Massage Therapy In Your Own Home: Environment, Dress, And Massage Medium

Environment

You will need to make sure that there is enough space in your home for your therapist to set up the massage couch and be able to walk around it.

To make sure that your experience is as relaxing as possible, please make sure that you will not be disturbed during your massage.

Your Massage Therapist will recommend that you switch off your television or radio during your massage so that she can completely focus on your treatment and you can completely focus on your relaxation.

Music may be played during your massage as this can help to aid relaxation. Your Massage Therapist will be happy for you to listen to the music of your choice if there is a particular piece of music that you find relaxing. Alternatively, you can choose from a selection of music which your Massage Therapist will have on CD. Choices include; classical , trip hop or new age music.

Please let your Massage Therapist know in advance if she will need to bring a portable CD player.

Dress

If you are having a full body massage, you will need to prepare for your massage by removing all clothing, apart from underwear on the lower body. You will need to wear a bath robe/dressing gown. (Your Massage Therapist will provide a gown, but you may wear your own if you wish).

If you are having a back, neck and shoulder massage, you will need to be undressed from the waist upwards.

It is easier and more comfortable for your massage to be carried out if you are not wearing a bra as this allows easy access to the back and shoulders. If you feel uncomfortable with this, please discuss this with your Massage Therapist.

Your massage will be delivered whilst you lie on the massage couch. Your body will be covered with towels. Your Massage Therapist will systematically uncover each part of the body to be massaged and replace the towels before moving on to the next part of the body.

Massage Medium

Your massage will be delivered using sweet almond oil. This oil is suitable for all skin types. It protects, nourishes and moisturises the skin, without making it too greasy. However, if you have a nut allergy, please advise your Massage Therapist who may be able to arrange for your massage to be delivered using an alternative medium.

Physiotherapy Treatment of Shoulder Fractures

Humeral fractures occur commonly with up to five percent of all fractures falling into this category, eighty percent of humeral fractures being minimally displaced or undisplaced. Osteoporosis is a contributing factor in many of these fractures and a fracture of the forearm on the same side is a typical presentation. Nerve or arterial damage from the fracture is an important consideration but not common. Typical sites of fractures are the top of the arm (neck of humerus - "shoulder fracture") and the middle of the shaft of the humerus.

The usual cause of a humeral fracture is a direct fall on the arm, either on the hand, elbow or directly onto the shoulder itself. Due to all the muscles that attach to the upper humerus, there can be a lot of muscular force at the time, dictating how much the bones are pulled into a displaced position. Humeral fractures are more common in the elderly with an average age of fracture of around 65 years and younger people usually have a history of forceful trauma such as motor accidents or sport.

If the fracture occurred without significant force then a pathological cause such as cancer must be suspected. On physio examination pain will occur on movement of the shoulder or the elbow, there may be extensive bruising and swelling, the arm may appear short if the fracture is displaced in shaft fractures and there is very restricted shoulder movement. Radial nerve damage is rare in upper humeral fractures but more common in fractures of the shaft, leading to "wrist drop", weakness of the wrist and finger extensors and some thumb movements.

Management of Humeral Fractures

After the fracture the patient's movements are kept restricted and sufficient analgesia provided to keep them comfortable. With little or no displacement the management is non-operative but if the greater tuberosity is fractured then it is important to suspect rotator cuff injury. This is more common in injuries with high forces, when the patient is older or the tuberosity is displaced significantly. Humeral neck fractures can be kept in line with a collar and cuff, allowing the elbow to hang free, while shaft fractures are difficult to manage but can be braced.

Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is often performed for displaced fractures with three or four fragments and more commonly in younger patients, while older patients have humeral head replacement to prevent pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Nailing or plating is used in shaft fractures if necessary but these usually heal without surgery. Humeral fractures can have complications including injury to the radial nerve in shaft fractures, frozen shoulder and death of the humeral head due to loss of blood supply. Although normal healing time is 6-8 weeks, older sufferers may never re-establish normal range of shoulder movement.

Shoulder Fracture Treatment by Physiotherapy

Initially the physio assesses the arm, asking the patient about their pain level as this varies greatly, examining the swelling and bruising of the arm. The physiotherapist then checks the available range of movement of the shoulder, elbow, forearm and hand. Any muscle weakness and sensory loss is noted as this may denote nerve damage. If not operated on, a sling is continued with and if the fracture is not too painful or severe, early exercises are started by the physiotherapist. Pendular exercises, with the patient bending over at the waist, are important in the early stages as they allow movement of the shoulder joint without much force.

Three weeks after the fracture bone healing will be well under way so the physiotherapist will instruct the patient in auto-assisted exercises, using the other arm, to help reduce stress on the injury. Unassisted exercises are the next step as the arm becomes stronger, to practice lateral and medial rotation and flexion. At six weeks the bone will be clinically sound so the physio can progress to more vigorous movements with resistance and gentle end-range stretching. Joint mobilisations can be useful to free up the sliding and gliding movements of the joint and strengthening and joint range work continued with Theraband.

