Earn $100 an Hour With a Mobile Massage School

With a small investment in a massage table and a trip to Thailand to learn Thai Massage (okay you do not have to fly to Asia to learn to be a masseuse) you can be well on your way to owning your own mobile massage school.

The goal is for you to travel from home to home and business to business teaching some very basic and simple strategies of stress relief through massage. You can charge as much as $100 for your services and even offer a massage service to clients that are looking to have a massage on a regular basis. You can send employees out to massage regular customers while you focus on the teaching and training.

It is important that you stay in management so you are not stuck in the limited business model of doing the massages yourself. In order to succeed you have to be able to duplicate your skill and collect a percentage from this duplication while still keeping a birds-eye view of your operation.

Since your investment is small and the tools of the trade are easy to transport, this makes for a great business to get into. A few courses in stress reduction techniques and some very specific massage skills will help. You are not looking at generic massage, but massage that is for a specific purpose or niche. For example, as I mentioned - stress reduction or perhaps pain relief. You could even explore opportunities in helping people recover from injuries as a form of massage therapy. Either way, when you find your niche, you can earn $100 an hour with a Mobile Massage School and $50 an hour from all of your employees.

Using Hair And Make Up School To Start A Career

Are you interested in fashion and want a career in this exciting industry? A great place to start is by attending hair and make up school. A professionally accredited FL beauty school provides all necessary skills to start an exciting and high paying career in the fashion industry.

The backbone of any solid career in the fashion industry is comprised of the skills acquired by attending an accredited FL beauty school. Beyond basic technical and advanced techniques of cutting hair and makeup application, students have the advantage of learning how to promote and market products, services and themselves.

Upon course completion, many hair and make up school graduates are totally prepared for the challenges of the fashion industry. While attending hair and make up school students learn about the facets of the beauty industry and are able to hone skills and discover strengths, weaknesses and personal preferences. Students attend lectures and participate in discussions regarding industry trends and growing professions within the industry helping them choose profitable career paths.

Many individuals start out working at beauty salons and spas and move there to work their way up into management or ownership. The beauty industry is huge, today there are many salon and spa chains that offer very lucrative management positions. In most provinces and states in North America, completion of hair and make up school is required for even an entry-level position at most salons and spas.

Another great thing about completing hair and makeup school courses is the flexible lifestyle options and careers the fashion industry offers. Hair stylist and makeup artist skills are in demand everywhere. Mobility and flexible work hours are key advantages. Part time and freelance careers can be very lucrative once individuals build a client base and a good reputation.

Additional career paths can be forged in the film and television industry and niche markets such as eyes and eyebrows, coloring and more. The wonderful thing about graduating from a FL beauty school is that you can design and redesign your career to meet market demands and your personal lifestyle choices.

Searching for a Good Massage Therapist

A massage therapist or masseuse are those who performs the duty of working by using various massage strokes and techniques on the different areas of the body in a professional manner in order to promote and improve a healthy condition on its patient. Searching for the right one though needs to be thorough as there are many standards in finding the perfect massage therapist that fits your requirements.

A good place to start your search is by hunting down qualified massage therapists online. The internet offers a good place for looking into the different massage therapists that offers their professional service on different methods of massage therapy.

The first thing to know is what type of massage therapy would you want to have so that you will have a basis on who you will be looking for. For example you chose Swedish massage, you will then only look for therapists who are good in performing that type of massage therapy or specializes in that method.

Narrowing down your search should be based on several factors such as the ones listed below:

Hygiene - a good massage therapist knows that the type of work he or she is into requires physical contact. In this case he or she should be clean and presentable at all times in order to not only make a good impression but also to make the client comfortable without worrying about his or her health. The therapist should also make sure that the room, massage table, loose towel and clothes should be clean and should smell pleasant for the customer's satisfaction.

Limitations - the therapist should be professional enough to know his or her boundaries and should not take any sexual advantage to his or her patient. Their actions and intentions on touching the patient's body should only be focused on the treatment and not for intimacy or sexual desire. A good and professional massage therapist should never touch the genitalia or anus of the client.

Quality service - in order to have repeat business, a good masseuse will see to it that what service he or she provides for the client is only of quality service. By doing this, the patient will get the money's worth and will keep on coming back for more for a satisfying service rendered by the massage therapist.

Non-discrimination - the massage therapist should never choose his or her clients. Whether the patient is old, young, male, female, black, white, tall, short and race, the masseuse should give the same service he or she gives to the other customers. Anyone reported discriminating or turning down any request of service shall be given adequate penalties and punishment by the governing state.

Approachable - being approachable and easy to get along with is the best way to draw customers that is why when searching for the right massage therapist, look for someone you know you are comfortable with. An approachable person is someone you know you are comfortable with that is why that type of person is the best individual where you start your search.

How You Can Become a Massage Therapist

Massage is an exquisite time to relax and be pampered. After a long, tiring day at work, your body needs a touch of comfort to free your mind of all the pressure and stress. Massage therapy is advantageous to keep the mind and body, sound and healthy. Did you ever wonder how people learn their way through your body?

Interesting thing is that massage is not done by just any other person. Extensive training is needed to learn the do's and don't in providing this unique therapeutic care. The art of massage therapy is exceptionally essential for us who are living a fast paced lifestyle. Others are even more interested in being able to give people the comfort they want. For this reason, there are those who want to make massage therapy a career and improve their skills on how to become a massage therapist.

Different massage courses

In becoming a massage therapist, there are about 80 different massage courses or modalities that you might want to specialize on. Modalities always depend on the patient's physical condition or need. Some are intended to relax, and aid the body of impairment and impurities. You must always remember that massage can refresh and revitalize body to release more positive energy that is why it is very important to be able to satisfy your client's need.

Special massage techniques are also provided for particular clients like pregnant woman, new mothers and even infants. Variety of massage courses can help improve your massage skills and provide successful treatments to fulfill the customer's demand of comfort.

Certain qualifications are necessary to be able to practice each treatment. A state licensure exam may also be needed to be able to practice massage therapy and may vary for every state or locality. Being a professional massage therapist ensures that you are knowledgeable and well trained in providing massage therapy. Another thing is that you can assure your patient's safety and be able to give them satisfactory results without any untoward incidents that may aggravate their condition.

The Difference of Physical Therapist training

Physical therapists are often mistaken to be massage therapists. Each has different trainings in terms of provision of care and therapy. Although both field uses touch as their primary intervention for pain and discomfort, physical therapist trainings are more centered on improving the condition of patients with previous disability or physical disorders. Special exercises and therapeutic massage treatments are the core remedy taught in physical therapist trainings. The end goal of physical therapist training is to ensure that your patient can easily return to their basic physical activities.

Sports Massage Courses

Sports can be very fun and exciting for those who love the outdoors so much. But many incidents of sports related injury and muscle strains are repeatedly encountered by many athletes while doing their sports activities. Sports massage is provided to help athletes prepare their bodies for their athletic activities, promote flexibility, reduce tension and fatigue, relieve swelling and most importantly prevent injuries. Common techniques used by massage therapists involve combinations of Swedish massage and Shiatsu which are specifically designed for professional athletes.

Sports massage courses are ideal to enhance your knowledge in body therapy. Applied anatomy, different injuries, intervention, and sports massage routines are included in sports massage courses which are very applicable to your practice as a massage therapist. Whatever field or technique of massage therapy you might want to choose, touch is still the key in providing successful massage treatments. Truly, the power of touch is powerful. Every single pain your body feels, whether physically or emotionally is eventually alleviated by just offering a tender touch and this simply shows any person that you really care.

Massage Expectations For New Clients

You slept wrong last night and your neck is stiff and sore. Maybe you have been working in the garden all weekend and your back hurts from being bent over. You are under a lot of stress from your job and can't seem to relax or sleep at night. A friend suggested you get a professional massage to help ease the pain. It sounded like a great idea, but you have never been to a massage therapist. You are a little apprehensive because you are not sure what to expect.

If you are reading this, you have taken the first (and right) step to improving your health and well-being. There are many benefits of massage. But how does it work? What really happens in a massage therapist office?

What are all these forms? I just want a massage.

In a professional massage therapist office, the first step to receiving a beneficial massage will be the filling out of some basic forms. They include a client intake form, a health history, and an informed consent form.

The Client Intake Form- This form will tell your massage therapist some key information about you. It will let the therapist know what areas of concern you have (ie: back pain, stiff neck, leg pain, etc.). If you are under a doctors care for anything that may be important to the outcome of the massage. It also informs the therapist if you have ever had a professional massage.

The Health History Form- Why do I have to fill out a health history form? It is very important for you, and the massage therapist, that this form be filled out completely. It informs the therapist of any medical condition that may dictate the use of a certain massage technique, or a technique that may be contraindicated (should not be used).

The Informed Consent- This form is more of a legal form than anything else. It is for your protection as well as the therapist. It gives the therapist written permission to perform a massage.

Okay, I filled out the forms, what's next?

Your therapist will take you to the massage treatment room. Before the massage begins the two of you will discuss your concerns and health history in a little interview. This interview usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. This is when you and your therapist will start to get to know each other. You will discuss your expectations of the massage. Your health history, if there is information that will determine the massage techniques used during the massage. This is a good time to ask your therapist questions. After the interview, the massage therapist will leave the room so you can get undressed.

