Massage School that is right for you consider the following. The field of Massage Therapy has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. Once thought to be less than reputable, massage is now a mainstream and booming career opportunity. Everyone from professional athletes to those seeking to reduce stress consider massage as a first-line defense and treatment choice. And, with this boom there has been a corresponding boom in the Alabama massage school industry and how massage is taught.

Traditionally massage schools have been owned and operated by massage therapists. This meant that the programs were designed and regulated by those that knew the most about the field. Now, many career colleges, technical schools and even State Colleges offer massage programs as a part of their curriculum. This often means that administrators who may know very little about massage are making decisions about the programs. Make sure you do your homework when choosing an Alabama massage school. Check with graduates to see how they feel about their training. You can also check with those hiring massage therapists to see what schools they recommend.

One major factor when considering an Alabama massage school is the cost and how you are going to pay for it. In the best of all possible worlds financial matters would not be an issue. However, in the real world this is often the primary factor in deciding which school to go to. Unfortunately this can dictate which school you have to go to as opposed to which school you want to go to. If you have no financial resources and you either have no or poor credit, then one possible way to finance school is through some type of grant such as a Pell Grant. The problem with this is you are usually required to take courses that have nothing to do with massage. You might have to take English, speech or math as part of a core curriculum. Ultimately a program like this may take several years to complete and there are still costs that fall on you above what the grant will pay.

When you think of paying for an Alabama massage school realize that you are investing in yourself. By making the sacrifices and putting forth the effort you are positioning yourself to make a better livelihood and have a career that you enjoy. If you rely solely on others to finance your education you may find that there are strings attached, and often these strings can restrict what you really want to do. Check to see if you are eligible for some type of loan such as Sallie Mae Loans. These are based on credit and can be paid back over a ten-year period. For more information go to an Alabama Massage School You will usually know within a 24-hour period if you qualify. Of course if you have been in the military you will also want to check out what VA options are available.

Another thing to consider when choosing which Alabama massage school to attend is the experience and training of the teaching staff. With the recent boom in massage many schools are starting programs with a teaching staff that has only been in the field a few years themselves. Then graduates from these schools are becoming instructors at other new programs. As a result, the level of education is quickly diminishing and industry competency is being compromised. This has become a real concern among long-term practitioners as they watch their profession become diluted with more and more practitioners that show less and less skill. If things continue in this direction it could ultimately mean the demise of professional massage, as we know it. Right now massage is highly respected even by physicians and physical therapist. But if we are unable to deliver what we say we can, it may not be long before this respect is lost.

With the boom in popularity of massage, the job market is becoming more competitive. So, it is important that you become the best therapist possible. Your success will ultimately be determined by how good you are. How good you are is determined by how well you have been trained. So, take the time to do your homework when choosing a massage school. Check out all of the schools in your area. Visit them, inquire about the staff, and ask all the questions you need to get a clear picture about the program. Then when you have decided, jump in all the way and enjoy the experience. You will learn amazing things, make lifelong friends and start your way on a wonderful career.

Physical Therapy Assistant Salary

The physical therapy career remained immune from recession in 2008, and continues to produce a large number of jobs every year. This is due to the increasing aging population. Currently there are 110,000 physical therapy assistants working all across America. As per the survey by Outlook Magazine, the number of physical therapy assistant jobs is increasing at the rate of 45% every year and is expected to rise at the same rate for the next decade. Thus, this seems to be a promising field for all those individuals who are looking for a way to survive future economic turbulence.

A physical therapist assistant works in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and health-care centers and assists the physical therapist with the recovery of patients. Mostly the patients have restricted body movements due to some injury or illness. The physical therapist assistant performs various treatment and rehabilitation procedures on patients under the supervision of a physical therapist. A usual treatment plan includes applying an ice-pack, conducting therapeutic exercises, massaging, etc. It is important for assistant have good upper body strength as he has to lift patients and take them to treatment area.