Can Massage Help to Build Muscles?

Can a massage really help to build muscles? It is a very important question for any athlete, no matter if we are talking about amateurs or pros. Why is massage so important? Because massage can encourage healing, increases the metabolism and helps to remove toxins and waste material from the tissue and blood stream.

Pictures of massage and spa treatment can be seen in Olympia in Greece, where the first Olympic Games took place, but there is also evidence in other cultures of the importance of massage in connection with athleticism. Most of the martial arts school in Asia have also a tradition of self-massage to encourage the flow of chi, which helps regeneration after intense training.

But I think especially with building muscles and body building in general, the importance of massage is often neglected. Surveys showed that this is mostly because massage is categorized as "girly" and for a manly sport like bodybuilding this just doesn't fit the image. But any bodybuilder who is serious about his ability to build muscles will not get around massage.

Lifting heavy weights repeatedly puts enormous stress on the tissue and if the athlete wants to prevent tissue scarring, proper massage needs to be applied. If you are training 4-6 times a week, you should at least have 2-3 massage a week. The massage should be focussed on the body parts that were worked out. This is to save time and also, because a bulky muscle takes more effort on the part of the massage therapist is also less strain on the massage therapist.

TIP: Massage should usually not be applied immediately before a trainings session, because it makes the body relaxed, less alert and decreases the adrenaline, which is important for a heavy lifting session.

Massage, More Than Just a Luxury - It's a Benefit!

After a days work, and all is well nothing can be more soothing than a massage. Be it hard or soft, half body or whole body, Massage is considered a need nowadays rather than a luxury! The reason for this is that such activities can ease of a stress level that after such session a person would feel light, free and relieved. The benefits of such an activity are so broad in scope that it has transcend its way from being a fad, and luxury, to a need in which many may be able to benefit from it. Let us view it this way, by way of relaxing we tend to balance ourselves and it becomes a healthy lifestyle.

Of course this also goes with a healthy diet and exercise as well. By this I mean really healthy. This means that we should also change our diet as well. Meat consumption is good but over eating of it also has its hazards. To name a few, we will imbalance of nutrients. Lack of exercise will also lead to back aches which may be caused by possible stones in the body, which may also be aggravated by the over consumption of meat. These are some common Massage Benefits that is propitious to all. Therapeutic Massage benefits you if you are a person with an aching back.

If you are an office worker or a simple laborer, a session of strokes will alleviate pains such as back pains. This may be due to bad posture, or an overly stressed part because of work. Massage benefits these areas. Another area in which Massage benefits the office workers is that those people who have undergone such healthy activities are more alert for work and performs well as well. This may sound too cheesy but this holds true to some offices. This by the way is not a hoax, in fact this has been researched and has undergone internet postings about such betterment.

Therapeutic Massage benefits you if you who have depression. Research shows that massage help decrease the accouterments of anxiety, tension, depression and pain. This way they can have socialization, an activity to look up for the next time. Therapeutic massage benefits you also in domains of helping ease off tension related headaches and the effects of eye-strain. This is beneficial to those who feel constant dizziness. Dizziness affects the eyes and as a result eye-strain begins, it is in this aspect of the said healthy lifestyle that people who suffers from frequent dizziness will they benefit. A head stroke will do the job well.

Therapeutic Massage benefits you also when you have breathing problems because of anxiety, depression and asthma. Such sessions can help them improve their breathing. Such therapeutic activities will help promote easier and deeper breathing. And will subconsciously help the patient by relieving muscle tension and stiffness. In connection with the improvement of ones inner being, such activities promote and foster peace of mind. Thus, promoting a relaxed state of mental awareness. As a result emotional benefits are gained and a better well being slowly blossoms through constant sessions. Massage benefits helps counteract the effects of touch deprivation. Studies in the early nineteenth century have revealed that orphan in hospitals and orphanages in those times the dramatic and fatal effect of such deprivation.

The psychological effect of touch is a vital part of a human's life. And massage activities can help solve such problem. Let us promote this, because regular sessions of bodywork can give big contributions to health and quality life to everyone, especially those with delicate work conditions.

Choosing A Reputable Cosmetology School

It is so important to choose the right school in order to have a successful cosmetology career. Believe it or not, Iowa is home to some of the most reputable educational institutions in the industry. People who get their diploma from these institutions are qualified for the best positions in the profession.

There are a few different training program options. Therefore, anyone who is interested in the beauty industry can find one that suits their needs. The cosmetology diploma takes 60 weeks, or 2,100 hours to complete. Massage therapy is 33 weeks long. To become an esthetician, or skin care specialist, it takes 30 weeks and 600 hours of course study. Each program provides the best curriculum for becoming a certified and licensed professional.

