Options for Gaining an Online Education in Physical Therapy

Enrolling in an accredited online physical therapy training program will allow you to gain the education you need to enter the career of your dreams. Studies will cover a wide range of topics to ensure that you receive the knowledge needed for your specific area of interest. You have the opportunity to choose from a number of certificates and degrees in this exciting field. Online career preparation will allow you to study at your own leisure from the comforts of home. You can start by looking into accredited online educational training programs and learning more about receiving training in physical therapy.

Pursuing an accredited online education in this field can help to prepare you for a number of exciting career options. Training can be completed online for careers in:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Therapy

...and more. You can begin the educational process by choosing a specialized area of study and enrolling in the online school or college that fits your individual needs and goals. Training in these areas will allow you to pursue careers like:

• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Physical Therapy Aide
• Rehabilitation Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist

...and many other related professions in this field. Online career training programs will give you the chance to pursue the career you long for, in a number of specialized areas.

Training will require you to complete studies that cover various topics, in order to prepare for the workforce. Coursework may consist of subjects such as:

• Psychology
• Biology
• Behavioral Sciences
• Exercise
• Anatomy
• Human Growth and Development
• Physical and Mental Disabilities
• Physical Sciences

...and many other relevant topics. By training in these subjects you will be ready to seek the employment you desire.

With an accredited education in physical therapy you will have the option of entering into a number of exciting careers.

• Online schooling will help you obtain the degree or certificate you need to pursue the future you long for.
• Educational options include earning the degree or certificate of your choice. Degrees can be obtained at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels.
• Training can last anywhere from a couple of months to several years depending on the level of education being pursued.
• Certificates are available through continuing education programs, and for those looking to see if this field is the right options for them.

You should research various programs prior to enrolling online to make sure you find the one that's best for you.

Accredited online schools and colleges provide you with the chance to obtain the quality education you need and deserve. Online physical therapy programs may be fully accredited by agencies like the American Occupational Therapy Association ( http://www.aota.org/ ). Accreditation is a school or colleges proof that they can give you the best education available to you. You can learn more by researching programs and requesting more information regarding the degree or certificate of your choice and enrolling today.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised on our website.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP, LLC.

Physical Therapy Assistant - Helpful Job Information

Even in a tough economy, the health care industry continues to grow, offering many employment opportunities. For those who want job security while working with patients on a daily basis, becoming a physical therapist assistant is an excellent idea. The education required is minimal compared to that needed to enter many other medical jobs. It offers a rewarding occupational choice and is an excellent step for those who want to get involved in the health care field.

The Duties of a PTA

A physical therapist assistant (PTA) offers support to the physical therapist, taking care of certain office duties and treatments. Therapists rely on their assistants to ensure patients are comfortable and performing physical therapy exercises safely. Some of the potential duties of a PTA may include the following:

- Applying cold packs and hot packs

- Taking patient notes

- Documenting patient progress

- Taking care of electrical stimulation equipment

- Assisting with stretching or exercises

- Teaching certain exercises

This job includes quite a bit of standing, lifting and kneeling. Schedules may fluctuate, depending on the specific facility where a PTA is working. While assistant jobs are available in hospitals and private practices, schools, skilled nursing facilities, fitness centers, rehab facilities, hospices and nursing homes often employ physical therapist assistants as well.

Educational Requirements

While this medical job requires less education than many other careers, there still are some education requirements that must be fulfilled. Most states require that PTAs attend an accredited program and earn their associate degree. These programs, offering at quality physical therapy schools, include classroom instruction and clinical instruction. Expect to take classes in first aid, lifesaving skills, physiology and anatomy.

Salary and Benefit Information

For those just starting in this field, the starting salary usually ranges between $15-20 per hour. On average, the median salary for a licensed PTA is close to $46,000 per year, although some make more than $55,000 a year. Smaller practices usually pay a bit less than some of the larger institutions that hire PTAs. Usually good benefits are offered to PTAs, which may include sick days, health care, pension plan, insurance, education reimbursement, paid time off and bonuses.

Advancement Opportunities

After becoming a PTA, opportunities for advancement are available. One of the best ways to advance in this field is to specialize in a specific therapy area, such as cardiopulmonary therapy, pediatric therapy, integumentary therapy, geriatric therapy, neuromuscular therapy or musculoskeletal therapy. Once a PTA has some experience, other high paying alternatives may be an option, such as contract work or self-employment. Other ways to advance include being promoted to supervisory jobs, gaining seniority within a company or taking a job at a larger institution. For those who want to go even further in the medical field, it is possible to become a licensed physical therapist with a bit more education, which requires a bachelor's degree.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Physical Therapy

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that physical therapists see quite often.

Though it is normally thought of as a wrist condition, CTS can actually affect your entire arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on your median nerve. Although repetitive hand motions can result in CTS, they are not the only cause. Other diseases can also lead to its development. Regardless of its cause, surgery is often recommended as a treatment for CTS. Fortunately, surgery is not always necessary. Physical therapy alone can help most patients with CTS manage their symptoms effectively, relieving pain and restoring the normal use of the arm.

Once Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has been diagnosed, if your doctor recommends physical therapy, your therapist will begin with some education and exercise. The education will mostly revolve around how to take care of your wrists going forward, as well as instruction on any exercises your therapist recommends you engage in at home. He or she will also lead you through some exercises right there in the office intended to increase your muscle strength. As always, heat and ice packs are often used during this process in order to make it more comfortable for you. Your therapist may even visit your work site in order to assess it and recommend adjustments to your daily routine.

If surgery is recommended, you will probably still need physical therapy as well. In fact, assistance in post-operative recovery is one of the physical therapist's most important roles. A lot of the techniques we've already described will also be utilized in this type of case. In addition, there will be some scar management, which will help to make sure that your skin remains supple and flexible. When you're first beginning to recuperate from your surgery, it may feel like you may never be able to use your hand and fingers normally again. Rest assured, you will, and your physical therapist will be right beside you every step of the way.

As I mentioned before, patient education is one of the benefits of physical therapy. When it comes to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a lot of that education will pertain to ways to prevent this disease from becoming a problem again in the future. Reducing the use of force, taking frequent breaks, and maintaining a neutral wrist position are all important preventative measures. Though physical therapists are wonderful people, you probably don't want to see them any more than you have to.

If you or a loved one is suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, contact a local physical therapist.

Great Surprise Date Ideas!

Spending time together as a couple does not have to be boring. In fact, with a few great ideas, you can turn your dates into something wonderfully different and fun. Surprise your date with one of these great ideas.

Get a Massage Together
Who doesn't enjoy a good massage? A couple's massage is a great way to relax together and can be done at a spa or in your own home. You will need to book ahead to be sure that you can both have your massage at the same time if you are going to the spa. An in home massage may be available for a higher fee, so ask when you are speaking with the spa management. Hotels may also offer couple's massages in your room.

See a Show
No matter where you live, there will be a show of some sort nearby. This can range from a play put on by the local high school or it could be a showing of Shakespeare in the park. A concert or musical is also fair game and a fun way to spend an evening. Shows can be a great alternative to the usual movie.

Hit the Amusement Park
A theme park or fair with rides can be an enjoyable way to get to know someone better. Sitting together on the rides gives good date vibes, too. Plus, the chance to be a kid again is never to be underestimated.

Take on a Volunteer Project
Giving back is the best way to get closer to that special someone and it can also give you a glimpse of the softer side of your date. There are a number of opportunities available to couples looking to spend some time volunteering. Ask local soup kitchens and homeless shelters if they need a hand if you want to work with people, or look to animal shelters and wildlife preserves if you prefer to help animals. Habitat for Humanity is another good choice for anyone interested in building projects.

Eat in the Dark
A hot new trend in Europe is blind dining. You have heard how other senses kick in to make up for a missing sense and this puts that to the test. Eat your meal in pitch black and you will find a whole new level of appreciation for the flavors and textures of what you put in your mouth. Just keep in mind that finger foods are best for this type of date, since you want to accidentally cut yourself or stab your date with a fork.

These date ideas are all great alternatives to the more standard date fare and can give you a better look at who you are going out with. They also work for married couples.

Buying a Portable Massage Table

Portable massage tables are the most popular kind of table for massage therapists. This is because they are lighter, take up less storage space, can be brought to clients' homes, and are cheaper than other types of tables. In use, they function just like stationary massage tables.

Popular brands include Earthlite, Custom Craftworks, and Oakworks massage tables. I own an Earthlite massage table and am very happy with it. It is durable, comfortable, and of good quality. In terms of weight, it could be a bit lighter, but with the weight comes comfort (more and/or denser padding). It's a trade off and massage therapists who bring their tables to and from clients' homes will have to decide how much weight they are willing to lug around.

Don't just go for the cheapest table you can find, either; I found out the hard way that you get what you pay for. I bought a table from Costco which I had to return because it was heavy, not to mention shoddy in comparison to the table I have now. This, plus it wasn't even that much cheaper.