In order to become a physical therapy assistant, an individual needs to complete a two-year Associate's degree from an accredited school and then obtain a license. There are more than two hundred schools that offer physical therapy assistant programs. Some colleges also provide online courses for individuals who cannot join regular programs. Students are taught core subjects such as medical terminology, introduction to physical therapy, remedial work, biology, etc. They are also supposed to participate in a summer training program in a clinic to apply the skills they learned and also experience the field hands-on.

A fresh graduate with a physical therapy assistant degree can earn an annual salary of $32,000. With increase in experience and certifications, the salary scale also increases. After 4 years of experience the salary is the range of $38,000 to $45,000. An individual with 20 years of experience can earn close to $60,000. The location of job also determines the salary of assistant. Those who work in Virginia earns higher than those working Florida and New york. Factors like cost of living and demand are responsible for this variation. One can also earn comparatively higher salary while working in home-health service facilities than working in physician's office or in schools. Nursing homes pays the second highest salary followed by government facilities.

How Much Does a Massage Therapist Make?

One of the biggest reasons that people are attracted to a career in massage therapy is that they feel they are able to help others in a meaningful way. It is a job that is in alignment with the core values of service to others. Many people long for meaningful work, something that really makes a difference in people's lives, and connects them with others.

There are so many professions out there that just feel lifeless to people. Many professionals today are walking away from stressful careers to find work they can be passionate about, even if it means making less money. Let's face it, most people trade time for money, and the question arises, what's more important, time or money? Is it possible to have both?

If you've ever had the feeling, while doing something you love, of time seeming to slow down and the feeling that you could do it all day, that's when you are in alignment. What an awesome feeling that would be to have while you work. Would that be work at all?

Maybe you don't know how passionate you really are about a career as a massage therapist. Let's look at what it takes to become a message therapist and what is expected of you. Prior to 1990 you could train as an apprentice or attend workshops, but now that the profession has grown it's vital to complete an educational training program. You also will need to pass the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork after you graduate, as well as licensing requirements that very from state to state.

In a city a massage therapist can earn $60 to $100 an hour, and $50 to $75 elsewhere. Most practitioners consider 27 hours a week to be full-time work. It is physical work and that is something to take into consideration, hands get sore and you're on your feet a lot, it takes a considerable amount of energy. It's definitely not a career you want to just jump in to.

With the way things are changing in this economy there are many unconventional business models out there that are very lucrative, that require no schooling, do require some learning, but allow average people to create six figure incomes from home using only a computer and phone. Particularly in the soon to be trillion dollar 'Wellness Industry', there are many companies looking for passionate people to work with, providing the training and infrastructure to create substantial income.

Most people want to become a massage therapist, or enter similar occupations, because they are very passionate people that want to be of service, and that is admirable, the question you have to ask yourself is, do I want to invest the serious amount of time and money into becoming a massage therapist? Is it really your dream?

To find out about some alternatives to massage therapy please visit: http://www.NewEconomySecrets.com

Reduce Shoulder Pain Today With Massage Therapy

When I see road signs that say "Shoulder Work Ahead," I can't help thinking that I should hang one of those outside my massage therapy office here in Millersburg, Ohio. Every day I know there is shoulder work ahead for me.

Both physical and emotional stresses often root into the shoulders. Imbalances here can lead to headaches, numbness of the arms and hands, and may even reflect long-term psychological strains. The rolled-forward posture of a person who has spent his life believing he is worthless can be a too common example of this.

(Further down, I'll give a couple of simple tips for reducing shoulder tension. Feel free to skip ahead. Points will not be deducted.)

When one shoulder is raised higher than the other, it is easy to see. This can come from over-use of one side or repetitive activities that create the imbalance, like a bowler who is constantly making a forceful movement that is one-sided.

Another cause is working at a keyboard that is resting on a surface that is too high for your body. In this case, it's possible for both shoulders to be chronically elevated, which is a little harder to notice.