Undressed? Do I have to take all my clothes off?

Massage is best received fully unclothed. But you may undress to the level of your comfort. What does that mean? If you are not comfortable with removing all your clothes, you may leave some or all of them on. The therapist will adjust the massage to what you leave on. Keep in mind that it will limit the therapist to what techniques may or may not be used. It can effect the over-all outcome of your massage.

But He'll See Me Naked If I Remove All My Clothes!

NO, he won't. A professional massage therapist is bound by standards of practices and codes of ethics to provide draping for you, the client. What do you mean draping? Draping is a technique that uses the sheets on the table to keep all private areas of your body covered at all times. There are techniques used during the draping process that ensures you are not exposed at any time. This is accomplished with a bed/table sheet, pillow case, and/or towels.

How Does Draping Work?

The massage table you will be receiving treatment on, has a full set of bed sheets on it. A bottom sheet you will lay on, and a top sheet you will use to cover yourself with. When the therapist leaves the room, you will undress. You will then get on the massage table between the sheets. Your therapist will give you time to do this. He or she will knock on the door, awaiting your authorization to enter. When you are ready, the therapist will enter the room.

After the therapist re-enters the treatment room, you will receive pillows or bolsters to provide comfort while you are on the table. The therapist will adjust the face cradle and check with you for anything else you may need at this time.

During the massage, your therapist will lift back the top sheet exposing only the area he or she is working on. What does that mean? If the therapist is working on your back, the sheet will be pulled down exposing your back for treatment. When the treatment is complete, your back will be re-covered. Your therapist will move on to a new area of your body. That area will be uncovered (ie: gluts, leg, arm), receive bodywork and then recovered. This will continue in this fashion throughout the massage.

How Do I Turn Over To Have The Other Side Of My Body Massaged

Your therapist will help you turn over on the massage table. The technique for this is simple. Using his legs, the therapist will "pin" one side of the top sheet to the edge of the massage table. Then reaching over your body, he will hold the other side of the sheet. Lifting the sheet slightly to form a "tent." This provides room for you to roll over, all the while without being exposed.

I'm A Female And Want My Stomach Massaged. How Will This Be Done Without Exposing My Breasts?

This is where the therapist uses the extra towels or pillow cases. The pillow case will be placed over your breasts, on top of the sheet that is covering you. The sheet will then be slid out from underneath the pillow case. The pillow case remains in place, covering your breasts. The sheet is pulled further down to expose your stomach for treatment. After the bodywork is complete, the sheet is returned to it's original position. This time it will be placed on top of the pillow case. The pillow case will be removed from under the sheet.

I Still Don't Understand Why I Have To Undress Completely

Your body and the muscles that control all of your body's movement are a complex system. Do you remember that old song about your bones? "My toe bone's connected to my foot bone. My foot bone's connected to my leg bone. My leg bone's connected to my thigh bone." If you remember this song, it is probably playing through your head now. Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues (such as muscles) of your body. You can replace the word "bone" in that old song with muscle. Although it is a little more complex than that song, you can get a little mental picture of how your muscle structure is connected throughout your body.

I'm going to use low back pain (the most common complaint) for an example as to why massage is best received fully unclothed. Most of your back muscles are connected to the top edge of your pelvic girdle. Your gluteal muscles are also connected to the top edge of your pelvic girdle. While your back muscles extend from the pelvic girdle upwards, your gluteal muscles extend from pelvic girdle downwards. If your "gluts" are tight, they are pulling on the top of your pelvic girdle. This in turn, is pulling on your low back muscles. You are feeling the pain in your low back. It is not the "cause" of your pain, it's the result.

To relieve low back pain, a massage therapist may have to work on your gluteal muscles. While this can be accomplished with clothing on, it limits the techniques the therapist can use. It is not as thorough and will take longer (more visits to the therapist) to achieve the desired results. If your clothing is completely removed, your therapist can use a variety of techniques. Achieving more positive results in a shorter time.

Communicate With Your Therapist

All aspects of massage therapy requires communication between the therapist and the client. Draping is a big concern for most clients. Do not be afraid to talk with your therapist about draping techniques. Your comfort and understanding is a top priority of your therapist.

Benefits of Malay Massage

If you have ever had Malay massage, you already know how good it feels to have someone systematically relax your muscles one by one. The effects may last for hours, or even days. What you might not know is that having a massage can actually help you in many other ways.

A number of cultures have practiced massage therapies throughout history. One reason people get massages is to simply relax. Another reason is to help relieve stress. The actually benefits of getting a massage, however, go much farther. Massage therapy can help people with physical and even emotional problems. When it relaxes tense muscles, people are often relieved of physical discomfort in many different areas. Sometimes they feel relief in areas they did not even realize hurt in the first place. Those who work hard at their jobs often enjoy stress-relieving massages. Expectant mothers have also found that a relaxing massage can help them cope with the anxiety they feel over the new life they are creating. It can also help mothers who have recently had babies deal with the depression that is often part of the after affect of a new birth.

Overall, massage can help the lymphatic system get a jump start. That will aid the immune system and even improve the metabolism with a large number of other benefits. Those who are trained to give massages know exactly how to relieve stress throughout every inch of the body. These professionals know how the muscles within the body interact and they know how to smooth the stress that forms between those muscles. People that do not regularly get massages often do not realize how much the tension they feel in their muscles can really affect their daily life. The hidden discomforts can cause poor sleep, anxiety, weight gain, depression and a number of other problems. If you are able to remove the tension, your mind can often relax as well and you might even see your mood improve along with your physical benefits.

There are many different types of Malay massage and you will need to find the one that is right for your situation and lifestyle. You can visit a clinic, but if you are not comfortable in that type of setting, you can even have a massage in your own home. You may have to try a couple of different professionals before you find one that suits what you need, but it will be worth the effort.

Physical Therapy Salaries - Exploring the Rewards of a Physical Therapy Career

Working in physical therapy is a highly rewarding career both financially and in personal satisfaction. Physical therapy salaries make it one of the most financially rewarding careers in the USA. Even a physical therapist assistants salary is an above average salary.

The average salary for physical therapist professionals working in the USA breaks down as below:

繚 Salaries - $49,613 to $79,734 per year.

繚 Bonuses - $196 to $5,150 per year.

繚 Profit Sharing - $201 to $6550 per year.

繚 Total Compensation - $51,508 to $88,094 per year.

繚 The Average Salary for Physical Therapist - $74,431

As you can see there is a disparity in pay within the field, highly dependent on experience, location, and size of organizations. The highest pay ranges are normally found within large metropolitan areas.

The disparity in salary between major metropolitan areas is not great. This can be seen in this comparison of 6 major cities in the USA:

繚 Pittsburgh: $49,258-$78,993

繚 Seattle: $51,064-$82,802

繚 New York City: $49,117-$80,408

繚 Chicago: $50,485-$77,021

繚 Houston: $52,534-$91,960

繚 Atlanta: $49,316-$78,534

With salary ranges in most metro areas being similar your decision should be based upon where you would enjoy living the most. Salaries in all areas of the country are excellent. The only city which is strikingly higher in our example is Houston where the average salary range of a physical therapist starts slightly higher and extends almost $10,000 higher on the upper end.

Experience Brings Financial Reward

Experience plays a major role in determining your compensation package, also. The following information shows the significance of experience in determining compensation:

繚 Starting Salary: $48,487 - $67,666 (Less than 1 year experience.)

繚 1-4 Years Experience: $49,110-$73,431

繚 5-9 Years Experience: $52,788-$83,614

繚 10-19 Years Experience: $55,138-$90,735

繚 20+ Years Experience: $55,620-$91,413

As you can see, with the upper end salary limits you can increase in pay by almost $23,000 over the course of your first 10 years in the profession. The increase in pay tends to flatten in the later years, which is common in most professions.

Physical Therapy Assistants Salary Compared to a Physical Therapist

If you are seeking a career in Physical Therapy without the grueling educational requirements of a Physical Therapist you can consider becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant. A Physical Therapy Assistant still commands a high salary, but not to the levels of a Physical Therapist. Following is the ranges you will find for a Physical Therapist Assistants Salary:

繚 Hourly Rate: $15.56-$30.07

繚 Annual Salary: $31,796-$63,768

As you can see from these figures there is approximately a $20,000 per year difference in the pay ranges of a therapist and their assistants. The difference in educational requirements is vast. Where a therapist spends nearly as many years of training as a medical Doctor, in some states a Physical Therapy Assistant can be licensed after only receiving a two-year associates degree. Many of the classes you will take to become an assistant will also apply to becoming a therapist, making this an ideal stepping stone career.

Where You Live Is Important for a Physical Therapy Assistant

The pay ranges between major cities is starkly different when it comes to this career choice. Where we see very little difference for Therapists, the comparison for Assistants is dramatic as seen below:

繚 Pittsburgh: $14.62-$27.17

繚 Houston: $11.74-$45.96

繚 Chicago: $11.89-$32.98

繚 New York City: $21.92-$44.04

Houston once again has the highest top end pay, but surprisingly has the lowest pay for an assistant, also. New York City on the other hand has a very high range for all jobs making it a very desirable career within the area.