If you don't have a lot of money to spend, consider getting a quality table used. Many times you can get good deals on used tables by looking on the bulletin boards at massage schools. A lot of people who go through massage school learn that massage really isn't for them. Meanwhile they have invested thousands of dollars in their massage education and are left with a massage table they will never use. Their mistake can be your gain as you acquire a slightly used, quality massage table at a considerable discount off the price of buying new.

If you are looking to save weight, consider getting a narrower table. Normal tables widths range from 27"-31", so look for a table on the low end of the scale. A narrower table will still accommodate most bodies. What it loses in width and stability should be negligible, especially compared to the weight you save. The main concern with going too narrow would be that clients may not have much room to rest their arms on the table when supine; when prone they can of course let their arms hang off the side of the table.

The final concern for people who will really be transporting their tables is to get a carrying case. This is a must for protecting your table and making it easier to carry. Your carrying case should have pockets for massage accessories such as massage table sheets/covers, massage oil, and your bolster.

Sports Massage - Pre-Event

Massage before an event can be an integral component of the pre-event preparation for many athletes. Pre-event massage can create a state of readiness in the muscles and tissues so that the athlete's performance can be optimized. Whilst some therapists consider that a pre-event massage can take place up to 48 hours before an event, most Sports Massage therapists judge that, strictly speaking a pre-event massage is one given just before the time an athlete is scheduled to compete (ideally 15-45 minutes before the event). This article will concentrate on massage immediately prior to the event.

A question that is often posed is should the pre-event massage happen before or after the athlete warms up. To answer this one needs to understand the physiological effects of a warm-up: to increase heart rate, body temperature and respiratory rate; and to prepare the body's nervous system. Hence a pre-event massage done after the warm-up would defeat it's purpose and you would not want the athlete's heart rate, body temperature and respiratory rate to drop during the massage.

In general a pre-event massage should assist in increasing the circulation of blood to the muscles to allow the muscles to be flushed and oxygenated. Tight muscles may be relaxed so that joints can be moved through their range of motion. Emphasis should be placed on the muscles used during the activity so improve performance and also reduce the chance of injuries. The athlete can use the time to focus on their event, to relax or complete their mental preparation. At the end of the massage, the athlete should feel great!

More specifically before giving a pre-event massage, the therapist should ask several key questions which relate namely what techniques should be used and what is the intent.

These question include:

- what type of event is the athlete competing in? Are lightening quick reactions required as a pre-event massage given too close to the event may dull reaction times?

- does the athlete's sports permit the use of oils or lotions during the pre-event massage?

- is the athlete required to be "loose" prior to the event (eg boxing) or relaxed (bowling)?

The massage should generally be done at a moderate pace, non-specific, relatively light, warming and short in duration (no more than around 15-20 minutes). It certainly does not have to be a complete routine. As with most massage treatments, it is preferable to be conservative - too little is better than too much. The massage must not be painful or include high impact techniques such as deep cross-fibre frictions or deep muscle therapy. The techniques most commonly used are general Swedish techniques (petrissage, vibration or percussion), compression, jostling, broadening strokes and general frictions.

It is important to note that no two individuals respond to massage in quite the same way and this can present a problem to the therapist seeing an athlete for the first time for a pre-event massage or in the last couple of days before an event. For example, two days before an event the massage can be deep so that the athlete can obtain the maximum recuperative benefit from the pre-event taper. However the depth required to address specific problem areas will vary considerably between athletes. An athlete should see how they respond to a massage in the last 48 hours/pre-event at a competition (or simulated training session) that is non-critical. So please don't leave it until the day before the City to Surf or your big event to have your first massage!

Effleurage in Massage Therapy Induces Relaxation and Reduces Stress

Effleurage is a French word that means 'to touch lightly on' used to describe a gentle, stroking movement that is used at the beginning of the massage session to warm up or precondition the muscles and body tissue before deeper tissue work begins. This is the most common 'stroke' in Swedish massage, one that is also used at the end of the session to 'warm down' the muscles that have been worked hard during the massage.

The oil or lotion should be applied at the beginning of the first stroke, enabling smooth movement from one part of body to another without losing contact with the body. Keeping your hands relaxed, allow them to glide in one continuous movement molding with the receivers body.

Ensuring ample oil is used at all times, Effleurage can be used on any part of body, especially the back and is a good place to start practicing and mastering the stroke.

The flat surface of the hands glide in a free-flowing manner across the surface of the skin as the oil prevents friction from occurring. The movement follows the contours of your partner's body, primarily towards heart to assist the flow of blood around the body. Use the palms of both hands and the padded tips of your fingers to gently work the skin and underlying flesh in long, gliding strokes.

Two essential features to successful Effleurage are constant contact and pressure with the body.Using firm pressure on the upward stroke, fan out across the area and using light pressure glide back to starting point. Vary the amount of pressure during effleurage from soft and gentle, to firm and deep, depending on the tissue you wish to work on.

Always use a steady rhythm, avoiding jerky movements. A slow stroking movement is used for relaxation and a fast rhythm stimulates the body systems. Effleurage improves blood circulation, soothes the nerves, heightens relaxation and helps to promote increased lymphatic drainage all at the same time. In essence, it is the perfect preparation for the more intense part of a massage that follows.

If a deeper massage is required, then follow this up with circular effleurage on the area. Only one of your hands is used for this stroke. Put your thumb on one side of the spine and your index and middle fingers on the other side. Put your other hand on top of the head to convey reassurance to your receiver. Press into the muscle and make small circular movements.

Benefits of effleurage

繚 Soothes nerves and relieves anxiety and stress
繚 Relieves headaches and migraines
繚 Reduces blood pressure which in turn helps insomnia
繚 Helps eliminate waste products by improving blood circulation and encouraging the flow of lymph
繚 When combined with other massage strokes it can increase agility
繚 Helps prevent muscle strains from occurring

When performed correctly and regularly the therapeutic effects of the effleurage stroke are immense, as it builds up a relationship of trust between you and the recipient who experiences a deep sense of relaxation.

Thai Massage School For Those Who Want to Learn Thai Massage

It is important to find ways to scrimp and save without entirely eliminating the very thing that helps us cope with the stress of daily living. Getting a massage, specifically a Thai massage, costs very minimal but rewards us greatly. Shopping can create a dent in our savings. Going on a vacation can be very stressful and very expensive. But not with massages as we can still squeeze a massage into the monthly budget. Or maybe once every two months if the budget is too tight to have it every month. The important thing is not to deprive oneself of a good thing.

Having a Thai massage is definitely a great thing because it is effective and unique. Although, the one who is administering the massage to you should have gained his or her training at a reputable Thai Massage School. It is very critical that he or she has finished the course and the training. It can be very dangerous to the client, if the one who does the Thai Massage does not even know what he or she is doing.

Thai massage encompasses all parts of the body starting with the feet up to the head. It is critical that the masseuse knows the art of Thai massage because of the healing benefits it gives to the recipient as well. A Thai Massage is not only used for therapy to rid us of the body aches and pains but it heals the mental well-being. Aside from that, it helps detoxify the body and it strengthens the immune system. It helps increase blood circulation and it lowers blood pressure. It improves the breathing, the posture and the equilibrium. Some can even attest that it can slow the aging process which is why it is not really a surprise that Thai Massage is the most requested massage amongst all other kinds of massages.

Wheelchair Lifts for Home: Safety Issues Addressed by a Physical Therapist

Potential questions have come up on the safety of using a wheelchair lift in the home for my clients. Designed to provide simple transportation from level to level, the use of a lift will without question improve the quality of living of persons with physical disabilities. In my practice, the question "Are wheelchair lifts for home safe or not?" has become a common one whenever one decides to buy a lift device.

What has made the usage of a lift in the home hazardous in the eyes of some? Lets take a closer look.

Nearly 50% of reports of wheelchair lift injuries feature a trapped limb or family pet getting caught during the lifting procedure. These types of accidents are user caused and cannot be associated with any raised safety risk from the device itself.

Roughly 25% of injury reports of wheelchair lifts in the home are caused by faulty installation of the lift device and not the device itself. A vast majority of these incidences were the result of the user or a family member believing they could self-install the lift when in fact they should have consulted a professional to assist in the install.

The remaining incidences of lift malfunction are from the normal wear and tear of the lift device itself. Just like any other mechanical appliance in the home, the lift does require intermittent maintenance to maintain its function and working status. Failure to do so can result in malfunction and potential injury.

In the end, as a physical therapist I highly recommend acquiring a wheelchair lift for your home to assist in mobility. If installed properly and maintained throughout the years, your lift will provide many years of usage and assistance.

Get a Job As a Massage Therapist: Learn Massage Therapy

If you are like many people who have been to a massage therapy spa, you're probably wondering what it's like to be a masseuse (massage therapist). Most likely, you're also receiving treatment from a massage therapist who enrolled in college to be just that - a massage therapist.

That's too bad for us, right? We don't have the money, time, or whatever else to dedicate to getting a degree in massage therapy or something similar. Thankfully, there seems to be a new way to fulfill your dream of becoming a massage therapist after all - learning from home!

