Massage Therapy Ethics and Etiquette

There is no avoiding this simple fact about massage therapy: Providing or receiving the healing power of touch is intimate. And intimacy, even in the most professional settings, can expose vulnerabilities and lead to uncomfortable and even awkward situations.

It is the responsibility of the massage therapist to create an environment that is conducive to a healthy, relaxing and satisfying experience for the client. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the client to communicate with the massage therapist in a manner that allows the therapist to provide the service in a manner that puts the client at ease.

An experienced massage therapist will be able to guide the recipient through the massage process so that there is little confusion about some of the basic areas that cause embarrassment or confusion.

Take It All Off?

The amount of clothing worn during a massage is dependent on the type of massage being administered. It is normal to be completely undressed during a full body Swedish massage but is not absolutely necessary. If a client prefers to wear panties or briefs during the massage that is fine. Frankly, the client should be able to wear whatever makes them most comfortable. Regardless, the therapist will appropriately drape the client so that only the areas of the body being massaged are exposed.

The therapist will usually instruct the client about what to expect before they begin undressing. The therapist will then leave the room and allow the client to undress and get comfortable on the massage table under a sheet or towel. The massage therapist will then uncover only the area of the body being massaged.

Touchy Feely

There are a variety of reasons that an individual may want a massage: stress relief, relaxation, general wellness, enhance circulation, improved flexibility, etc. No matter what the reason for the massage the therapist is always under the obligation to respect the boundaries set by the client and to establish his or her own boundaries.

Therapeutic massage is, by nature, a sensual experience. However, it is not intended to be a sexual experience. If a client, male or female, makes any overtly sexual requests or suggestions then the therapist is obligated to professionally and forcefully identify the inappropriateness of these comments. Conversely, no therapist should take liberties or make assumptions relative to what parts of the body can be touched.

In general, it is never appropriate to touch the genitals during a massage session. The client cannot expect to be touched sexually and the therapist cannot touch a client in a sexual manner. Either case will betray the trust in the relationship between the two parties...to say nothing of the potential for legal and ethical issues.

And let's be clear. While there are documented benefits of breast massage, it is not, and should not be, included in a total body massage. Breasts are off limits unless a very special request is made of a qualified therapist. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork includes a specific policy in its Standards of Practice. The Board states that therapists may "only provide therapeutic breast massage as indicated in the plan of care, and only after receiving informed voluntary consent from the client." That being said, breast massage is legally restricted in some states.

An experienced massage therapist, male or female, will know how to deflect sexual advances by a client. If a subtle response does not do the job then a forceful statement or ending the session will be the correct response. Any client who feels that they are being touched inappropriately should feel confident in their right to speak up. If it is incidental contact or just an accident the therapist will apologize and continue with the client's discomfort noted accordingly.

Extracurricular Activity

As stated earlier, touch is intimate. Permission for such intimacy is accorded based on the massage therapist's professionalism and the trust of the client. At the same time, a relationship is established...a professional relationship but a relationship nonetheless. Understanding and honoring the boundaries of that relationship will allow both parties to fill their roles appropriately.

It is generally accepted that there ought not to be any personal relationship between the therapist and a paying client. Allowing the relationship to expand beyond the massage table to a social or even romantic connection is to invite a host of ethical dilemmas. A therapist could be perceived as taking advantage of a client who might be in a vulnerable state due to stress or physical ailment. In the state of Washington it is illegal to date a client within two years of the last session. That is strict stuff and is as likely to protect a therapist from misunderstandings as it is to protect a client.

Borders and Boundaries

Providing the healing power of touch is an honorable and ancient profession. The benefits of massage therapy are numerous and continue to gain acceptance as a mainstream health practice. No one should ever have to feel uncomfortable about getting a massage and they won't if they are in the hands of a well-trained and ethically centered massage professional.

Is Swedish Massage Therapy Right for Me?

There are more than eighty different massage modalities practiced from all over the world today. For this reason, the public has many options to choose from when it comes to relaxing from a good healthy massage. When it comes to choosing the right method of massage therapy, people always come up finding the Swedish massage therapy to be the most practical and commonly used type of therapeutic massage. This is true not only in the US but also on most parts of the world today.

Swedish massage has been around for a long time and has proven to be effective in relieving stress as well as pain in our body. It is an amazing natural technique which only involves consistent hand strokes and kneading movements using elbow, knee, palm and the fingers to accomplish this kind of therapeutic experience. You will surely love it as your whole body will benefit from it and you can have a good time relaxing and removing all the unwanted stress and burden in your body.

A Swedish massage therapy session will rejuvenate your stressed out body and feel the soothing effect of a reconditioned body. It is beneficial as it gives your body a good oxygen circulation which in return helps in relieving stress. The gentle yet firm strokes done to your body will aid in removing and releasing tensions on your body which are responsible for muscle cramps, spasms, and sprains.

So if you're planning on having a good Swedish massage session, check out some of these basic rules and guidelines on what to do in preparation and during your scheduled session for it to be enjoyable and tension-free for both you and the massage therapist. All you need to do is to follow these simple rules before you get started:

Arrive 30 minutes earlier than your scheduled time as being late is a no-no in every situation, especially on a massage session.

Make sure that you had an appointment with your doctor prior to your massage therapy session and have consulted on the possibility of whether you are not allowed to have one.

Eating light meals is the best way to go when having a schedule for a massage therapy. This is for your comfort during your therapy as eating heavy meal is not advisable as it is not healthy and will only give you a hard time and an uncomfortable experience during your supposedly relaxing experience at the massage spa.

The cost of a massage is also a factor when searching for the right one as the affordability of the service should also be considered. The cost for a Swedish massage therapy session often varies depending on where you are getting it. It also varies from place to place and who does the service for you as some massage therapist asks for higher prices than the others. Although you don't have to cheap out on this, searching for a massage saloon with a reasonable price is the best thing to do if you are into massage therapy.

Massage Therapy Colleges in North America

Find Massage Therapy Colleges in the United States and Canada. Massage therapy colleges provide versatile training programs in a wide array of bodywork modalities and other natural healing therapies.

Depending on available healing arts programs, some massage therapy colleges extend introductory massage classes in basic massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology that may be as brief as a weekend seminar or as an advanced course of study that may encompass over 1,000 training hours.

In a number of massage therapy colleges, prospective students may apply to a professional massage therapist certificate programs whereby candidates are afforded in-depth instruction and hands-on training in a vast assortment of massage methods, including: shiatsu or Watsu (a form of aquatic shiatsu), Zen body therapy, trigger point myotherapy, reflexology, Thai or Chinese medical massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, Trager therapy, craniosacral therapy, Tai Chi, structural integration, Swedish massage, Rolfing, Lomi-Lomi and many others.

Some massage therapy colleges specialize in specific healing arts modalities such as reflexology, Qigong, prenatal or infant massage, orthopedic massage and the like. Several massage therapy colleges may offer certification in one or more of aforementioned training programs; and in some cases, may even extend degree opportunities in medical massage.

While each state and province differ in certification and/or licensing requirements, one should examine various massage therapy colleges for accreditation, curriculum, and tuition costs. While many massage therapy colleges make efforts to meet standards and requirements set by governing massage therapy boards, it is essential that potential students determine which courses of study will meet those standards - for example, if you are primarily taking a short course to gain an introduction to the art, then you may not be eligible to become nationally certified;* likewise, national certification is applicable to those students who have acquired a minimum of 500 training hours. (Applicable in the US) Some massage therapy colleges provide 300 training hours, which meet some state certification requirements; however, in order to become nationally certified, students must arrange to take additional advanced courses to earn eligibility to take the national certification exam.

Canadian students, who desire professional careers in massage therapy will find, too, that a number of provinces require licensure. In this case, a certain standard of training hours* must be met prior to becoming a licensed, practicing massage therapist. (Hours vary from province to province.) It is important that prospective students review curriculums at potential massage therapy colleges prior to enrollment.

Massage therapy colleges can provide promising educational opportunities to candidates interested in working the natural and complementary health care industry. Today, massage therapists can earn lucrative wages exceeding $30 per hour.* (Earnings depend on education, experience and geographical location.)

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy colleges, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Massage Therapy Colleges in North America
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

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

Physical Therapy Degree - Where Do You Get Your Physical Therapy Degree?

There are many people who want to get a physical therapy degree. However, some of those people don't know where they need to go to get their degree for physical therapy. On the contrary, there are many places that you can go to get your physical therapy degree. You just need to know where to start your search.

Firstly, you can go to a college or a university to get the physical therapy degree that you want. You will need to find the college that you want to attend. Then you will need to go talk to someone at that college to find out what classes you would need to take to get the degree in physical therapy.

You will have to attend classes for a number of years, usually four, in order to get a degree in physical therapy. This profession is a very noble one. You will be helping people recover over a period of time with physical therapy. There are also a number of places that you can work when you have your degree such as hospitals or nursing homes. These are only two of the many places that you can find a job. You just need to look for them because there is a shortage of physical therapists and you will have a number of job openings that you can choose from.