Years of experience play a more minor role in determining the assistants salary as seen in the following information:

繚 Starting Salary - Less than 1 year experience: $10.82-$25.42

繚 1-4 Years Experience: $14.84-$28.70

繚 5-9 Years Experience: $17.63-$31.42

繚 10-19 Years Experience: $18.51-$31.71

繚 20+ Years Experience: $21.36-$30.79

With all of these numbers spinning in our head you may be wondering which way to proceed with your career in Physical Therapy. It is important you do not let only Physical Therapy Salaries guide your decision but let your passion determine your path. Are you willing to put in the additional years? Are you prepared for the more intensive studies?

If your answer is "YES, I am ready for the challenge" then the knowledge the average salary is much higher should be comforting. If your answer is "NO", then you should be excited to know the financial rewards of becoming a therapist assistant are still outstanding. In both positions, Physical Therapy Salaries far exceed most other opportunities in your community.

Massage and Acupuncture Can Relieve Metatarsalgia and Morton's Neuroma

During those periods when foot pain stops you from your normal activities, there seems to be nothing that can help, other than to get off your feet. Seemingly endless doctor's appointments, work losses, immobility, and even putting on pounds can all be side effects of continuous foot pain. Nonetheless, there are some viable options. Acupuncture, special massage methods, insoles for high heels, and foot oils and creams can help your feet be refreshed and pain-free.

Not only will your feet have fewer bone and joint issues such as metatarsalgia, but the swelling will subside so that sensitive nerve endings can heal and be calmed. Foot muscles can also be a source for extreme pain in the feet and toes.. All three of these soothing, all natural solutions will have you free from foot discomfort right away.

Trying Needle Therapy Can Pay Off Big Time with Morton's Neuroma

Acupuncture is the practice of putting in hair-thin needles into "chi", which are regions in the body to restore the energy and blood flow that has been disrupted due to overuse. With feet, this can easily happen with neglecting the feet, which can lead to ailments such as metatarsalgia and Morton's Neuroma. Treatment for Morton's Neuroma can start with a variety of massage techniques and needle acupuncture to relieve painful areas and help to start the healing process.

Acupuncturists practice a necessary art in that they are almost always able to effectively eliminate chronic foot pain in their patients. In 90's study reported in the journal "Acupuncture in Medicine", specialists have found that electrical stimulation of the needles increased blood flow to the trouble spots and facilitated recovery.

Whether It's Metatarsalgia or Morton's Neuroma that's Keeping You Down, these Massages Ease Aching Feet

Blood flow is essential when trying to cure ailments that affect our lower body. Massage methods can help with metatarsalgia and aid in Morton's Neuroma. These methods are becoming very popular among physicians, podiatrists, reflexologists, and physical therapists. By handling the bottoms of the feet with a gentle, sweeping motion, blood flow is restored to the feet instantaneously.

Reported by the American Massage Therapy Association, two great methods involve specifically using the thumbs. Several methods seem to work best, including the thumb sweep and walk methods. With the first technique, the thumbs are positioned on the top of the feet and then massage in a back and forth motion up and down. The second procedure involves the thumbs being positioned on the bottom of the feet and are walked in an upward motion while pressing steadily.

Trying these Natural Oils Can Help During Morton's Neuroma

Nature has her own special foot cures to share. Some of the most effective foot care substances available have natural oils included to provide relief, cool down, and augment blood flow. One of the primary natural oils used in foot care products is menthol. Taken from the leaves of the mint plant, once applied to the skin, menthol provides a cooling sensation.

Two other substances used in foot products are camphor and eucalyptus. These compounds have similar advantages to menthol because they cool the skin and also improve the blood flow into the area. Aloe also helps moisturize and cleanses feet while providing lubrication during massage therapy. For people who need a good soak in a warm foot bath, Epsom salts help remove toxins from the feet while lessening inflammation.

One of the key ways to relieving foot pain caused by wearing fashionable dress shoes are insoles for high heels. These devices prop up your foot arches and metatarsal areas, thus lessening the stress on the balls of our feet.

Whether you have metatarsalgia, are already using insoles for high heels, or need Mortons Neuroma; get relief today by getting acupuncture treatment, seeing a massage therapist, and using products with essential oils. Get better and get back on your feet today by trying out these three fabulous techniques.

Top 10 Reasons People Seek Massage Therapy

Most of us are aware that therapeutic massage feels amazing; but massage also provides relief to a multitude of specific health concerns. Therapeutic massage has been proven beneficial in reducing muscular pain and tension; relieving lower back pain; lessening depression; giving K.O.'s to sleep disorders, lowering high blood pressure, increasing flexibility, and much more!

Experts believe that 90% of stress accounts for 80-90% of illnesses and disease. As massage is a great stress-reliever, you can see that we can avoid a lot of current, stress-related illnesses via massage therapy.

As mentioned above, there are several reasons why people seek massage. Below are the top ten reasons why most people seek massage:

1. Massage feels great!

Massage can be a wonderful experience for deep relaxation. Post massage leaves your body and mind feeling at amazing ease.

2. Pain Relief

Massage provides significant reduction in back pain, (including lower back pain), migraine headaches, neck aches, shoulder pain, joint pain, overused or sore muscles, arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and muscle injuries. A regular massage loosens all this unnecessary tension!

3. Stress!

That overworked, overwhelmed, spaced-out feeling. Massage provides deep relaxation lessening your muscle tension and lowering your blood pressure (by reducing heart and pulse rates). Massage increases your mental clarity, heightens mental alertness, and revitalizes your mind. Massage also increases academic performance and ability to focus on calculations.

4. Combating age

Massage therapy and bodywork improves immune system functioning while relieving muscle aches and stiffness. Massage also enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility; improves blood and lymph circulation; and promotes healthy vibrant skin.

5. Calming Emotions

You'd be surprised at the number of people who receive regular massage treatments as an alternative to 'dealing' with depression. . Massage therapy increases self-esteem, improves your mood, decreases depression, reduces anxiety, and quiets insomnia. Massage also can ease PMS symptoms.

6. Accelerated Healing

Massage therapy speeds healing of muscles, tissues, and skin. Thus sports massage is used and great for post-workouts, post-surgery, and muscle soreness in general.

7. Increased Flexibility/Mobility

Massage therapy is perfect for people who workout, are physically fit, those who are athletes, elderly, and even pre/post surgery. Massage is wonderful for improving motor skills. Massage therapy also maintains posture in the skeletal system.

8. Removing built up toxins

Massage flushes away waste products from your muscles, tissues, and skin more easily. This helps digestive disorders (such as spastic colon, constipation and intestinal gas).

9. Improving and Maintaining Skin Tone

Massage therapy stimulates skin gland production, leaving clear, healthy skin. Massage to the skin also helps to reduce superficial scar tissue, improving skin condition(s).

10. Better overall health investment, maintenance of optimal health

In summary:

Regular massage will make you look and feel years younger! Massage therapy is so much more than a luxurious way to relax. It is a wise investment in your health and being. Massage certainly should be regarded as proof to your dedication towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Take a mini vacation for an hour or two!

Sensory Integration Therapy

Over the years, many studies have demonstrated a link between sensory integration therapy and improving the quality of life for autistic people.

Sensory integration therapy is a valuable tool to teach autistic children how to interact with their environment. One of the main difficulties autistic children face is how they perceive the environment. Oftentimes, their sensory impulses are contradictory to what is expected by society.

Autistic children often have severe difficulty managing their sensory perceptions and a host of seemingly self-destructive behaviors or actions that are perceived to be senseless is the result. Autistic people sometimes cannot perceive their own physicality and must resort to these behaviors to "feel" something. For instance, some autistic children may bang their head against a wall or spin around in circles. Others have been known to self harm or crash into objects. These behaviors are the direct result of sensory integration impairment.

The process of sensory integration therapy seeks to mitigate these behaviors by teaching how to incorporate information gathered through the senses: smell, taste, touch, hearing, and vision, and combine these stimuli with what is already know to produce proper responses.

As with levels of severity of autism, there are also different levels in which autistic children experience sensory integration dysfunction (SID). These levels range from mild to severe and can either manifest in a lack of sensitivity to the environment or a constant state of over-sensitivity.

Sensory integration therapy seeks to teach the nervous system how to process stimuli in a normalized fashion. A. Jean Ayers, Ph.D., was the first to research the process known as sensory integration therapy. She built the foundation of the therapy that has been instrumental in helping autistic children all over the world. Using a variety of sensory and motor exercises for the central nervous system it is actually possible to teach the brain how to accomplish this.

Typically, an occupational therapist or physical therapist is the professional that practices sensory integration therapy. Using various techniques it is possible to improve concentration, listening skills, physical balance, motor functioning, and impulse control in autistic children.

While it is not successful in 100% of cases, sensory integration therapy has been shown to be a valuable tool for helping those with autism cope with their environment and lead a better, more adjusted life. Each autistic child has different symptoms and it is necessary to devise a plan for each individual when initiating sensory integration therapy.

If you wish to find a sensory integration specialist for your child, there are a number of ways you can go about it.