With this new program to learn massage therapy from home, you can -

• Go to "school" in your pajamas


• Learn how to be a real massage therapist


• Learn marketing techniques that can make you money


• Learn how to open your own parlor


• Discover how to get certified with the knowledge you now possess!

Sounds too good to be true, right? I know it. And that's precisely why a lot of people don't go down this route - they feel it's "scammy" and so they go the more traditional (and expensive) route of going back to college. Or, even worse, they give up on their dreams of becoming a masseuse all together!

So what can you gain from becoming a massage therapist?

• Satisfaction


• A nice salary


• Being your own boss if you open your own parlor


• Happy customers


• An expanding client base


• Experience


• Recommendations


• A track record that could get you into the massage therapy "big league"


• Strength

Seems worth it, doesn't it? It is. Massage therapy is becoming increasingly popular in America, most likely due to the rise in economic crisis and other political and social factors that make people feel tense and uneasy. We all know that a good massage can get rid of tension!

Regardless of why it is that you choose to be a masseuse, you'll find a good home in a parlor where people are relying on you to make their day. It's a very interactive job, and it can really make you feel good to talk to a stranger and, by the end of the appointment, feel like they're a friend. Then again, there are some parlors where you don't talk at all - the choice is yours!

Now that you know you really do want to be a massage therapist, check out the resource box for more information on how to do it from home!

Physical Therapy: New Advances In Physical Therapy Treatment

Among the most recent, new advances in the physical therapy treatment of patients with neck and back pain is something called spinal decompression. It is an improvement of the old spinal traction machines. The concept remains the similar, although we now know, better, why this treatment works so well for most patients.

First, it's important to know why spines hurt. Most of the time, human spines hurt because time, gravity and genetics conspire to cause our discs to wear out. These changes give rise to intermittent pain, at first. If we are lucky, we will get through our lives without severe, constant or disabling pain. But many are not so lucky.

The important question to ask is, "Is there an effective way to change this natural course of spinal aging and, for some people, pain and disability?" That is, actually, too broad a question. That question could be deconstructed into many different questions. I will suggest a simple answer to a simpler question.

Given the natural history of human spinal degeneration, pain and disability, is there an intervention that can, meaningfully, improve this problem?" To that, I'll answer, "Yes".

Now, I am going to get very simple in my explanation. Then I'll elaborate a little, so that professionals understand too. First, for laypersons, the reason that spines hurt, is that time compresses our spines. The more time, the more compression. The rate of compression varies from person to person, but in all persons this process occurs. Everyone loses height as they age, as a result of this process. It squashes them and that hurts.

The most direct way to treat this problem, is to decompress the spine, i.e. physically pull the vertebrae apart. You can use a sophisticated spinal decompression table as I do, or you can try to use a conventional traction table if that is what you have. Very mildly compressed spines may respond to inversion tables, though this will not suffice if you have a significant problem in your spine.

Professionals should know: Spinal discs have some regenerative potential as documented by CT scans showing improved disc height after a series of such treatments. Histologic(microscopic) and radioisotope studies show an increase in the number of cells in the disc and an increase in the synthesis of reparative molecules in discs treated with decompression. The important fact is that most patients treated this way, note significant improvement.

There are some things that machines can do more effectively than humans. One of them is to apply a load, over time, to deform a tissue. The are biomechanical terms that denote, in this case, the improvement of the spinal disc when it is pulled with sufficient force, a sufficient number of times. It is a very unfortunate fact, that the majority of the patients I treat have not been treated, offered nor discussed spinal decompression as treatment. And they may have had pain and disability for months or years. This is a fundamentally rational component of spinal treatment that should be tried with almost all patients.

So when it comes to physical therapy treatment in Atlanta, for patients with neck pain and low back pain, I recommend patients and professionals, alike, consider learning more about, and trying, spinal decompression.

Learn About Physiotherapy Equipment Used In Physical Therapy

A physical therapist, also known as physiotherapist, may give therapy manually as well as by using either mechanical or electrical equipment to aid in therapy and support the recovery process of his patients. The physiotherapy equipment works on reducing the pain besides healing and joints and muscles. Certain equipment also makes the patient comfortable during the visit to the physiotherapist.

While physiotherapy chair, couch, bed and table are some of the common physiotherapy equipment, a cushioned flat bench with head support that is also cushioned and adjustable sections ranging from two to seven in number, is also used. The purpose of these sections is that they are adjustable and the patient can lie down on the stomach or on the back, as required. It can also be folded into various degrees to serve as a chair or an exercise table. This equipment lets the physiotherapist make the patient comfortable during examination and diagnosis. The same equipment is also used during exercises that have to be performed by the patient and during massage therapy.

Weights to exercise hands and legs, exercise balls, and elastic bands are also a part of physiotherapy equipment. A large ball filled with air and attached to a small stool set on rollers with back support id used for exercises that require support. It enables to contain strain that would otherwise be felt on the spine and back.

Physiotherapy equipment, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, also called TENS is used to decrease acute and chronic pain. TENS provides short-term relief for pain without having to resort to medication, narcotics, or injections. This machine generates tiny electrical impulses that are sent to the nerves. These electrical pulses block the pain signals from reaching the brain. It is believed that they increase the quantity of endorphins generated by the brain. Portable models of this equipment are available in the form of handheld devices that are battery operated.

Equipment used to conduct ultrasound and electrotherapy is also important to the physiotherapist. A round handheld wand or probe is used in ultrasound. This device is connected to the patient's body by putting it on the skin with an ultrasound gel. This probe then transmits ultrasonic waves through the skin. This equipment is very useful in delivering medication below the skin, without involving injections. The same equipment can also be useful in generating tissue heat for pain alleviation and muscle relaxation as well as for tissue relaxation by producing a pulse without heat. Ultrasound wands can be attached with a large electronic device further connected to a cart for convenient handling.

The above are just some of the examples of physiotherapy equipment; each physiotherapist may prefer different equipment and treatment method.

Should You Consider Becoming A Physical Therapy Assistant?

Looking for a job these days is not as easy as before. With the very high competition against other applicants today, you find yourself being pressured. Being a physical therapy assistant is one of the fields in healthcare which offers a reasonable pay and is not that difficult to get into. Read on if you want to get an idea of what a physical therapy assistant's task is, how much the pay, where to work, and if this is the right job for you.

Physical therapy is a field in healthcare that is growing and becoming more and more popular each day. The job of a physical therapist involves exercises to strengthen your body, range of motion, therapy to improve your body's daily function, and training to the usage of assistive devices and mobility aids. Patients or clients who are suffering from physical disabilities, which hinders them from doing things easily and freely, may need to be aided during a physical therapy session. Physical therapists help in setting up equipments, monitor a patient's progress, and help with some clerical tasks.

A physical therapist does not function alone, he needs an assistant. This assistant is called as a physical therapist assistant or PTA. Having the career as a PTA does not only have a good pay to let you live comfortably, but it is also rewarding to your part since it lets you help other people in slowly recovering from the problem they are suffering, thus letting them live independently. The average annual salary of a physical therapy assistant is from $40,000-$60,000.

Most PTAs work part time, which means that you can still have other work aside from this. Physical Therapy Assistants get to work in many places. They can work in health practitioner offices, hospitals, nursing care facilities, rural health care centre, and home health care.

If you are the type of person who is fond of going to other places and helping other people, then you will surely love becoming a PTA. Some of the cities where being a physical therapy assistant is highly needed are in Chicago City, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Tampa. These places are great to start as a PTA.

To become a PTA, you should be physically fit. You should be able to kneel down, bend, and stand for a long time. You should also be good in social and communication skills; this is because you will be interacting with clients and other staff in the office or centre.

You have to have an Associate's degree for you to be eligible to become a physical therapy assistant.

Being a physical therapy assistant will surely help you develop your interaction skills. You may find this job to be challenging and helpful to you and others. This is a great position to start for you to know whether you will proceed to become a physical therapist or not. This job is great for you if you are studying or working other shifts because this job can either be part time or fulltime.

The History of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is rooted in Physical therapy; therefore, in order to fully understand where it came from, one must first probe into the history of physical therapy. Physical therapy or physiotherapy can be traced as far back as ancient history. However, irrespective of the time frame, the primary goal of physiotherapy has always been to restore mobility and rehabilitation of the patient. The modern-day definition of Occupational therapy is define as the "use of productive or creative activity in the treatment or rehabilitation of physically or emotionally disabled people", based upon this definition, it is fair to conclude that nothing has changed.

For the sake of clarity and understanding, we will use the words 'occupational therapy' in exchange for 'physical therapy to explain where it came from. The first identification of Occupational therapy was recorded in the days of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. It was during 460BC, when Hippocrates introduced the idea of manually manipulating or massaging to relieve pain. This is also known in some fields as hydrotherapy. From early times the advantages of using this technique was understood and taken to heart to this very day. However, it wasn't until the 19th Century that a unified group of physical/occupational therapists or practitioners surfaced in England as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Now the therapy practiced in America is identical to the physiotherapy practiced in other countries.