No matter which program a prospective student chooses, they can rest assured that it is among the best in the country. People come from all over the globe to attend these well-respected institutions. These schools produce the most dynamic and well-rounded graduates to enter the salon and spa world. The tuition may be a bit more than fly-by-night academies, but the financial reward that comes after graduation will surely pay that investment back in no time at all.

When choosing between beauty schools, it is important to compare them carefully in order to select the best one. The cosmetology school with the highest job placement is a good way to ensure a job after graduation. The best way for someone to stand out in the job market is by having the education and training experience to prove they have what it takes to enter this fast-paced and exciting industry.

This in-demand career is personally rewarding on so many different levels. For example, helping people look and feel their best is a satisfying job each and every day. Reputable institutions will offer all the tools a student needs to turn their education into a successful career in cosmetology.

Physical Therapist Training-How Long Does It Take To Become A Physical Therapist?

Professions in the health sector are developing fast and demand for qualified professionals is on the rise. Physical therapists are some of the health professionals whose demand is on the rise. These health professionals diagnose and treat patients with health related problems which limit the patient's motor ability. They work with patients of all ages and hence the popularity of this profession. If you are thinking of taking up physical therapy as a career, you are probably wondering how long it will take for you to become a practicing physical therapist. Read on to learn more.

To be considered a qualified physical therapist, the professional needs to have achieved a masters or Doctorate Degree in physical therapy from an accredited physical therapy program. A Masters Degree in physical therapy lasts between 2 years and 2.5 years. A doctorate degree on the other hand lasts about 3 years. Before enrolling for either degree program, it is important that you ensure that the issuing institution is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.

Before studying for your masters or doctorate degree, you must have completed or worked towards 3 years of a baccalaureate degree. To get the best chances at succeeding in this field, the undergraduate degree should be related to physical therapy. Therefore, it will take a total of between 5 to 7 years of undergraduate and post-baccalaureate study to become a practicing physical therapist.

The practice of physical therapy is controlled by the state. Therefore, the time period it takes as well as the requirements you will need to meet in order to become a licensed physical therapist will largely depend on the state in which you want to practice. Besides the academic qualifications, you will need to pass national examinations and state examinations to become licensed. The state administered examinations are set by the state board to determine whether you are qualified to practice as a physical therapist in the particular state.

Once you are fully licensed, it is recommended you undergo continuing education in physical therapy by attending seminars and workshops. In some states, it is a mandatory requirement in order to remain licensed.

Now that you know how much time it will take you to become a licensed physical therapist, let's look at the places you can study and some of the course requirements. As mentioned, the curriculum is usually controlled by the state. However, here is a general picture of what is needed.

Physical therapist courses are offered both online and offline. It is considered best to study the course in an offline educational institution. However, if you need a flexible study timetable, online study can work best.

The courses cover classroom and lab instruction as well as supervised clinical experience. The main problem with online study is that the student doesn't have direct access to lab and clinical facilities which play a major role in the final examinations and state assessments. It is therefore important that you find medical institutions where you can practice physical therapy if you intent to study online.

Massage Marketing Made Easy: A Simple Nine Step Marketing Plan for Therapists and Bodyworkers

Marketing is actually very simple. It involves telling people what you do...over and over and over. The key to successfully marketing your massage therapy business is consistency.

So, first, let's take a look at the difference between marketing a service and marketing a product.

Products are tangible... you can touch and feel and see them before you buy. However, when a prospective client is considering coming to you for a massage, until they actually work with you they don't know for sure if you are the right person to help them with their specific situation or challenge.

It is for that reason that the first thing your prospect has to buy is YOU, before they decide to become a regular client or patient. It is important to remember this in all of your massage marketing endeavors.

Secondly, I would like to talk about the difference between advertising and marketing, because all too often when I ask therapists about their current massage marketing plan, they tell me about a classified ad in a local newspaper, or a display ad in the yellow pages.

Advertising is just that...the placement of an ad, whether on the radio, print or web-based, in the hope that a prospect will call you as a result. Marketing, on the other hand, is relationship based. It is about building a relationship between you and your prospective client or patient over time. It is about building rapport, confidence and trust.

So let's look at the 9 elements of a simple yet effective massage marketing plan.

1. Define Your Goals

In order to put an effective marketing plan in place you first have to ask yourself, where are you now, and where do you want to be 6 months, or one, five, or even ten years from now.

2. Measure Your Progress

You have to decide how you are going to measure your progress. You could measure:

Your total number of weekly massage sessions.
The number of new clients or patients that schedule appointments.
The dollar amount actually deposited in your bank account.
The dollar amount invoiced to massage clients and insurance companies.
Or some other measurement that you choose.

3. Who Do You Want to Work With?

Who is your target market or ideal client? What are their ages? Are they male, female, or both? How much money do they make? What are their hobbies? What is the biggest challenge or problem that they face? What are the qualities that your ideal massage client possesses?

