Preoperative Exercise Classes Prior To Joint Replacement

In preparing for either a knee, hip, or shoulder replacement surgery, You more than likely have been scheduled by the hospital that you and your orthopedic surgeon have decided to use for a preoperative exercise class. Today more than ever orthopedic surgeons, hospital staff and rehabilitation professionals understand the importance of having you as a patient better educated on the surgical procedure itself along with, how the hospital operates in the orthopedic wing and, what you can expect after surgery.

In the preoperative classes they will be held generally by both the orthopedic charge nurse and a physical therapist. By having both of them present you get a detailed introduction to what you can expect to receive from both disciplines during your hospital stay.

These classes allow you as the patient to discuss and ask questions about topics such as you probable length of stay, how your pain medication will be disbursed, and how the rehabilitation will be conducted and how often. You also should be given a small tour of the orthopedic wing along with an introduction to the rehabilitation department.

Topics such as what you can expect after surgery will be important. For instance in today's world of orthopedic surgery you can expect to be out of bed no later than the following morning after joint replacement if not sooner. This will be of course will be dictated by the surgeons operating schedule. I can not tell you how many times I would go into see a patient after joint replacement surgery only to have them in complete shock that someone like myself would expect them to get out of bed the following day.

Your exercise program will be discussed and the frequency you can expect your physical therapy during your stay in the hospital will be covered. Generally for the most part you can expect rehabilitation twice a day.The physical therapist that is assisting in holding the classes will also discuss and give you a physical demonstration of the exercises you can expect your first couple of days in the hospital. These will consist of basic isometric exercises along with gentle range of motion for the knee, hip, or shoulder.

You will be instructed on the use of how you will be using a walker after surgery though many will find they will need a refresher course the day they start rehabilitation as there are several safety precautions that will have to be demonstrated as well.

The importance of scheduling an attending one of these preoperative classes cannot be underestimated. Becoming better informed allows you to become more proactive in both your rehabilitation after surgery and your overall recovery.

Physical Therapy Universities - Earning Your Degree

Find Physical Therapy Universities in the United States and Canada. Become an expert in the field of physically therapy by attending one of several physical therapy universities where you can participate in various degree programs. Commonly, physical therapy universities provide 4-year programs in physiotherapy, which may lead to a Doctor of Physical Therapy, or a Masters in Physical therapy.

Prospective students must complete a minimum of an undergraduate program in physiotherapy or related sciences prior to entry into physical therapy universities. In some cases, physical therapy universities do extend undergraduate studies so students can complete necessary academics for acceptance into one of these graduate/post-graduate courses.

Currently there are over 200 accredited physical therapy programs at physical therapy universities, colleges and schools throughout the United States. Accreditation is important as graduates must attain this formal education in order to earn eligibility to take the national licensing examination. (Licensure is required by all States in the U.S.)

Depending on which course of study you choose to pursue, there are at least 31 accredited Master of Physical Therapy programs, as well as over 170 Doctor of Physical Therapy degree programs available through physical therapy universities and colleges today, which makes earning a degree both convenient and readily accessible.

The curricula at physical therapy universities includes studies in biology, biomechanics, chemistry, diagnostics, human growth and development, kinesiology, neuroanatomy, pathology and physical therapeutics. Studies are course-intensive and require a fair amount of dedication and willingness to strive for academic excellence. In addition, if you're currently in high school and are aiming for a degree in physical therapy, it is wise to take associated science courses related to the field like sports medicine; or volunteering as an athletics trainer for the local football or baseball team. Furthermore, some physical therapy universities do provide Associate Degree programs to students pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant or physiotherapy aide.

Once you've enrolled in one of a number of physical therapy universities, and you've earned your professional degree, you can continue to grow professionally by not only taking required continuing education courses, but opting to attain board certification in several specialized areas of focus, like cardio-pulmonary physiotherapy, geriatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthopedic physical therapy, among others.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, career outlook in both professional fields (physical therapist and physical therapist assistant) are expected to grow over the coming years.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding physical therapy universities, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Physical Therapy Universities: Earn Your Degree

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Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine - Know the Differences

It isn't unusual to use the terms sports medicine and physical therapy interchangeably. However the two aren't exactly the same things even though you may find yourself the patient of both fields at the same time.

While compatible, the difference between the two branches of medical discipline is clear. Both are effective for treating injuries, diseases and disorders of the muscle and skeletal systems of the body and both are useful for the prevention of future injury or disease symptom reoccurence. By taking an individual look at both types of medical assistance, you will soon see the differences between physical therapy and sports medicine.

Let's take a look at the field of physical therapy first. Unlike sports medicine, physical therapy as a whole is devoted to correcting any injury, disease, or disorder of the bones and muscles that can be treated with non invasive techniques. The focus is to provide patients with relief from pain, improve their muscle, joint, and bone function, while providing techniques the patient can use on their own for additional healing. The primary tools of a therapist are good diagnosing and evaluating skills, knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, and knowledge of which therapy is effective for each situation.

One large difference between the two is that physical therapy doesn't only deal with sports related injuries or problems. Physical therapists can choose to specialize in their careers with emphasis on things like pediatrics, geriatrics, and neurology. Other areas of expertise included in physical therapy are sports, cardiovascular sciences, and occupational therapy.

When you are looking at the differences between these two healing arts you certainly can't overlook sports medicine. The type of medical discipline is solely used for sports related injuries and disorders. While sports physical therapy techniques are commonly used in addition to sports medicine, sports medicine may involve surgeries, procedures, and medications not used in physical therapy. Sports medicine practitioners also can have specialty fields as well. Orthopedics and skeletal emphasis are common. Advanced study of how long term sporting activities and treating sports related injuries are always a part of this particular discipline.

Understanding the difference between physical therapy and sports medicine may be key to determining how to best treat your physical problem. While they can and are commonly used together, each one has its own distinct benefit. Your medical care team can further help distinguish the two and point you in the right direction in terms of your health care needs. The important thing is take care of any injury, sports related or not, to ensure your body's function in the years to come.

The difference between these two medical approaches is obvious. Although the two are often used together, each one has its own purpose and uses. Your doctor can give you advice on which specialist is right for your needs.

What is the Salary of a Physical Therapist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary of a physical therapist for May 2007 was $71,520, with those in the bottom 10% earning a mean annual salary of less than $48,530 and those in the top 10% earning a mean annual salary of more than $100,000. This job also has great expectations for growth, so it is likely that there should be no problems getting a job in this field if you have the qualifications.

There are many factors that can affect the salary range of a physical therapist, including the industry they work in, the location where they work, and the years of experience that they have. All of these things need to be considered when considering the income of a physical therapist.

The industries where the mean annual pay of a physical therapist is the highest are social advocacy organizations ($82,710), other amusement and recreation industries ($82,650), home health care services ($79,300), vocational rehabilitation services ($76,980), and employment services ($74,720). However, only one of these industries is among the top employers of physical therapists, and that is home health care services. The other industries among the top five physical therapist employers are offices of other health care professionals, general medical and surgical hospitals, nursing care facilities, and offices of physicians. It looks like the best chance of getting a job with a high salary for physical therapists is to work in the home health care services.

Although salaries vary by location, when you consider the salary range for physical therapy in different locations be sure to also consider the cost of living as well. With that said, the states with the highest pay for physical therapists are Nevada ($80,960), California ($78,940), Rhode Island ($78,430), New Jersey ($78,130), and Texas ($77,290). Rhode Island is also one of the states that employ the most physical therapists. The others are Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Experience definitely does make a difference in the income of a physical therapist. According to PayScale, the median annual salary for physical therapists with less than one year of experience is $53,586, while that of a physical therapist with 20 or more years of experience is $69,601. The longer you work as a physical therapist the higher your salary can go.

Those with higher levels of experience and higher levels of education are more likely to hold positions in management or positions with more responsibility, which in turn lead to the higher salary ranges for physical therapists. Louis Zhang, Certphysicaltherapist dot com

What Is Pediatric Physical Therapy?

Pediatric physical therapy is a healthcare profession that encompasses evaluation and treatment of infants, toddlers, children and adolescents. It's very important to discover and treat problems in children on time. Research proves that early intervention works well with many pediatric diagnoses including but not limited to ADHD/ADD, ataxia, autism, brachial plexus injuries like Erb's palsy, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, developmental delays, down syndrome, gait abnormalities, muscular dystrophy, neurological impairments, orthopedic conditions, plagiocephaly, premature birth, scoliosis, sensory processing disorder, torticollis, toe walking, and traumatic brain injuries.

Physical therapists' entry level degree has changed throughout the years. It started with the bachelor's, continued to the master's, and now its the doctorate in physical therapy. Now little patients are treated by highly professional people with the highest possible degree.

Did you know that not every pediatrician specializes in child development? Only 15% of pediatricians are such specialists. Also, it is easy to miss signs of developmental delays during routine visits. That is when pediatric physical therapists can help.

Physical therapy evaluation usually starts with observation of child's appearance, movements, activities, behaviors. It may then continue to neurological and orthopedic exam, and it continues to testing with peer-reviewed assessment tools like Peabody Developmental Motor Scales - 2 (PDMS-2). The scores are then carefully calculated and conclusions are drawn as to whether the child requires physical therapy intervention.