First, you can ask the guidance department at your local public or private school. If you know someone else who has an autistic child in sensory integration therapy, it is always recommended to get a word of mouth referral.

In addition, there is contact information for leading organizations that deal with sensory integration therapy and autism.

Sensory Integration International, located at 1602 Cabrillo Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501, is an excellent place to begin. Their phone number is (310) 533-8338. If you are looking for an actual practitioner, try the American Occupational Therapy Association, located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD, 20824. You can contact them by phone at this number: (301) 652-2682.

It is important to keep a positive frame of mind when dealing with autism. There is constant research and valuable studies that are shedding light onto this disorder and finding new and innovative ways to treat it.

Sensory integration therapy should not be used as a standalone treatment. Diet, nutrition, and fun methods of learning can all help autistic children interact with the social world in a more productive fashion.

Natural Health Certificate Programs

Find Natural Health Certificate Programs in the United States and Canada. With the rapid growth of alternative and complementary medicine therapies, there has been a renewed interest in enrolling in natural health certificate programs. Today, there are diverse educational paths individuals can pursue in the natural healing industry; including certificate programs in herbology, massage therapy, holistic health, certified health specialist, iridology, reflexology, Reiki, and more.

Natural health certificate programs in health lead to candidates becoming certified health specialists; and entail in-depth education and training in nutrition, herbal medicine, anatomy and physiology, flower remedies, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and even enzyme health.

There are also natural health certificate programs in nutritional counseling. These courses involve practical training in kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, herbal medicine, orthomolecular nutrition, nutritional wellness, diet and exercise, among other associated subject matter.

For the aspiring massage therapist, there are natural health certificate programs in massage therapy as well. Typical programs range between 300 and 500 hours; however, a growing number of schools have begun offering more advanced training options that may exceed 1,000 training hours. General curricula in these natural health certificate programs include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, massage theory and practice, Swedish massage, sports massage and deep tissue therapy. In addition to CPR and first aid, other elective modalities are taught like reflexology, prenatal and infant massage, chair massage, and myofascial release, among others.

Natural health certificate programs in holistic health consulting are also great for the entrepreneur or for established natural healers seeking supplemental education to expand services. Studies in holistic health consulting encompass anatomy, physiology, herbal therapies, nutrition, aromatherapy, herbal formulation, holistic pathology, and other electives.

Candidates who have successfully completed any one of numerous natural health certificate programs gain necessary credentials in furthering professional career prospects, in addition to joining the ever-growing natural healthcare industry.

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

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Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs - A Compassionate and Meaningful Career

Physical therapy is one area in the medical field where there is a great potential for growth and job opportunities are expected to increase with the coming years. As technological innovations are developed, the capacity to heal people is maximized hence the need for the physical therapists and physical therapist assistant to handle the job. There are many openings for physical therapy assistant jobs which may be performed on a part-time or fulltime basis. Some jobs require travelling to other states when the satisfaction attained by the patient results into recommendations. Whatever the preferences, the salary of the physical therapy assistant jobs can surely augment the family income satisfactorily.

The physical therapist assistant is not just about restoring the mobility of persons who have lost their normal functions due to accidents or diseases. This job requires a great deal of compassion and understanding including excellent communication skills in order to provide encouragement and motivation to the patient. Some patients may be despondent with their inability to participate in the normal activities. Some may be in a depressing situation due to their desire to be back in the normal environment of the workplace. If the physical therapist assistant cannot gain the trust of the patient, whatever equipments and treatment strategies availed off will not enhance the recovery process. Rapport with the patient must be gained so as to explain the kind of treatment process and how it will be handled in order to get the desired benefits.

The physical therapy assistant jobs also entail some clerical work which allows for the documentation of the treatment process including the response of the patient towards the treatment. This will enhance the evaluation of the treatment plan or whether another strategy is necessary to be implemented to hasten the recovery of the patient. Another skill necessary in the physical therapy assistant jobs is conveying the right information to the patient regarding the treatment plans. Answering the why's and how's of the process will make the patient and family understand the process which might lead to cooperation and acceptance of the treatment. The exercise procedures need to be carefully explained including what to expect since this will work towards their improvement.

By obtaining a 2-year degree course in physical therapy and the licensure examinations, you will be able to avail of the many job opportunities for the physical therapist assistant. For career advancement, the education may be extended towards the bachelor's course where you get to be a physical therapist.

Sports Massage - Techniques, Benefits, And Warnings

Sports massage techniques relieve musculo-skeletal stress and help bring back the muscles to a relaxed state. The various massage styles involve a complete conditioning program for sports persons, as they offer immense benefits to athletes. A sports massage includes not just the exercise, but also care for the injuries and corrosion that occurs due to strenuous performance.

The Three Main Types Of Techniques

The predominantly used sports massage techniques are effleurage, petrissage and friction, depending upon the requirement of the athlete. The pressure strokes are mainly directed towards the heart to increase lymphatic flow. Smaller strokes are given to stretch the muscle fibers.

1. Effleurage

Effleurage is the initiation of a sports massage and is carried out with increasing deep pressures using the whole palm. The strokes are directed towards the heart to improve lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. The return strokes are light and follow a different path. Effleurage is also used to finish a massage session, to remove waste and increase oxygen flow to the area. It is done with light strokes to completely relax the client.

Benefits include...

• Improved blood circulation
  
  


• Helps find out any tissue abnormalities
  
  


• Warming up tissues
  
  


• Muscle relaxation
  
  


• Stimulation of nerve endings
  
  

2. Petrissage

The strokes of petrissage include kneading and movements, such as lifting, skin rolling, wringing, knuckling, pressing, and freeing of the muscle tissue. This massage technique is mainly used on deep tissues to improve flow of fluids, break down any type of adhesions or nodules, stretch the muscle fibers, and finally relax the muscles.

The advantages include...

• Quick warm up of the major muscles
  
  


• Pain reduction
  
  


• Helps repair damaged tissue
  
  


• Improves muscle elasticity
  
  


• Preventative massage improves lymphatic drainage and blood circulation
  
  

3. Friction

Friction is mainly therapeutic in nature and is used for deeper movements so as to break down lesions and separate the muscle fibers. The process can be quite uncomfortable, if not painful. It helps reduce hypersensitivity and any type of muscle spasm on the tissue. Friction also helps stretch the tissue that cannot be stretched in normal course.

Benefits of A Sports Massage

This type of massage is normally used before, during, and after a performance. The purpose of such techniques is to prepare the sportsperson for peak performance, to eliminate fatigue and muscle stress, and also prevent injuries. It tones the body gradually for extreme overuse during a performance.

Other benefits include...

• Helps prevent injuries, caused by overuse and wear-and-tear.
  
  


• Helps get in good shape faster and maintains general body health.
  
  


• Ensures faster recovery from intense workouts.
  
  


• Improves muscle power and stamina.
  
  


• Helps release any kind of lactic acid build-up in the overworked muscles.
  
  


• Boosts performance.
  
  


• Helps lessen pain by increased release of the body's natural endorphins.
  
  

Warnings

Athletes suffering from any of the following conditions should definitely consult a physician before undertaking any kind of sports massage technique:

• Infectious skin disease such as herpes
  
  


• Heavy bruising
  
  


• Hemophilia
  
  


• Cancer
  
  


• Hernia
  
  


• Inflammation due to tissue damage
  
  


• Osteoporosis
  
  


• Tumors
  
  


• Varicose veins
  
  


• High blood pressure
  
  


• Traumas such as open wounds, muscle tears, sprained ligaments, burns
  
  

A massage along with any of the contraindications can prove to be more detrimental rather than beneficial. Nevertheless, sports massages, if done correctly, are perhaps the most effective therapy for easing muscle strain and restoring the musculo-skeletal balance.

Do Electronic Muscle Stimulators Work For Weight Loss, Body Building Or Physical Therapy?

Using electronic muscle stimulators for body building provides nerve and flexor training for the muscles and seems to allow the muscle tissue to grow at a rate comparable to simple exercise. However, with the stimulators the body goes without the after-pain associated with strenuous weight training exercises. In this way the electronic muscle stimulators can help the body building enthusiast to better control the level of pain that is felt after a workout. Some people with problem areas such as sore shoulder muscles can use the stimulators to help alleviate the pain before the next session of exercising.

The same applies to anyone looking to lose weight with electronic muscle stimulator use. While the stimulator may help to alleviate the pain sometimes associated with weight loss exercising, the unit itself will most likely have very little to do with actual weight loss. However, by helping the person control any pain associated with the exercising, the stimulator may, in fact, help these people to exercise more. They will then have a better chance at losing more weight.

Electronic muscle stimulators have been thoroughly proven to help with physical therapy where nerve and muscle damage has occurred. Many therapists highly recommend the use of these units when their patients routinely complain of sore muscles during and after exercise workouts, or have some form of nerve damage that prevents them from getting the most out of life.

The effective use of these electronic muscle stimulators depends a lot on the type of patient and the nerve or muscle damage they may be suffering from. In general use, the stimulator units can be used easily by the patients themselves after only a few minutes of training. In this way, the patients control the amount of voltage used and the rhythm cycle that controls the rate of muscle contractions. Many health spas and gyms have electronic muscle stimulators on hand to help alleviate any sudden pain or muscle spasms that their customers may have while exercising. It's fairly easy to become adept at using these units and many people swear by the relief that these units give them from their muscle and nerve pain.