For Example: I work with female executives between the ages of 28-50, making $60,000.00 per year minimum. They enjoy athletic activities, but want to experience less stress in their life. They are interested and willing to pay for regular wellness care.

4. What Specifically Are the Benefits That Your Massage Services (or products if appropriate) Offer?

Remember, benefits are different from features. Benefits tell the prospective client how your massage services (and products) are directly useful to them or how their wellbeing will be improved if they come to you for a session.

A feature is a characteristic of your service, like the number of years you have been in practice, or the massage techniques and modalities you use. While features are important, people do not buy based on features. They buy based on benefits. They want to know "what's in it for me". A good way to know that you are focusing on benefits is to finish the sentence, "You get..."

Examples of Benefits: I help tri-athletes reduce risk of injuries, enhance concentration and increase flexibility. I work with executives to relieve stress and tension and to increase concentration and productivity.

5. Your Uniqueness

What makes you unique from the other massage therapists and bodyworkers in your area? What is your "signature style"? What do you do differently from your competition?

For example: "I do energy healing with people in hospice who want emotional and physical support through their final life transition."

6. Choose Your Strategies and Massage Marketing Tools

In choosing which marketing strategies to focus on it is essential to choose things that you enjoy doing, otherwise you will find ways to sabotage yourself. So if you are terrified of public speaking, don't pick that (unless you plan on doing some work in that area).

Think about your strengths and passions and take those into account when you are choosing your strategies. This is a time to have fun and get creative!

Strategies can be divided into a number of key areas:

Direct follow up and contact (such as sending personal letters, making phone calls)
Networking and referral building (such as working with key strategic partners like a Chiropractor)
Public speaking (for example, a brown bag lunch talk for busy professionals on stress reduction)
Writing and publicity (putting a press release in a local paper)
Promotional events (like chair massage at a sporting event)
Advertising (putting a display ad in the good ol' "banana pages")
7. Create a Budget.

Many excellent massage marketing tools are free. Instead of money, all that is required is some time, creativity and imagination. But some tools will require that you spend money. It is important to decide up front what your massage marketing budget will be and how you will spend it.

8. Develop Your Action Plan

Your Action Plan involves the specific marketing and sales actions you plan to make, for example, how many calls a day, how many personal letters or invitations a week. Remember, marketing is about simple effective things that you do consistently. It is a good idea to map out your massage marketing action plan on a calendar, and commit to it.

9. Have a Tracking System

It is important to have a system in place to track your efforts as well as your results. Having such a system in place gives you a clear sense of direction as to where you and your business
are going. It also helps you to stay focused and on task.

A tracking system also gives you the evidence that what you are doing is actually working. This will motivate you to stick with it until you reach your desired goals. It also lets you know when things are not working so that you can make the necessary course corrections to get your marketing back on track.

You may choose to keep a record of:

The exact source of each prospect.
How many new prospects each massage marketing strategy produced.
How many of these prospects became regular clients.
The actual monetary value that these new clients produced.

Remember to periodically evaluate the results you are getting, and make any adjustments to your plan as necessary until you reach and maintain your client or patient goal, and the massage business of your dreams.

Adapted from the free 28-page workbook, 8 Steps to an Outrageously Successful Massage Practice.

Available from the web site below.

Physical Therapy Trends

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has made several modifications to existing trends under its Vision 2020 strategy. For instance, one of the tenets of Vision 2020 is autonomous practice. Private practice physical therapists are encouraged, as opposed to corporate culture. The APTA Board has said that autonomous practice is applicable to all physical therapists cutting across practice setting or business arrangement.

Autonomous practice means that a physical therapist has the right to independent and professional judgment within the scope of her practice and in the patient's best interest. This has advantages and disadvantages. The therapist has to take responsibility and accept the risks for all aspects of physical therapy patient management. He / she has to work alongside other health care providers to provide value-added services offered to their clients.

As a profession, the therapist is committed to using the best available scientific evidence for client management. All applicable legal and regulatory requirements in this context need to be followed. APTA has issued guidelines specific to the physical therapy trends related to telehealth. Telehealth refers to the 'use of electronic communication to provide and deliver a host of health-related information and health care services, including, but not limited to, physical therapy-related information and services over large and small distances'.

In this definition, electronic communication includes text messaging, e-mailing, faxing, using such devices as cell phones, fax machines, and the Internet. Services provided via telehealth must fulfil minimum standards of professional health care as prescribed by APTA. The patient should be as safe as she would have been if the physical therapist had been there to advise her in person.

APTA plans to post resources on their website for members to understand the various aspects of telehealth for physical therapy. Women's heath has been voted as a focus area by the APTA Board. These trends have major implications on setting up specialty physical therapy clinics for women.