To treat children, therapists may utilize stretching, strengthening, thermal treatments, aquatic therapy, and joint mobilization. However, children do not usually even notice that they undergo "therapy". They are engaged in games and activities thus they have lots of fun while exercising and working on improvement of their health.

Another important part of pediatric physical therapy is family education with home exercise programs. Family plays a crucial role in fast recovery and progress in therapy. To insure carryover, exercises need to be practiced daily.

It is convenient to have pediatric physical therapist come to children's houses to provide care in the natural environment where the children spend most of their time. Home pediatric physical therapy companies are happy to help their little patients. If you or somebody you know have a child that may benefit from pediatric physical therapy, research and find a home pediatric physical therapy company providing services in your area.

Besides watching and taking care of children's physical health, pediatric physical therapists always screen kids for potential problems in other areas like speech pathology, occupational problems, as well as learning and behavioral delays. If necessary, they may refer their little patients to other specialists in child development. That is how every aspect of child development is covered, and children can grow happy and healthy.

Do Chiropractors Work With Massage Therapists?

Chiropractic and massage therapy work very well together. So much so, that it's not uncommon for chiropractors to employ or lease space to massage therapists in their very own office.

Some people have visited a massage therapist for stress relief or to deal with a chronic neck or back pain problem. When they didn't quite get the lasting relief they were looking for, they went to see a chiropractor.

While the chiropractor can work wonders on moving the spine and returning it's normal function, some patients end up missing their regular massages. They begin to think that they are "cheating" on their chiropractor and get nervous about whether or not they should even mention their visits.

Your chiropractor will usually be very happy you are seeing a massage therapist (depending on your condition). While the chiropractor adjusts the spine to affect the nerves and the surrounding soft tissues (including the muscles), they may not be able to spend the half hour or an hour that you may need to really get our muscles relaxed.

Having a professional massage your and relax any muscle tightness and spasm will help the chiropractor's ability to give you a more relaxed, pain-free spinal adjustment. The more tense the muscles are when the doctor administers the adjustment, the less comfortable it can be.

From a long term stand point, the Doctor of Chiropractic is also happy to have the improved blood flow and relaxed muscles too. While the doctor moves the bones, it's ultimately the muscles that will end up maintaining the bones in their proper place.

If you typically spend all day sitting at the computer and your muscles tend to get very tense (like most of us), it makes sense that you'll benefit from regular massages. Your chiropractor will not object to this in most cases. Where some people experience problems is when they have a herniated disc, or other condition that involves a lot of inflammation.

When your muscles are very inflammed, a deep tissue massage may tend to increase the inflammation, making things temporarily more painful. When the muscles are more painful, they are more difficult to work with and can keep the chiropractor from being able to work on your spine to the degree that they would prefer.

Talk over any treatments that you are considering or currently doing with any health care provider. Many are okay, and don't think you're "cheating" on anyone.

Massage Therapy Careers - A Growing Future!

Massage therapy careers - get on the express to a growing future.

Massage therapy careers are increasing along with an ever-growing acceptance of this helpful service. This increased demand for massage therapy as part of a health management and treatment option has opened many career opportunities for both recent graduates and more experienced therapists.

The forecast for the job is quite encouraging. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within the various careers of massage therapy is expected to grow faster than the average for other careers. Better than average career growth is expected over the next five years.

Employment in this growing career field includes both full-time and part time opportunities, and approximately two-thirds of massage therapists are self employed (either running their own businesses or working as independent contractors for a larger organization).

It can be difficult to find two massage therapy careers that look the same; that is because they enjoy a range of job opportunities housed within a variety of physical settings. Employment is in both public and private settings. The positions can be self-employed, salaried, hourly and a contractual arrangement.

Message therapists can be found working in health clinics, spas, salons, resorts, chiropractic practices, medical practices, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, corporate health centers, health studios and yoga centers, airports, and colleges and universities.

Job titles for this growing career may include physical therapist, sports massage therapist, masseuse, massage therapist, and massage therapy instructor.

The career is quite demanding; demands are both physical and personal. Physically speaking, massage therapy can take a toll on the body of a therapist. Maintaining a career in massage therapy requires spending long hours of standing and physical exertion. Repetitive stress injuries are common among those with improper physical care and technique. Fatigue from long hours on-foot is also a common problem.

Maintaining a good technique and proper scheduling of appointments lessens the physical demands on therapists. Because massage therapy is so physically demanding, few therapists actually deliver massages for more than 30 hours per week; in fact, according to the US Department of Labor, many positions are considered full-time if the therapists treats clients between 15 and 30 hours per week. Additional time is normally required for administrative tasks, and marketing their services.

Personally, massage therapy careers can be demanding because many times services are most in demand during off-work hours; this means evenings and weekends may be prime-time for client appointments, although many successful therapists are able to maintain a more "normal" work schedule.

A career in massage therapy can be very rewarding indeed; it can also be very demanding, but for those who are up to the challenge, the outlook is very good for these growing careers.

5 Hidden Benefits of Equine Massage

Equine therapeutic massage is swiftly becoming a valuable supplement to the intelligent horse owners' equine care regiment. These folks have learned the secret benefits associated with horse therapeutic massage. What is so secret? Just about anyone knowledgeable about massage and/or holistic health care approaches has learned about the the traditional series of the benefits of bodywork with respect to horses. Even so, no one has converted that checklist into the merits for you, the actual horse owner. Unless you have unexpectedly discovered and observed the genuine benefits for you and your horse, it is likely you are not aware why massage is certainly not merely a once-a-year luxury.

The standard report on the features of horse therapeutic massage reads as such:

• Dilates blood vessels


• Returns blood once again all the way to the heart


• Helps remove lethargic lymph material


• Improves muscle tone


• Prevents adhesions


• Stretches connective tissue


• Lessens stiffness and also swelling


• Has a stimulative or possibly sedative impact in nervous system


• Brings attention to the area getting massaged

Just how many equine owners genuinely know how this collection may affect them? Quite frankly, a small amount of of them do. Unless a person has excelled in the field of biology and physiology in high school or college, chances are this age old checklist is Greek to them! Let's finally bring it up to date as well as convert this particular collection into exactly how horse massage rewards you, the horse owner. We are going to begin with condensing the list into three principal themes: circulation, muscle performance, and mental acuity.

• CIRCULATION: Massage boosts blood flow for all parts of the body. All of the cells in the body must have oxygen and also nutrients delivered to them, through circulation of blood, to build brand new cells, generate energy, export toxins, and preserve all cellular functions. Inadequate blood circulation results in a decline in every one of these areas. In essence, you now are generally working along with a half-baked horse that would most likely have varied health difficulties.


• MUSCLE PERFORMANCE: Equine massage physically breaks down the knots along with contracted muscle fibers that can't perform their task successfully. leading to improved muscle quality and also much more thorough and well balanced muscle actions. Your horse is made up of 700 skeletal muscles and that is 60% of the entire body mass of your horse! Working a horse with tight, continuously contracted muscles is the same as functioning in a condition of resistance. Your horse is using a lot more energy to perform and is achieving significantly less than its optimum capabilities and thus, is headed for injury.


• MENTAL ACUITY: Horse bodywork talks to the nervous system in a manner that the horse will certainly exerience an important state of relaxation, mental lucidity, and personal healing. The horse functioning in a state of constant psychological anxiety and restricted focus will never perform to their complete potential.

When massage is performed over a consistent basis the results build upon themselves with time. Once-a-year massages are in essence the equivalent of placing a band-aid on fundamental problems and the horse never reaps the added benefits of continual recovery. In addition, regular equine massage not only benefits the horse, it benefits YOU, the actual horse owner, and here is how:

You may experience a reduction in vet visits which ultimately may keep your horse out from the lay-up stall saving you time and money.

You may have a horse that can move more efficiently, with significantly less pain and achieve more physically, which will equal a better overall performance for you.

You may have a horse that experiences less tendon and ligament injuries equaling greater performance time and significantly less lay-up time; keeping you in the saddle.

You may possess a horse that rebounds quicker from workouts and is feeling ready to work on a consistent basis providing you a willing horse to ride.

You may have a much more content mount with a better work attitude making your daily ride a pleasure as opposed to a fight.

Whether you ride for pleasure or overall performance, equine massage is a straightforward addition to your horse's healthcare plan which could help you stay in the saddle and on top of your performance.

Using Massage Therapy Equipment While Pregnant - Are There Restrictions?

Pregnancy is both a joyous time and a time of misery. There is a lot of back pain and pains that a woman never thought she could ever have. Many times, something as simple as a massage can make a huge difference, but not every woman can utilize the services of a massage therapist. Sometimes this has something to do with cost because there is a baby on the way and money is a little tight. However, this may entice her to buy massage therapy equipment in order to feel better. As for this being a good idea, it is certainly something that is not recommended.

Amongst those massage therapy devices that should not be used is anything with an implanted electrode. These can offer a bit of a shock and can be potentially harmful to the baby. Magnets should not be used either. Also, anything that requires the back to arch is something that a pregnant woman should not do. With all of this said, it may seem like she can't do anything because it is also suggested that she stay away from anything with heavy vibrations. Basically, keep anything electronic away from the vicinity of the baby because it is sometimes hard to tell what is harmful and what is not, but it is important to keep anything magnetic away and anything that produces any sort of electronic shock like an electronic muscle stimulator.