A combination of moist heat, clinical massage therapy throughout the neck and shoulders, and stretching can help high shoulders to lower, relieving the discomfort.

Military shoulders, as the name suggests, give a person the posture of standing at attention. There is an over-emphasis on sticking the chest out, and a rigidity in the shoulder girdle that often comes with this condition. Because of this backward "roll" of the shoulders, tension of chest muscles overlying nerves can actually entrap nerves, which creates numbness or tingling sensations in the arm.

With massage, we can carefully release soft tissues of the chest, especially the small pectoralis minor muscle, which is key in treating this condition. Likewise, attention is required on the upper back, directly opposite the chest. These muscles between the shoulder blades get into a tug of war with the chest, and the person's body becomes a constant battlefield. Massage and proper stretching that gradually loosens both sides eases compression on nerves and puts an end to the battle, tug-of-war, or (insert metaphor here).

If you happen to have tight or stiff shoulders, without severe pain, one the following simple shoulder-openers could be helpful to you. There are a lot of other good stretches and yoga asanas you can benefit from, but these can be a good start and focus on the chest:

For the first, you will need a rolled up blanket or two and a small pillow. The blankets should be firm enough that they won't been completely compressed by the weight of your body. Place your rolled blankets on the floor and lie atop them so that they intersect your upper back. (Blankets are perpendicular to your spine, not running in the same direction.)

Place the small pillow under your neck, so it is not hyperextended or uncomfortable. Stretch out both your arms and lay them on the floor so you are making a "Y". The hands are palm up.

Say, "ahhhhhhhhh."

Lie in this position and breathe normally, but let your mind stay with the movement of your breath. As long as you are comfortable, stay like this for about 2 minutes. If there is discomfort which you can't quite adapt to resolve, carefully roll out of the position.

Don't force it.

Number two is deceptive in that it looks easy, but can be an intense stretch. Find a section of wall without pictures or anything else hanging on it. Stand with the side of your right hip against the wall. Raise your right arm so it is pointing skyward, with the right palm flat against the wall. Your right armpit should be facing the wall if you are in the correct position.

Now for the stretch. Imagine your right arm is the arm of a large clock and is now at 12 o'clock. You are going to move from here down to 6. Keeping your palm in contact with the wall and keeping your arm straight, slowly move your hand in a semicircle behind you.

Do your best to keep your shoulders pointing forward - don't turn your torso towards the wall. (If this is too challenging, you can start over with your body a few inches away from the wall.) Each time you reach a point of resistance or tension, stop here for one or two breaths, allowing yourself to relax as much as possible. When you are done, switch sides.

This can be a great supplement to massage therapy treatments.

How To Find The Best Massage School

Since the introduction of spa and massage clinics in every corner of almost every state, the job opportunities offered by this booming industry is so encompassing and that it offers a good future for advancement and stability. While massage parlors connote the not so good impression that they are places for fast and cheap sex, this is not always the reality although some massage therapies are erotic and sensual. The real truth about them is that they bring true relaxation to the body and spirit.

There are now more and more individuals who find massage as a good income provider, so that many schools are offering courses about massage therapy. But do not fall for those schools who advertise that you can earn this much after graduation and land a good job. It is quite difficult these days to find a high paying job because of the present economic crises. Do your own diligent research before enrolling in a massage school. Below are some tips of what to do before selecting the school where to study massage therapy.

1. Before starting your search for the right school, take another close look about this job as massage therapist if this is really your world. Conduct some more research about the occupation, about the salaries, the hazard of the job and the security it offers to those who would decide to make it their profession.

2. Once you are convinced to make headway towards this work, start looking around for the best school by talking to people who are working in the industry. The workers and the owners of the massage parlors are good sources of information about the schools they would prefer if they would be given the opportunity to choose their graduates.

This session with these people would give you an impression which is the best school that has a good reputation.