Many manufacturers of these electronic muscle stimulators are quick to point out the safety and value of their products when it comes to weight loss or muscle building. How would a company stay in business if it didn't promote its own products? Many federal departments have done exhaustive tests on these electronic muscle stimulators and have found that very few of them do anything at all in the way of weight loss. The results from using one of these units for weight loss is comparable to not using one at all, proving that the units are ineffective at best. In fact, they may end up being harmful if overused to stimulate out-of-shape muscle and fat tissue. Because the stimulators contract the muscles, many people believe that this motion causes the body to lose weight, but it is simply not true.

The Benefits of Massage Chairs For The Body

Most of us can appreciate the health benefits provided by massage techniques. The facts are that many of us have never personally received a massage because paying a professional masseur for a 30-minute service can be very expensive. Many of us just do not have the time to go and visit the private clubs where massage services are available because of busy work or social schedules. Some of us prefer to keep our bodies private and feel uncomfortable and vulnerable in front of strangers wearing nothing but a towel.

The advantages of a massage have escaped many of us but now thanks to modern technology there is an ideal solution available. Massage chairs enable anyone, no matter how busy they are and how tight their financial budget is to receive the benefits of muscle and stress manipulation in the comfort of their own home. Massage chairs have bridged the gap and now all of us can enjoy the ultimate in relaxation and muscle free pain.

One of the most popular forms of massage is Shiatsu. This form of massage typically uses the parts of the hand such as palms, fingers, thumbs and knuckles to rub, knead, press and pat the body to encourage the natural fluids to aid recovery. This same type of treatment is available in massage chairs because they use a mixture of rollers, probes, heat and vibration in the same manner as the effective Shiatsu methods.

We use many muscles in our everyday lives and sometimes when we stretch we find that we use other muscles that are being worked in a stressful, unnatural position. This is where muscle strains are most common. It could be a simple leg stretch or reaching out with the arms or an unexpected accident. When they happen they can be very painful and this uncomfortable feeling can last for many days and sometimes weeks in more severe strains. Although massaging the area and maybe adding some gel or ointment can relieve some of the pain it can be tiring if you have to do it yourself or maybe the area that needs attention is in an awkward place such as the lower back or shoulder.

Massage chairs are the ideal solution in circumstances such as these. They can target any area immediately by providing probing massage, vibration, air-controlled manipulation and heat if needed. The massage will relieve the area of stress and will generate inner body fluids that encourage nutrients to feed the tissue and muscle. Massage will also aid the circulation of the blood that will increase the recovery period and decrease high blood pressure. The natural fluids in our body need to be able to flow freely and massage is the perfect manipulation to encourage this. Natural fluid help us fight disease and will ensure that our body functions like clockwork and our metabolism remains regular making us more comfortable and relaxed.

Massage chairs are also perfect for seniors who unfortunately have more accidents due to lack of balance as the years take their toll. A soothing chair massage can soothe those aching muscles in no time at all. While you receive the ultimate in body manipulation you can be watching your favourite television program, talk to friends on the telephone, read a book or just sitting back and relax while the massage chair does the work.

When the massage is over and you feel completely relaxed and pain free you may be wondering why you did not invest in a massage chair earlier. Massage chairs are ideal for any home. You never know when you may want to call upon your own private masseur that is available to use at a moments notice 24-hours a day.

Physical Therapy More Than A Massage

I don't know how many times I have had to explain to acquaintenances that as a physical therapist I do not spend my day giving massages. Physical therapists provide more treatment than "just a massage," but let's first start by giving a definition of what a physical therapist is. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (2006), physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. We also help prevent conditions associated with loss of mobility, strength, endurance, balance, coordination and function through fitness and wellness programs.

Physical therapists are experts in the view of the body based on biomechanics and kinesiology. In a nutshell, we understand the way the body moves or needs to move. Physical therapists must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure exam. Coursework is rigorous and includes classes in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biology, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, diagnostics and therapeutic exercise to name a few. In addition to class work, students of physical therapy have laboratory instruction and supervised clinical education.

Upon completion of coursework and a passing standard on a national licensure exam, physical therapists can work in a variety of settings. This would include hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and home care. Physical therapists in these settings can work with people of all ages and diagnoses. Some possible diagnoses include cardiopulmonary dysfunction such as cystic fibrosis, heart attack, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Other diagnoses include wound care, urinary incontinence, stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, orthopedic injuries such as rotator cuff dysfunction, arthritis, muscle strains, joint/ligamentous sprains, lumbar and cervical disc herniations, overuse injuries, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, whiplash, fibromyalgia, etc. Basically, physical therapy may help you if you have any loss of motion, loss of strength, loss of coordination or balance, loss of endurance, loss of function and/or acute or chronic pain.

A typical physical therapy examination will include a subjective examination (interview), an objective examination, an assessment and a plan. The subjective portion of the exam clarifies medical history, identifies symptoms and patient goals. The objective portion of the examination can include a posture assessment, range of motion evaluation, strength tests, neurologic tests, palpation and functional assessment to name a few. Once the objective portion is completed, an assessment of the condition is developed and an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated.

Treatment by a physical therapist can include exercise prescription, walking assistance devices or braces/splints, patient education, manual techniques, pool therapy and therapeutic physical therapy modalities. Manual techniques can pertain to soft tissue mobilizations, manual stretching and, yes, massage. Some physical therapy locations have a pool available to use for treatment in water. Water will "unload" the body and can be used to decrease stress to an area or increase stress to an area dependent upon the effect warranted. Therapeutic physical therapy modalities involve things such as ultrasound, interferential current, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, ice, heat, etc. Physical therapists can also evaluate your throwing mechanics, pitching mechanics, golf swing, tennis stroke, work station and job setting.

So, as you can see, physical therapists do so much more than massage. Contact an Excel Physical Therapist to see if they can help you. http://www.ExcelPT.com

Back Pain Solution - Does Ice Massage Therapy For Back Pain Work?

Is ice massage therapy the answer for relieving my back pain? The answer is yes! If you are experiencing a sore back an ice massage may be just what the doctor ordered. If you are like me and have played a lot of sports you know that coaches usually carry several packets of "instant ice" in their first aid kits.

When there is an injury on the field the first thing a coach reaches for is an ice pack. The coach quickly activates the package placing it directly on the injured area. The ice does several things:

1. It reduces the swelling and inflammation.

2. It temporarily relieves the pain by stopping pain signals to your brain.

3. Prevents damage to injured tissue.

Now if you have a sore back you don't need a fancy ice packet. Just crush some ice, put it in a ziplock bag, wrap it in a towel and place on your sore back. Limit the ice to about ten minutes. Even a bag of frozen peas will work if you are in a rush.

To further improve on using ice to relieve your sore back try an ice massage. Simply take your bag of frozen peas or ice pack, place on the injured area and move it in a circular monition around the sore muscle. Don't put the ice directly on your skin, always have some protective cloth, towel or clothing between the ice an skin. Ice massage is a quick, free and effective way to quickly bring relief to your aching back. Personally I give myself an ice massage at least once a day. Usually after my forty mile daily work commute. On weekends depending on how active I am I may use the ice twice a day.

In my opinion ice massage therapy does work. The fact that coaches use this therapy as "first aid" for an injured player reinforces ice massage's effectiveness. However ice massage does not get at the root cause of your pain. For that you need a program or system that addresses the underlying cause of your pain/injury. Many times the real causes are weak muscles and/or muscle imbalance.

Bath Hoist Purchasing: 5 Mistakes to Avoid From a Physical Therapist Perspective

The baby boomers are growing in age and these individuals will see an increased desire for mobility devices and supplies to aid in their activities of daily living (ADLs). While this may involve something minor such as a raised toilet seat or grab bars installed to assist in the shower, a more heavy duty device such as a bath hoist may become a necessity depending on the severity of one's limitations.

There's a decent chance a friend or loved one in the baby boomer age group will seek your advice on the topic of mobility devices in the future. While it may seem like a simple task to research the proper device, the reality is there are so many options available both in store and online that it can become difficult. Purchasing an improper device can actually exacerbate one's condition and be a safety hazard. Buying an improperly fit lift or hoist could lead to a hit not only to one's body but also their wallet. Below is a list of five mistakes to avoid when one is ready to make this type of purchase.

1) Not Doing the Proper Research- Each disorder has its own needs and this should be researched before offering advice. Suggesting a standard bathtub lift for someone who is borderline obese will not give the weight support needed to ensure safety. Make sure to know the capacity and dimensions for each lift device.

2) Being Cheap-- We all love a good bargain. As consumers we like to purchase items on sale or believe to be of value even if that item may not be the best for the situation. When it comes to mobility equipment, the rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for. For example, a new lower end lift bath hoist might cost $400 which may seem like a great deal. However, this type of bath device might not have a swivel seat nor a remote control which should be standard for anyone who truly wants a reliable and safe piece of equipment. Don't start pinching pennies when it comes to safety and mobility.