Now a small handheld massager that can be used around the neck and in the upper back area but it should not be used in the lower back or in the stomach area. All of these devices should be kept away from the baby. Other devices that are safe are foot massagers that use heat and vibration. Pregnancy can be tough on an expectant mothers feet, so these can be really great, but these devices are pretty much all mommy can use. Even those wrap around neck pillows that massage are not out of the question.

There is, however, a piece of massage equipment that a pregnant woman should buy and that is a prenatal massage table. These tables are specifically designed for expectant mothers. What it does is relieve aches in the back and improves circulation by reducing stress. Mothers to be find it difficult to lie down flat due to tenderness of the breasts and a growing belly, so the prenatal massage table has what resemble cutouts that can be taken out of the table for her belly and her breasts to go through. By simply placing the plugs back into the table, the table becomes perfectly flat so she can lay on her side or on her back if she has to.

With such a table, prenatal massage techniques can be used to make the expectant mother feel better. There are such techniques as the labor massage in which the mother to be lies on her side and is in a reclined position. This is when a pregnancy pillow can really come in handy. There are also post-pregnancy massages in which this special technique can rebalance the mother's body, which can also improve the elasticity of the skin.

So if the expectant mother gets the urge to buy massage therapy equipment, the prenatal massage table is going to be her best bet and then she can also buy small massagers for areas of her body that will not administer any electric shock, contain magnets, or cause any trauma to the baby. It is true that a mother to be will do all that she can to make herself feel better, but she also knows there are restrictions and obeys those restrictions.

Partial Rotator Cuff Tendon Tears - Diagnosis and Treatment

Partial rotator cuff tears are responsible for pain and loss of arm function in thousands of patients every year. The pain is usually located on the side and front of the shoulder, and it is made worse when patients try to raise their arms to the side and above their shoulders. When the partial tear worsens, patients can experience pain when making any motion away from their side, and the constant ache can keep them awake at night.

The diagnosis of a partial rotator cuff tear can be made by an experienced doctor who listens to the patient's symptoms and performs a thorough physical exam. An X-ray may be taken to eliminate other common causes of shoulder pain, such as calcific tendonitis or arthritis. An MRI of the shoulder is only needed if physical therapy does not work as expected. For a partial rotator cuff tear, an MRI will show a thin, worn tendon with fluid on top of it from the irritation.

In order to understand how physical therapy and other treatment options eliminate shoulder pain, patients need to understand how the rotator cuff works. The end of the arm bone is a ball that connects to a shallow cup in the shoulder blade bone. Four different muscles connect to the ball through four tendons, which are needed to move the ball of the shoulder in the cup. The tendons blend together around the shoulder ball. If some of the tendon detaches from the bone, then the muscles cannot rotate the arm bone, and the patient feels weakness in the arm.

Eventually the tendon will tear completely, but before that happens, it becomes worn, like an old, frayed shoe lace that is about to break. This is a partial tear of the rotator cuff. The tendon is still attached, but it is worn and thin. Irritation of the partially torn tendon can cause mild to severe pain, depending on the size of the tear and the amount of irritation it causes in the tissue around the tendon.

The goal of treating a partially torn rotator cuff tendon is to allow the irritation of the tendons and the bursa around the tendons to cease. This can be done with rest, activity modification, ice, heat, and over the counter pain medications.

Once the pain improves, a physical therapy program can be used to:

1. Regain any loss of motion of the shoulder.
2. Strengthen the muscles around the shoulder blade.
3. Practice proper posture and shoulder mechanics to avoid unnecessary stress on the rotator cuff tendons.
4. Strengthen the other rotator cuff tendons that are not partially torn.
5. Return to normal activities.

Accomplishing all 5 goals can take several months.

Some patients are unable to participate in physical therapy because the pain from the partial tear is too severe. For these patients, a steroid injection around the irritated tissue on top of the rotator cuff can stop the pain, allowing patients to do therapy. The injection is not a cure for the problem - it is more like a Band-AidTM that temporarily protects a cut on the skin while the body heals. Some patients need more than one injection, and while multiple steroid injections can cause tendon damage, the risk is small unless multiple injections (more than 3 to 4) are given in a short period of time, i.e., 1 year. Most steroid injections are not very painful if given by a doctor who is experienced in giving such injections.

When 8 to 12 weeks of therapy and an injection do not help alleviate the pain of a partial rotator cuff tear, surgery can be considered as a treatment option. The surgery can be done arthroscopically. An arthroscope is an instrument with a tiny camera on the end that can be inserted through small incisions around the shoulder and used to examine the shoulder and rotator cuff tendon. The irritated bursa on top of the tendon will be removed, along with any bone spurs that may be contributing to the pain. If the partial tear can be repaired, the surgeon will place sutures through the end of the tendon and tie the tendon to the bone.

The sutures will hold the tendon against the bone so that it heals there. This healing process takes 12 weeks, so the patient must protect the arm while the tendon is healing. Any lifting or reaching with the arm could pull the tendon through the sutures, meaning the repair will not heal. After the tendon heals, the patient can start a physical therapy strengthening program. The entire recovery can take a full year, but most patients no longer feel a constant ache in the shoulder after 6 to 8 weeks.

Physical Therapy Assistant - A Bright Future

If you love working closely with all sorts of people and have been thinking about a career in the health care field, you might want to consider becoming a physical therapy assistant. This is a professional position requiring an associate degree and, in some states, a license. It is a growing field with good prospects for employment.

A physical therapy assistant works under the direction of a physical therapist to assist patients in their treatment. The patients fall into every age group and are there because of muscle, joint, bone or nerve injuries or impairment. It is the physical therapists job to relieve pain, reduce disability, and restore mobility, among other things. Many of the patients have suffered traumatic injuries; others are simply seeking relief from a "bad back."

Many of the tasks assigned to physical therapy assistants require physical strength. For example, an assistant is often called on to help lift a patient or move equipment around, so strength should be a consideration when weighing the possibility of entering this field. On any given day an assistant can perform a variety of tasks, including applying hot or cold packs, helping a patient learn and correctly perform exercises, giving massages and paraffin baths, and doing ultrasounds. Another important function of the assistant is to help patients learn to use crutches, wheelchairs, braces, and prosthetic limbs.

A physical therapy assistant [http://www.ashworthuniversity.edu/programs/healthcare/pa/] comes in close contact with many people, and has the rewarding job of helping them attain better health and mobility. It is an excellent career choice. If your current circumstances are not what you would like, or if you are just starting out in life and have not found a direction, an online school is a great place to get educated. Classes are easy to afford, and coursework can be fit into anyone's schedule, no matter how busy, because there are no deadlines to meet. A physical therapy career is just one of dozens of educational opportunities online. It is a great way to make a fresh start!

Physical Therapy Exercise Software and Cloud Computing Myths

There are several myths about cloud computing as it relates to physical therapy assessment software that deserve to be busted. Some physiotherapists have busted five of those myths.

Myth #1- Lack of compatibility.
Fact- Some of the rehab exercise software providers run in a Web browser, so there are few hardware constraints in using it. With this physical therapy software, clinics can use desktop computers, laptops, Apple iPads and even smart phones to access it.

Myth #2- Cloud computing poses security risks.
Fact- Some of the makers of rehabilitation exercises software employ the following security measures:

• Every user account is password protected, which means that only authorized people have access to patient records.


• Every user account must change their password every 30 days.


• Every logged in user will be automatically logged out after a period of inactivity to ensure that unauthorized users will not have access to patient records.


• Physical therapy exercise software producers employ daily backups, which can easily be restored in the case of disaster recovery.


• Some of the rehabilitation exercise software companies encrypt all data during transmission and at rest, as specified by numerous regulations.

Myth #3- Cloud Computing isn't reliable.
Fact- Having its physical therapy documentation software in the cloud provides with multiple redundant instances of it available for use. If an error occurs with one instance, such as a power outage, all network traffic would be immediately diverted to another instance without interruption.

In today's world, there are many portals to the Internet, so if a main connection such as DSL over the phone line goes down, rehab software users can connect to the Web by plugging their smart phone into their computer, using their smart phone itself, or using a USB stick that gives them wireless access to the net.
Cloud computing simply offers way more redundant systems then an in-office system.

Myth #4- Cloud computing has network and storage constraints.
Fact- The whole goal of cloud computing that many people don't yet realize is to provide seemingly infinite resources. The same idea applies for storage, because its storage also occurs in the cloud.

Myth #5- The software isn't useful if users can't move everything at once into the cloud.
Fact- This isn't an issue because moving information to the cloud is not really much different from moving information to non-cloud software.

In fact the new users begin using the system by entering new patients. This eliminates the need to scan in charts, etc.

In a typical physiotherapy practice, treatment times for most problems are less than six months. That means within a short period of time, all of a clinic's active patients will be "in the cloud."

Some potential users are concerned with being able to integrate software with their existing software that isn't cloud based, and it isn't a problem. The software can export and import data from any system.