Secondly, you can get your physical therapy degree online. There are many colleges and universities that will now allow you to get your degree through the internet. You may not be able to do everything you need to for this degree online. There will likely be some supplementary classes or tutorials that you will have to take at a local college or university.

You want to check into all of the online schools that you can find before you decide on which one to get your degree at. You want to make sure that they have what you need to complete your degree. You also want to find out how much of your degree can be completed online and how much you have to go to a college for. That way you will be able to decide if it would be better for you to get your degree online or to just go to a college to begin with.

These are two of the best ways for you to get your degree for physical therapy. Just make sure that you research all your options before you decide on one. In that way, you can be assured that you will find the best option for you to get your physical therapy degree.

A Few Interesting Facts on Hot Stone Massage Therapy

A hot stone massage is a therapy that has numerous benefits. It is a type of massage that uses a heated massage rock and a Swedish massage to heal and relax the body. Many people avail of this massage because of its many therapeutic effects. It is not only a form of relaxation but also an effective solution to aches and pains of the body. Here are some beneficial effects of this type of massage other than calming the body.

o It puts the mind in a meditative state and therefore is good for people experiencing insomnia and difficulty of sleep because of stress.
o It releases tension on the muscles. It is very good for muscles that are injured, weak and tight.
o It enhances the lymphatic system decreasing the body's susceptibility to infection.
o It has a consoling and soothing effect and has been proven to treat depression.
o It is considered as one form of pain management and recommended for people with back pains and arthritis.

People these days are so prone to stress that there is no doubt physical and mental fatigue will eventually set in. In order to relieve some of the tension from the body, you often find other ways on how to feel relaxed and a hot stone massage therapy is one of the popular choices. It is the perfect way of alleviating pain and promoting overall health of an individual.

You already know the beneficial effects it provides but sometimes you ask yourself on how many times is it really ideal to get a hot stone massage. There really is no actual limitation on how many times you should have a stone massage therapy but the average occurrence to a massage client is approximately once a month. But this number is really dependent on the person and his lifestyle. For instance, one person may engage in a job that requires him to seat on a chair for more than 8 hours. This type of job will usually bear a strain on the muscles and it is recommended to take the massage twice a month.

A two hour treatment of a hot stone massage therapy will take you in a deeper sense of relaxation. The tension and muscle spasms in your body will simply melt away as the massage rock and Swedish massage create the perfect massage atmosphere. The heat and the massage will gradually open up the energy centers of the body and will leave you feeling rejuvenated in no time.

Getting a hot stone massage therapy is good for the body. It may be a little more expensive than a regular massage but the effects can be remarkable. You cannot reverse the aging process of the body but at least you can slow it down with the proper diet, regular exercise and a massage once in awhile. So invest in a hot stone massage to boost your energy levels and live a healthier happier lifestyle.

Essential Tips in Choosing a Good Massage Therapist

A good massage therapist is one who can effectively use massage techniques to relieve the stress, tension, and other problems that you have. Deciding when to have a massage is easy the hard part is choosing a therapist who can deliver your needs.

Choosing a good massage therapist is very important because they are trained to deal with proper manipulation and kneading of the human body. This is important because many people don't realize that in the United States many individuals without massage training can open their own massage business just as long as they don't claim that they are licensed or are recipients of training certificates.

With that in mind, how do you choose a good therapist? What questions should you ask? And what qualities should you expect from this person?

First, you can always ask your friends for recommendations however you may still be not satisfied with their choice so here are the things that you should look for in a therapist.

Credentials

You should ask your potential massage therapist for license and/or certification, where he was schooled, what trainings he has undergone, and length of practice. Rules of certification vary from state to state but generally, MT's are required at least 600 hours of classroom instruction.

Holding certificates and participating in advanced training is rather important, it means that he values continuously educating and improving himself. Common MT designations depending on state are: LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist), LMP (Licensed Massage Practitioner), RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) and CMT (Certified Massage Therapist).

Massage Supplies, Tools, Equipment, and Linens

Ask your MT for the types of oils and lotions he uses and look at the ingredients especially if you are the type who has sensitive skin. There is a wide selection of massage products out there, you can decide whether you want scented or unscented and water-based or organic.

Massage tools, equipment, and most importantly linens should be clean and free of oil stains. If you spot oil stains on their sheets it should be a warning sign that this MT does not value hygiene.

Communication

A good massage therapist would be willing to discuss with you what your expectations are and the style of massage that your prefer. Also a good one should be skilled at adjusting his depth of touch to the needs of the client as some clients are not satisfied by light touches while others find deep massage as painful.

Appointment and Rates

Inquire as to how you can make appointments and whether or not he has an office or if he can home service.

Inquire about rates i.e. you want how much do they charge for a particular type of massage using aromatherapy oil. Ask your potential MT for the types of payment he accepts, credit cards, check, or cash. This is important since a lot of people don't carry more than enough cash with them.

Having a massage is a personal experience; therefore take the time to find a good massage therapist to take care of your needs in order for you to have the best massage experience.

The Healing Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Traditionally, massage has been considered a luxury service intended to relieve stress and promote relaxation. However, in recent years, massage has gone from a method of relaxation to one of medical treatment. In fact, massage therapy is offered in many hospitals and clinics as treatment for various illnesses and health complications.

Massage is often promoted for use in the treatment of conditions like the following:

Hypertension

Migraine

Arthritis

Anxiety and depression

Pain relief

Orthopedic conditions

Rehabilitation after injury

Insomnia

Certain types of cancer

When it comes to the treatment and prevention of disease, massage can help stimulate positive physiological reactions in the body that promote healing and healthy growth, as well as strengthen immunity. The relaxation aspect of massage lends to its healing capabilities, as it leads to an increase of feel good chemicals in the brain. These chemicals, including dopamine, endorphins and serotonin, reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure, as well as improve overall health and wellness.

The manipulation of the skin that is associated with massage can also offer the benefit of improved circulation. This advantage is especially important, as increased blood flow to all areas of the body ensures proper nourishment to cells. By receiving sufficient nutrition, cells are better equipped to protect themselves from danger, as well as repair damage done by toxins and impurities. Improved circulation can also help the body rid itself of impurities, which is necessary in maintaining good health.

There are several different massage techniques available, each of which offers its own unique benefits. The following are the most common types of massage:

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage techniques involve slow kneading and a good amount of pressure. One of the most popular techniques in the world, deep tissue massage is often used to promote relaxation, and is also used in post-injury rehabilitation.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage techniques are most often used to increase energy and circulation. This type of massage involves deep circular movements, as well as vibration and tapping.

Trigger Point Massage

This type of technique involves the manipulation of sensitive areas, or trigger points. Trigger points can vary from patient to patient, and are areas that suffer from excess tension and stress. Trigger point massage techniques can promote healing after injury, relieve aches and pains and reduce stress and anxiety.

Sports Massage

Common among athletes, sports massage techniques help relax muscles, joints and ligaments in order to prevent and treat injuries. This type of massage also improves circulation and relieves aches and pains.

Although massage therapy is becoming increasingly common, it is not recommended for everyone. In some cases, such as those involving tumors, burns or open wounds, massage can make matters worse. In order to prevent a worsening of symptoms, a doctor should be consulted before beginning a massage regimen.

Hot Stone Massage Explained

Hot stone massage is a popular combination of a light massage technique aided by hot stones for relaxing stiff and tension muscles all over the patient' body. Swedish massage is probably the most commonly used massage therapy for this type of therapeutic massage as it is done in a gentle and smooth manner. The most common type of stone used on the patient's body is basalt rock. The reason for this is because of its ability to retain heat for a long time unlike the other stones. These stones are usually sanitized before being used on the patient's body.

The person responsible for making this massage type popular all over the world is an Arizona massage therapist named Mary Nelson. However, this massage technique is used for many centuries ago as an alternative medicine to promote a healthy condition. La-Stone Therapy was a modified version of hot stone massaged developed by Mary Nelson.

The basalt or other types of stones used are usually placed on a preheated water container until they reach the desirable and appropriate temperature suitable for this type of therapeutic massage. An electric heating device is commonly used as it is more convenient to heat things there than any other type of heating device. Stones that are not warm enough or lost their warmth are replaced and immersed back in the water and heated again in the electric heating device.

In a hot stone massage therapy session, the process is similar with any of the conventional massage therapy where the patient is required to undress and comfortably lie down on the massage bed. However, unlike the other massage styles, hot stone massage starts its therapy by warming up the patient's body with the help of hot stones positioned on the various meridian points located all over the body. The warmth of these stones helps a lot in releasing tension and calming the body parts of the patient as a preparation for a good massage therapy. The massage therapist also uses oil or lotion as a lubricant on the patient's body for a smooth and friction-free manipulation of the various massage strokes. The therapist has the liberty of using hot stones placed on both hands as he or she massages the patient. These stones are replaced with new stones in case the heat doesn't meet the appropriate temperature required for this massage therapy method. Most of the time during a massage session, the massage therapist doesn't remove the hot stones on the patient's body key points as he or she works all over the body.