The APTA Board has made it a responsibility for the profession to maintain patient records to support that she practices physical therapy. The data should be collected in such a way that it can be collectively analyzed when required. Each of these goals will definitely impact businesses in making them more evidence-based. Each of these trends will help to make the profession more independent and autonomous.

Cyber School Eating Habits

When you go to a public school you don't really have any time to eat except during your lunch period, or maybe sneaking a snack before 2nd period and soccer practice. Well in cyber school you're surrounded by food all day. This can be a crazy temptation some days.

Now realize that my mom is a health teacher, and that her and my dad are both on a mainly juice diet right now so there isn't too much junk food in the house. Unless of course my grandmother has stopped by lately, then there is a good stash of chocolate around.

When I started doing cyber school it was pretty tough not to eat a lot during the school day. Sure I had just came from summer where I also didn't have school, but my other friends were also off then, and we would go do things everyday out of the house instead of having to sit inside for a good couple hours at the computer.

My biggest problem with food is that it became a distraction and way of procrastinating. This is fine if I'm having a good meal like breakfast or lunch, but sometimes I would make junk food early if I was working on a report or some tough Math problems on a day that I had no focus.

Not only was this keeping me from getting work done quickly, but I also gained a few pounds and became more fatigued and unfocused. The more unfocused I was, the more I ate causing me to be more unfocused. It really was a vicious cycle.

Finally I began to realize this, and my eating habits took a completely different direction. I decided to not let food become a distraction, and eat like I would be if I were in a school building during the day. So I basically ignored the food in the house, and didn't eat hardly anything in between my three main meals. My stomach even got so used to my small eating that I would accidentally forget to eat one of my main meals, and eat a yogurt or banana instead.

That eating habit wasn't the worst, but I started to realize that my metabolism went down significantly and I was also feeling fatigued and unfocused like before.

Finally I have found a happy medium where I try not to use food as a distraction during school, and listen to my body when it is hungry instead of outright ignoring it. I also try not to eat snacks between breakfast and lunch, and only a couple of snacks before or after dinner.

It's not easy to keep eating habits steady with such a flexible schedule. It's really tempting sometimes to either eat way too much food or hardly any food at all. Every once in a while it is fine to splurge a little bit, like whenever grandma brings over chocolate or I make cookies for family parties, but just be careful about how much you eat.

I'm sure you will most likely come to your own happy medium, but if you have a problem with eating habits and eating junk food (who am I kidding, everyone does!) make sure you take this under consideration before you begin cyber school. Maybe you can even come up with a healthy eating plan or other healthy snacks to substitute the chips and candy that are so tempting.

Physical Therapy Careers - Educational Programs and Occupational Outlook

Find Physical Therapy Careers in the United States and Canada. Whether you pursue a career as a physical therapist, rehabilitation counselor or occupational therapist, you will definitely need to attain a certain level of education and training in order to fulfill your career aspirations. In addition, it is important that prospective candidates possess good communication skills, compassion and like the idea of working with people.

Today, physical therapy careers are on the rise and the field is expected to grow much faster than average of other occupations; and if individuals are interested in achieving these occupations, they must pass a licensure exam before they can even begin the practice. In addition, candidates must complete an accredited physical therapy program from one of several schools or colleges.

Common studies involved in training programs geared toward physical therapy careers are clinical conferencing, training and education; clinical sciences, orthotics and prosthetics, cardiac management and testing, pathokinesiology, pulmonary management and testing, psychosocial patient care, and professional aspects with regard to physical therapy.

Some physical therapy careers require a degree like Associates, Bachelors or a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Additional physical therapy careers that one can pursue are occupations as a physical therapist assistant, occupational therapistassistant or physical therapy aide. Typically, entry-level positions as physical therapist assistants or aides can be earned with an Associate Degree.

Depending on experience and education, professionals who have earned one of several physical therapy careers can anticipate rewarding earnings up to $88,000 annually and can expect to work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, schools or other healthcare facilities.

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

Salary source: Bls.gov (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Physical Therapy Careers: Educational Programs and Occupational Outlook
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Physical Therapist Assistant - How to Increase Your Salary

Physical therapists work with people whose movements may be weakened by disease, age environmental factors, or sporting hazards. They will examine patients and make a treatment plan depending on the patient's health problem, to help with flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and balance. They help treat a diverse range of physical problems linked to various systems in the body including neuromuscular system, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system.

But what about physical therapist assistants? A physical therapist assistant is just as the name suggests, he or she assists the physical therapist. While hands-on experience is an important part of the learning process, assistants require an associate's degree from a two-year program. Other requirements include CPR certification or a minimum number of hours worked in a clinical setting. Under the supervision of physical therapists, assistants provide exercise, instructions, therapeutic methods like electrical stimulation and ultrasound. Assistants observe and record the patient's reaction to treatment and report the result of each treatment to the physical therapists.