The bottom line is that for physical therapy clinics seeking to automate the way they prescribe physiotherapy exercises and other processes, cloud computing software is not only safe, it is safer than paper chart systems or in-office servers. In-office data is available to anyone who breaks into the office, and it could be destroyed by fire, etc. Maintaining data in the cloud protects it from these potential dangers.

Benefits of Massage Therapy in Hollywood, FL

Since what seems like the beginning of time, massage has been used as way to heal and pamper. The practice of massage dates back to the Pharoahs of ancient Egypt, and has been used by the Chinese, Greeks and other legendary cultures. As time has passed, we have learned more about the true benefits of massage therapy and how they can impact the health and happiness of our everyday lives.

In today's hustle and bustle society, many people are looking for wonder drugs and quick fixes. As we have seen time and again though, taking shortcuts will usually lead nowhere. While massage therapy has been growing in popularity throughout the United States, South Florida has become a hot bed of activity. Hollywood, FL, with its tourist destinations such as the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Hollywood Beach, draws a multitude of tourists every year. While many of those tourists see massage as simply a way of pampering themselves on vacation, there are significant benefits of massage therapy for all of us which make massage therapy more important than just a once in a blue moon activity.

Those of us living in Hollywood, Dania Beach or anywhere else in South Florida know how crazy life can be here. Whether you're shopping at the Oakwood Plaza or jumping to Publix on Griffin Road for some groceries, it seems like we are always in a rush. The heat and stress of the our many congested highways can leave many of us feeling nervous, anxious and overwhelmed. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to get your life back into balance and prepare yourself for the future.

As most people know, massage therapy can help loosen tight muscles and decrease general pain, but the benefits are far more wide-reaching than that. It is one of the most effective ways of relieving stress and anxiety, which has a major impact on our overall health. Other benefits include improving range of motion, boosting the immune system, promoting tissue regeneration and even lessening the effects of depression and withdrawal. Special modalities and techniques in massage therapy can help anyone from pregnant women to senior citizens with arthritis.

From my own personal experience, I have identified several key points to consider for people with different ailments. For those with arthritis, particularly older people, the pain can be temporarily relieved by icing the area and then using massage. The client will usually be relatively pain free for the first few days to a week after getting the massage. These people are in a constant state of pain, so they are grateful for anything that can help them.

Massage is also a helpful healer for a person with the common cold or flu. The best time to get a massage is when the person has just passed the peak of the sickness. The treatment will help stimulate circulation of the lymph system and blood with a one hour massage equal to 24 hours of normal lymph circulation.

For those with hypertension (high blood pressure), I have found that massage is a wonderful way to help them to relax, which in turn can calm and reduce their blood pressure. Often times, people with high blood pressure are greatly affected by stress and anxiety. Massage is one of the best ways to relieve that tension and make them feel better.

Finally, many Americans today work long hours in front of a computer, whether at the office or at home. From that, they engage in constant holding patterns, or remain in one position for a long time which has a major effect on the muscles. My husband has this issue and constantly complains from a tight neck and shoulders. In addition, this tightness can develop trigger points and knots, which manifest themselves as migraines and other headaches. The best treatment for this is heating and massage as much as possible. This will loosen up those tight muscles and prevent the headaches from occurring.

One important thing to remember is that a therapist can't be expected to cover the entire body and focus on a certain area during a standard one hour massage. If a client needs to address a specific area, they should either extend their time or schedule another massage to make sure the therapist can spend the proper amount of time on the area.

Just as we have advanced over the years in our understanding and practice of massage therapy, it is very likely that we will continue to learn and discover more about the benefits of massage into the future.

Do You Want to Become a Massage Therapist?

In this hectic life, most of the people like to have a nice massage, as it also provide medicinal benefits. Those who give massage are people who are experienced and trained in the field of massage therapy. The main concept of massage therapy is to manipulate the muscles as well as the soft tissues of the body. There are more than eighty different kinds of massage therapy, in which a therapist can be specialized. This is a one of its kind jobs and if you want to pursue a career in this field, then you will have to complete a certificate program for this.

If you complete the required program, then you will get many job opportunities. Resorts, health clubs, spas, and many other places employ a massage therapist. The requirement of education and training to become a massage therapist can vary from state to another. At some places, a high school diploma is also required. This is mainly required to get an entry in public and private institutions, which put forward training in massage therapy. You can take up a full time, or else a part time training program offered by many schools. In most of training programs that subject covered in the program include, Anatomy, Ethics, Kinesiology (study of mechanics and motion of human body), and Physiology (study of organs and tissues).

Sometimes, even a course in business management is also required along with a practical performance of diverse types of massage techniques. If you take up an education program associated with massage therapy, then it might give you the opportunity of studying some specific modalities. Generally, the programs of massage therapy are approved by the state board and even some of the programs are recognized by some separate agencies.

As a massage therapist, you can also be self-employed and then you can earn more as compared to the hourly wages of the therapists, who are employed at spas or resorts. In some of the states, a massage therapist has to pass the exam and have to receive a license for practicing as a massage therapist, after the completion of the training. This exam can vary with different states. Therefore, if you hope to start a career as a massage therapist in a specific state, then you should check out the requirements of that particular state before you complete your training program. You might also have to pay a fee for a license in some states.

Beauty Schools Offer More Than Just Makeup And Hair Careers

Many people are surely equipped with the preconceived notion that cosmetology school graduates have hairdressing and makeup artistry in their futures. However, this is definitely one myth that can be dismissed. There are hundreds upon hundreds of career possibilities for graduates of beauty schools. Cosmetology is a field for which employees are in high demand, and while hairdressers and makeup artists will always be needed, there is just as high of a demand for many other types of specialists.

All the top beauty schools offer massage therapy training programs and diplomas. Some may not necessarily associate this field of study with cosmetology, but the truth of the matter is that cosmetology school is where one would go to become practiced in this field. Imagine a world without physical therapists or chiropractors. There are simply too many people who strain their bodies and are in need of relief, and thus, massage therapists will always be necessary.

No consumer would buy a beauty product without knowing that it is safe and reliable. That is why there will always be a need for educated beauty product specialists. Beauty schools offer esthiology degrees upon which this type of career relies. This sort of career could also lead to a person becoming a writer for a beauty magazine or even a makeup photographer. All of this can be accomplished simply by attending a beauty college.

Although getting a diploma in the broad field of cosmetology is the most time-consuming, it is definitely well worth-it in terms of occupational variety. With this specialization, a person could even successfully open up his or her own salon, photo studio, or beauty product storefront. The career opportunities are always rewarding, to say the least - even pursuing a job as a beauty consultant could lead to procuring high-end customers and establishing a well-known name.

Undoubtedly, beauty schools have much more to offer their graduates than working at the bottom of the chain in a salon. In fact, the potential jobs can be extremely lucrative and rewarding in various ways. For that reason, high school graduates should always do their research before jumping to conclusions about this type of education - there are so many possibilities, there could be a job to suit just about anyone.

Thai Massage Benefits

Unlike the Swedish massage of the West which concentrates on the physical aspect of the body through kneading of muscles, the Thai massage uses a combination of techniques that is found in western physiotherapy such as trigger point treatments, myofascial techniques, neuromuscular therapy and manual therapy.

Thai massage is a deep full-body treatment which starts at the feet and gradually progresses up to the head, by using gentle flowing exercise movements whereby the recipient's body is moved, loosened and stretched. The energetic aspect of this massage is also focused by acupressure application along the energy lines of the body to restore the flow of energy throughout the body with the purpose to harmonize and energize.

It is considered as a healing art as the procedure includes a combination of yoga stretching, the stillness of meditation, with acupressure, exercise movement and reflexology. The client is allowed to dress comfortably and is worked on a floor. Not only hands are used, feet and elbows are also utilized as well to free tension trapped in the recipient's body. The benefits of this unique massage range from physical, mental to psychological.

Among many physical benefits that can be brought about by this massage are detoxification of the body, immune system boosting, blood circulation stimulation, muscle relaxation, muscle flexibility and mobility stimulation, breathing improvements, posture improvements, and anti-aging promoting. Mental benefits that can be experienced include an improved outlook towards life, increase focus, creativity and mind clarity.

Psychological effects as a result from Thai massage can be seen through as it helps to reduce and relieve stress and anxiety, increase inner energy levels, increase self control, discipline and overall natural confidence. With regular sessions of Thai massage, you will be giving your body and mind the relaxing and invigoration experience that they crave.

Health Benefits Of Regular Massage

Massage therapy has been around for centuries because it was believed to be a holistic approach to healing. Touch has been observed to help people regain their energy by putting them in a relaxed state. That is why up until now massage therapy is still a lifestyle that cannot be eliminated. It has even gained more popularity, as people want to have that occasional pampering because of the stresses that comes with life in the fast lane. Spas and massage therapy clinics are mushrooming to offer the hard workers and others who just want to achieve the relaxed state.

The hand techniques involved in the massage therapy enables the muscles of the body to release the tension. This paves way for the muscles and the joints to feel at ease. Muscles are responsible for the body's movement and ability to endure weight. That is why when moving too much, muscles pains can be felt in different parts of the body. However, when the muscle is able to do proper exercise and undergo massage therapy, these are strengthened and increase the ability to endure further activities. It is through the massage that the muscles return to their normal state.