During World War I, many people educated in providing occupational therapy, or reconstruction aid during that time period, assisted injured or hurt soldiers ease their pain. But it wasn't until the early 1920s that the first OT organization was formulated in America by a woman name Mary McMillan. It was formerly known as the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association. It wasn't long before men joined the group and the Association became known as the American Physical Therapy Association. The change of name brought about a change in curriculum and different requirements had to be met by physical or occupational therapists.

Parasympathetic Stimulation and Massage Therapy - A Frank Discussion of The Involuntary Response

I begin this discussion by addressing the male guests first, as they appear to have, in my opinion, a more obvious reaction fitting the summary. To them I suggest pretending that the spa visit/massage is like a first date that you don't want to go through "uncomfortably". To prevent your gun from discharging, try arriving with a virtually unloaded gun and an open, clean mind. Men already know that this is no "guarantee" but it helps prevent an unintended situation. You can't really relax with a "loaded gun" can you? It does not matter whether you think your therapist is attractive or not, whether you have a same-sex therapist and you are completely heterosexual or not, whether you have the opposite scenario, or whether there are any obvious indication of the therapist's sexual orientation. The parasympathetic brain will respond however it does in that moment and without your or your therapist's fault.

The parasympathetic or involuntary response you have to your therapist's touch can be scary, exciting, embarrassing, or frightening depending on you, your therapist, your view and understanding of massage, its benefits and the intent, skills and qualifications of the therapist. If your therapist is a professional, he/she is well aware of this involuntary stimulation when you are being massaged. Most of us don't "freak out" when our client gets a hard on, although that was not the intent of our massage technique. I often say (when asked, and yes I have been asked countless times... LOL) that I expect it to happen. Why? Well, we are alive, sexual beings who respond to touch and external stimuli. You are being touched, hopefully lovingly, even if we're working on a knot, and even if sex is not on your or our minds, which hopefully is the case in your legal and professional setting. An erection, in the "involuntary brain" is the same as digestion. You can't control the stomach noises when you are hungry nor when your therapist works on some "trigger areas". So, we are gonna hear "stomach noises" even if you ate and/or already went to the bathroom; and equally, you are gonna feel stimulated possibly leading to an erection, sometimes even if "the gun was/is empty". Hence, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT. DON'T FREAK OUT. DON'T TRY TO HIDE (which you can't unless you are prone or you took precautions when you turned over (supine), to position this muscle where your therapist is less likely to see it), AND MOST OF ALL, PLEASE, DON'T REACH FOR IT OR REQUEST THAT WE REACH FOR IT.

At least in my practice, it's not that kind of place; and actually, that is illegal in so many ways! Don't draw our attention to it, whether you are being "funny" or not. I make note here also, that there may be the urge to grab at the therapist. You may need to pretend it's that stripper at the club dancing on your lap but you can't touch, or you get thrown out and still have to pay! Whoa, what an analogy! (giggles) Yes, please resist this urge, unless your therapist is your lover, etc., outside of the establishment. Sometimes, even if that is the case, please resist and don't compromise the establishment's business and change the flow of energy in your massage session. Someone will know! In this case, please "be selfish" and feel grateful that things inside you still work the way they should and mentally thank the therapist for reminding you of this. The work has been great and honorable in "unblocking" that channel for blood flow.

What is my wish for my honored client on my table? Do you have a choice if something happens in session that disturbs you? What else can you do to improve the relationship with your therapist and the establishment at which you receive service?

My direction at the beginning of every session is that: "If at any time anything feels uncomfortable, please let me know." This could be any "uncomfortable" feeling. Maybe I need to stop moving my hands that way or go work somewhere else for a bit then return if I sense my "mission in that area was not accomplished or was delayed". Please speak up! I don't know what you are feeling when I do what I do. I just know that my hands convey love, my intuition indicated there was a need in that area and my energy went there in response to yours, so as to provide therapy. Sometimes your body asks for more pressure when you can't handle it. Sometimes you have "emotional breaks" causing my hands to work fast or slow or go directly to that spot that has been bugging you. This is "energy movement", which I am usually very connected to and which is not always understood. This type of "intuition" cannot be taught. You nor I don't always know why I went directly to that spot, but it brings relief you have been begging for all week and that's all that really matters. PLEASE KNOW THAT IF MY TREATMENT CAUSED YOU TO BE AROUSED, THAT THIS WAS NOT MY INTENTION AND HONESTLY, I WOULD BE MORTIFIED IF I KNEW YOU TOOK IT THAT WAY.

Sometimes clients don't want to go back to that therapist, although, other than the "arousal embarrassment", everything was great and they felt relief from the massage. Maybe the massage triggered feelings that were strong and overwhelming for you... Sometimes so for the therapist too, who must maintain professionalism and deal with this "self-care" later. If you understand parasympathetic stimulation in massage, you will understand the difference between when you are being touched for sexual pleasure and when you are not. If when you involuntarily moan, your therapist responded and started to coach you to give more, then it's time to stop the session. The lines have been crossed into a different direction, as your therapist did not need to respond while in session and feed that channel.

I have massaged people who transferred so much "energy" during the session, that at the end, I wanted to cry (in sadness, joy, or for no known reason), was confused, light and loving like a child, light and empty (as if sucked by an energy vampire), angry without knowing why, motherly, godlike or "queenly", sometimes extremely shy (my natural nature, which you wouldn't believe if you met me) like a little girl with her eyes affixed to her shoes as we part ways. All of this happen, even though I am very in tune with my own body and its needs during the session and have openly breathed my way through, thus allowing for the "exit of all energies" through to the universe. Some things will still get stuck to "the conduit," much as some of my energy will get stuck to you too. When you part from your sessions, do you feel a healthy, peaceful, loving, grateful connection to your therapist, for the work, how you feel and how your therapist respectfully handled you? If it was almost like a spiritual dance, then you are connected to the true self of that person even with the universal overtones. Much the same, a client or two may have come in with a headache or a cold and by the end of my day, it manifests in me. It is my responsibility to do self-care at the end of each day and while away from my work so as to be fresh, grounded and stronger for the next day of massaging and attending to clients' needs.

Some female clients prefer having a female therapist, and likewise, some male therapists prefer female therapists. This is a personal choice. Personally, I am very reluctant to accept massages from male therapists, based on my own experiences with some. However in either scenario, parasympathetic stimulation must happen unless you are dead. I know, and as long as I am not expected "to perform" at any point before or after the massage session, I am o.k. with being aroused...as long as it was involuntary and not the intent of the therapist. If you don't know the difference and something feels weird, ask your therapist why they touched you there, and listen for a therapeutic answer. Don't assume anything. Sometimes we know what we are doing feels good. We equally like our feet or our backs rubbed that way. We also know the anatomy and what channels are being stimulated and what therapeutically is happening with the body when we touch that spot. So, we might linger there for a bit, sometimes not enough for some, sometimes too much. However, we are going (well at least I am) from my intuition and focus on what "your energy" (your body) says it needs, and not with purposeful sexual stimulation in mind.

Maybe you are not stimulated sexually! Maybe you are in pain! SPEAK UP! Sometimes, I can tell that the pressure is too much because the client is holding their breath or the body "twitches" or some other. It's again the scenario where the muscle is asking for more and you, the person, can't handle it. I will ask, "how's the pressure here?"; are you OK with this pressure?, etc., and 8 out of 10 times the client says "yes" everything is o.k. I know, from what I feel, that you are "saving face", but I also know that maybe you can handle a little bit more to accomplish what I am trying to accomplish, which is relief and enough blood circulation in that area so that you'll feel the relief later. Knots are sometimes tricky. I am a very strong woman and I do work very hard for you, but I don't want to hurt you. Pain does not equate relaxation for a majority, in which case you should have gone to that other place with the whips, chains and bone-fragmented staff.

If I aroused you as a result of my techniques, please address it with me, especially if you felt anything was inappropriate. Sometimes, based upon our history, we tend to respond to things differently. I don't know you are a rape survivor. I don't know you have molestation issues. I don't know you equate being touched with sexual performance requirement. I only know what you have told me and that you have employed me to relieve stress, attend to an injury, give you relaxation and rejuvenation and help you be a healthier person. I know my job and work hard to do this for and with you. Maybe my massages, for you, need to be tailored differently. Don't write me off, jump to conclusions (male or female), and stop coming because what you are thinking might not be truth. Please know that your indicated purpose for coming in for service is at the forefront of my mind and thoughts and application of therapy at every instance. Going home with a little "loving" feeling is natural as my work in stimulating movement inside your tissues and channels take effect. I have a clean mind and clean body and no sexual thoughts as I work on you. It's strictly professional--Made me think of that "stripper on the pole" analogy again.

Honor me (and your other care-givers) with your payment for services, your gratuities, referrals and your returns. These are the biggest compliments to me, my craft and chosen career, and I am privileged and grateful for being that conduit you trust for your universal rejuvenation. I'm kinda like "mamma's love" to a "child"....nothing more. Trust that and enjoy your parasympathetic brain.