Many people are getting hooked with this type of massage therapy because of its wonderful effect on the patient's body after the massage therapy session. This type of massage therapy is suitable for individuals who prefer to relax with a lighter and gentler massage therapy. People with body pain often find this technique relieving, relaxing and energizing. It is also a good way of removing emotional and physical stress by getting your energy re-balanced for a healthier body condition.

Massage Training in the 21st Century

Find Massage Training in the United States and Canada. While massage therapy has an age-old history, massage training today has taken this healing art to a whole new level by integrating a variety of bodywork modalities to meet growing health demands of people from all walks of life.

In addition to basic massage training, students enrolled in one of several massage therapy schools gain essential skills and knowledge to compete in the increasingly growing job market. Today, it is not unusual for students to learn fundamental theories and principles of the art, in addition to hands-on training in sports massage, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. Likewise, students enrolled in a massage training program will begin to comprehend kinesiology and the application, thereof. Advanced massage training courses often include natural health concepts, herbology, aromatherapy, nutrition, and progressive massage techniques.

Though a great number of massage training programs involve at least 300 class and clinical hours, more and more healing arts schools are beginning to present more in-depth training options, entailing upwards of 1,000 hours or more. In cases such as these, students will qualify for state certification and national certification as well.

One can expect to encounter a vast assortment of practical massage training classes as diverse as their names imply. For example, Tuina is a Chinese medical massage that integrates meridian therapy into bodywork. This massage training is commonly taught at Oriental medicine schools, as well at a number of massage schools.

It is no longer uncommon for major sports teams to have a sports massage therapist at the ready, so if you’re interested in helping athletes, specialized massage training in sports massage may be ideal for this career goal. Other fascinating massage training options that may be of interest include animal and equine massage. Since public opinion for natural healing techniques has favorably shifted in recent years, more pet and horse owners are turning to animal/equine massage as a non-invasive alternative for common musculoskeletal disorders and conditions.

The growing trend of combining mind, body and spirit medicine has become quite the phenomenon. For instance, students wanting to become entrepreneurs in the field will find that many massage training programs now carry extra education in spa and salon management. Common massage training classes in these programs entail aromatherapy and aromatherapy massage, spa and salon management fundamentals, essential oils, body wraps, facials, holistic skin care treatments; and an assortment of bodywork methods including facial massage, craniosacral therapy, hand massage, Swedish and Thai massage, as well as other related practices.

Overall, massage training is the modern complement to both conventional and alternative medicine and is quickly gaining leeway in the educational industry. In many cases, students who qualify may apply for financial aid programs and other scholarship options that are now afforded through a number of accredited massage colleges and schools. Once candidates have successfully completed all massage training and education, they have an assortment of work settings from which to choose – whether on the playing field, on the horse track, in a primary care clinic or on a sea-faring cruiser, massage therapists can enjoy both professional and personal rewards of the trade.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage training, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Massage Training in the 21st Century
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

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

Deep Tissue Massage Therapy Benefits

The What

As the name suggests, deep tissue massage therapy focuses on the deepest layers of muscle tissue. Through a series of carefully controlled strokes and applied pressure, the therapist attempts to release chronic tension stored in the body. Although it is a massage, deep massage is an intense and highly focused therapy that may cause slight soreness during or immediately after your treatment. When done correctly, this soreness should disappear within a day or two.

The Why

At this point you may wonder what the benefit is to receiving a deep tissue massage and that curiosity is well founded. When most people are searching for a massage they want a soothing experience and the idea of mild discomfort can be off putting. Don't be quick to look past this valuable service however because the ultimate benefits can far outweigh those temporary effects.

Sore muscles are frequently the result of inflammation and a build up of toxins within the muscle tissue. During your deep tissue massage the therapist will work the muscles to release the toxins and restore normal blood and oxygen flow to those regions of the body. Note: Because of the release of toxins, drinking lots of water after your treatment is very important.

The When

Deep tissue massage therapy is recommended for individuals that suffer from chronic pain, are involved in frequent physical activity (such as an athlete) or patients with physical injuries. This technique is better for clients seeking massage that will stimulate and treat chronic conditions as opposed to one time massage sessions for tension relief. This type of therapy is wonderful for those undergoing physical therapy and seeking additional or holistic pain relief.

The Who

Deep tissue massage should not be used on clients who have had recently performed surgery. Clients with cardiovascular disease or heart conditions should avoid this type of treatment as well as pregnant women or recent patients from chemo or radiation therapies. The intensive nature and release of toxins can cause serious ramifications with these conditions and should never be undergone without the specific consent of a physician.

The Where

Deep tissue massage therapy is available in day spas and clinics across the country. Don't be afraid to ask the credentials of your massage therapist. Remember that massage and bodywork is designed to ease muscle relief and can be a very personal experience - trust in your therapist is key to establishing a good and mutually beneficial relationship. Do not trust your body and heath to someone that has not received the proper training or you don't feel comfortable with.

Conclusion

Learning more about massage therapy and the benefits available to you is a wonderful way to seek out new treatments for your existing and ongoing conditions. Remember that deep tissue massage therapy is designed to be a healing experience for the body and can cause mild discomfort as your therapist reaches the deepest levels of muscle tension to release built up toxins. Learn about your therapist and ask questions about what benefits you can expect from this wonderful treatment!

How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant

Are you interested in becoming an occupational therapist? Do you know what is the scope and importance of the same in future? If your answer to the above is yes, then you should know in depth the steps as to How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant? If you have been searching for the same for a long time, but did not anything useful, don't worry. This article will provide you a brief insight as to How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant.

The first and foremost step in making a career and How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant or O.T.A is to find out the requirements to work in this profession. to become a licensed or registered O.T.A, one must attend a school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (A.C.O.T.E) to be eligible to write the national certifying exams. In 2009 there were 135 A.C.O.T.E programs for O.T.A's.

An associates degree in this subject is 2 years in length. The first year of study will be an introduction to healthcare, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. This will be the primary year to learn the bulk of knowledge from books and using memory. In an associates degree program the 2nd year will become more stern and rigorous as you will be learning courses on mental health, physical disabilities, effects of aging. Students are also required to participate in a clinical internship as part of the program, which usually consists of roughly 16 weeks of on the job training. This is to best prepare the students to step out into the real world and find a job working under a licensed occupational therapist.

If the career of an occupational therapy assistant sounds right for you, you can increase your chances of receiving admissions in this subject by ensuring you have strong grades in high school courses that relate to biology and health studies. Volunteer work in a nursing setting, or under the guidance of a occupational therapist will also help with receiving an offer of admissions.

However, the most important step in How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant is that you need to ensure that the course you choose is recognized by A.C.O.T.E and you are eligible to sit in on the national certification exam upon graduation. Having the right attitude is also of extreme importance, as in this profession you are often working with those that have communicative disorders or whom have extreme difficulty with communications. This requires a high level of patience, and compassion, this career is not for everyone, to say patience is a requirement for this profession is an understatement.

The National Board for Certifying Occupational Therapy is responsible for certifying occupational therapist assistants via a national certifying exam. Individuals who pass this exam will be awarded a title of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant or C.O.T.A. Some states still have their own licensing exam and this will only meet requirements for regulation in given states, it is best to research first. Part of being an O.T.A's is to continue upgrading education through workshops and continuing education courses. This is a requirement of C.O.T.A and ensures these professionals have the highest standard of learning and education. We recommend this certification to all prospective O.T.A's.

Now that you have an idea of how to become an occupational therapy assistant, you can decide if this challenging and rewarding career is for you.

Massage Techniques - Health Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurvedic massage techniques provide respite, circulation and elimination of toxins. If implemented as a daily practice, Ayurvedic massage techniques can even help to revitalize the body.

In ancient times, Ayurvedic clinics did not frequently offer massage, as everybody gave and received it. Only when patients needed a particular treatment, they were referred to massage specialists that used the suitable Ayurvedic massage techniques.

Today in India , massagers roam the public places in great number and give head and body a go for a few chunks of rupees. Although they often have little knowledge of Ayurveda but they do know how to work with muscles, joints and bones. Many have received training based on the massage developed by wrestlers and body builders.

Ayurvedic doctors who were also wrestlers developed a special system of their own that contained the knowledge of the Ayurvedic as well as Unani (Greek) systems of medicine. These conventional Indian massage techniques are based on the Ayurvedic humors (vata, pitta and kapha) and marmas (pressure points like in reflexology). They also comprise Muslim massage techniques with pressure points called Muqame Makhsoos.

Specific Ayurvedic massage techniques have also been developed for massage therapy, used in certain therapeutic treatments like in panchakarma (means five techniques). These massage techniques should only be practiced in a particular diseased condition under supervision of a well qualified Ayurvedic doctor or vaidya.

In rural areas, weekly massage is still a family scene. People in India love it - they know that like a best friend it brings joy and relaxation to the body. The popular image of Lord Vishnu reclining on a serpent (Sesh-naag) and receiving foot massage from his consort Goddess Lakshmi shows it as a preferred pastime even of the gods.