Tensed muscles can lead to serious health conditions if not given the time to return to their normal condition. That is why massage is recommended at regular basis for the body to get relieve of stress. Muscles have great responsibility in the body and putting them at rest will surely benefit you. When the muscles are relaxed, you will feel rejuvenated and gain back the energy that you have wasted on the stresses of life. Aside from putting you back on your energetic self, a sense of being refreshed washes over you. Your overall health will be in a positive state and the body will release positive hormones or endorphins to charge to move with vitality.

Many clinics and spas offer their services in providing that relaxing massage. You can visit them on a weekly basis depending on the schedule that allows you to go there. But then there is also another option that you can choose. You can get the massage at the comfort of your own home through an adjustable bed that has a massage feature. Adjustable beds are readily available in the local stores in different sizes that you prefer. This is especially great for those who constantly complain of back pains and aching muscles after working so hard during the day. With just a click on the remote, you can allow the bed to massage the body and automatically switch off by itself if you drift off to sleep.

With regular massage therapy, the body is able to regain normal condition. As the body is relaxed and reconditioned, energy level is regained allowing for a better perspective in life's challenges. You might want to consider the adjustable bed, as it is not necessary to get out of your home to feel recharged once again. And with it at home, you have it readily available to comfort the body everyday and all day through.

Should You Become a Massage Therapist? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself First

What do you think about first when you think about becoming a massage therapist? Learning about how the human structure works, and how to work out aches and pains? How about the human interaction you'll receive working with different clients day in and day out? We've put together a list of 4 questions to ask yourself to determine if you have the right stuff to consider a career in massage therapy.

1.)Do you like caring for and helping other people?

It makes sense that this is the number one question to ask yourself, if you're not interested in helping others (while of course none of us would admit it) a career in massage therapy probably isn't for you. Based on the fact that 95% of your job is spent interacting and caring for clients if you don't want to help them, you won't enjoy your time.

2.)Do you mind working silently, without the normal office chatter?

A massage therapist while they care for many clients in the run of week, don't get into the same banter as say a hairdresser would with their clients. Often a client is there for a relaxing experience receiving their massage, and would like to lay in silence forgetting about the outside world for 30-60 minutes. It's important that you're able to work silently, and not let this get to you.

3.)Do you work well alone? Or do you require supervision

Being able to manage your own time properly both while with a client, and booking appointments etc. is important to being a successful massage therapist. Since the majority of time is spent one-on-one with the client there are no direct supervisors ensuring you're doing your job correctly. Also if you work for yourself, there is no one around ensuring your looking for new business, and booking appointments to keep your business in growth mode.

While many massage therapy graduates work for spas, medical clinics, or sports facilities and don't need to look for their own client base it's important to know that you have that option down the road if you want to go out on your own.

4.)Are you able to empathize with a person's problem, and keep work separate from your emotions?

Often a massage therapy client will be suffering from an accident or medical situation. This can sometimes be difficult to deal with, as our first instinct maybe to feel bad for the person. It's important to be able to empathize with them but not feel bad for them. Separating our personal feelings about a situation like this from our professional atmosphere is a must to be able to handle the many different types of patients and clients you'll encounter during your career as a massage therapist.
Beyond these questions, it's important that you know you enjoy working with the public, and a strong communicator. Whether you're working for a spa or for yourself in the massage therapy business one thing is consistent you will be working with members of the public, and you will be supplying them with a service. You must be able to feel comfortable with the situation, and understand what the entire career entails before making your decision.

Massage therapy is a very rewarding career, and can allow a person great flexability in their schedule especially if they choose to work for themselves, but it is not a lazy job. It brings great pride to know your helping others, and making a difference. I hope this article has shed a little more light on what it takes to become a massage therapist besides the certificate and education.

Austin School Of Massage Therapy - A Full-Service School

There are many places where students can study massage therapy in the United States. One of the most prominent among them is the Austin School of Massage Therapy in Texas.

What The School Has to Offer

The Austin School of Massage Therapy (ASMT) has been educating massage therapists for more than twenty years. They were among the first schools in the nation to recognize the viability of a career in massage therapy. More than 8,000 students have graduated from the program at Austin.

ASMT has gained international recognition for its programs and boasts the title of the largest massage therapy program in the United States. Innovative program offerings prepare students for a number of lucrative careers in massage therapy; with the inclusion of an online store, the ASMT has truly proven themselves as a full-service school.

ASMT offers students

• Choice of class locations


• Exclusive programs of specialization (which can greatly increase earning potential up to as much as $75.00 per hour) including pregnancy, childbearing, and infant massage, spa massage, sports massage, clinical and pain management massage. Specialization certifications are open to new students and to practicing professionals.


• The "500-hour Clark Comprehensive Program"


• Full tuition scholarships


• An online massage therapy supply store

Support for ASMT students does not end with program completion. Austin offers career assistance and job placement assistance for life to its graduates. Also, ASMT offers continuing education programs and classes that help students meet licensure and certification renewal requirements, and helps them to stay updated in the latest industry and professional techniques and advances.

Austin School Of Massage Therapy - Location, Location, Location

Austin has been able to earn its designation as the largest U.S. massage therapy program by expanding its program outreach. It operates at 12 different locations throughout Texas. Students can attend classes in 12 major cities in the Lone-Star state.

And a fun added benefit? Both students and private citizens can book an appointment to schedule a massage! Austin has made every effort to streamline their offerings, and has included a convenient online scheduler for this task.

The reputation of the Austin School of Massage Therapy precedes it far beyond the borders of Texas; with an internationally recognized program dedicated to the field of massage therapy and to student success, ASMT is one of the most sought-after schools for massage therapy in the United States and beyond.

How to Improve Patient Compliance During Therapy Sessions

Once you have suffered an injury or decided to have that elective surgery for a joint replacement, than you progress to a physical therapy program to start your rehabilitation. Your compliance with the rehabilitation program is what will determine your overall success. Compliance for some comes very easy. These individuals understand the importance of getting stronger and improving physically to either get back to work to regain their independence or both. For others this is not the case, this is where the rehabilitation professional needs to find out what they can do to ensure that compliance is attained.

In working in the home health field now for over 11 years, I find that patient compliance can be difficult in some cases. Compliance will depend on the patients attitude, motivation if any and, support they receive at home. Caregivers need to be involved in the care pf the patient. They should be impressed on the importance of the home exercise program for instance. Involving and educating the caregiver gives you as a therapist added support staff that will ensure the necessary work is getting done.

Having a caregiver keep a log of the activities completed with time and date will help in making the patient accountable for their own care. Rehabilitation has to be impressed upon everyone involved that it is a two way street. To be successful there has to be accountability for everyone.

Another skill that should be utilized by the rehabilitation professional is giving clear concise instructions on what should be done on therapy off days, along with a copy of the exercise program with written instructions on how to perform the exercises or other tasks involved. Clarity and simplicity regarding the program devised will help in patient understanding.

Handing someone an exercise program with 17 exercises and expecting the patient and caregiver to carry them out is unrealistic in the home health setting for instance. Introducing slowly, several exercises each session without getting too time consuming due to the large number of exercises will increase your chances of therapy compliance.

In physical therapy you as a therapist are considered educators. Educating the patient on why they have been issued the exercises and what they should experience if done properly and with diligence will help in patient understanding.

Rehabilitation professionals with experience learn how to read their patients instincts and desires. What motivates them for instance, than learning how to capitalize on the patients strengths is what helps in increasing the odds of compliance.

Compliance as a whole will differ in certain age groups, along with personality types in general.

Increasing the odds of compliance will be about making the patient accountable for their own rehab success or failures and, keeping the rehabilitation program clear and concise along with allowing the patient to help in designing some aspect of the program when appropriate helps in getting a more cooperative patient.

When the therapist and patient both can add input into the program along with the patients physical goals, than there is a better chance of overall compliance.

Reasons to Have a Sports Massage

Massage Therapy has long been known to have amazing benefits, most notably the ability to initiate the relaxation response in our bodies. Recently it has become more popular among athletes. Most athletes want to reduce muscle soreness and increase healing. Runners in particular are on the lookout for ways to train more effectively, improve performance, prevent injury and recover quickly.

For the past 19 years massage therapy has been available at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, the Boston Marathon. A team of over 175 therapists give up to 1,200 massages on race day. They are considered part of the medical volunteer team and deal with foot issues, tight muscles, spasms, and cramps. Most people train for the better part of the year to participate in the Boston Marathon, and the massage therapists job is to play a roll in the success of the participants.

Runners who use massage therapy to help keep their muscles loose and flexible experience fewer injuries. However, when injuries occur, massage can dramatically speed the healing process. Let's talk about some of the more common running related injuries:

Illiotibial Band Syndrome- The IT band is a fibrous band that spans from the hip too shin. ITB Syndrome is caused when the band becomes inflames and tender

Shin Splints- Usually describe a set of symptoms. Can be due to problems with the muscle, bone or attachment of the muscle to the bone.

Plantar Fascitis- A syndrome of heel/foot pain. A tight, inflamed fascia can cause pain when walking or running.

Strains & Sprains- Muscle/tendon strains and ligament sprains are common injuries experienced by runners. Early detection and treatment can help speed recovery.