3. Do more some researches as you go over the place searching for other information about their experiences as massage therapist. There are some therapists who stopped from this work after two years, what are their reasons, what is loveable and hateful about the work?

4. Find the massage schools within the state you are planning to work. It would be economical for you to study within the place you are planning to find the job as therapist. Studying from other state and find a work somewhere would be costly and not realistic. Decide on the place you intend to work then locate the best therapy school in that community.

5. Visit the massage school and personally conduct your own investigation. Ask the students and locate some of the graduates of the school and ask some questions about the school. The qualification of the teachers and their facilities regarding the actual executions of some massage techniques that need a real massage spa. You can also ask for the vision of the schools you have contacted and choose the best which you feel the best among them.

Once you enrolled on the school you have chosen, be sure to focus your attention so that you can finish the course on the scheduled date you want to apply your knowledge on the job.

Professional Ethics For Massage Therapists - A Tool For Personal Growth

Most massage therapists receive Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice from various sources. These lists of guidelines and rules are helpful in setting the professional standards for massage therapy. Yet, the "rules" can be slightly different from one organization to another and, like anything in life, external rules need to be supported by internal values to be successful. When we notice ourselves in the gray areas where the rules don't seem to work, it's a good time to look inward to see what's going on.

Take, for example, the rule "don't accept gifts from clients." A lot of times we will ask, "why not, what's wrong with that?" or "do we really want to become so impersonal that we can't accept a gift?" Good questions. In a situation where a client is offering a gift and we recognize the standard of not accepting gifts, yet we want to anyway, it's time to look at ourselves. Is the desire to accept the gift based upon our perceptions of what the client needs to enhance the therapeutic relationship? Is it based upon our own needs to feel special, appreciated, or wanted? The notion that if our motivations are client based it's less of an ethical dilemma than if they are personally based may or may not apply in all situations.

So this rule ("don't accept gifts") is pointing to the emergence of transference and countertransference issues, which are rich ground for healing. When we delve into our countertransference, we often discover unmet needs, unexplored fears and desires. This is healing because when we bring them to consciousness, we have the ability to grow and transform.

While ethical dilemmas usually aren't very comfortable, if we approach them with the willingness to look inward, we can bring a lot of healing to ourselves--a true gift!

© 2008, Rebecca Mauldin

How to Permanently Relieve Body Aches and Pains

As you get older, are you finding that your muscles hurt more? Your bones creak and your back aches. You wake up every morning and it becomes a struggle to get out of bed and the daily doses of aspirin just aren't cutting it to get rid of the pain anymore.

Heck, you're probably saying that same old worn out statement, "It's hell gettin' old." And those words can be uttered no matter whether you're 2 or 102... or any age in between.

Would you take offense if I used the pun... "I feel your pain?"

I hope not because the truth is that I do. In fact, many people do. But the thing that you probably don't realize is that you can get rid of the body pain you're feeling with rehabilitation physical therapy.

A great deal of the pain and suffering you're feeling is coming from some common ailments that are easily fixed. They are handled by addressing the true cause behind what is causing them in the first place. And the healing process itself requires no invasive procedures.

The best way to get rid of the aches you're experiencing is through rehabilitation physical therapy. It's physical therapy that is done to help rehab the joints and muscles that are causing the pain. But it focuses on the crux of the problem, not just providing a temporary relief by treating the symptom.

You may be wondering what is meant by that. Here's the deal.

Do you have a stiff neck or are there other muscles that seem to move, but only with a limited range and with a lot of pain? Well, there are two ways you could handle this issue. Ice and heat the inflexible muscles for temporary relief. Or... you can address the underlying cause of the problem and get more permanent pain relief.

In addressing the underlying problem via rehabilitation physical therapy, you'll likely work on posture issues. Poor posture leads to stiff and sore muscles. For example, a long term hunched back will cause a great amount of strain on your neck. It can place your head in an unnatural state thereby putting your neck muscles in a position they are not familiar with.