Massage techniques can also help to uphold a loving relationship between husband and wife. After this kind of calming relaxation, it is easier to share and give love. Before marriage it is one of the few ceremonial massages in the Hindu ritual that is compulsory even today. Urban Beauty Massage is also very popular.

It is also often used to help the aged and special techniques have been developed for young and nursing mothers as well as babies. Babies are usually massaged with a small dough ball dipped in vegetable oil.

The Benefits of Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common form of relaxation massage offering many relaxing as well as healing properties to your body. Swedish massage combines the use of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body causing a variety of benefits to your body to help it to heal itself. Below is a list of benefits that you will receive from Swedish massage:

*Reduces stress and anxiety

*Promotes relaxation

*Improves circulation

*Relieves general body tension

*Relieves aches and muscle stiffness

*Improves muscle tone

*Removes toxins from the muscles

*Improves flexibility in muscles and joints

*Improves immune system

*Improves digestion and elimination

*Promotes healthy skin

For added relaxation and health benefits have your therapist add essential oils such as lavender, chamomile or ylang ylang to your session. Essential oils can be customized by your therapist to suit your needs which are absorbed through the body via the skin and deep breathing to relieve your body of toxins, increase circulation, affect specific emotional or physical conditions and produce an overall feeling of well being.

Are you ready to relax and to reduce the stress in your life? Get a Swedish massage and start relaxing and reaping the wonderful health benefits Swedish massage has to offer today! Swedish massage should be performed by a Licensed Massage Therapist. To locate a licensed therapist in your area visit The American Massage Therapy Association at http://www.amtamassage.org

Is A Deep Tissue Massage Painful?

Massage therapy has been around for quite some time now. Over the years this method has been put to practice to help people relieve general bodily pain and enhance healing. There are several types of massage application meant for different applications.

One of the prominent massage types is the Deep Tissue Massage. This form of therapy is used for specific purposes and conditions. The method employs several techniques which target the connective tissues of the body. The main objective behind this form of massage is to get into the innermost muscles thus offering a cure to chronic conditions especially in individuals who engage in heavy manual work.

Deep tissue massage is known to offer solutions to chronic conditions such as rigid backs, taut shoulders and aching necks. There are numerous gains that one stands to reap from a deep tissue massage drawn from the expertise and method used to apply it. Additionally this type focuses on one specific area unlike regular massage which caters for generalized needs.

For clients willing to try deep tissue experience, one stands to benefit from secondary pain relief in cases of longstanding pain. Studies have shown this therapy's potential to relieve depression and vulnerability to anxiety. Additionally, the technique is believed to offer relief for Osteoarthritis and chronic cases of joint pains and poor posture. At the same time, this type of massage is known to offer cures to sports oriented injuries and mobility complications.

Deep tissue massage uses slow but deep strokes on a particular area to achieve the best results. This has led many to speculate whether the massage form is painful. In some instances, clients have testified to experiencing painful sessions though the pain is believed to disappear in a matter of days. Due to its tendency to narrow down on specific pain areas, there is a possibility that one may experience varying levels of pain.

The use of additional equipment and appliances like wooden, ceramic or glass props there is likelihood for one to feel some pain. It is advisable for clients to be in constant communication with respective therapist so as to handle the issue of pain during a session. Often, due to the intense exertion on trouble areas, clients who tense their muscle rather than relaxing them can expect pain. Usually, one may walk from the massage feeling numb and sore though the feeling is bound to go away in a day's time.

Although deep tissue massage has a tremendous effect most extreme cases, it can be a source of discomfort to some clients. In some instances, clients have shown preference to this form of massage on the premise that sometimes the pain experienced during a session is worth since it's the only way one is sure to feel better again.

The Benefits of Cold Stone Massage

Cold stone massage is a method of massage designed to bring clients stress relief and aid them in relaxation. This type of massage is also particularly effective at allowing the mind to release feelings of trauma and anxiety. Cold stone massage is often used to reduce swelling and inflammation, making it ideal for targeting sporting injuries. The cool stones, coupled with the soothing touch of a skilled massage therapist, helps to calm the body. While cold stone massage is an ancient form of massage, it wasn't until more recently that it came back into fashion.

While this form of massage is particularly soothing and effective, it's not meant for everyone. Clients with heart ailments, sensitivity to cold temperatures, and issues with skin inflammation should definitely avoid chilled stone massage therapy. Any client questioning whether or not this form of therapy is right for them should check with a doctor before receiving a treatment.

Rocks are utilized in massage because they possess special properties that uniquely enhance the therapy experience. For clients with anxiety issues, smooth marble rocks are often used to alleviate these symptoms. These types of chilled stones aid the mind in focusing on the body rather than continuing to dwell on mental stresses.

Chilled stone massage has also shown to be successful in aiding clients with sinus problems. To address these issues, chilled stones are placed on top of a cloth that is placed over the face to protect the skin. The cold temperatures emitting from these stones reduce sinus congestion and reduce painful nasal swelling.

Menstrual pain and bloating have also been alleviated with chilled stone massage. Smooth cold stones are strategically placed in the abdominal area. This aids in drawing swelling away from the uterus and can lessen discomfort.

One of the universal benefits of chilled stone therapy, regardless of personal ailments and conditions, is its ability to improve circulation. While this can specifically help those with circulation problems, improved circulation is something everyone can benefit from. Circulation is targeted when chilled marble stones are placed on specific locations over the body as a means of improving the overall circulation in the body. For those with problems with high blood pressure, cold stone massage also proven as an effective tool when working to lower it.

As indicated, one of the benefits of cold stone therapy is its ability to address sports injuries. Its well known that apply cold compresses to the body soothes inflammation in the joints and muscles. Chilled stone therapy is a more effective method of the classic cold compress as therapists can not only apply the stones more strategically but also use the rockss as tools to gently work the muscles. Tendinitis is a condition that's been shown to be relieved from this type of massage.

The benefits of cold stone therapy are numerous. The coolness of the stones have many healing properties and aside from the above conditions cold stone therapy can assist with, this form of massage also revitalizes energy levels. By relieving bloating and removing heat from them muscles with its cool properties, chilled stone massage therapy is definitely filled with benefits.

The Ideal Physical Therapy Marketing Plan

Physical therapy marketing is a vital part of a successful practice. If you made the decision to become a physical therapist, you are no doubt excited by the power to heal. When starting out, you may not know how to begin your plan. How do you get customers to your clinic? Once you have established a practice, how do you tell others about your services? This is where the right marketing strategy comes to your rescue.

I am talking not only securing clients, but also keeping them hooked. You also need to use methods to attract new clients. If marketing is not your cup of tea, hire a  company to help you out. If you choose to do it yourself, here are some tips to help you pursue it effectively:

When you meet doctors, take the time to convince them of your abilities. Doctors are often asked to recommend a physical therapist, so take advantage of opportunities and work towards referrals. Ask physicians if you can demonstrate your techniques to them to gain credibility and promote a working relationship. Consider your physical therapy marking opportunities at every turn.

Try to be discreet about your marketing efforts. There is nothing like word of mouth publicity to generate referrals from your current patients. Adopt a bedside manner that makes your patients return to you and keeps your physical therapy marketing efforts worthwhile. Prepare yourself for additional workload, as the friends and family of former and current customers start calling your practice.

Find opportunities to market, such as public speaking. If you are having trouble establishing your practice, it may be time to consult with a professional. Qualified public relations teams have the skills necessary to take over your physical therapy marketing efforts and normally possess a great rapport with local media representatives.

Never hesitate to revamp your strategies. As time progresses, your current plan may become stale. To keep things fresh, consult with an expert regularly. Determine what's working and what's not, and make the necessary changes. Bring your practice to the next stage with a plan that is current and effective.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools - Your First Step Towards a Promising Career

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant(PTA)? Then perhaps you should go through the Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in your area to find out about the training and courses offered.

Training to become a physical therapy assistant is indeed quite an interesting and an enjoyable experience. Simply put, a PTA is a person responsible for assisting physical therapists with a vast range of clinical tasks. These assistants work closely with therapists and administer treatments to most patients. Some of the main tasks of a PTA include:

• Providing assistance in treating patients to improve their mobility, reduce their pain and prevent them from developing physical disabilities


• Aiding in exercises, massages, ultrasound, paraffin baths and electrical stimulations


• Maintaining the cleanliness of the equipment as well as the treatment area


• Organizing the necessary tools and treatment area


• Helping patients who require support or pushing their wheelchairs

The Training

In order to become a Physical Therapist Assistant, you must first complete your high school diploma and then search the best PTA Schools to find the best. Though an associate's degree is sufficient, some Physical Therapist Assistants choose to pursue a bachelor's degree and gain additional work experience before entering the practical field. An advanced degree is also an option you may consider, but it is only required if you wish to become a Physical Therapist

Choosing the Right School

In order to become a good Physical Therapy Assistant, you must first find a good Physical Therapy Assistants' School. So, while checking schools, look for the following factors:

• Accreditation


• Location


• Costs and Financial Aid


• Timings


• Flexibility


• Curriculum and the Courses offered

Courses Offered

During their course of study in Physical Therapy Assistant Schools, future PTAs normally have to study some basic courses such as:

1. Introduction to Physical Therapy

This is a foundation course that is based upon the history of the Physical Therapy, its current state and the upcoming treatments. An understanding of the different health care ethics, psychosocial effects of injuries and different rehabilitation methods is involved in this course.