Most of these injuries can be attributed to overuse, inconsistent training, and lack of stretching or improper stretching. Massage can aid in recovery by relieving muscle tension and soreness by improving circulation. Increased amounts of oxygen and blood flow to injured tissue will bring nutrients and remove waste products. Massage therapy increases and restores range of motion and flexibility.

The field of massage therapy is extremely varied and therapists can specialize in one or more types of massage. Several modalities are particularly suited for athletes:

Swedish Massage - A full body massage that increases venous and lymph flow, promotes realization and improves cell nutrition. The depth of pressure can be adjusted to meet the clients specific needs.

Neuromuscular Therapy - Applies pressure to specific points (Trigger Points) to relieve spasm and pain in the muscles.

Thai Massage - Can help the athlete as it stretches and softens the muscle by passive stretching and compression, and allowing each muscle group to be brought through its full range of motion.

Sports Massage - Not a particular form of massage itself, but rather an integration of techniques and modalities tailored to suit the athlete's needs.

And here's the rub, no pun intended. The effects of massage are cumulative. Just as stretching your hamstrings once before a race not as effective as regular, consistent stretching, one massage prior to a race will not give you the same benefits as a regular, consistent program of massage therapy.

How often should you receive a massage? That can vary greatly. Working with a therapist you can determine the type of modality and frequency to suit your specific needs. A qualified therapist will take note of your training schedule, long runs and races. Scheduling what is best suited for your needs including pre race and post race massage. A competitive athlete might see a therapist 1-2 times per week where a person putting in less than 20 miles a week can do fine with 1-2 times per month.

Integrative therapeutic bodywork can work with all fitness levels, from beginners to professional. Massage is a necessary component of every active person's health and wellness plan.

Become a Massage Therapist: What You Need to Know

Congratulations on deciding to learn how to become a massage therapist. A career in massage therapy can be very rewarding and lucrative. You will be working with clients providing a service that is very personal in nature. Continue reading to learn about what you can expect on your journey towards becoming a massage therapist.

Before you begin, let's first tackle the job description. It's a good idea to know exactly what makes someone a massage therapist. A massage therapist is a medical professional that treats clients by using touch. The therapy provided by these professionals helps to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body. People come to seek out the services of massage therapists for a number of reasons. Some people are in need of help in healing from an injury. Other people simply need to get a massage to help relax and relieve stress. As a massage therapist, you will be responsible for communicating with your client. Providing guidance to your client on ways to improve posture and stretching will go a long way towards building a rapport. The better your reputation, the more clients you will have, which will eventually translate into more money earned.

Massage therapy is a career that is regulated by states in the US. In order to become a licensed massage therapist, you will need to check with your respective state for specific requirements. As a general rule of thumb, you will need to complete a postsecondary education program. To be eligible for the either the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB) certifications, you will need to receive a minimum of 500 hours of instruction and graduate from a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) school. The board also offers those persons who live in a state that uses the NCBTMB exams but do not require certification for licensure an option to take the same exams.

As a therapist, you can choose to specialize in various types of massage, called modalities. Some of the more commonly known types of massage are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and reflexology massage. Each of these modalities requires specialized training. As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to specialize in more than one type of massage. Doing so will open up opportunities for you to practice and offer your services. By learning different types of massage, you can also learn what type you gravitate towards and get the most joy out of providing.

Once you become a masseuse, you will quickly discover that there are many places in which you can work. You can choose to work in a doctor's office, at a spa, on a cruise ship or, even for an athletic organization. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits is the option to open up your own practice and become self-employed. More than half of the massage therapists in the US were self-employed in 2010. Many therapists work part-time and by appointments. A result of working based on appointments is that your hours worked can vary somewhat. Because the job can be somewhat demanding on the body, it is important to schedule time to receive care and allow it to recover and heal.

In order to become a masseuse, you will need to consider a number of factors. You must first start with understanding what it is to become a massage therapist. Then, you need to decide where you would like to go to school to get your formal training, where you will need to receive at least 500 hours of instruction. Depending upon the requirements of your state, you may or may not require certification to be licensed. Should you need to obtain certification, you can visit the NCBTMB for additional information. During your training, you should try to specialize in more than one form of massage. The different types of massage are called modalities. When you are ready to look for employment, you will have many different environments in which to choose from, whether you choose to work for someone else, or go into business for yourself. Make sure you check out some of the other articles on this site, to learn more about how to become a massage therapist.

The Truth About Massage Therapist Career

The life of a massage therapist may be a dream for some and a disaster others. There are a number of facets to massage therapy that many people do not want to have any part of, yet the career may interest a great deal of people as a branch of physical medicine. The truth behind being a massage therapist is that it is an often-thankless task that relieves a great deal of people of a large amount of pain.

Many people don't feel comfortable touching strangers. The massage therapist must touch strangers as a part of his or her occupation, and plenty of people respond negatively to this part of the role. There is often confusion with massage therapy around the idea that there is something sexual about massages, but the reality behind it is that the sexuality aspect is a myth.

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Did you know that many States require formal training and a national certification in order to practice massage therapy

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Movies and films have commonly developed the sexual aspect of massage, which isn't the reality of the situation - a massage is used to relieve pain and ease sore muscles. The reality behind massages shiatsu, for example, is that massage is a very healthy and helpful element to life and to healing. Many people that have massages shiatsu are often able to feel better without drugs or medications. Massage therapy has nothing to do with sexuality and everything to do with natural healing and pain relief.

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Significant point:according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics massage therapist employment is expected to grow faster than average over the 2004-2014 period as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy.

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A massage therapist may be an expert in therapeutic massages, for example. They are a great way to heal from injury or cramping. People in massage therapy often end up there because their doctor recommended that course of treatment. Therapy involving massage loosens muscles and strengthens joints through pressure, allowing the patient to gain strength.

The life of the massage therapist is very unique because of the many patients they'll see in their work experience. People have a wide variety of needs, which makes the industry a very complicated and varied field. The massage therapist must be ready to deal with all sorts of bodily injuries and body types. They must be comfortable with touch and with their hands, able to offer a brand of sensitivity to the body to help and heal.

The massage therapist can administer an incredible experience in massage therapy, enabling relief for people from their stressors. The massage therapist is a gifted physician in many areas of medicine, in a broad sense, and can be a significant part of the relief strategy for medical patients from various walks of life and conditions.

Treating Spondylolisthesis Through Physical Therapy Exercises

The word Spondylolisthesis comes from Greek; spondylos means spine and listhesis means to slip or slide. It is a condition in which a vertebra (bones that make up the spinal column) slips forward or shifts out of place, onto the vertebra below it, in the spine; thus, altering the alignment of the spine. The slipped bone or vertebra causes the nearby tissue and nerves to become irritated and painful.

Spondylolisthesis can be of the cervical (neck) or the lumbar (lower back) region. However, Spondylolisthesis is usually of the lumbar region therefore, we will be focusing on it. As stated, the lumbar is the lower back region, to be more precise, it is the area below the curve of the waist. Muscles and ligaments provide support to the five vertebrae that form the lumbar spine. This support helps keep the spine stable and provides ease of movement.

Types of Spondylolisthesis

• Congenital


• Isthmic


• Degenerative


• Traumatic


• Pathological


• Post-surgical

Causes

The factors that can cause Spondylolisthesis include degenerated bones, fractured bones, stress fracture and/or a narrow spinal canal.

Symptoms

Many patients do not have any symptoms of Spondylolisthesis, but, when the symptoms surface they are usually in the shape of sharp back pains, muscle spasms (usually hamstrings) and numbness in the feet.

Treatment

Spondylolisthesis can be treated in various ways but the most important is physical therapy, because PT strengthens the muscles and teaches the patient how to protect their spine from future injuries. The PT for Spondylolisthesis is usually divided into two phases i.e. Active and Passive.

Passive Treatment

Focuses on relaxing you and your body; you do not need to take active part in the therapy. These include:

• Deep tissue massages


• Hot and cold therapies


• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)


• ultrasound

Active Treatment

In this phase your physical therapist teaches you exercises and techniques that help improve your flexibility, stability and strength. This is thus, a self help or self treatment phase.

Your Guide to the Best Physical Therapy Marketing Tips

In order for any business to grow, there has to be a business strategy in place. Medical practitioners like physical therapists, also need to market their practice, expertise and services effectively. The question that a physical therapist would commonly ask is, "What am I going to do to get more patients?" Clearly, just like any business, the answer is "Strategy". What you need is to have an effective physical therapy marketing strategy.

To effectively market your physical therapy practice, keep in mind that it's not only all about getting patients but also to be able to constantly reinvent your strategies in order to keep up with the marketing trends. Your services should always remain competitive and cost effective so your patients would always come back to you. From time to time, if you're having difficulty promoting your practice, you can always refer to some experts.

Nevertheless, if you want to do some marketing on your own, here are some best therapy marketing tips you can follow.

1. First off, you really need to be good at your job. Your practice requires you to be efficient always. So make sure that you are. Doctors will vouch for you and recommend your services to their patients if they see that you are efficient.

2. Spread the word of your practice and expertise by giving out flyers or brochures. Not only make your flyers and brochures visually appealing but also, it's important that you put a detailed background of you as a physical therapist and the therapeutic procedures that you do.