Another cause of these problems could very well be an imbalance of strength in your muscles. Inflexible muscles in your chest (pecs) and weakened muscles in your back cause your shoulders to come together, out of proper alignment, in the front of your body. This too places an unnatural pull on your neck muscles.

The benefit of rehabilitation therapy is that this treatment can naturally help you get your body back into proper alignment by teaching proper posture. It can also fix muscle imbalances by lengthening in the tight muscle and strengthening the weakened muscle which too creates a more natural state for your body and places less pull on your muscle.

And as mentioned previously, correcting these issue give a permanent form of relief.

So to get rid of your body aches and pains on a permanent basis, check into rehabilitation physical therapy to see if it's right for you.

Gait Training Physical Therapy

Many people believe that since walking is something that they have been doing for most of their lives, no one needs to teach them how to walk again after an injury. Unfortunately, most injuries to the spine and lower extremities do alter walking mechanics and can lead to additional disability if not corrected with physical therapy and fitness training. With or without injury, gait (walking mechanics) frequently deteriorates with age....not necessarily because of age, but most often due to getting weaker.

What is gait? Gait is a manner of walking, stepping or running. More specifically, it is a series of rhythmical, alternating movements of the trunk and limbs which result in the forward progression of the center of gravity (body). Another way to think of gait is as a series of "controlled falls".

How is gait evaluated? We visually observe patients walking on a treadmill or up and down a long hallway. A treadmill allows us to precisely control speed and to observe close-in. If necessary, patients can also be recorded on video while walking/running. The video can then be slowed down, reversed, and repeated as needed during a physical therapy session to perform a more detailed assessment of gait.

Some of the things we look for during a gait evaluation are symmetry of the gait cycle, step and stride length, cadence, and walking base. Symmetry is one of the most important aspects of gait. The movement of one side of the body should mirror the other side of the body. Arm swing, foot placement, step length, foot impact should all be very similar right vs. left.

Injuries and or weakness often lead to heavier impact (usually, but not always) on the opposite side. Since the average human takes 10-15,000 steps each day, increasing the impact of one foot by a force of just 10 lbs (each step) can add up to a lot of extra stress being added to that leg (upwards of 75,000 lbs) every day. No wonder "bad" walking mechanics eventually lead to more injuries.

Another common gait deviation is foot placement. If a patient is having difficulty controlling where the foot is landing (for example: too close to the other leg, turned out/in), they may have significant hip muscle weakness or neurological issues.

The vast majority of gait deviations can be corrected or compensated for with proper physical therapy and fitness training. Most physical therapists are experts in gait evaluation and training. Left untreated, significant gait deviations can lead to injury. Taking that first step, and getting a gait evaluation, could be a step in the right direction for better health.

Six Reasons to Consider a Career in Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is the career of choice for many young people. In December 2009, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that more than 118,000 professional massage therapists were working full-time in the United States. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) currently estimates that the number of massage therapists in the United States, including full-time, part-time and students, is between 250,000 and 300,000.

Why is this career field so popular? Here are six compelling reasons:

• 
  Massage Therapists Often Have Flexible Schedules. There is no such thing as a "standard" or "average" massage therapy position. Most therapists can choose to work full time or part time, on weekdays or on weekends.


• 
  Massage Therapists Can Work in a Variety of Facilities. When most people think of massage, they think of the day spas that have become so popular in recent years. But massage therapists may also find employment in hospitals, doctors' offices and medical and rehabilitation clinics as well as destination resorts, fitness centers and cruise ships.


• 
  Massage Therapy Training Can Be Completed in Less than a Year. Many career schools offer massage therapy training that can be completed in less than a year. (Note: Thirty-seven states, plus Washington D.C., require massage therapists to undergo an accredited training program and then be licensed prior to going to work.) Continuing education and specialty training is also available in many communities for people interested in expanding the variety of techniques offered.