2. Therapeutic Exercise

This is a class where students learn to develop exercise programs and monitor patients' performance. Other topics included within this course involve injury prevention, conditioning and performance maintenance.

3. Pathology Class

Here students will learn about human pathology, common ailments and injuries. Apart from this, they will also learn how to help in healing patients' respiratory, gastrointestinal, circulatory and musculoskeletal conditions.

4. Orthopedics Class

This class helps students understand different diseases, ailments and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system. This in turn enables them to recognize the different symptoms of orthopedic conditions as well as develop treatment program.

Now that you are well aware of the different aspects of choosing from the many Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in your area, are you ready to pick the right school for you?

The Use of Dumbbells in Physical Therapy

Risks of injuries are prevalent in any worksite, especially those to the upper body. To help prevent injuries from occurring or in adding in the rehabilitation of an injury, dumbells are prevalently used. Dumbbells are able to target specific muscles in ligaments in the arms, chest, shoulder, back, abdomen, and the legs. Physical therapists have been utilizing the dumbbell in rehabilitation for many years to help in strengthening muscles like the deltoid, and various other muscles. The rationale behind it is that by strengthening the muscles and ligaments around high-risk parts of the body such as arms and shoulders (from various movements), back (from improper lift, shoving, pulling, and e.t.c), legs (from improper lifting) will prevent future injuries. Make sure the Hampton Ultrabell Dumbbell set is in your home gym.

Rotary cuff injury is a very common workplace injury. The rotary utilizes four specific muscles. In order to prevent further injury each muscle has to be addressed and strengthened. Dumbbells can target each of these four muscles specifically rebuilding the strength in each one equally preventing repeated injury or further damage.

A physical therapist will start you out on the lowest weight dumbbell for the extent of the injury and teach you the proper form and exercises require targeting the specific muscles in need of strengthening. As the muscles begin to strengthen, the therapist will increase the weights to build on the existing muscle. They may suggest you continue the therapy at home as well. You will want to get a set of dumbbells that will match the weights recommended by your physical therapist. A good set of dumbbells for this is the Hampton Ultrabell Dumbbell set. They come in a light weight set as well as a heavier weight set so it is easy to match the therapist recommendation as well as open up the world of fully body workout routines for an all over better health and physique.

Hard-hitting athletics such as football players and wrestlers have been using dumbbells as part of their normal workout routine forever. They know the benefits that a solid dumbbell workout brings to them and remember it each time they are in the game. The dumbbell workouts have prevented many injuries in sports and for the unfortunate injuries that do occur, dumbbells have been utilized in their rehabilitation.

There is no need to wait until an injury happens to introduce yourself to the vast advantages of working out with dumbbells. With dumbbells you can work your way to a leaner, firmer, and stronger body, strengthen muscles, build muscles mass, tone and define, burn calories, build self-esteem, while strengthening your heart and warding off Osteoporosis faster then any other form of workout.

PT Schools - How To Choose The Best Physical Therapy School

Physical therapists are very important to the modern health care system. They are the professionals who specialize in movement dysfunction among patients who have suffered from a certain illness or injury. The main job of a physical therapist is to help patients restore maximal function of their bodies. Needless to say, this kind of job is fulfilling, and for most physiotherapists, the satisfaction with their profession comes not from the salary they get, but more from the help and support they give their patients. If you are looking for a job that's challenging yet very rewarding, you may as well become a physical therapist. Now the question is how you are going to choose the right physical therapy school.

Look For an Accredited Physical Therapy School

The very first thing that you need to look for in a physical therapy school is its accreditation. When doing your search for such schools, you had better go through a list of all the accredited institutions from the American Physical Therapy Association. This is an important factor because schools with accreditation are those that have passed the standards for top quality instruction. What this means for you is that you will get a training and coursework which are updated and highly relevant for practical application. More importantly, good training will increase the likelihood of you passing the licensure exam.

Go For a Physical Therapy School with a High Licensure Passing Rate

No physical therapy graduate is allowed to practice without passing the National Physical Therapy examination. So you would want to study in a school that will help you easily pass the licensure test. In order to find a physical therapy school that offers the best training, you can take a look at the list of state exam passers and find out from which school they come from. The best physical therapist schools or universities will belong to the top 10 or 20 list. Of course, the higher the licensure passing rate, the better quality of the PT school.

Choose a Physical Therapist School with Great Clinical Education Opportunities

At the end of the day, your job as a physiotherapist will be all about interaction with patients. With that being said, the ideal physical therapist school is the one that can provide you with enough exposure and experience through real life training. You need to know if a particular PT college has work partnerships with certain medical institutions or hospitals. You can check out the website of the physical therapy universities you are considering and see what their affiliations are as well as the internship programs they offer their students.

How to Find the Best Physical Therapy Schools

The internet is the best and most convenient means of finding the right PT school. Look for the programs available in each school and make a comparison of the schools' coursework, entrance requirements and school fees. Confirm also the physiotherapy schools' APTA accreditation as well as their licensure passing rate.

Practice Profitability and Staff Compensation Strategies for Physical Therapy Clinics

"It's ten minutes past eleven at night...Where is Peter?" Alicia asked herself as she woke up from dozing in front of the TV with their daughter, Jessica. She was pleased to hear the sounds of an unlocking door and Peter walking in. He looked exhausted but was happy to carry Jessica to bed. After all, it was a Saturday and he should have had the day off.

Alicia was proud or her husband. He worked tirelessly without counting hours, evenings and weekends, so that he could accomplish his goal of owning his own practice and giving Alicia the freedom to dedicate herself to raising their two children and continue pursuing her MBA.

Peter opened his practice two years ago and built his business from the ground up. Referrals were growing rapidly and he was now seeing 100 patient visits per week. He recently hired a PTA in addition to his administrative staff to help him with his growing case load. His passion was treating patients but his current priority was building his practice. Peter was telling Alicia that in a year or two, he could pull in more than $600,000 a year, perhaps making $6,000,000 over ten years.

"Pete, Jessica was really upset that you missed her soccer game again. All of the other Dads were there." Alicia said disapprovingly. Peter worked every evening and weekend over the past 3 months. "I don't understand why you spend every night and weekend in the office," she said. "Isn't your staff supposed to be doing most of this work while you are treating? Do they stay late to help you?" she asked.

"I really don't need this extra stress right now," he replied. "I can't pay them overtime to help, and I really can't sit there and watch what they're doing all day."

"You know, Peter," pressed on Alicia, "It's clear to me that you're not managing your staff properly."

Peter felt like he was punched in the stomach. He wasn't going to challenge Alicia. For the past two years, she managed to take care of Jessica while pursuing her MBA. Peter started getting a headache.

"You are heads down all day treating patients and not paying attention to what is going on with your staff." she added. "Last month, you had to replace both your front office person and two months ago, you replaced your biller."

"You're paying your administrative staff $12 and hour and you just hired a PTA for $45,000 a year but you're doing most of the work anyway." Alicia continued, getting more agitated. "You have to be losing money because of the turnover and salaries and on top of that, you're never home anymore. If you are going to see 100 patients a week and then spend every night and weekend doing business administration, why have staff at all?" Alicia asked.

"Good question, I don't know" Peter reluctantly replied.

"Katherine called the other day." Alicia said.

Peter went to college with Katherine. They graduated together and were good friends. Katherine opened her practice 4 years ago and was in the process of opening her fourth location. She was averaging 800 visits a week.

"We didn't speak for long because she was about to take her golfing lesson but in the few minutes we spoke, I thought of an idea," said Alicia.

"I couldn't even consider taking a day off to golf," thought Peter to himself. "OK Alicia, what did you come up with?" Peter relented.

"You know, she pays her staff based on performance. Let's start with some facts. Employee salaries vary in three ways: type of service, years of experience, and location.

There are four kinds of basic compensation: hourly, monthly, base salary plus performance bonus, and profit sharing or pure commission," said Alicia, handing the table to Peter. "Employee compensation is a cost of doing business. If you had no employees, you would eliminate that cost but if you spend time greeting patients and chasing insurance claims, you have no time to treat patient and manage referral relationships. So to grow, you need help. "

"So, you hire staff to treat patients, to greet them and schedule their visits, and to chase insurance payments. The problem is motivation. Can you tell me what are the costs of unmotivated front office staff?"

"Well, Alicia," said Peter, "A careless front office person might get patients upset, forget to collect co-pays, not follow up on a missed appointment. They could also get other office staff upset because they would not work together as a team. The cost of unmotivated front office person could be increased patient attrition, impact cash-flow, and the bottom line ultimately. The cost of an unmotivated hire is much more expensive than a few more dollars per hour..."