3. Don't be afraid to try out new things. Explore online marketing. This is the fastest way to have your practice noticed. Make use of the internet as part of your marketing strategy. Spread the word by joining social media sites like Facebook and twitter, write a blog, have your own website, and you can write articles about your practice and services and submit it to online article directories. Online marketing as tool is limitless, you just need to explore and the good thing about it, it's for free.

Like time and technology, marketing strategies evolve. What's effective today may not be anymore tomorrow, so it's important that you keep an open mind in trying out new things. Your Physical therapy Marketing strategy besides continually keeping yourself updated with the latest trends in your practice, should always be competitive business wise, to keep up with competition. At this day and age, even though how good you are, if you don't know how to market your expertise, you may just not be on board like everybody else. I hope these tips will be useful in your quest to effectively run your physical therapy marketing strategy. Good luck.

Healthy Prostates Can Also Benefit From Massage as Preventative Therapy

Prostate massage is different from the medical procedure digital rectal exam as performed by a medical professional. Prostate massage is once again gaining popularity as doctors discover that prostate massage increases the effectiveness of antibiotics, antimicrobials or herbal remedies by facilitating circulation to the prostate gland. Research studies report that prostate massage is effective in reduction, and in some cases, curing prostate issues without drugs or surgery.

The whole purpose of this external prostate massage is to bring some new fresh circulation to the area and keep it fresh and healthy. Prostate massage is NOT recommended for men with prostate cancer, as you can cause the cancer to metastasize, or for men with a prostate infection, since the infection can spread through the release of bacteria into the blood stream.

According to the precepts of Oriental medicine, massage of this acupressure point is beneficial for optimal prostate health and sexual function. Prostate massage has long been used as a means of maintaining prostate health and to promote increased sexual health. Quite simply, prostate massage stimulates the prostate with a finger or massage tool with the intention of relaxation and/or pleasure. Healthy prostates can also benefit from massage as preventative therapy.

I have always suspected that massage is the key to a healthy prostate anyway and may prevent prostate cancer. It is nice, for once, to find something that is good for your health that does not have to be unpleasant or uncomfortable to use and really feels great. Get more healthy blood to the prostate gland and most prostate problems will disappear. Prostate health is essential for lifelong sexual pleasure and function. Regular ejaculations keep the prostate healthy by stimulating production of fresh prostatic fluid and bringing fresh blood to the area.

What are the benefits of doing this massage. The internal massage is by far the best massage for deep long term benefits. Prostate massage has since long been used as a means of maintaining prostate health, and to promote increased sexual health. Additional benefits of prostate massage include: creating positive energy, burning calories, reducing tension, and eliminating negative emotions like guilt and anger. However, most importantly, it is believed that regular prostate massage can provide numerous benefits like preventing prostate cancer and other prostate problems.

Prostate massage is considered a healthy activity for all men who are not experiencing severe symptoms of a prostate condition and is once again becoming more widely recommended as researchers discover that prostate massage complements and increases the effectiveness of antibiotics, antimicrobials or herbal remedies by facilitating circulation to the prostate gland. Today, it is fast becoming widely recommended, as prostate massage has been discovered to complement and enhance the effectiveness of antimicrobial, antibiotic and herbal remedies by facilitating prostate gland circulation.

Prostate massage is not recommended for men with prostate cancer, as you can cause the cancer to metastasize, or for men with a prostate infection, since the infection can spread. Even if you do not have any problems with your prostate yet, it is recommended that you do a massage once a month to prevent problems. Therefore, the American Urological Association has recommended a yearly prostate examination for every man over age 40 and an immediate examination for any man who develops persistent urinary symptoms If your physician suspects that you have prostatitis or another prostate problem, he or she may refer you to a urologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system) to confirm the diagnosis.

Pay attention to personal life, and cultivate good living habits to prevent excessive fatigue, flu prevention, cut tobacco, alcohol, spicy bogey stimulate diet. A healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards supporting lifelong prostate health. A diet rich in fiber and a clean colon will contribute enormously to a healthy prostate. You can put a stop to this harmful prostate problem from occurring by merely adjusting the things you do today in your life will make a huge difference tomorrow like changing your diet and exercising to deal with enlarged prostate.

A prostate massage is a great way to maintain a healthy prostate or to treat a swollen, painful prostate gland. If you have prostatis, prostate massage is recommended on a weekly basis. Prostate massage is both a therapeutical procedure, when it can relieve some of the prostatic pains or affections, as well as what is the well known prostate exam DRE [Digital Rectal Exam] in the world of prostate gland investigation methods.

Chiropractic Billing and Physical Therapy

THE GRATUITOUS DISCLAIMER
This article is not intended as a replacement for authorized chiropractic billing educational programs. The author is a Medical Biller and speaks mostly from practical experience as opposed to organized theory-based resources and materials. Certainly it is up to the reader to research the topics discussed with their individual insurance carriers.

ARE YOU LEAVING MONEY ON THE TABLE?
Most chiropractors add physiotherapy to their study courses while training for Chiropractic. Regular Physiotherapy. Unfortunately, many chiropractors do not take advantage of their Physiology licenses and therefore leave money on the table as far as insurance billing is concerned! Although some insurance plans will not cover Physical Therapy performed in the chiropractor's office (such as Medicare), there are plenty that do. If you find yourself too busy to perform therapy for your patient, hire a CA certified in Physiotherapy to handle the Physical Therapy part of their treatment.

More insurance money for you, but WHO ELSE BENEFITS?
Your patient benefits also from PT being performed in your office. It will facilitate their healing process, and if they complete their at home exercises, your patients will be less likely to re-injure themselves. So if you are not performing PT for and on your patients, you are doing yourself and them a disservice.

Check your PT coverage
When you, your staff or your billing service verify Chiropractic Insurance benefits, be sure to specifically ask for Physical Therapy benefits. Ask if Physical Therapy can be performed by a Chiropractor. If so, then ask if there is a separate deducible. Normally there is not, but you want to be sure. If you are contracted with the insurance carrier, ask what PT codes are covered. List the ones you are likely to perform in your office. If you are not contracted with the insurance carrier and do not know what specific codes are covered, bill out the PT codes you perform and see if they are covered.

Some of the most commonly paid and widely used Physical Therapy codes:

97010: Hot/cold packs (of late, BCBS and UHC does not pay for this procedure, but some ins companies do). Billed as one unit, not timed.

97110: One-on-one. Exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion and flexibility, one or more areas. Therapeutic exercise incorporates one parameter (strength, endurance, range of motion or flexibility) to one or more areas of the body. Examples include treadmill (for endurance), isokenetic exercise (for range of motion), each unit is 15 minutes. You can bill up to 3 units. Depending upon your location, you can charge up to $50.00 per unit. Basically, 97110 is any exercise your patient performs while he is in your office. These include and are not limited to assisted stretching, exercises on the ball, hip roll, seated roll, etc.

97112: One-on-one. Neuromuscular re-education of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and/or proprioception for sitting and/or standing activities, one or more areas. This code is intended to identify neuromuscular re-education, designed to re-educate the muscle for some function it was previously able to do (not intended to identify massage to increase circulation, etc). This will usually be in the form of some commonly performed task for that body part. 15 minute units. (Examples: feldenkreis, bobath, bap's boards, desensitization techniques...) Sometimes you will be asked for notes proving medical necessity if you use this code., so be sure it is medically necessary!

97140: One-on-one. Manual therapy techniques - myofacial release, mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction, trigger point - one or more regions, 15 minute units, charges can be up to $50.00 per unit, and a good average is from 1 to 3 units.

97140 is used to describe therapy which increases active pain-free range of motion, increased extensibility of myofascial tissue and facilitates return to functional activities. This code is reported in units of 15 minutes. It would include neuromuscular therapy, positional release, stretching and nearly any therapeutic technique performed manually for the purposes mentioned above. This therapy is to be performed on an area separate and apart from the area of main complaint in order to successfully bill to insurance. Append the 59 modifier to this code.

97124: One-on-one Massage, including effleurage, petrissage and/or stroking, compression, percussion, one or more areas, each 15 minutes

The main difference between 97124 and 97140 is the intention of the therapy.

If the therapist is performing therapeutic massage in order to increase circulation and promote tissue relaxation to the muscles, then use code 97124. If treatment is based on or consists of a basic relaxation massage, this is the code to use. If, however, your intention is to increase pain-free range of motion and facilitate a return to functional activities, use the code 97140. And don't forget the modifier!

97535: Activities of daily living - self-care, home management training - direct one-on-one contact with the provider, 15 minute units. This can consist of giving the patient exercises that he/she can perform at home. You can demonstrate the exercises and give them a print out with diagrams and directions on it. Some insurance companies pay, some don't. One small insurance company I know of allows 25.00 for 1 unit. Depending upon location, a DC can bill up to $50.00 per unit, and not normally over 1 unit. Perform this service and bill this code only once every 8 weeks or so.

A WORD ABOUT DOCUMENTATION
DCs are on the hot seat these days with insurance carriers because of their lack of proper documentation. If you don't write it down, you didn't perform the therapy! Record the type of exercises performed, and if the code is a timed unit, record the start and end times of your therapy.