3) Waiting Too Long- A common issue that arises is the embarrassment that accompanies using a mobility device. Many people view using a bath hoist as being crippled or having a negative connotation associated with it. Because of this, people tend to wait too long to buy which costs themselves saving further decline in their status. Don't let this happen to you.

4) Not Taking Measurements - The most common complaint that arises after buying a device is that it doesn't fit right. While this indeed can arise from poor communication or purchasing error, most likely it stems from not taking body measurements before ordering. The number of people who are lazy and don't take simple measurements is dumbfounding and causes eventual problems down the road with poor fit.

5) Not Consulting with a Professional - With higher priced items such as disabled bath lifts, purchasing blindly without professional consultation is risky. Spending sums of money on a device without really knowing if it is appropriate would be irresponsible. Consulting with a physical therapist or other mobility pro would be wise if someone you know is looking to make a higher end mobility device purchase such as a bath hoist. Doing so might save not only money but also aggravation in the end.

Physical Therapy Can Be Helpful for Neck Pain

Physical therapy is one of the very successful and non-hazardous methods of managing moderate to severe issues involving joints, muscles and ligaments. Neck pain is a very common issue that may occur at any age; however, most of the cases of neck pain are trivial and disappear with proper sleep, rest and pain-killers. But in some cases, it is an early symptom of a more serious issue or organic pathology that requires serious interventions.

Neck pain is normally seen in adult professionals after using the computer and other devices for long hours without properly supporting the back musculature. Most young adults experience neck pain after a muscle pull during physical activity; however, in most elderly individuals (especially post-menopausal women) the cause of neck pain is cervical disc herniation as a result of degenerative bone disorders or inflammatory joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. It is also reported very frequently in individuals with a chronic history of osteoporosis or endocrinological disorders.

The symptoms of cervical disc herniation include pain in most cases but in advanced cases, it also affects the nerves exiting through the affected cervical vertebrae, due to nerve impingement or nerve entrapment at the level of tiny foramina. In long standing cases, symptoms include numbness and parenthesis of upper limbs and/or limitation of neck motion.

Pain of the neck can be a symptom of just a muscle pull that may have occurred while sleeping on the wrong pillow or supporting the neck on a hard surface like sleeping on floor or on a couch or while travelling by air. However, in some cases, it may occur as a part of degenerative bone disease like osteoporosis or cervical disc herniation. Cervical vertebrae are separated by a thin layer of cartilage that offers gliding movement across cervical vertebrae; however, due to aging, menopause or spinal degenerative disease, this cartilaginous disc undergoes wear and tear changes that may lead to spinal disc herniation, manifesting as pain in 80% of the cases.

You must see a healthcare provider as early as possible if your pain is associated with any of the following symptoms indicating a more organic pathology. If your neck pain is chronic (persists more than 2-4 weeks) and does not go away with simple modifications, if your neck pain is getting worse, if neck pain is associated with numbness, weakness of upper or lower limbs, if you experience an episode of fall, loss of consciousness or paralysis or limitation of neck movement you must see a healthcare provider.

In most cases of long-standing moderate to severe neck pain, the ideal therapy advised is maintaining optimal neck support with the help of a cervical collar that helps in stabilizing neck muscles. Cervical neck support pillows are advised to people who develop muscle sprain due to improper sleeping habits.

Physical therapy is a non-surgical and a non-invasive mode of therapy that is effective in all types of neck pain, no matter how acute or chronic symptoms are. The aim of physical therapy is to help in improvement of pain symptoms and to prevent the nervous complications from occurring. Physiotherapists also work in collaboration with patients in order to improve neck posture. Long term efficacy of these exercises is manifested by strengthening of neck muscles, supporting damaged inter-vertebral discs and relieving the pressure from entrapped nerves.

Physical therapy exercises, primarily cervical traction, aims at alleviating the pressure from the cervical vertebrae that removed the pressure from nerves. Cervical traction exercises can be periodic or intermittent depending upon the symptoms. Sometimes, special devices are also advised to stabilize and pull neck muscles by the use of pulleys in moderately severe cases.

Other modes of therapy that is normally employed by physiotherapists and chiropractors include deep tissue massage which helps in reducing the intensity of pain by improving the blood circulation through tense and tender muscles. Moreover, massage also helps in releasing toxins from the tissue to kill the source of inflammation in tissues.

If you are experiencing chronic neck pain that is affecting your performance at work or your lifestyle in general, see your healthcare provider to discuss if physiotherapy may help your case.

Massage Stone Therapy - The Start Up Tips

Wikipedia mentions a simple explanation of this title and goes thus: A stone massage is a massage that uses smooth, flat, and heated rocks placed at key points on the body.

This is one of the least detailed explanations on the Massage Stone Therapy as one can find amongst hundreds of articles on the internet. Stone therapy has increasingly become popular among the alternate therapy fraternity. It is even said that the massage stone used serves as an energy reservoir which contains the healing energy of the therapist.

These iron rich stones can be heated in a stone warmer equipment and contain the heat which helps in warming and relaxing the muscle and thus allowing the therapist to work deeper if required. The stone therapy is considered to be useful for a variety of symptoms like back pains, osteoarthritis and arthritis pain, insomnia and other stress related modern uneasiness.

Basalt stones are used in the process which is heated under water to about 125 簞F (52 簞C). These are then placed on some specific points on the body, especially on the back, shoulders, in between toes, sometimes on the palms and even on the face. All this depends on the style offered by the massage therapist and the requirement of the client.

These days most of the modern spas and massage centers offer Hot Stone Massage or Stone Therapy. The number of different styles however, is almost as varied as the stones themselves and thus it is imperative to have a brief study of the kind suitable before making a decision to buy them.

There are varied suppliers of the right kind of stones searchable on the internet. One of best products available in this category is the Hand-Shaped Massage Stones and Naturally-Shaped Massage Stones.

Hand-Shaped Massage Stones are derived from the black volcanic rock and are carefully cut to the same shape in various sizes. The end product is a skillfully polished perfect massage stone for the stone therapy. These come as a 20, 30 or 50 Pcs-Basalt set of stones and include varied shapes and sizes for relevant therapy.

Naturally-Shaped Massage Stones as the name implies are provided as found in the Mother Nature and most of them come from Peru. Peruvian massage stones are known to retain the heat much better than other stone types. These come as a 38, 50 or 66 - Pcs Peruvian Basalt and include every almost every stone a massage therapist would need to treat the entire body. It includes large and heavy belly stones as well as those needed for a delicate work on the neck, feet and hands.

Combine the above with a hot stone warmer with a preset temperature setting and what you have is a ready to heal stone massage set.

One can say that if you are a body worker, a massage therapist or an owner/manager of a spa and are interested in providing a good stone massage therapy to your clients, you can begin with procuring the right material from the right supplier who takes care of your budget and the essential quality. The steps, if taken in the right way would reduce your time in dealing with the practices and reserve the energy to heal the client. Happy healing!

Labels for Special Education Students - A Necessary Evil

The word "label" can cause many parents to cringe inwardly. They often see it as a big sign hung on the back of their child, making them conspicuously different from the rest of the population. Some parents may fear a label will stay with their child for the rest of their lives, preventing both social acceptance and employment opportunities. Others may see a label as some kind of failure in regards to their parenting skills. In fact, no parent wants his/her child to be labeled.

However, labeling may be unavoidable. Getting your child diagnosed is the single most important step in the foundation of his education. If you perform your own evaluation and red flags pop up, it's time to take action.

Your first call should be to your child's primary care physician. At well-child check-ups, your doctor will ask questions regarding developmental benchmarks. Benchmarks are guidelines of normal development your child should reach by a certain age. These include expressive language, receptive language, vocabulary, and fine and gross motor skills. Because language development can vary from child to child, physicians may be lax in taking appropriate action for a child who is not reaching benchmarks. As a parent, your intuition should serve you well. Call your local county Child Development Services (CDS) office and request an evaluation. Your CDS case manager will refer you to specialists more suited to diagnosing disabilities.

If your child is already attending school and you are worried about his progress, keep the lines of communication open with his teachers. Many teachers will refer students to the special education department for an evaluation. Regardless of the results of a public school evaluation, you may want to get an unbiased, independent evaluation. Tutoring centers like Sylvan use specialized testing. In this way, you have a back up should the school district decline services.

If your child does have a disability, an appropriate diagnosis is important in order for the state to recognize him as a special education student. State funds ensure support staff will be available to help your child meet the goals listed in his IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. This plan includes any therapeutic services your child may need such as speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and adaptive physical education. These services are vital to your child's success throughout his primary and secondary education.

Sometimes the biggest hurdle is dealing with having your child "singled out" as a special education student. You fear your child will be seen as different, weird, stupid or weak. While there is no easy fix for this issue, being an advocate for your child and his education can alleviate some of those fears. At the primary level, ask the special education teacher about reverse mainstreaming. This process invites mainstream students into the self-contained/special education classrooms. Students who spend time in the specialized classrooms tend to be more accepting of differences because they are allowed to get to know special education students on a personal level. If reverse mainstreaming is promoted regularly, lasting bonds can form between students that will carry over into the mainstream classrooms and all over the school.

Finally, teach your child to advocate for himself. Understanding the cause and reason behind a label can sometimes ease anxiety about being different. Understanding how a specialized program works, even on a basic level, can go a long way in teaching your child to advocate for himself throughout the course of his education.