After getting a hang of an assistant's work, it only makes sense that you would want to find ways to increase your salary. Since the pay scale for assistants vary widely, you can increase your salary just by adding extra training. Bonus payments may also be included for extra duties. Therefore, by improving yourself, not only are you able to give your patients better care, but also increase your pay. Besides this, larger companies generally pay higher salaries, but this is not always true. You can consider changing workplace since employers in places with a higher cost of living would pay more, albeit there are different benefits and drawbacks to this. Undeniably, the skilled nursing facility (SNF) has the highest need for therapist and assistants, thus incentives will be better in these areas.

However, there are ways to increase your salary without changing jobs. Continuing your education past your time in physical therapy assistant schools is yet another means of increasing pay. You might opt to pursue and earn healthcare certifications such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification, Basic Life Support certification, or a massage therapy certification. These will not only increase your earnings, but will also make you a more valuable assistant that can give better treatment to those in need. Becoming a fully-registered physical therapist assistant would also increase the salary you'll likely be able to earn.

And if you're really looking for a change in your life, why not try becoming a full-fledged physical therapist yourself? An assistant can do this by completing a four year degree and passing the Physical Therapy Licensing Exams, and fulfilling other state requirements for licensure. In a nutshell, it can be concluded that your salary depends mainly on your willingness to invest money, time and effort into improving your skills and knowledge.

Adolescent Scoliosis - Early Detection is Important and Treatment Options Exist

Baby boomers may recall days of being screened for scoliosis in elementary or middle school. While this practice was common in states across the US for a number of years, it has stopped in many communities.

Some may also remember when kids diagnosed with scoliosis wore heavy-looking metal braces. This full-torso brace extending from the pelvis to the base of the skull was designed by Milwaukee-area physicians. Commonly referred to as The Milwaukee Brace, it was the most popular scoliosis brace for several decades.

Today, screenings and treatment approaches are varied.

School screenings are not currently mandated in more than 25 states.  Yet many organizations recognize the benefits of screening programs including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), Scoliosis Research Society, and American Academy of Pediatrics.

Most physicians perform screenings during annual check-ups. Yet, a challenge exists because many adolescents do not have routine wellness doctor visits.

Screenings take as little as 30 seconds and are commonly performed on children between 10 and 15. A trained health care professional views the spine in both standing and bending positions. Children with suspicious findings should see a physician who often orders an x-ray. Parents may also want to have a child examined by a physical therapist (PT) to discuss exercise-based approaches to treatment.

Most children with scoliosis have mild curves and won't need aggressive treatment. When a curve is suspected or confirmed, follow-up screenings are critically important, especially during times of rapid adolescent growth. With follow-up screenings, clinicians can gain information about curve progression. This helps determine the best treatment approach.

Several medical organizations publish scoliosis treatment guidelines. The decision to treat scoliosis is based on many factors, including age, maturity, sex, family history, curve size and how much the child is likely to grow.

Traditionally in the US, treatment has involved a wait-and-see approach. Physicians most commonly monitor curve progression and initiate bracing treatment if the curve passes a certain threshold. When the curve continues to progress, surgery may be recommended. Surgery involves techniques to fuse or join the vertebrae at the levels of the scoliosis curve

Today, the most commonly used scoliosis brace is a thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO), or underarm brace. It is more easily concealed under clothing than the Milwaukee Brace. Variations in TLSO braces have emerged in the US in the past several years. Most recently, a European brace, the Rigo-System Cheneau (RSC), has become popular for its unique three-dimensional correction principles.

Also in the US in recent years, scoliosis-specific physical therapy (PT) has become recognized as beneficial in influencing the progression of the curvature. In past decades, PT has played a minor role in scoliosis treatment in America. Patients and families are now seeking more proactive alternatives to addressing scoliosis early after diagnosis. With advancements in therapist specialization and education on scoliosis, physical therapy is now a more available option.

The primary PT-based approach seeing increased popularity in the US is the Schroth method, a conservative, non-surgical, exercise-based scoliosis treatment. Although practiced in Germany since the 1960s, this method became available in the US just 5 years ago. In Europe, more than 3,000 patients are treated with Schroth annually. Today, fewer than 20 therapists in the US are Schroth-certified.

The goal of Schroth is to reduce curve progression as well as provide additional benefits such as improved breathing and improved psychological outlook. Patients work intensively with a physical therapist, learning how to expertly perform exercises specific to their scoliosis curve pattern. Schroth may be combined with bracing, depending on cure severity and the age of the patient. The RSC brace is preferred for accompanying Schroth therapy. The US has fewer than 10 orthotists who are trained to fit RSC braces.

With Schroth therapy, patients report benefit in being empowered to take action in addressing scoliosis and also report a noticeable difference in postural deformity. Case reports are available showing success in preventing surgery through the combined use of RSC bracing and Schroth therapy. In select cases, patients have experienced reduction in the curve - exceeding the traditional goal of stabilization of the curve.