Alternatives For Physical Therapy Continuing Education

Physical therapy continuing education is distinctive from state to state, based on their requirements and conditions imposed to physical therapists and assistants. Should you be prepared to begin a career in this domain, this provides major chances, starting with public and private colleges and universities offering health courses. They give a range of opportunities for the physical therapy continuing education idea through their applications, offering both traditional classroom and distance learning settings. These types of continuing education degrees can be obtained through four primary programs:

- if you have obtained a bachelor' s degree in other domain and you are motivated to become a physical therapist, you can apply for a two years Direct Entry Master' s degree. Physical therapy concepts classic learning is the objective of the first year of this course, and the second year focuses on internship clinical experiencing settings.

- the Transitional Master' s degree targets those who previously obtained a bachelor' s degree in physical therapy preceding the modifications in continuing education requirements, permitting bachelor degree holders to go on with their education experience in an effort to meet the current conditions.

- a Direct Entry Doctorate degree is one year longer than the direct master' s, but by getting this degree you can earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. It will earn you a better revenue and the entitlement of doctor.

- if you have a bachelor' s or a master' s degree in physical therapy, you are accepted to attend a doctorate program - the Transitional Doctorate degree

The five most popular specialty segments in physical therapy continuing education are:

- Orthopedic, in which physical therapists have to diagnose, manage and treat patients with musculature injuries and offer remedy assistance for patients who have suffered orthopedic surgical procedure. Some of the few areas physical therapist specialize in are configured by amputations, arthritis, joint, acute sport injuries.

- Geriatric is the field that typically aims the elders and if you decide on geriatric physical therapy continuing education, you can choose between various areas such as hip and joint replacement, arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer pulmonary fibrosis, Alzheimer' s disease.

- the Neurological field gets physical therapists specialized in dealing with Alzheimer' s disease, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy and many other.

- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation addresses those showing their interest in focusing on patients with heart diseases, coronary bypass surgery, pulmonary diseases, pulmonary fibrosis and other.

Pediatric is the area that specializes in treating children, adolescents and infants being exposed to congenital, muscular, skeletal, developmental problems and also treating children with cerebral palsy, spinal and other.

A physical therapy continuing education can be attained by completing the programs either traditionally, on campus, or via Internet, through online programs. Internet programs grant continuing education for physical therapists, occupational therapists and physical occupational therapy assistants. This way, they assure the quality of the physical continuing therapy education and the means to assist students encounter their professional targets. If you are overly busy for traditional education, the virtual implementation for physical therapy continuing education is much easier and convenient. They can be finalized in your own time, at whatever time it is most suitable to you, and are done so far by rehabilitation professionals for rehabilitation professionals.

Benefits of A Hot Stone Massage

There are key points on the human body where a massage therapist can place smooth basalt or hardened lava stones to help the body relax and release tension or pain. These rocks have usually been smoothed by water and treated with heat before being placed on the body. They can bring great relief to rigid muscles plagued by continuous dull pain and help to reduce stress and anxiety. As a form of alternative medicine, hot stone treatments are becoming the effective holistic treatment of choice for many devotees to help the body function better.

Muscle Relaxation
The main benefit of using hot stones to relax muscles is that it enables a therapist to more easily perform deep tissue massage. This targets the connective tissue in the body and gets rid of chronic knots that tend to form in the shoulders and back.

Stones are placed on a patient's back, between the toes, or at places on the body that are thought to be energy centers. If the therapist uses massage oils, the heat from the smooth rocks is pushed over muscles to warm them and start the relaxation process. Then the therapist uses his hands to massage the back.

Finally, the heated stones are placed on the back again and left in place for a while. Sometimes, stones are also placed in the palms to relax muscles. If any muscles are inflamed or injured, a therapist may also alternate hot stones with cold stones.

Pain Relief
For many centuries, healers have used hot stones to relieve pain. Health experts believe the stones work well with managing pain because they help the recipient remain calm and and let go of stress. A low-stress state makes it easier to release pain. Additionally, the heat from the stones gives an intensity not present with other kinds of therapy like Swedish massage.

Improved Circulation
Heat also acts as a trigger for opening the blood vessels and improving circulation. A body with good circulation has blood vessels that carry more oxygen to the muscles, helping them to relax. Most people do not realized how constantly tense muscles are tied to chronic fatigue or that a tired body is usually one that has poor circulation. Deep massaging brings more vitality to tissues in the body and keeps blood flowing evenly.

Mental Benefits
Regular stress triggers a set of chemical reactions in the body. Under stress, the body releases two hormones: adrenaline and cortisol. The heartbeat races, blood pressure rises, breathing elevates and the entire body can tend to tense. When a hot stone massage places the body in a relaxed state, all of these chemical responses stop. The mind is in a calmer place. Other triggers a therapist may use enhance this calming effect are soothing music or calming soundscapes like softly chirping birds or running water.

What Kind of Touching is Appropriate in Thailand?

Once I was traveling in Mexico, and I met a girl from Spain. Like me, she was backpacking around the country and we spent a few days hiking and sightseeing together. Then we both continued on our separate ways. When we said our good byes, she kissed me on the cheeks, and I hugged her. Both of us were a little surprised and uncomfortable.

In those days I did not know that kissing on the cheeks is a normal way of greeting in several European countries. And she did not know that hugging is quite a normal exchange among friends in the US. However in the US we do not kiss on the cheeks when we greet someone and in Spain people don't hug casual friends. So I was a little surprised by her kiss and she was surprised by my hug.

Now I live in Thailand, and touching is an interesting subject here. Girls often walk around hand in hand, and men sometimes put their arm around the shoulder of an another man in a casual way. In social gatherings Thais often have body contact, but only in a casual way.

In America it would be considered quite strange to see two women walking around holding hands, or a man with an arm around the shoulder of another. In social settings we generally avoid body contact. Two touches are ok: hand shakes and sometimes a hug. Hugs can be a quick little slap on the back or can be really heartfelt among friends or in a situation where we console someone who is sad or grieving.

But in Thailand the casual touching does not include hugs. Actually hugging is not done here and is considered very inappropriate. Thais don't hug each other at all and foreigners who hug in public draw disapproving looks. Men and women do not hold hands in public and kissing in public is seen as strange or even offensive. The casual touch is ok, more so than in the US, but any meaningful, heartfelt way of touching is not ok. Also touching of someone's head is seen as very inappropriate.

Until western habits gained a foothold in Thailand, kissing amongst lovers did not exist either. Instead Thais smelled each other's cheeks. Western-style handshakes are not appropriate either. Instead, Thais put the palms of their hands together and bow slightly, depending on their social status.

One way of touching is quite common in Thailand, and that is Thai massage. In the professional massage setting touch is enjoyed and appreciated. It is also quite common to see women give each other a little neck and shoulder massage during the work day. Men, however, don't do that.

Like in many countries, massage is sometimes used as a come-on for sexual services, but most massage shops are clean and legitimate.

Keep in mind that touching habits in Thailand are quite different from our western ways. Some Thais who have spent a lot of time in the west are more comfortable with hand shakes or even a hug, but in general the best advice is to avoid touching Thais in any way. If you want to be touched here, treat yourself to a Thai massage or oil massage which is available everywhere for just a few dollars per hour. This is one of the great luxuries of living in Thailand.

Acupoint Massage Therapy: The Benefits

Day to day living in modern times does not always recognize massage therapy as a primary mode of healing. A lot of times, people - Westerners mostly - view this practice as a mere indulgence, perhaps even a luxury on vacation or when they really had a stressful day.

Only a handful of people realize that the tension-releasing effects of this traditional Chinese practice is rooted in a long history of treating various ailments. Massage therapy is actually an accepted mode of healing in Eastern cultures for centuries now. And the fact that it is still around, being practiced more than ever in even the most remote countries, should tell contemporary society something - maybe the awesome staying power it has displayed so far indicates there is something worth studying in massage therapy. After all, it is easy, soothing and inexpensive, with a whole host of interesting benefits.

This procedure is a greatly effective treatment for those experiencing a lot of physical discomfort. It is actually pretty common for patients to succumb to massage therapy if they want to relieve their pain. Even in the most modern hospitals, their physical therapy treatment for patients looking to rehabilitate their injuries consists mainly of massage-type processes.

As adults grow even older, blood pressure becomes a lot difficult to manage. Regular massages can help with this as well. Research has shown that massage therapy may have a hand in reducing hypertension, which is a common problem among older folk.

The fact that massages result in complete relaxation and rejuvenation also plays a huge part in health and general wellness. It keeps you energized and ready to face the day, but also, massages keep your stress levels down. This is very significant because stress kills cells that are specifically important for immunity (which is why we find ourselves more susceptible to all kinds of sickness whenever we are stressed). Because massages keep us from feeling stressed, it indirectly causes our bout of good health too.

And of course, what is more important than being happy and staying that way? Good health aside (of course that will make anyone joyful), getting massages is an incredibly effective way to attain happiness - it is biologically proven. According to studies, a light massage is enough for the body to release a significant amount of oxytocin, the hormone that's associated with feelings of contentment.

These are only a few of the endless advantages of accepting massage therapy as a viable alternative to medical treatment.