Rotator Cuff Physical Therapy Exercises - The Building Blocks of Recovery

Rotator cuff physical therapy exercises are the first phase in recovery from any of the rotator cuff disorders. If you have a tear, tendonitis, impingement or have had surgery; physical therapy will be the starting point of your recovery.

So, what happens next? As an example, rotator cuff tear therapy will be followed by a rehabilitation phase and then finally strengthening. No matter what condition it is you have developed this is the basic progress map.

Rotator cuff rehabilitation starts, pretty much, as soon after injury or surgery as possible. If it is after surgery then you should be given a rehabilitation protocol to work through. If it's a fresh injury then a physical therapist will likely be involved. The key message is the sooner the better.

What is involved?

These are very simple exercises that are completed passively, isometrically or supported in some way. Little or no stress is put on the healing joint and absolutely no additional weight is used.

These exercises should be repeated in sets of up to 10. They should be done 2 or 3 times per day. Remember to warm up before and ice afterwards. A little discomfort is to be expected but if it is painful you are pushing too hard so STOP.

It is important to exercises in a range of ways, or planes of movement, to ensure the whole of the cuff is exercised equally. This is to ensure muscle balance; a key to regaining strength and especially stability in the joint.

Rotator cuff physical therapy exercises

Isometric - Isometric exercises are designed to contract muscles without any actual movement. They maintain and build muscle strength without risking joint damage as you heal.

Passively - You, or probably someone, else moves the arm for you. Initially this will most certainly be a Physical Therapist. During passive exercises, your shoulder joint is moved, but your muscles stay relaxed. Your therapist gently moves your joint and gradually stretches your arm. You should be taught how to do passive exercises at home.

Supported - A variation on a theme. Similar to assisted but using a table or similar rather than another person for support.

A variation is the pendulum swing. Although not classically passive or assisted it is another of those rotator cuff exercises that allow motion without strain.

The benefits

• Begin to immediately restore range of motion.


• Increases strength and stability


• Increase blood flow to the affected area.


• Prevent scarring.


• Builds confidence.


• Speeds recovery

The types of exercise outlined above form the basis of any rehabilitation protocol. There is a wide range of rotator cuff physical therapy exercises available, join me to learn more.

Deep Tissue Massage Provides Real Health Benefits

In the past, when the subject of massage would come up a person would automatically think about a day relaxing at a spa. This would be located in some fancy resort or maybe a health club. Today, all that has changed as deep tissue massage has now become a viable therapy.

There are various types of massage. The basic term means the rubbing and manipulation of the tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. Therapists typically use their fingers and hands to perform the massage, but some do add their forearms and elbows to create an effective outcome.

Deep tissue massage is employs more pressure than other approaches. This powerful, slow technique hones in on the deeper layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This method is typically used for relieving areas that are traumatized by injuries. The deep muscle massage concentrates on realigning the various layers deep within the muscles. Some of the techniques uses are similar to ones used in other types of massage, except the strokes are deeper and slower.

Even though massage has been used for healing for many years, there is an increased interest in it today especially with the professionals for relieving many bodily problems and conditions. The individuals who have had the deep muscle massage performed on them will tell you of the many benefits they received from it.

Deep tissue massage focuses on adhesions that occur with scars, which restores natural movement, along with relieving pain. During the process of massage, a client could experience a bit of discomfort because of the pressured that is applied. When this happens, the person should inform the therapist if the discomfort or pain is too much to bear.

Typically, the issues that are addressed with deep tissue massage include:

1. Mobility limited from either a disease or injury

2. Pain that is chronic

3. Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome that come on because of repetitive actions

4. Forms of arthritis

5. Falls, injuries from sports, or whiplash

6. Fibromyalgia and other similar conditions

7. Muscle spasms

The therapist may ask you to take deep breaths during specific points in the massage process. This is to release the metabolic waste products from your muscles. After a massage, you should drink a lot of water. This helps to flush the waste and toxins from your body.

With deep tissue massage, the therapist targets specific parts of your body. This type of massage can cause soreness at times either during or after the session because the muscles release their toxins and tension. However, in just a day or so you will feel much better. Since the muscles release so many toxins, it is vital that you drink enough water after a massage session to flush out these toxins out of your body.

You should eat light before going for a deep tissue massage. In addition, arrive about 5 minutes before your appointment, so you can relax and rest prior to the therapist performing the massage for you.

A Solution to Muscle Weakness

MUSCLE WEAKNESS

If a muscle is not given any work to do each little muscle fibre becomes thinner and the whole muscle begins to lose its strength. Some groups of muscles become weak faster than others. When a footballer has a knee injury his quadriceps, the muscles on the front of his thigh get weak very rapidly. These muscles need exercising early on in order to increase their strength so that he can return to his team as soon as possible. It is also very important that all patients are given exercises to restore muscle strength as soon as possible and so minimise the amount of weakness that occurs. These early exercises, therefore, have to be carefully designed so as to complement the other Physio techniques. Exercises are needed for all the muscle groups in the affected area and they are adapted to suit each patient's requirements.

Ideally exercises are part of the ongoing treatment once the initial pain has subsided. Muscles only respond to the demands placed on them. When an injury has healed the muscles will recover in response to the amount of work they are asked to do. If the limb is favoured then the muscle will never recover its normal function. After a period in bed, during which time the leg muscles have been completely inactive, one feels weak at the knees when up. Stay in bed too long and the muscle fibres become so weak that one wouldn't even be able to stand up. So in the case of a long illness or a long-term injury the muscles have to be given specific work to do to build up and restore the power required for every day living. In so many cases, due to the absence of specific exercises, a compromise is struck and the body has to make do. People are heard to say - I've never had any strength in my back since my accident - my shoulder has always been weak since the car crash - that's my bad leg - I'm always going over on that ankle - I've never been able to open a jar with that hand since I broke my wrist - etc. etc.

All of these situations are examples of inadequate muscle power. Even after a long period of time muscles can still adapt and strengthen in response to stimuli from the right type of exercises. Muscular imbalance can lead to problems in the future. For instance a calf injury will result in weakness of the muscles and if not restored to normal strength running and even walking will be slightly out of kilter. This puts strain on other muscles and joints. By being aware of and practising 'special warm-up exercises' prior to any bout of violent exercise many of the torn muscles, trapped nerves, sprained ankles or back problems which occur can be prevented. Exercises only increase the strength in muscles when they are done on a regular basis.

http://www.londonphysiocentre.com

The Benefits of Choosing a Registered Massage Therapist

Pop into any day spa or salon in your neighbourhood and you've probably noticed a number of different massages as part of their offerings. Relaxing massages, hot stone massages, Thai massage... the list is endless. But if you're thinking of massage therapy, take note: These spa-style massages aren't what you need.

Yes, indulging in a luxurious massage at a spa is indeed a wonderful thing. It's a great way to relax and unwind from our hectic lifestyles. Massage therapy, on the other hand, is just that: Therapy. It is designed to help alleviate pain, treat health conditions and ailments and is part of a good, overall health management plan.

That's why you need to ensure you see a registered massage therapist, or RMT. If you're suffering from neck pain, back pain, knee pain or a whole host of other conditions, an RMT is the person who can help. Unlike getting a "relaxation" massage at a spa, seeing an RMT means you are seeing someone who is trained in more than just massage techniques. An RMT can help you identify the cause of an injury and take an active role in your treatment and recovery.

An RMT is trained in a number of different areas, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology and much more. In fact, in Ontario, an RMT must complete a minimum of 150 clinical hours and successfully completed examinations in accordance with the law. Other provinces have similar requirements, which means when you see an RMT, you know you're seeing someone with the experience and education to help treat your particular health issue.

Most extended health care benefits plans cover the cost of massage therapy, although some plans may require you obtain a doctor's note. Be sure to check with the massage therapist to ensure he or she is registered and you can submit the invoices to your benefits provider.

Want to know how to find a good RMT? Start by searching for one on the Internet. The massage therapist's website will have information to help you determine if that person meets your requirements.

Of course, that's not to say you can't ever go for a relaxing spa treatment massage. It's simply that if you're looking for relief from a health condition, an RMT is definitely the way to go.

Massage For Digestive Disorders

We all know that massage is an excellent therapy for treating stress, for "unknotting" tight muscles, for relieving aches and pains, for easing stiffness and for helping us to sleep, but massage is also an excellent natural therapy for treating digestive orders.

Massage and Digestion

Have you ever felt "butterflies" in your stomach before an exam, meeting or surgical procedure? That all too common feeling of your stomach churning or doing flips? This is because stress has a tendency to attack our digestive system. Worry goes straight to our stomachs.
Stress and our busy lifestyles, which often don't give us chance to sit down and take our time over a meal, can lead to a whole range of digestive troubles and disorders. Add to that the fact that we often eat junk food, take-outs and wash it all down with a huge quantity of caffeine, and you've got a recipe for a digestive disaster!

So, how can massage help our digestive disorders?
 