Decisions about scoliosis screening and treatment are always individual choices of families. Parents and children should be aware of the importance of screening and explore various treatment options if scoliosis is diagnosed. 

Information about the Schroth Method and Rigo System Cheneau bracing at http://www.sdwpt.com.

What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is the medical term for an abnormal curvature of the spine. It occurs in approximately 2-3% of people in the US, most commonly children. Idiopathic scoliosis means that the spinal curve develops for unknown reasons. Scoliosis curves are at highest risk for worsening during adolescent growth spurts. At onset, scoliosis rarely involves pain; thus, it is often not diagnosed early. Once progressed, scoliosis can seriously impact quality of life. Early detection is important to ensure optimal management of scoliosis.

Career Related Sports Physical Therapy Info

Looking for a direction in your career? Have always had the passion for Health and Fitness? Ready to make a career move? Perhaps you may consider the rewarding field of sports physical therapy!

Sports physical therapy is booming right now with the number of people choosing to stay active in their later years and just plain common sports injuries that occur daily. Lets face it, we are not the healthiest country as well and helping other improve their health will make us contribute to a better America.

If you think you may be interested becoming a Sports Physical Therapist, the first thing to do is to find reliable sports physical therapy info and make your decision from there. Here is a look at what happens each day on the job and what kind of education you need to become a licensed professional.

One very important piece of sports physical therapy info you need is the type of educational requirements are involved in becoming a sports physical therapists. You will be required to graduate from a physical therapist educational program with a minimum of a master's degree and maximum of a doctoral degree. As part of your studies, you will gain knowledge of human growth, biology, and chemistry just to name a few. You will also learn how to perform exams and the latest therapeutic procedures.. After your education, you will need to pass a licensing exam. It is important to know that each state's requirements may be a little different so you will have to check with your local licensing authority to make sure you are on track

Many people go into this profession with the idea that they will be treating professional or world class athletes and that is possible, but another bit of sports physical therapy info you need in relation to a career is that all kinds of people use sports therapy for healing. You will be seeing the amateur athlete, people with chronic illness like heart disease, arthritis, and head injuries. It isn't uncommon for patients with cerebral palsy and sports related injuries to seek healing from sports physical therapists as well.

You can be assured that your days will be full as a sports physical therapists as well. A huge part of your job will be to share sports physical therapy info with your patients and make sure they understand the correct technique and purpose of the exercises you feel could help them. You will also be taking patients' medical histories, determining when and if the patient will be able to resume normal activities, and constantly monitoring patient progress in terms of strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

The Internet is a great resource for finding sports physical therapy info as related to a career move. If you discover this is the right option for you, prepare yourself for a rewarding career helping others regain their prior good health and activity level.

You will need to carefully review the sports physical therapy info before making a decision relating to your career. There are many reasons to want to enter onto this rewarding field and lots of people who can benefit from your education.

Once you graduate and pass your license, you will be presented with three main options:

1. Working for a P.T Clinic


2. Opening your own PT Clinic


3. Joining a Health & Wellness Franchise

Working for a P.T Clinic

Working for another Physical Therapist allow you to enter the field and gain experience working with an experienced Physical Therapist. Needless to say that job security is also a plus, yet the salary/compensation will most likely be moderate.

Opening your own PT Clinic

Another option is to open your own PT Clinic. This presents business opportunities and opportunity for growth. However, since Physical Therapy School do not focus on teaching "How to operate the business side of a PT Clinic", this could be quite challenging for a Physical Therapist and catastrophic for some.

Join a Health & Wellness Franchise

One option that allow you to start your own PT Clinic, presents business opportunities and opportunity for growth, and yet help minimizing your risk would be to join a Health & Wellness Franchise. There are limited amount of Franchise opportunities for Physical Therapist. Joining a Health & Wellness Franchise provides you with expertise, proven models, and a structural add-on model to your PT Clinic that has for goal to enhance your practice while maximizing and/or contributing to its success.

Pregnancy Massage - The Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Massage and the Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

The great physical, mental and emotional changes of pregnancy affect your lifestyle, your job and your relationships with friends and family. Pregnancy massage helps you integrate these changes successfully. Massage during pregnancy offers undeniable physical benefits. Massage is healthy and helpful to expectant mothers and pregnancy massage therapy is used to improve overall health, decrease stress and relieve muscle aches and pains. It addresses the many discomforts associated with the skeletal, muscular and circulation changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

Massage alleviates low back, hip and leg pain, oedema, nausea, heartburn and constipation. Regular massage decreases anxiety and lowers stress hormones during pregnancy. Labour is shorter and easier while babies are healthier. There are fewer obstetric and postnatal complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight. Massage is good for you and your baby's health. Mothers massaged during pregnancy bond better with their babies.