Clients honor both their own bodies and their attending therapists, when they work as a professional team with the same objective in mind. Why did you come in for service today? Never forget your purpose. If you do, then you hardly will realize whether or not the therapist is meeting this demand. That other stuff is just a distraction from the intention. Now, I address the male clients first, as in my experience, they seem to be the most challenging. Female clients are not exempt, however, as some will need to receive the same "warnings" given to the men. We live in an age where massage therapists and clients can easily and freely cross the line and it is becoming harder and harder for the real therapists to distinguish themselves. Same for the client who gets the unprofessional service when they expected something else and/or vice versa. For good reason, we are now required to register with the JD and FBI and our licensing is only for specific, therapeutic services, nothing more. Let's keep your massage session dignified and honorable for both parties. There will be several other postings dealing with this issue so stay tuned for more of my therapeutic logic!

The 5 Most Common Errors Physical Therapy Business Owners Make Today

In am writing this article because I feel compelled to share what I have learned in the last four years of working exclusively with owners of physical therapy practices - as their business coach.

By now, I've coached hundreds of practice owners, and over and over again they come to me with the same complaints: they are frustrated, confused, overwhelmed, isolated and easily distracted.

The cause? Surprisingly, all these problems have their roots in five errors commonly made by professionals who decide to start their own businesses.

The biggest errors I have seen are:

1. Not creating a business with clarity and purpose.


2. Operating without direction, getting distracted easily.


3. Starting projects and not finishing them


4. Doing too many business projects at one time


5. Trying to do it all alone

Are you an ideas person with a vague vision of what you would like for your practice and business?

Vision is crucial to your success.The challenge often arises in manifesting that vision. If you don't have a plan to bring your ideas and projects to fruition, how will people benefit from your services? And how will you succeed financially? Too often practice owners get distracted because they don't have a plan. Goal achieving and project planning is a learned skill.

If you have a desire to succeed, learning these skills will be a valuable investment.

We often coach our clients in creating project plans that are personalized to fit their unique needs.

Getting direction in your business can radically increase your success in a short and long term. Getting direction may be as simple as defining clearly the step-by-step details.

What often happens is that we have great excitement at the beginning of a project and less and less interest as time goes on. So projects are left half done, and often never completed. This can be very frustrating as you rarely feel a sense of accomplishment.

We've found that practice owners need help keeping their focus to complete what they started.

Focus is like a muscle. It can be strengthened over time. Just like you would have a personal training coach to become and stay fit, business owners often need a coach to help them develop the focus muscle. Once you get good at focusing your energy on finishing what you start, the income potential is huge.

If you're trying to do it all alone, without focus and systems, you're bound to get overwhelmed.

We always ask our clients, "What can you be doing to get the greatest return on investment (ROI) of your time and money?" Are you spending your time, energy and money on those tasks and projects that will produce the greatest revenue for you in the next 30 days?

What systems can you implement that will free up your time? Bottom line, how can you best prioritize your time, effort, resources, skills and money?

Are you trying to do it all alone?

Successful business owners often have to go through the pain of letting go - of trying to do it all alone. At some point your business will grow so big that there's no way you can manage all the clients, do all the bookkeeping, AND take out the trash and wash the linens!

Clients tell us one of the biggest differences we've made with them was helping them build a team so they didn't have to do everything themselves. Figure out what you're worth per hour and decide: is it a better investment for you to have someone else do them?

Building a team is an example of a system that will allow you to focus more on what gives you the greatest return on your time investment.

Assess where you are on the road to success

in your business

Answer the questions below to help you determine where you are on your path.

For each question, circle which letter (A, B or C) is most true for you.

I have been in this business for:

A. Under two years

B. Between two and five years

C. Over six years

Business' financial situation:

A. We are still struggling to turn a profit. I'm definitely not generating cash flow the way know is possible.

B. We are doing OK. Our cash flow is up and down. I would like more consistency and to increase profits and/or revenues.

C. We are successful and thriving. I always generate enough income to take care of my personal financial needs as well as the business.

My confidence as a professional practice and business owner:

A. I struggle with a lot of uncertainty and self-doubt.

B. I have good days and bad days, but overall I'm pretty strong.

C. I'm on fire!

I'm ready for the next opportunity.In my day to day business dealings:

A. I have multiple projects and get distracted easily by different ideas and business opportunities.

B. I'm pretty clear about my business and niche but I still find myself interested in a lot of different Ideas and possibilities. I don't focus as well as I could.

C. I'm very successful in a few select areas but still drive myself and my team to do more.

My environment (i.e. home life, business associates, personal friends, etc.):

A. Is not supportive of my work, vision and dreams.

B. I have people to talk with but they don't really support me in creating results.

C. I associate with movers and shakers in business who serve as great advisors to me.

The people who work for me (either as a contractor or employee):

A. What team? It's just me.

B. I've outsourced the basics. One to two people support me such as:

.. a business partner

.. administrative assistant

.. bookkeeper

.. web designer/internet marketing support

.. consultant or coach

.. other _______________________________________

C. I have a strong team in place that handles the business, but I know they could be utilized better.

My competency level in running a business:

A. I'm learning everything about running a business

B. I have a few strong areas but a few weak areas too. Mark your strengths:

.. Leadership (Identifying the vision and setting the pace of success)

.. Management/Operations (Business structure, plan, process, systems)

.. Marketing/PR (Brand, marketing plan, visibility to target audience)

.. Lead Generation (Prospecting, follow through)

.. Resource Development (Developing and leading team members)

.. Finance/Revenue (Financial systems, controls and reports)

.. Quality Controls (Tracking quality of product, customer satisfaction, process improvement)

C. I'm pretty strong in all facets of running a business.

My habits and actions in relationship to my professional success:

A. I'm constantly running in circles, trying to figure out what to do next. I find myself falling behind on projects, and have a to-do list a mile long.

B. I know what I should be doing for my success but I don't do it. I often feel overwhelmed and burned out.

C. I have good habits and am action oriented; these both serve me well in my success.

Review your responses to these questions, and you'll see where your highest priorities for action need to be.

TAKE ACTION NOW...

• Lead verses manage your team


• Maximize your systems so you can operate without being there every minute


• Create and implement your legacy


• Live your desired lifestyle


• Position your company for growth, selling or leadership transition

Virtually every highly successful person has a coach or mentor who asks them the provocative questions, who elicits their greatness and who expands their best efforts. A coach is your champion and reveals your gifts to yourself.

Who is Coaching For?

Coaching is right for you if you want to...

.. Succeed

.. Increase your income

.. Balance your personal and professional life

.. Work smarter, not harder

.. Build a team

.. Improve your time and people management skills

.. Be more strategic

.. Pursue what is truly important to you

.. Simplify your life

There Is Hope For Those Who Suffer From An Orthopedic Injury

When you suffer from an orthopedic injury, chances are you will need to see a specialist for therapy to rehabilitate your body. That is why it is so important that you choose a facility that offers everything you need to improve your health. The most common type of orthopedic injury often includes broken or fractured bones. When the bones in the body are compromised, the resulting complications can have some long-term effects on the body. Some of those effects may not be seen until you have reached your senior years and cause some severe discomfort. In order to minimize your chances of complications later on, you need to seek out the appropriate care and rehabilitation for your orthopedic injury.

Many people assume that if they allow the affected joints and bones to rest and be wrapped up for a certain amount of time, then there is no need for further treatment. Studies show that individuals who were diagnosed by a medical professional and actively participated in the prescribed therapy regimen after their orthopedic injury healed have been far more likely to enjoy a better quality of life in their senior years. Thanks to the advancements in technology and medical science, many of the treatments and rehabilitation services can be provided in an outpatient setting. This makes it easier and more convenient for patients to be seen for treatment. This also increases the likelihood of patients keeping up with their rehabilitation sessions. In an effort to improve the function, strength and flexibility of the affected area, physical therapy sessions may be needed to recondition that part of the body.

Just about anyone who has a physical injury can benefit from physical therapy. During the first session, your specialist will make an assessment of your medical history. He or she will also come up with a treatment plan that is designed to increase the stability and functionality of your injury. Part of making a treatment plan means your specialist will need to determine if you have any other needs that should be taken care of to improve the quality of your life. Depending on what your particular orthopedic injury is, that may include making arrangements for future therapy sessions and making sure you have a good support system at home. Don't assume that your rehabilitation is only going to last a few weeks; the length of your complete recovery all depends on the type of wound you sustained and what treatments and follow up care you need.

Keep in mind that age does play a major factor in how well your body recovers from broken bones and muscle sprains. As the body ages, your ability to recover becomes slower and more compromised. In some cases, delays can cause other complications that can severely disrupt your life. That is why whenever you are hurt, no matter how old you are, you get diagnosed and treated right away. Any follow up care recommendations should be followed to improve the outcome of your treatments.

Top 8 Most Wanted Careers in 2011

Whether you are just going into the job market or you would like to jump-start your existing line of work, you have to explore the 8 most wanted careers for 2011. The choice taps into a range of interests, expertise, experience obligations as well as employment levels. Wages, which mostly rely on experience as well as geographical position, vary from as low as $20s to more than $100,000 per annum.