"So, Alicia," Peter sparked up in spite of the late hour, "Should we look for more qualified front office staff and pay $15, or maybe, $18 per hour?"

"Not so fast." said Alicia. "If you pay more per hour, you will reduce turnover because fewer practices around will compete with your compensation, but you will still have the same motivation problems, regardless if you pay $12 or $20 per hour. Tell me, what's the problem with paying hourly wages to staff that needs people interaction skills? What is the ultimate goal that your font office staff must meet?"

"I get it now!" Peter didn't notice his voice rising. "The front office staff is responsible for patient loyalty and referrals. Working with people requires attention to detail and interest in their problems. Especially when you work with injured or sick people. It's hard work, people feel burnt out. So, compensation and incentives must acknowledge their results, such as new referrals, fewer missed appointments, fewer missed co-pays. I could structure the front office salary so that they get minimal pay for standard work and a percentage of collections to give them incentive to grow referrals and keep patients compliant with their plan of care. Since more referrals, fewer missed appointments, efficient collection of cop-pays and balances increases collections, they could work more and make more than the best paid staff around!

"Right," said Alicia, "and not every person will be ready for this kind of compensation. But that's OK too: why waste time hiring a wrong person for the job and then discovering that they lack the skills and motivation to do the hard work?"

"So, what about the PTA? Should I also pay him a bonus? but for what?" asked Peter.

"Sure, you do not want to pay him for idle hours during no-shows, and you do want to pay him proportionally to the number of patients he sees and for better plans of care. That's called profit sharing," said Alicia.

"...or commission," continued Peter her thought. "OK, I get it - commission and bonus helps people focus on the result of their work and not on its difficulty. The compensation structure helps motivating my staff and improve teamwork, avoiding problems and contributing more to my bottom line."

"So, why don't we move all of my staff on commission?" asked Peter.

"That's the right business approach," responded Alicia, "except most people do not have self-confidence and productivity to work on pure commission. For instance, would your biller agree to work on 100% commission of your insurance collections? Most likely, she wouldn't, because she needs to pay her mortgage and other fixed costs and she cannot make her income dependent on your patient flow and the insurance companies. She expects a steady check regardless of your revenue, which depends on her performance. Actually, do you have ways to measure her performance? If you discovered under-performance, what would you do?"

"Today, I pay her regardless of her or my practice performance. That's not a healthy relationship," lamented Peter, "It's hurting the business."

"The good news is that, like Katherine's office, there are companies that work on commission-only arrangement," said Alicia, "outsourcing your billing would make more sense because a specialized billing company would have processes to manage their employee performance, including correct incentive methods. Actually, if you talk to an outsourcing company, always ask them how do they compensate their employees? Are they all on commission? If not, then you will end up with the same problem with even less control."

"Actually, no matter how big or small my practice is, all of its parts must work together to succeed. If administrative staff allows too many cancellations and doesn't help with referrals, patient visits will suffer and the revenue will decline," said Peter.

"A Pay-for-Performance pay scale rewards the staff who produce and penalizes those who don't. As a practice owner, I am always on Pay-for-Performance pay scale. You pay yourself less when the company's revenue is down. Why shouldn't the staff's income be on the same path? Tomorrow, I will change my compensation setup for my employees," Peter sounded really excited.

"Slow down, Peter," said Alicia. "Before you make any changes, review them with a Human Resource and Compliance specialist to get sound advice," warned Alicia. "We don't need a lawsuit because we missed a legal requirement to make the changes we want."

What do you think? Is Alicia right in her reasoning?

Do you know of a PT-specific staffing system that could make Alicia's and Peter's dreams come true?

Job Outlook for Massage Therapy Careers

If you are considering becoming a masseuse, you should know that the job outlook for massage therapy careers is good, especially if you want to start your own business. The demand for trained massage therapists is expected to grow as a result of the continuing acceptance of the healing arts and alternative medicines. The fact is that people love getting massages, and if you are good at what you do, you can have a very satisfying and rewarding career.

As a massage counselor?you will specialize in the manipulation of soft tissue to help improve circulation, accelerate detoxification, relieve stress and reduce pain in the body. You can concentrate on many different styles of massage such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, Chinese massage, Thai massage, prenatal massage and the list goes on and on. Some people do massage therapy part time so they can focus on other things such as school or parenting, others do it "on the side" to augment their main income and others do it full time.

The growth for this career is faster than that of many other industries because people are seeing its therapeutic benefits more and more. In fact, experts point to a 20 percent increase in the number of massage therapist positions by 2016. Although a report released in 2006 showed that the average massage therapist wage in the United States was about $16 per hour, there is potential to earn as much as $35 per hour. This is especially possible if you are self employed and build a good rapport with your clients. Some massage tcounselors charge as much as $65 per hour and have very low overhead costs. And with such a good job outlook for massage therapy careers, this average wage is bound to increase.

If you want to become a massage counselor you should learn the requirements first. Almost 40 states currently require professional licenses for massage counselors, which entails schooling, examinations and a certain number of practice hours. You may also need to invest in continuing education throughout your career. With such a good job outlook, though, the investment is worth it.

6 Quick Acupressure Points to Relieve Labor Pain - Pregnancy Massage Therapy

Pregnancy Acupressure has been in use for centuries. It allows you to begin labor at home, safely and naturally, easing yourself into the contractions and dilation that will result in the birth of your baby. But the time you get to the hospital, your labor will already be half over. This leads to shorter delivery times, and an much easier birthing process. Maternity acupressure techniques also help increase blood flow, eliminate pain, and reduce stress on the mom-to-be, while at the same time aiding in contractions, dilation, and providing extra oxygen to the baby. All of these benefits to reflexology for pregnancy have made it increasingly popular in delivery rooms across the world.

Massage during labor includes using the body's various pressure points to stimulate other parts of the body. Learning how to do maternity acupressure is easy, and requires no prior experience. It consists of gentle pressure applied with fingertips, the ball of the thumb, and sometimes the palm or elbow. These pregnancy massage therapy techniques are both safe and natural, and can be used even after childbirth for continued stress and pain-relief benefits. However, these points should not be used during the developing stages of pregnancy - on a pregnant woman this type of acupressure to induce labor should be reserved for helping to start contractions and for aiding in childbirth only.

* Hand (to aid with contractions) - Place your own thumb on the meaty web between your partner's forefinger and thumb. Close your middle two or three fingers upward to rest in her palm, and begin gently squeezing, concentrating on applying downward pressure with the ball of your thumb. This pressure point is important in pregnancy reflexology in that it can be used to aid in strengthening contractions. By timing your pressure with each contraction you can help the baby descend, pushing along with mom to move the child through the birth canal.

* Palm (to release endorphins for pain) - Look at your partner's hand. In the center of the topmost crease on the palm, there's an acupressure point that can be used to force the body to release it's natural painkillers: endorphins. Gentle pressure to this region will produce anesthetizing feelings in the brain, but overly pressing it can cause pain so be careful how much pressure you use. If you have trouble finding this spot, tell your partner to close her fingers until the tips of each finger are touching the palm, almost like a half-fist. The place right below where her fingers are touching is where you want to apply pressure.

* Foot (to release tension and relax the body) - Beneath the ball of the foot is a depression just as the arch of the foot begins. By placing your thumb here and wrapping your fingers around the top of the foot for counter pressure, you can begin pushing gently inward and upward, rolling your thumb toward the big toe. Reflexology and pregnancy go hand in hand, and this massage will have the effect of soothing and calming your partner. With the right pressure, and the right direction, you can use this technique well into childbirth to relax and keep your partner free from excess anxiety. It also makes a great technique to use months and years afterward, any time you or your partner both need to relieve stress.

* Hip (for pain, and to promote contractions) - Your partner will need to be on her side for this one. Find the top of the buttocks crease, then move in a perpendicular line toward her hipbone. When you've gone about two-thirds this distance, press gently inwardly and upward toward the spine. This acupressure pregnancy point should be immediately felt, and it should feel pretty good. Pressing and rolling this point will accomplish both pain relief and the inducing/strengthening of contractions. You can use this to both induce labor, and to aid in contractions once the onset of labor has occurred. After childbirth, you can use this point at any time to help break up trapped pelvic stress and relax the lower body.

* Lower back (to release endorphins for pain) - For this acupressure point, your partner will need to be pressing back against a firm object. Find the halfway point between the spine and the dimples of your partner's gluteus. Pressing downward with a slight twisting motion, do some probing until you find the spot where your partner feels a very pleasant sensation of relief. This spot works wonders for pregnancy pain, and it can also dissipate pent-up stress in the lower back and gluteus muscles.

* Shoulder (to stimulate contractions) -Find the bump at the base of your partner's neck - this is her C7 vertebrae. Now trace a line to the other bump at the end of her shoulder. Right in between these two areas is another pressure point on the shoulder muscle itself, and applying pressure to this one can help greatly with uterine contractions (and it can later be used to stimulate milk production as well). Stimulate this point during initial stages of labor to help begin and promote these contractions.