• 
  Massage Therapy Has Good Income Potential. According to the BLS' most recent data (May 2008), the median annual income for massage therapists nationwide is approximately $34,900, with half making more than that and half making less. Nationally, the bottom 10 percent have an average annual income of approximately $16,670 while the upper 10 percent have an average annual income of approximately $69,620. Note that income potential varies significantly from state to state and from city to city depending on local economic and employment conditions, as well as the number of hours you choose to work and the type of facility where you choose to practice. For more information, please consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics and your local state labor department Web site.


• 
  Massage Therapy is an Expanding Career Field. Again according to the BLS, employment opportunities for massage therapists are expected to be better than average compared to the job market as a whole, with opportunities particularly good for people seeking part-time work. On a national level, employment for massage therapists is expected to have increased 20 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the BLS. Statewide 2006-2016 growth projections in the massage therapy field currently range from a low of 7 percent in New York and Idaho to a high of 55 percent in Nevada. (Occupational growth rates are projections only, and will vary from community to community.)


• 
  Massage Therapy is a True "People Job." It's difficult to imagine an occupation more "hands-on" than massage therapy. Although the field is physically demanding, it can be a great career for people who don't like being trapped behind a desk and who enjoy helping and interacting with other people. Successful massage therapists tend to be those who develop good rapport and relationships with the clients and are able to establish a strong repeat business.

If you're looking for a job where you can help people one-on-one without having to acquire a Bachelor or Master's degree, then Massage Therapy is a career you should consider.

Ohio Massage Therapy Licensure Exam - What Should You Expect?

If you know "what you are getting yourself into" when approaching this exam, you are likely to have a more successful outcome. To be licensed to practice massage therapy in Ohio, a person must pass the State of Ohio Medical Board Exam for Massage Therapy. What's this exam like? What should you expect?

#1 Expectation: Currently you can only take the State of Ohio Medical Board Exam for Massage Therapy twice per year.

This paper-and-pencil exam is given in June and December of every calendar year. It is held at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. There are usually about 700-1000 other people "sitting" for the exam with you.

#2 Expectation: The exam will be divided into two parts: basic sciences and limited branch content.

The first part of the exam is 110 multiple choice questions on the basic sciences, in other words, anatomy and physiology. The majority of the questions will be about the musculoskeletal system with a fair percentage on the nervous and cardiovascular systems and the skin. The limited branch part of the exam, the second part, is also 110 multiple choice questions. The emphasis is on massage techniques, therapeutic applications and effects of massage.

A person taking this exam is given two hours and twenty minutes to complete each part.

#3 Expectation: Your score on the exam will be posted approximately six weeks after you have taken it.

There is a meeting on the second Tuesday of the month of the committee which reviews the results of this exam. Once this meeting occurs and the list of persons passing and not passing this exam is accepted, you will receive your results. Your score on each part of the exam will usually be received by postal mail on the Friday or Saturday after this Tuesday meeting. You can actually learn earlier about whether or not you passed this exam by calling the State Medical Board Office (on Thursday) and inquiring or going to their web site at http://med.ohio.gov/mt_about_massage_therapy.htm

#4 Expectation: You must pass both parts of the State Medical Board Exam for Massage Therapy to be licensed to practice in Ohio.

The passing score is 75%. You must have this score on both parts of this exam in order to receive your license. If you don't pass one part, you must re-apply to take the part you did not pass. The next opportunity to take the exam is either the next June or December date.

A person who doesn't pass a part of the exam after three attempts must take additional coursework in the basic sciences (35 hours) or limited branch content (40 hours) at a school that provides the Certificate of Competency (see the State Board web site). After completing the Certificate of Competency for each part of the exam previously failed, a person is eligible to re-take it.

Being successful in any endeavor requires knowing what you are getting yourself "in to"! The Ohio Massage Therapy Exam is unique. Other states often require the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork to practice massage. The Ohio massage therapist can only be licensed through the State of Ohio Medical Board and only through passing this exam.