Here is a list of the top 8 rapidly budding professions in the United States, as defined in the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professions are likely to be the preferred jobs during 2016. One of them might be your profession key to achievement.

1. Accountant

The BLS anticipates over 30 % raise in job opportunities for accountants. The emerging prospects for the employment are an outcome of the rising intricacy of financial operations in addition to the comparatively lesser turnover in the job. Salary relies on the kind of firm plus the area of expertise. Those in in-house auditing and tax accounting are normally paid more as compared to their counterparts in public, general and cost accounting. In addition, petroleum producers give higher initial wages as compared to public accounting firms or the government. Key development regions take account of;

• Management consulting


• International business


• Internal auditing


• Investigative


• Environmental and cost accounting


• Estate planning

2. Relationship Manager

The development of the banking business has initiated the materialization of the relationship manager. These experts now recommend customers on savings, cash handling, indemnity selection, security acquisitions as well as credit issues. As a result of deregulation of the financial services business during the 1980s, the products presented by banks, insurance companies as well as brokerage firms are related. Today's banks present an extensive range of services that were customarily confined to other financial institutions.

3. Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers are the educators who plan and revise lessons to meet the requirements of disabled students. Job opportunities for special education teachers are likely to rise considerably, as specified by the BLS.

4. Physical Therapist Assistants

Physical therapist assistants assist physical therapists both in real and managerial Physical therapist job. It is as well a fine method of obtaining something if you had a accredited Physical therapist.

5. Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists concerns with keeping your teeth as well as gums healthy by means of regular cleaning and protection. They as well come with innovative techniques in encouraging oral health.

6. Health and Aerobics Trainers

Health and aerobics trainers go on to be a requirement in different health centers, particularly at the present because people are so passionate about keeping their body in shape.

7. Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary technicians are considered necessary to offer quality health care for the animals to carry out medical examinations for the diagnosis and cure.

8. Database Administrators

They are in charge for the supervision of database management systems, to maintain and pull out significant information in a comprehensible method. This job is likely to increase by almost 50% during 2016.

Massage Therapy Certification Requirements

Massage therapy is best known as an alternative form of therapy where the therapist provides various forms of bodywork used to relax the body and promote healing. The professionals that are trained to provide their clients with this practice are referred to as massage therapists, masseuses, or masseurs. In order to obtain a career in this field, students will need to attend at least a certificate program to obtain the necessary education. These programs are accessible through a number of accredited massage therapy schools and colleges, which provide the hands on training necessary to succeed. Students who choose to enroll in and complete a certificate program will find that there are a number of career options available to choose from.

With an accredited education in massage therapy students will have the chance to obtain knowledge in alternative therapy and natural healing that can be useful in numerous professions. Career opportunities for students looking to train in this area can include professions in:

• Chiropractics


• Reflexology


• Holistic Nursing

...and more with additional education. There are a number of professionals who complete massage therapy training in order to enhance their services. With various schools and colleges offering certificate programs, students will find that obtaining the education and training they need to work in the field of massage therapy is effortless.

Depending on the educational institute chosen by the student and the depth of education desired, students will have the opportunity to study a variety of subjects. Coursework may include but is not limited to anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, business ethics, and various massage therapy techniques. The techniques used are often referred to as modalities and include Shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, sports, Thai, neuromuscular, and many more. Course length will vary but typically consists of around 500 hours of study for completion with a post secondary educational institute. Certified massage therapists can also choose to attend continuing education courses to further their knowledge after becoming certified.

Certified therapists may also be required to pass a state exam, The National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) after graduating. Once licensed, professionals will have the opportunity to find employment with a number of businesses such as:

• spas


• clinics


• resorts


• hospitals


• physical therapy centers

...and much more. Many professionals in this field choose to become entrepreneurs and operate their own massage therapy business.

Typical annual earnings will vary depending on the amount of clients, the length of service, the charge each individual therapist chooses to apply, and where the therapist is employed. A massage session can range from five or ten minutes up to two hours. Therapists often choose to work between 15 and 30 hours per week due to the physical nature of the profession. The length will depend on the clients' physical condition and needs as well as the therapists chosen specialty.

With the number of accredited educational programs increasing, the opportunity to obtain the education necessary to become a certified massage therapist is becoming easier. Accredited programs are approved by agencies such as the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation ( http://www.comta.org/ ) to offer a quality educational experience. With the drive to succeed and the prospect of an exciting new career, students can become the certified therapists of their dreams. By looking into the massage therapy certification requirements and by contacting various schools and colleges for more information, the path to a new career can start today.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Tips on What Makes a Successful Test-Taker

Think of how many "tests" we actually take in a school setting and even beyond, in our adult lives. Tests to be a real estate agent, to enter graduate school, law school, or medical school. Tests to be a fire fighter, a personal trainer, a nurse, an acupuncturist. We take a test to become a certified accountant, a licensed massage therapist, and a dietitian. Remember those ACT and SAT tests or the proficiency tests that are so common in the public schools now? We are tested to "death."

Just think, there are many people that might not have followed a passion or a particular career path because they couldn't or were afraid they couldn't "pass" the test to license or certify them or allow them admittance into a program of study.

YET, who teaches a person how to be good at taking tests? I know I was never taught. It has been a matter of trial and error for me.

And, as I have developed strategies for getting better than average scores, my confidence and belief that I am a better than average test-taker has risen. That's half the battle, isn't it? You have to BELIEVE that you can be successful in your testing endeavor.

Some people would call this belief, self-efficacy, or the confidence that, since you had been successful in other things you have attempted in your life, you can be successful, taking a test for certification or licensure or entrance to college, or graduate school, medical school, or law school.

Here are several key things I remember as I am preparing to "sit for" a test.

I REPEAT and REPEAT and REPEAT again the concepts, knowledge, skills that I am being tested on. Whether you are preparing for and giving a speech (test-like situation since you will be evaluated on the end result) or have a part in a play or musical where you are "tested" on your lines, or you are taking a test for a grade in a class - a person has to practice to get good performance.

Several of my suggestions- teach someone else a concept you need to master. Take your child or a fellow student and explain a concept you will be tested on. I made my way through massage therapy school tutoring others on the anatomy and physiology content so that I rarely studied since I kept repeating the concepts to others who needed the help.

DRAW PICTURES of concepts you will have to know instead of spending all of your time preparing by looking at notes taken. When helping someone learn the bones in the hand, I have the person trace their hand on paper and then write in all the bone names, then throw away the paper and do the same thing again.

Involve as many senses as possible as you learn and study the material you will be tested on. Utilize opportunities for VISUAL, KINESTHETIC and AUDITORY learning whenever you can. If learning the bones and muscles of the body, get a good resource for pictures, touch your own body or that of a skeleton as you are identifying origins and insertions of muscles as bony landmarks.

Say things aloud as you study so that you can hear the ideas that you are trying to grasp. This helps with the auditory component of learning. If you are sitting in on classes, lectures, workshops, or the like, ask the presenter if s/he would allow you to record the presentation so that you can then hear the information presented repeatedly after the fact.

OVERLEARN the information you are being tested on. Set up a schedule, write yourself in as an appointment on your calendar. Commit to test preparation each day for a prescribed amount of time. By "doing" your time, you develop more confidence that you can be successful on the test. But, you must stay away from the old nemesis that so many of us have - procrastination. Start early in your preparation. If something happens and you miss a day, it won't have a huge impact on the outcome.

Seldom as we grow up are we taught how to take tests. Still being "tested" is a part of life. If you have a belief that you are not a "good" test-taker (a comment which I hear from too many people), you most likely will continue along this path of less than desirable results on tests. OR, you can "catch" yourself as you repeat these "old" messages that "say" you don't test well and CHANGE THE MESSAGE! If you want different results, you have to change the way you are doing things! Try AFFIRMING repeatedly that "I am capable of performing well on this test".

The take-home point...the soap-box message? Set yourself up for success at the big speech you must give, the test you are preparing to take, the theatrical performance you have coming up. BELIEVE that you can be at the "top of your game" by REPETITION of the speech, your lines, or the content to be tested. Change your preparation up by involving all of your senses - HEAR, SEE, AND FEEL what you will be "tested" on. DRAW PICTURES of concepts whenever possible. Start preparation well in advance of your "performance" by scheduling regular time to practice = OVERLEARN.

Repeat the message, the AFFIRMATION that you can be successful on your "test."

Put these ideas to work and you'll be anxious for your next testing opportunity! Bring on the next "test"! You are ready!

What to Look For in Physical Therapist Assistant Programs

Today, students have greater options available for physical therapist assistant programs. This clinical specialty is growing by leaps and bounds and attracting people to pursue it as their career due to the vast number of advantages it carries. There are two major options available:

• Study as an on-campus student in a vocational school or at a community college or university


• Look for online physical therapist assistant programs

PTA Associate's Degree Program

It's a two year degree program divided into five semesters. The curriculum is designed in a way to provide students with both academic coursework as well as practical experience. Where they learn techniques on how to improve their patient's mobility, relieve their pain and treat temporary or permanent disabilities, through various therapeutic techniques and procedures. Anatomy, Physiology, Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercises are a few of the courses studied.