These are the six most popular techniques of acupressure during labor, but note that most of them can be very useful beyond childbirth. Pregnancy massage therapy methodology has been proven to have radical benefits in the delivery room and beyond. Massage during labor itself can dramatically decrease the chances of unwanted medical intervention or C-section during the birthing process. Learn these techniques for a safer, faster delivery... and then use them on each other in the years to come to relieve stress, pain, and pent-up tension in the body.

Physical Therapist Job Satisfaction Levels (Are They As High As You Think?)

It is a unique profession for many different reasons, but one reason stands above all the rest. That's the fact that it's one of the highest rated careers in terms of job satisfaction from actual people in the field. This is phenomenal, because it means that these people not only enjoy what they do, but also get rewarded for it in a variety of different ways. Learn more about the job satisfaction of physical therapists below.

In a 2007 study performed by the National Opinion Research Center, more than 75% of physical therapists said they were "very satisfied" with their jobs. This is huge, and it gives you amazing potential for a career. The bottom line is that if you work in it, you are exceedingly likely to enjoy your career and your work.

This is a huge number, and it helps the field to stand apart from almost every other line of work out there. In fact, it was number 2 in job satisfaction, falling second to clergymen! So unless you plan on being a man or woman of God, then it is your best route to a happy job!

But this isn't the only statistic or survey that helps to shed light on the job satisfaction of physical therapists. In November 2010, CNNMoney.com found that it was ranked as the 4th best job in the United States, out of a top 100 list. In 2009, the U.S. News and World Report also included it on its own list of the best careers.

So as you can see, physical therapists are very happy with their line of work. If you have been considering joining the field for yourself, that's certainly a strong case for why you should get started. But also, it's worth knowing why these professionals have such high levels of job satisfaction. One reason is that you get to help people and improve their lives each and every day, and that's always very rewarding.

But feeling good because you help others is only part of the reason, and we all know that money and salary comes into play for how we view our lives and our careers. Physical therapists enjoy high earning positions, and on top of that, it's relatively easy to find a job, and the field is growing very quickly right now. It all works together to help make this profession exciting, rewarding, beneficial and highly rated.

So as you can see, it is definitely unique and stands apart from other lines of work. Some jobs might have 50% job satisfaction or even worse, but more than 75% of physical therapists are very satisfied with their jobs. It's hard to go wrong with that, and with ample jobs, high paying salaries, rewarding opportunities and more, it may just be perfect for you too.

Paying For Massage School

One of the biggest obstacles for people wanting to become massage therapists can be paying for massage school. Tuition alone can run in the thousands, sometimes tens of thousands. Typically, tuition costs $9.00-$10.00 per contact hour. On top of tuition, students must find resources to cover related school expenses like books and supplies and pay for their living expenses while in school.

The funding methods below are important possibilities for potential students to explore.

• 
  Payment Plans:
  Many schools offer payment options that allow students to make monthly payments rather than paying the tuition in full. Payment plans vary from school to school. The school's admission staff can explain their policies regarding payment plans.



• 
  Federal Financial Aid:
  A few schools offer federal financial aid. This means their students are eligible for federally backed student loans. In order for schools to offer federal funding, they must be nationally accredited. The fees for accreditation are expensive for the school and the staff time necessary to receive and maintain accreditation is a big investment. This means that the smaller, more intimate massage schools usually are not nationally accredited. The benefits of federal financial aid are that funding is more accessible and interest rates can be lower. Without federal financial aid, some students are unable to get loans at all. The downside about federal financial aid is that the schools that offer federal financial aid are often more expensive than those that don't. Some federally funded schools cost as much as $20 per contact hour.



• 
  Other Student Loans:
  There are non-federally backed student loans available for students with good credit. This gives students who need to borrow money for tuition more options for their education. However, students should check out student loans products carefully. There are companies that charge as much as 18% interest for non-federal student loans. With thorough research, a student should be able to find better bargains. One company that offers loans for non-federally funded programs is SLM Financial. They offer a Direct Career Training Loan product for which many massage programs would qualify.



• 
  Personal Loans:
  For students with good credit and collateral, personal loans are may be an option. Interest rates on personal loans are generally higher than on federally backed student loans, but personal loans can pay for schools that don't qualify for federal funding. In addition to personal loans, home equity loans are a good option. The interest rates for home equity lines of credit can be lower than for personal loans.



• 
  Other Resources:
  A Small Business Administration once recommended looking for financial backing at what he called "the Bank of Friends and Family." For some lucky massage students, this is a viable form of support. One student's grandfather helped each of his grandchildren with their college tuition. However, the grandfather recalled "massage parlors" of the past and was not enthused about helping his granddaughter go to massage school. She took it upon herself to educate her grandfather about massage therapy as a career and healing modality. Somewhat hesitantly he decided to assist her, but by the time she graduated, he was a convert. This approach of education and inclusion can be invaluable when a student is receiving financial support from a family member or friend. Parents or grandparents may want to contact the school's administrative staff to discuss their educational programs or the field of massage therapy. If the student familiarizes herself with the career of massage therapy and is realistic about employment opportunities, it can help assure family members who are considering giving financial support.



• 
  Scholarships:
  In reality, scholarships for massage school are difficult to locate and receive. They are probably not the full answer to massage school funding needs, but could help supplement other funding sources. Libraries have scholarship books that list various scholarships; the reference librarian will be able to help locate these resources. There are also scholarship websites on-line.



• 
  Savings:
  There are many stories of people who have wanted to go to massage school for years. They held onto their dream, saved money as they could, and attended school when the timing was right.

People who want to become massage therapists may have to work hard toward their goal of massage school. The profession needs dedicated and passionate practitioners. Sometimes what we're most passionate about takes dedication, patience, and hard work. With a little bit of each, the dream of attending massage school can become a reality.

© 2008, Rebecca Mauldin, All Rights Reserved

Benefits of Massage Therapy For Neck Pain

Many people spend their lives dealing with pain. Whether it is from an accident, sports injury, or just plain bad posture, millions of people just mask the problem instead of getting to the root. One of the most common complaints of aches and pains is in the neck. There are many things that can contribute to neck pain. If you sit in front of a computer all day or stand for long hours at work, just having poor posture can contribute to neck pain. If you wake up with neck pain and/or headaches after an apparent good nights sleep, it could be that you were in an awkward position during the night. On the other hand, maybe you just need a different pillow or mattress. Neck pain can also be caused by a pre-existing condition or injury and only large doses of medication can temporarily relieve the pain.

Instead of trying to mask the pain, massage therapy gets the root of the problem - your neck muscles. Even if you see a chiropractor and you feel better after you get an adjustment, your spine is still attached to muscles, which pull the bones in the wrong direction. Think of your neck muscles as being like a rubber band. You can stretch it and stretch it, but it will always snap back to its original shape. Massage therapy changes the way your neck muscles behave by stretching and smoothing them out. This helps the muscles relax and return to the natural position in the body, without all the knots and strains that cause neck pain. Not only do the muscles in your neck relax, it helps your entire body to relax, alleviating the pain. It helps to go to massage therapy on a regular basis so that the muscles will get used to being relaxed.

3 Tips to Follow For Rotator Cuff Physical Therapy Exercises

- Don't raise your arm over your head in a painful range of motion unless you absolutely have to.

Elevating your arm over 90 degrees compresses the rotator cuff and as a result this often makes the symptoms worse. This can be difficult with putting on clothes, your seat belt, or trying to put carry-on luggage away in your airplane compartment. Any aching associated with movement is an unpleasant event and you must reduce or stop it.

- Don't do any type of lifting with your injured arm while you are experiencing swelling in your shoulder.

Lifting weight prolongs your aching and as a result slows your recovery process.

It's typical for persons to unintentionally abuse their shoulder through every day actions including raising objects over your head, carrying a briefcase, or even carrying a laptop. Your best solution to avoid accidental shoulder abuse is to use your good arm or use both of your arms to perform raising motions when possible. Consider this, small loads and motions can significantly increase aching and swelling. Reducing these actions is essential to give your damaged tissue a chance to improve.

Use aching as your indicator with every day household tasks, however be careful to stay away from pushing, pulling or lifting large items with your affected arm. Use both of your arms and hold them as close to your body as possible. Doing this will speed up healing and as a result reduce your aching.

- Perform rotator cuff physical therapy exercises that strengthen the shoulder using a range of motion that is free of pain.

The blood supply to your rotator cuff is poor and as a result heals slowly. Many people suffer from muscular imbalances, a problem with their posture, and reduced flexibility. Doing proven and successful exercise workouts will play a significant role for healing and getting rid of these imbalances, bring back strength, enhance the body's flexibility and help in healing. How does it help to rehabilitate? Physical exercises increase the blood flow in addition to strengthening the muscular tissues. As a result, the muscle tissues are then able to withstand the stresses that are placed on them and not become injured like before.