Constipation - Constipation is no fun, and it can lead to bloating, headaches, skin problems and bad breath, as well as pain and discomfort. Massage can aid and improve digestion by stimulating peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions which move the food we have eaten through our digestive tract. This stimulation of natural peristalsis helps our digestive system to function efficiently and prevents us from becoming constipated.
 
Digestive enzymes - Digestive enzymes help us to break down the food that we eat so that our bodies can absorb and use essential nutrients. Massage encourages the body to release these enzymes, thus helping digestion and our overall health.
 
IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common digestive disorder which is characterized by abdominal bloating, cramps and either constipation or diarrhea. It is often triggered, or exacerbated, by stress, anxiety and tension, so massage therapy, which relieves stress and promotes a feeling of well-being, can be beneficial in improving symptoms. Massaging the affected area can also stimulate peristalsis, help remove blockages in the digestive tract and reduce bloating, gas and cramps.
 
Stress-related disorders - IBS is not the only digestive disorder which is related to stress. Stress, anxiety and a busy lifestyle can also lead to indigestion, heartburn, stomach ulcers and intestinal problems. General massage lowers our stress levels by causing the release of endorphins, the body's "feel-good" chemicals, and abdominal massage can relieve indigestion, abdominal pain and bloating. Back massage is also great for indigestion and gas.
 
Detox - Back massage and abdominal massage can assist with detoxification, when used with a detox program. The massage will have a cleansing effect on the digestive system by helping it to eliminate waste and toxins quickly and efficiently.

Sore Shoulder? Heal Fast With Rotator Cuff Therapy

Does it seem like your sore shoulder is getting worse? Be careful... the dull ache in your shoulder could be a warning sign of a rotator cuff injury and if left untreated could turn into an injury that requires surgery. The good news is that with proper rest and perhaps rotator cuff therapy exercises, you can heal your shoulder and avoid aggravating your condition.

The rotator cuff is a series of small muscles, tendons, and connective tissues. This is a delicate area that is especially prone to injury. Weight lifting and repetitive motions, particularly overhead motions are a common cause of this type of shoulder injury.

The first thing you must do is cease any athletic activities or repetitive motions. This can be hard to do if you're an active person or you have a physical job that requires repetitive motions. But the bottom line is you need to stop if you want your shoulder to heal.

Physical therapy exercises are the best way to get you on track to a full recovery. Remember that the rotator cuff is a delicate area comprised of many small muscles and tendons. Because of this, any exercises must be done with light weight, higher repetitions and in a very controlled manner.

Don't try to create your own shoulder therapy program made up of random exercises you read about. Shoulder rehabilitation must be done is a very specific and progressive manner.... otherwise you risk making your injury worse.

Research the different rotator cuff therapy programs available. There are many good ones you can do from the comfort of your home. The key to full recovery is staying consistent and patient. These small shoulder muscles don't receive a lot of blood flow and as a result healing can take a while.

Choosing On-Site Massage Companies

These days all companies are really trying to cut down on employee health care costs. One method to achieve this goal is to offer wellness programs that prevent employees from getting sick in the first place. Many massage and therapy professionals, promotes wellness in the workplace through on-site massage therapy. Those are the best massage companies, who are having all of their therapists, are National Board Certified, licensed, and insured. The therapists who are members of the American Massage Therapy Association, the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and CAM PPO which sets them apart from other massage companies. They provide convenient, affordable, relief from pain and stress by offering on site massage sessions ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. Employer benefits of corporate massage therapy: Improved employee health, morale, and productivity Employee benefits of onsite massage: Quick, convenient relief from pain and stress during the time it takes to drink a coffee.

Services from massage companies during the workday reduces the number of employee sick days, health care costs, and workers compensation costs from repetitive strain injuries. During an on-site massage session massage therapists use techniques suited for clothed massages that relieve stress from tension headaches, neck strain, back pain, etc. Services from massage companies have been known to improve employee alertness, speed, and accuracy. An on-site massage routine can reduce depression and improve the body's immunity. Massage companies can provide services that are great for employee wellness programs, employee recognition and reward, corporate events, and trade show booths. A certified company ensures that their professional team of on-site massage therapists is 100% licensed and insured. Not all massage companies offer top of the line services from highly trained professionals. Like every companies, massage companies also do have their sites. These sites explain the benefits of on-site massage and give a variety of worker wellness tips. Not only do they refer to the helpful work of massage companies, but the site also offers tips to prevent neck or back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. Even if an individual is not fortunate enough to have on-site massage services at work, they can still benefit from the stretching, exercise and weight management tips on these websites. Here one can also get some innovative tools to keep track of their health status. Individuals should consult the physician before going for any exercise moves. All exercises and stretches should be done with required precaution to avoid any injury or over exertion.

Top 3 Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Think of all the joy you will have when your baby finally arrives after those nine long months that seemed as if they would never end. Yet, you probably never thought of all of the bodily changes that would take place during this very special time either. There is something that you could benefit from and perhaps have never thought of and that is the benefits of pregnancy massage.

Studies have been performed that indicate that this type of massage when performed during your pregnancy is able to reduce anxiety, relieve depression symptoms, soothe those bothersome joint pains and muscle aches and even improve the outcome of your labour and benefit the health of your new little bundle of joy.

Swedish massage, as the technique is often called, is able to relax built-up muscle tension but this form of massage can also improve the lymphatic system as well as blood circulation. These results are accomplished by applying mild pressure to the body's various muscle groups. Swedish massage is recommended during the prenatal part of your pregnancy because it can assuage many of the common discomforts that are known to take place in the skeletal and circulatory systems that are triggered by hormonal shifts that take place during your pregnancy. Here are the top 3 benefits of pregnancy massage:

1. Regulation of Hormones

Over the past decade, studies have been conducted indicating that hormone levels linked with stress and relaxation are changed significantly. These hormones have a distinct effect on mood relaxation, and there has been varying degrees of improvement upon cardiovascular health when Swedish massage was done during the prenatal care of women. For some women who experienced only five weeks of bi-weekly massages, there was a reduction of cortisol and norepinephrine, which are commonly known as the "stress hormones". There was also an increase of serotonin and dopamine levels, which, when these levels get low, depression may rear its ugly head. When there was a change in these hormonal levels, fewer complications were seen during the baby's birth. Newborn complications, like low birth weight, were shown to decrease. When Swedish massage was integrated into the prenatal care regimen, there seemed to be benefits to both mother and baby.

2. Reduced Swelling

Swelling, which is called edema in medical terminology, can be a very bothersome symptom during your pregnancy. Do your legs look like balloons and have your ankles all but disappeared? This is due to a reduction in your circulation, and an increase of pressure is being exerted on all of your major blood vessels due to your expanding uterus. Swedish massage will help stimulate the soft tissues so that the collection of fluids found in your swollen joints may be reduced. There will also be an improvement in tissue waste removal, which is carried by the lymphatic system of your body.

3. Nerve Pain Improvement

Many women experience pain in the sciatic nerve during pregnancy. The uterus exerts pressure on your upper and lower leg muscles. This causes swelling in your legs and increased pressure is put on nerves nearby. Massage therapy can help to relieve this problem. This is just one of the many benefits of pregnancy massage.

Hopefully, you now understand the benefits of pregnancy message and may be willing to give it a try the next time you are expecting your little bundle of joy.

Why Do Some People Say Not To Get A Massage If Pregnant?

Pregnancy can be a taxing time for your body due to the hormonal changes that occur and the extra burden your body has to bear. For some women, aches and pains associated with pregnancy start from the very first weeks. Massage therapy has been used for a long time to alleviate the aches and also for relaxation. However, some people argue that a pregnant woman should not get a massage. These are some of the common reasons given.

One of the reasons is that some massages trigger pressure points. Trained massage therapists are aware of certain pressure points in the ankles and wrists that usually cause stimulation to the pelvic muscles which might cause early labor. Avoidance of intentional massage of these pressure points is important therefore for a massage therapist. A woman who has had pre-term labor or has had Braxton-Hicks contractions should tell the therapist so as to completely avoid these trigger points.

Another reason given is that a woman in her first trimester should avoid having a prenatal massage. Due to the high incidences of miscarriages in the first trimester, many people are wary of getting a massage during this period. This may be because of the sensitive pressure points that when massaged may bring on complications. However, if a skilled prenatal massage therapists is used, this will not be a problem. The other reason is that during a massage the body is getting rid of toxins and therefore may induce a miscarriage. However, the removal of toxins that a massage induces is actually good for you and the baby.

The Risk of Massage Tables is another concern for pregnant women. There are some spas that have a massage table with a hole through which the belly can fit. However this might not provide adequate support for your belly and may cause your stomach to dangle causing discomfort. They are dangerous as they put pressure on the uterus. Most professionals recommend that a prenatal massage be performed when the woman is on her side to avoid any discomfort.You should ask your massage therapist which position you will be laying in before you go in for a massage.

For women with a complicated pregnancy, there are various conditions that would make them high risk for a massage. Women with complications such as hypertension have had pre-term labor before, preeclampsia or extreme swelling should first consult a doctor before getting a massage.

A pregnant woman should therefore take all the necessary precautions to avoid any complications. However, given the numerous benefits that a prenatal massage done by a professional prenatal massage therapist can provide for a pregnant woman, it should be given consideration for a smoother ride for those nine months.