But there are various avenues to consider for vocational schools. Such as:

Accreditation

Be sure that the school you plan to go to is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Else, you won't be to take the licensing exam to become certified and practice lawfully. Insurance companies also demand certification and in that case the individual is considered disqualified from engaging in clinical practice if not certified.

Transferable Credits

Another cause of concern is whether the credits you acquire at the vocational school are transferable to a regionally accredited college / university. This is important because in case you decide to become a physical therapist later on, then you don't have to start all over again to secure a bachelor's followed by a master's degree from a state college, such as Harvard, Stanford etc.

Previous graduating batches

Another thing to look for in physical therapist assistant programs is that how well the school's graduates have been taken by the industry. It is of great importance for the new student that how is their institute regarded in the industry and if it has a genuine reputation of passing out competent and successful clinicians.

Other considerations

Besides the above, numerous other things come to mind. For instance, how has the curriculum been designed, what's the average class size, coursework and resources, professional instructors etc.

Online Physical Therapist Assistant Programs

Online physical therapist assistant programs are a great blessing for people who are working and don't have the financial luxury to study as full time students. You have flexibility in terms of timings and location as you have the convenience to complete your academic coursework from home or anywhere else. These are also significantly less expensive. Besides this, there are no waiting lists to study the required course as well as little to no restriction on the number of students enrolled in a course.

However, the laboratory and clinical requirements cannot be acquired online and must be done with a professionally certified physical therapist.

How to choose the right online physical therapist assistant program

The following need to be considered when looking for an online program.

• Be sure that the online program you're planning to pursue is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.


• Review its ranking among other online universities.


• Inquire the passing rate


• Find out about how good is the student teacher network.


• Find out if and how professors can be contacted if required.


• Find out how to contact alumni and co students

The more you research the available physical therapist assistant programs, the better you'll be able to choose the best one that suits your lifestyle, requirements and pocket.

The Risks and Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be traced a thousand of years back to the Ancient times when it was used as the primary and essential medical care. Through the years, many methods and practices had been developed and improvements were also made through the course of time. All of these were based on one goal which is to enhance the rejuvenating capabilities of the human body, relax muscle tension all over the body, and to relieve stress which causes many ailments. Massage therapy can be used on many health issues and is considered as both conventional and alternative treatment.

There are 80 types of massage therapy method that a patient can choose from. All of these methods share the same objective in giving the body a good, improved, and maintained healthy condition. The practitioners as well as massage therapists can pick any of their preferred massage therapy methods to practice which includes different massage strokes varying with the different techniques each style has.

All of the different types of therapeutic massage points out to key areas or meridian points of the body. This is where they base their concern as it is believed that the body consists of energy flowing all over. Especially in Asian style massage therapy, the body is believed to have energy lines or path ways that needs to be unblocked. Clogged energy lines result in the weakening of the body's immune system which then becomes prone and drops the line of defense against sicknesses. Energy is known in different name in the various Asian countries that uses this knowledge in massage therapy. For example, it is called qi (chi) in China and sen in Thailand.

Massage therapy has proved to be beneficial to the improvement and healing of both the physical and mental condition of a patient. Various techniques in therapeutic massage although has different approaches yet they all accomplish the same purpose and give the same effect. Basically, this kind of treatment was developed to give the patient a relaxing and stress free feeling after a massage session; however it was improvised to also relieve body pain, remove physical and emotional stress, as well as treat chronic muscle pain. It is also great in increasing the oxygen and blood circulation of the body which results to a healthier body condition among most patients.

Although massage therapy only has few risks unlike other types of modern treatment, the public should still be careful when having a massage session and should only use licensed and knowledgeable massage therapists to further reduce the risks. Injuries are the main risks in a therapeutic massage. This is commonly due to the fact that the massage therapist is not a licensed and certified massage therapist. The anatomy of the human body as well as how it works and should be manipulated is all taught to massage therapists during their training. Most states usually requires 1,000 hours of massage therapy training as well as passing the state exam before a therapist can actually get his or her license.

Discovering The Right Sports Medicine Career

Are you ready to jump into an exciting career filled with energized people? A career in medicine can put you into the action, even if you are on the sideline instead of actually in the middle of the game. Jobs in sport medicine are fast growing.

What is This Medical Career?

Before listing career opportunities it is important you have a good understanding exactly what sports medicine is. It is the study and practice of skills and techniques for the medical treatment and therapy for individuals who participate in athletics or physical activity. The definition is actually quite broad. Professional medical techniques are used for the treatment of injuries sustained through all types of physical activity which can include:

Sore Muscles from Weight Lifting

Broken Bones or Injured Joints from Contact Sports

Strained Backs from an Over Zealous Golf Swing

Minor Impact Injuries from Aerobics Classes

Torn Ligaments of a Professional Baseball Pitcher

Treatment of a Sprained Ankle

If you see a professional treating a sports or exercise related injury it can be considered under the umbrella of sports medicine.

The Variety of Careers in Athletic Medicine

As you may be guessing from the broad and somewhat vague definition of sports medicine the careers in this profession can cover a wide range of choices. Here are some of the more popular titles you may run across:

Sports Medicine Physician

Physical Therapist

Athletic Trainer

Massage Therapist

Chiropractors

Exercise Physiologists

Kinesiotherapists

Certified Personal Trainer

Certified Health Fitness Specialist

Sports Nutritionist

Along with this wide variety of titles comes a large disparity in wages, too. At the pinnacle of wages is the medical physician with trainers being towards the lower end of the spectrum. Here are some median salaries for a variety of jobs in this field:

Medical Physician - $240,648

Physical Therapist - $74,336

Athletic Trainer - $38,972

Massage Therapist - $42,737

Chiropractor - $129,420

Exercise Physiologist - $44,849

Certified Personal Trainer - $52,750

Sports Nutritionist - $52,867

As becomes very obvious from these salary figures, medicine has a highly variable range of salaries. Depending on your level of education, experience, and specialty you can expect to make anywhere from an average income to very high income levels.

The Educational Requirements of a Sports Medicine Career

Careers can have a wide variety of educational requirements depending on your specialty. Let us examine a few of the sports medicine jobs and their educational demands.

Medical Physician - This broad specialty of medicine will require the following educational requirements:

4 Year Bachelor of Science Degree in Pre-Med or Science

4 Years of Medical School

3-5 Years of Residency

Multiple years of fellowship depending on specialty.

Sports Physical Therapist - This specialized form of physical therapy is also highly demanding in educational requirements, but the rewards are high. Physical therapists usually have less stress and work less hours per week than the average physician. The education requirements include:

4 Year Bachelors Degree

3 Years Doctor of Physical Therapy education. (Note: Some programs allow a 3+3 program where one year of physical therapy education replaces a year of your Bachelor Degree requirements.)

Sports Massage Therapist -This is a loosely regulated position which is usually licensed on a state level. Two examples of requirements for a massage therapist are:

Florida - 500 Hours Training - Passing of licensing exam.

New York - 1000 Hours Training - Pass State Exam.

This is one of the easiest educational directions to start your career in medicine. Many of the job openings will be found in fitness centers and spas with pay being based upon a percentage of sales.

Certified Personal Sports Trainer - Educational requirements on this position vary greatly. You can find courses through universities, trade schools, and online educational classes. You should check your local state requirements. Often the most important requirement is your own extreme level of fitness, knowledge of exercise mechanics, and ability to motivate.

A sports medicine career does not always mean going to 4 years or more of school. As you can see in the examples of a massage therapist or trainer the requirements can be much lower. The difference will be in your earning potential and ability to specialize. Choosing to pursue a career in sports medicine offers not only great income opportunities, but unique opportunities to serve in a career you love.

Massage Therapy Benefits

Massage therapy has been utilized for many years to relieve muscle tension and to lower stress and pain levels. Anyone who has had a session can testify that it can definitely relieve tension, re-align your spirit, and refresh your energy levels. There are lots of good benefits to therapeutic massage, and an experienced therapist can make all the difference.

A growing number of individuals are switching to massage therapy to help them overcome the stress and constraints of daily life. Once named "rubbing", massage treatment requires using many different compression techniques on one's muscles and soft tissues, hopefully ending up with an improved state of general health and well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from these procedures:

Reduce Stress

With a regular massage there are so many benefits, not just to your body but to your entire well-being. One very clear advantage of massage therapy is it helps relieve stress. Almost all modern Americans experience stress in different forms, whether it be from work or family.

Loosen Stiff Muscles

Massaging stiff muscles increases blood circulation to them which helps to remove lactic acid. Lactic acid build up in muscles is what makes them feel sore and stiff. Any kneading of the area can help remove this toxin, helping the muscles to feel more relaxed.

Reduce Pain

Massage therapy is likewise effective in the control over pain, acute or chronic. This could be from direct stimulation of nerve endings or by increased blood flow to the manipulated area.