Doing just any ordinary exercise isn't good enough to help the rotator cuff. The exercises need to be specific to the rotator cuff muscle and your muscle groups in the region of the shoulder blade. The exercises need to be done at certain amount of times, with a specific intensity and volume to alleviate your pain. Doing higher repetition exercises with lower intensity targeting the rotator cuff muscle group are vital to encourage healing, alleviate inflammation and return to pre-injury movement levels again. However, the most important thing is that doing effective, proven rotator cuff physical therapy exercises will stop future accidental injuries and prevent further damage to the shoulder.

Who Is Physical Therapist and What Is Specialization?

In past, when the diseases were limited, that time single doctor was treating many diseases, but in new era new disease discovered and explored that affected human body, and many researchers, doctors, medicine scientists worried about those diseases. To get rid of these new diseases new dedicated universities and research institutions came into beginning.

As the diseases increased these universities developed courses, new researches came into this field. Many outstanding universities offered dedicated departments, and these universities separated many departments for different diseases, so after doctorate degree they offered specialization in specific field of dedicated department.

Now we can see different departments of doctorate like, eye specialists, heart specialists, skin specialists and most important physical therapy specialists known as physical therapist. If we didn't have new developments and specific specialization we couldn't have specialists for various diseases.

Thanks to those universities and research institutions that helped and helping billions of people in world and made many specialists for different departments and also continuing their research for more diseases.

Those who are specialist of physical therapy called P. T. Doctors, also known as physical therapist. This field has become very popular now-a-days. They are highly qualified persons having doctorate degree in physical therapy as major subject. Now in almost every country there are many good universities are educating people. Many people are getting education of physical therapy because they know that their main aim is to help other people.

Every person must go to doctor for their own checkup and also their children checkup, because now the time has been changed. Consulting doctors who are not specialist in specific department means that we are inviting more diseases in our body.

Physical therapy is more dangerous for human body. If anyone find symptom of disease in his / her body than they should go for the body checkup from a specialists, the one we call physical therapists, with sound working experience. Do not avoid these guidelines, because this is about health, and we live once. So always look for the specialist - the physical therapist.

Say Goodbye to Stress - A Massage From a Certified Massage Therapist Can Change Your Life Forever!

Americans are working harder and longer than ever before. Men, women, and even sometimes teenagers provide income that a family relies on to live in today's downward trending economy. A day filled with relaxation and pampering could be exactly what you need to distress the woes of everyday life. Our lives are filled with stress and countless responsibilities that can be overwhelmingly hectic at times. Isn't it time that you took a few minutes for yourself and enjoyed a massage?

If you're in need of relaxation to the maximum, you'll definitely want to go to a massage therapist for at least an hour. Many massage therapists offer 30 minutes massage, but those simply aren't long enough to get the full joy of the massage. Find a certified massage therapist in your area and set up an appointment. If you're a male, don't be afraid to set an appointment just because of your gender. In today's lifestyle, many males enjoy the relaxing massage experience. There are many different kinds of massages, so before you get your appointment be sure to know which kind of massage your body needs.

Swedish therapy is very popular in today's society because it is very sensual and relaxing. It's so relaxing, in fact, that many people go to sleep during the massage. Many massage therapists who provide a Swedish massage use lotion or oil while making smooth careful strokes across the body. A Swedish massage is what is suggested for first time massage clients because it is society's norm. However, if a Swedish massage seems too light for you, there are other alternatives.

A deep tissue therapy is available from many massage therapists, but can sometimes cost a little extra money. During a deep tissue therapy, the therapist targets the deeper layers of muscle and tissue making a very different experience from a Swedish massage. A deep tissue massage is best if you have tight or strained muscles, high levels of stress, or recovering from an injury. Some people feel sore after a deep tissue massage because of the amount of pressure the therapist uses, but this subsides quickly.

If you're really out to pamper yourself, many therapists provide a hot stone massage. During a hot stone massage, the therapist places heated, smooth stones across pressure points on the body to loosen and relax muscle tissue. The warm stones provide a soothing warmth leaving the client feeling completely relaxed. The most important task is for the client to feel submersed in relaxation at the hands of the therapist.

Choose Your Massage Therapist With the Same Care That You Choose Your Doctor

Your body is a screaming mass of aches and pains. You want relief - fast relief. You decide a massage is "just what the doctor ordered." BEFORE you actually pick up the telephone and schedule your appointment, how much thought do you actually give to the credentials of this health care professional?

Perhaps you are the spontaneous type personality. After working out at a gym that also provides spa services, you decide to "treat" yourself to a massage. Or while driving home after a particularly horrendous day at work, you pass a billboard advertising massage therapy and decide on the spur of the moment that this is exactly what you need at exactly this moment in time.

Are you aware that massage therapy is part of health care?

Did you know that a license to practice is required?

Did you know that depending on the state, a rigorous training of 500-1500 hours is required in order to obtain a license? that the license must be posted or a copy carried even by the therapist who does only chair massage or out calls?

Choosing your massage therapist is just as import as choosing a dentist, doctor or a chiropractor. If you choose your other health care professionals based on cost, you will probably choose your massage therapist in the same manner. If you ask your friends for a referral when choosing your doctor, dentist or chiropractor, you will probably choose your massage therapist in the same way. Whatever method or reasoning you use, I suggest, at a minimum, that you also check her credentials. Did she graduate from a reputable massage school? Does she hold a state license, a national license, or both? Can she show proof of liability insurance carried? Does she require a written doctor's release for client's with special health care issues? Does the massage therapist keep and maintain client records?

Alright, so you have determined your therapist is qualified. For some people, this is enough. For others, more information is needed. Just as you choose an orthopedic surgeon when you break a bone or need joint replacement, or a pediatrician for your child, you may want to choose someone who specializes. One therapist's client base may be primarily elder care, ie., geriatrics. Another massage therapist prefer to work with children; ensure she requires written parental consent and the parent present during the session. Are you looking for someone who works primarily with sports massage, athletes, and sporting events? Generally speaking, a specialty means that the massage therapist most enjoys that area and probably trains more to build greater skill in that specialty.

How long is the session? Is the 'one hour massage' actually five minutes evaluation, five minutes dressing/changing, and 50 minutes actual table work? When you are comparing the benefits and drawbacks of a franchise vs a small business owner, are you required sign annual contract that automatically renews itself? Does the professional actually assess your needs, or just "give you a massage" as if "one size fits all?" Is each session tailored to your specific needs that day: pain management in the hands & arms, or knots radiating from the neck & shoulders, or reflexology work with the feet? Does the therapist make suggestions for the next session? Does she suggest that you do a half torso or concentrate on a particular set of muscles? Does the therapist suggest how often you need to return? Do you trust her judgment or do you suspect that the individual just needs to earn a living?! Will the massage therapist come to your home or business? This is called an "out call" and will cost a bit more for the additional time spent packing and traveling to and from the client.

The goal of this article is to encourage you to identify what you want from a massage, instead of settling for a franchise massage du'jour. Give some thought to choosing the best massage therapist for your needs.

Massage Therapy - Preparing the Area

In order to give a really good therapeutic massage a person needs to spend time training and then a few more years practicing the art of therapeutic massage. However through a number of simple techniques a person will learn how to give a very effective, yet safe and simple massage to another person that they will find completely satisfying. What is important is that you make sure that the area in which you are going to be doing the massage has been properly set up. However when it comes to preparing the area where the massage therapy will be taking place there are four things that you will need to pay very good attention to.

1. Surface - It is important that the surface on which the person is going to be laying during a massage therapy session is not only comfortable but provides them with able support and is firm. You could either purchase a massage table or use a futon or extra firm mattress on which the person can lay down. Never use any kind of furniture that does not offer ample amounts of support to the person having the massage as this will put untold pressure on their joints and is unsafe.

2. Space - When setting up your massage area why not find a room within the home that you can use specifically for carrying out the massage in. If you have a spare bedroom then why not use this for your massage therapy sessions. But you will still be able to utilize it when guests come to stay as you back your massage therapy equipment out of the way. Also make sure you include an extra pillow which you can then use to provide you with support for yourself. Plus if you can make sure the room is large enough so that if you need to you can easily straddle the person's back that is having the massage therapy.

3. Create the right Atmosphere - When providing massage therapy to anyone it is important that the area in which it is taking place will help them to relax more easily. So why not light some candles and turn out any lights in the room and also put on some very soft and gentle music that they can listen to as you work on them. If you need to put a lock on the door so that no one is able to work in unexpectedly into the room.

4. Clothing - There are some people who may feel uncomfortable having to be naked in front of you. Therefore suggest that they bring along some underwear that they feel comfortable with wearing and which if any massage oil gets on it by mistake they will not feel bad because of this. Plus if it as woman and they wish to keep on their bra whilst you are carrying out the massage then allow them to do so. Although you may find it awkward in the beginning to carry out a massage therapy session on a woman wearing a bra you will soon find ways of getting round this obstacle.

It is important that when preparing the area for the massage therapy session you keep in mind that the person is looking for a way to relax. So by keeping the above in mind this you should easily be able to achieve.