Reduce Toxins

This is exactly what makes massage an excellent tool for enhancing the reduction of unwanted or waste elements all over the body. Together with these benefits, therapeutic massage enhances the endorphins that are the natural painkillers for the body.

In conclusion, massage therapy regularly aids in common ailments, decreases pain, making you feel less tired and provides you a broad sense of increased well being. It increases your consciousness and respect for the body, thus providing you substantial health benefits.

Salt Therapy and its European Well-known Beneficial Effects in Respiratory Diseases

The benefits of salt therapy (also called Halotherapy) or speleotherapy are well known and documented in Europe. Halotherapy uses dry aerosol micro particles of salt and minerals to treat respiratory diseases and seeks to replicate the conditions of speleotherapy (from Greek speleos=cave), a treatment that has been practiced in old salt mines of Eastern Europe since the early 19th century.

In the mid 18th Century a Polish health official Felix Botchkowski, noticed that the workers of salt mines did not get ill with lung diseases. He wrote a book about the effects of salt dust in 1843. His successor M. Poljakowski founded a Salt Spa in Velicko near Krakow, which is still in operation. During the Second World War salt mines were often used as bombproof shelters. After spending time there many people who suffered from asthma felt that their health had gotten better! Today there are many salt sanatoriums in Europe (Austria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia...).

The Halotherapy belongs to the category of the physical therapies non-drug and non invasive treatments of diseases. In the former Soviet Union, medical researchers engaged in a concerted effort to develop physical therapies in order to avoid the costs and side effects of drug therapy as well as microbial and tumour resistance. Russia has become the world leader in developing and testing new and increasingly effective physical therapies. Many of the clinical trials have focused on Halotherapy as a treatment of asthma and chronic bronchitis and also very effective as a main or adjuvant therapy across the entire range of upper and lower respiratory tract diseases.

Respiratory diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most drug therapies of respiratory diseases have only palliative effects, and many have significant side effects, especially those with corticoids or steroids. So, a physical therapy like Halotherapy is greatly needed.

Speleotherapy also makes a great demand on patients' time. The mines are not conveniently located for most people and the total cost is fairly significant.

The effectiveness of speleotherapy is not acknowledged in all countries of the world, but in countries like Romania (Praid, Tg.Ocna,Seiged, Sovata, Slanic, Ocna), Poland (Wieliczka), Germany (Teufelshöhle), Austria (Hallen, Solzbad-Salzeman), Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Nakhichevan mines in Azerbaijan, the salt aerosol plays an important role in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, working well with or without medical treatment and without any known side effects. Because of these, pregnant women with asthma or other respiratory diseases could use this therapy without any harm to the child. Very well known and appreciated in these middle-eastern European countries, this therapy is covered by the public health care system. In Romania there are also many salt lakes - Sovata with 7 salt lakes, Ocna Sibiului with 52 salt lakes in S-W of Transilvania, very well known in the treatment of infertility, metabolic diseases,skin diseases. These salt lakes were usually formed by collapsing of salt caves ceilings. All these salt lakes have different salinity, increasing with deepness - from 9g/l to 320g/l.

This salt therapy being very well known for its beneficial effects, a Romanian inventor puts his mind at work and developed a device that is able to reproduce a speleotherapy micro environment in your home in an affordable and convenient way. Internationally recognized, with Gold and Silver medal at "Salon International des Inventions",Geneva and "World Exhibition of Innovation, Research and New Technology", Brussels, this Romanian invention brings new hopes in the natural treatment of chronic respiratory diseases.

The inventor thought this device as an air salinizer that uses forced ionization of the indoor air by salt sublimation creating a micro climate of dry aerosol salt therapy in your living space. He used a natural process of salt crystallization to obtain salt micro crystals under 5µm in diameter, invisible to human eyes, being able to penetrate deep into the lung. The device uses only natural salt from within the mountain of salt, untreated or touched by the human processing technology.

Based on clinical studies, the inhaled saline has bactericide, mucokinetic, hydrophilic, anti inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the whole respiratory tract, absorbing edema from the mucosa lining the airway passages leading to widening of the airway passages, restoring the normal transport of mucus and unclog blockages in the bronchi and bronchioles leading to rapid elimination of the residual tar and foreign allergens, all of these in a natural process.

Edema of the nasal mucosa and the oropharynx and soft palate, causing nasal obstruction and snoring is diminished, leading to widening of the airway passage in the nose and the tubes of the sinuses and improving the sinuses drainage and reducing snoring.

In the auditory tube, edema of the Eustachian tube causing ear infection, is also diminished, leading to widening of the airway passages, better drainage and better aeration behind the tympanic membrane.

The salt therapy was found to have beneficial effects in the treatment of:

Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Allergic Rhinopathy or Hay Fever

Cystic Fibrosis

Sinusitis

Ear Infections

Smoking Cough

Various acute or chronic respiratory disease

Reduce snoring and activates better sleep by clearing the airway passages in oropharyngeal region

Increased resistance to Cold & Flu by opening and clearing the nasal airway and improving the drainage of the sinuses

Humidifies the bronchial secretions reducing broncho-spasm and facilitating elimination of the smoke residual tar, phlegm expel and other allergens

Improves the quality of the indoor air by eliminating the dust, cigarette smoke, bad odours, mould and mites, having bactericide reduction properties.

The salt therapy is a natural method of therapy and does not involve any risk and is finally adapted to the living space. However, this is not a substitute for medical treatment and should only be used as an adjuvant helping to improve the quality of patients' life, reducing the antibiotics and corticoids or steroids intake, reducing the rate of annual hospitalizations and decrease the frequency of respiratory diseases attacks.
For more information, clinical studies and testimonials you can visit the web site.

NB: The author grants reprint permission to opt-in publications and websites so long as the copyright and by-line are included intact and the article is not used in spam.

How Pass the MBLEx Massage Certification Exam

Finally out of massage therapy school, now you need to take your MBLEx or state exam. Most states now days will let you take the MBLEx that will suffice and meet all requirements necessary to get your massage therapy license. The MBLEx exam is also the better test to take and the most popular test that students prefer to take. My advice is to take the MBLEx as soon as you can, or as soon as you get out of school, whichever comes first. The longer you wait the time that allows your brain to forget all that you have learned.

If by some chance you don't or can't take the test right away after completing massage therapy school, I highly recommend you getting a tutor, take a course, or better yet, an online study guide that will help you with the stuff that will be on the MBLex. Don't think you can take the certification exam without studying. You will waste a lot of money, time, and cause yourself a lot of grief and agony. I have known many people who assume just because they went to massage school that they can pass the test without some kind of refresher course. It simply won't happen.

The day of the test, be well rested, deep breath and be ready. A good night's sleep the night before sounds simple but so important. Don't rush and hurry through the test, simply take your time for there are over 200 questions and no time limit. I have been doing this for over a decade and try to help future or current massage therapist's a lot of wasted energy, grief, money and time. If you follow my steps and need my program, I guarantee you will pass your massage therapy exam.

Physical Therapist - Helping People Overcome Physical Obstacles

A limb's complete range of motion, the ability to bend, and walking may become impaired by illness or injury. Debilitation can occur if an individual experiences extended periods of inactivity or bed rest. A doctor may recommend physical therapy after determining whether or not the patient can benefit from it during or after treatment of an illness or injury.

Physical therapy programs are offered at many colleges throughout the country. These specialized programs offer an individual looking for a job as a physical therapist the chance to learn all information necessary to pursue a career in the field. Physical therapists are licensed medical professionals who have the skills needed to help individuals return to their every day life with minimal physical disabilities after illness or injury occurs.

The phrase "if you don't use it you loose it" accurately describes the abilities of the human body. Inactivity, whether caused by illness or injury, often leads to a weakened state of the muscles in the body which can inhibit proper use of the arms, legs, and other body parts as well. A person's inactivity can result in decreased abilities and a loss of function for certain body parts. Muscle wasting is a term that describes the lack of use which causes the muscles to weaken and often occurs in individuals who must endure long periods of bed rest which may be the result of illness or injury. Physical therapists have the job of helping to stop this process and assists the person regain their strength, range of motion, and the physical abilities they had prior to their illness or injury.

A physical therapist's job allows the therapist to assess and determine the appropriate exercises offered by physical therapy in order to help the patient regain the use of a limb or limbs after they became weakened by illness or injury. Various types of exercises affect each body part differently. A physical therapist is trained to know which exercises benefit the affected parts and designs a specific program which will help the patient strengthen those parts allowing patients to achieve the greatest use of their afflicted parts.

A physical therapist job is a fulfilling career which allows individuals the opportunity to assist patients who have become debilitated by illness or injury return to their lives with minimal long term affects. Physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals with the responsibility of assessing patients, determining their weaknesses, and devising a therapy program which will allow the patient to regain the use of afflicted body parts with optimal results. This rewarding job is the perfect career for an individual who is looking for the ability to strive in the medical field and one who will enjoy the opportunity to help debilitated patients return to a normal, physical every day life.