Massage relaxes you which eases the discomforts of pregnancy. Massage makes you feel great and this boosts your self-confidence and happiness. Pregnancy massage strengthens your immune system, reduces the negative effects of stress, improves the quality of sleep and gives you more energy.

In addition to calming the nervous system and relaxing tight muscles, circulation is increased by massage so nutrients and oxygen essential for health and energy are transported to the organs and tissues while metabolic waste that make you feel fatigued or nauseous during pregnancy is removed.

Massage during pregnancy makes the lymph system function more efficiently which boosts the immune system and removes excess toxins. Massage also helps stabilize hormone levels and mood swings. Expectant mothers can find relief from the depression and anxiety caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Massage therapy is a wonderful, complimentary choice for prenatal care and a healthy way to promote general well-being and reduce stress. Pregnancy massage is an important addition to prenatal health care and is not a luxury. Massage helps to relieve pregnancy's normal discomforts, such as oedema, joint pain, headaches, backache, leg cramps and stiff neck. It can also give you a better night's sleep as it relaxes and soothes the nervous system. Below are examples of how massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy:

Massage in the First Trimester

• Relieves muscular tension and headaches


• Helps balance emotional and hormonal changes


• Helps alleviate morning sickness


• Improves circulation and oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles as well as removal of metabolic waste


• Reduces fatigue


• Reduces strain on the joints


• Induces relaxation, reduces stress and creates a supportive, caring environment

Massage in the Second Trimester

• Eases heartburn and constipation since overall relaxation stimulates and balances digestion and elimination


• Alleviates muscle cramping, pain and joint dysfunction in the back, hips and shoulders


• Alleviates sciatica


• Relieves leg cramps


• Assists postural alignment to relieve pain from uterine ligament strain


• Helps to lengthen the spine and create more space for the baby


• Helps maintain blood flow through the pelvic area which reduces blood and fluid congestion in the legs


• Improves skin elasticity, reducing stretch marks

Massage in the Third Trimester

• Reduces swelling/oedema


• Continuous assessment for early detection of preeclampsia and deep vein thrombosis


• Relief from restriction in the groin can increase blood and lymph return from the legs


• Relieves pain from varicosities


• Enhances sleep


• Relaxes and calms your baby


• Prepares pelvic muscles for the birth process by relaxing them


• Relaxation brought by frequent massage reduces the build up of discomfort, impatience and anxiety in the last weeks of pregnancy


• Helps in inducing labour in post-term pregnancies or in inducing early labour in high risk pregnancies such as large babies in diabetic mothers

Tips for Massage Therapists on Avoiding Massage Burnout and Career Fatigue

It is an exciting journey for massage therapists to go to and graduate from school, pass licensing exams, and start working. But for some massage therapists, work can become overwhelming over time and they may experience massage "burnout". This can cause some therapists to abandon their career due to fatigue and frustration. While this is infrequent, it is important to adopt some healthy habits in order to stay well and love your career year after year! While massage therapists want to work to help their clients and further their practice, every therapist also needs to take time to relax, rejuvenate, and avoid massage burnout.

Receive / Trade Massages

Too often, massage therapists forget to take the time to receive massages, as they tend to always be busy giving a massage! Burnout can be prevented by frequently getting massaged, and while it is sometimes difficult to make time in your busy schedule for your own well being, it is critical to receive massages as a massage therapist. This not only keeps your body well and feels amazing, but it also reminds you how it feels from your clients' perspective to receive massage and helps you grow as a massage therapist.

Some massage therapists report experiencing "massage burnout" when they do not receive massages at least once or twice a month (at the very least! More is always better). When massage therapists receive massages from either a co-worker or another massage therapist at a separate practice, it helps to refresh the reason behind the desire to become a massage therapist, helps you recognize the benefits of the therapy, and gives you energy and new ideas to bring back to your own clients.

If you work in a practice with other massage therapists, it is important to block off your schedule once a week or once every two weeks to relax, stay centered, and trade a massage. Burnout can truly be avoided from even just one or two monthly sessions! These sessions do not have to be long or intensive, but should address any specific areas of concern, adhesions, or tension.

Exercise, Eat Well, and Rest

For many massage therapists, performing several massages each day or week is exercise enough! When utilizing proper body mechanics, you should feel like you have just had a great workout after a massage session, but if you are feeling exhausted and worn out instead, things like strength training exercises may be the key to building endurance and giving a better massage. Burnout happens to many massage therapists when they start feeling fatigued and exhausted from work. While infrequent, this can be due to a combination of things: not enough exercise, sleep, or food...and can also possibly result from simply overbooking yourself and burning the candle at both ends. Most therapists know to take care of themselves, rest, and eat well, but some people are naturally inclined to be workaholics, and it is important to get some well-deserved downtime!

Burnout, for many massage therapists, occurs when it becomes difficult to rely on your own power and strength to perform a massage, your immune system to keep you healthy and able to work, and your mind and emotions to keep you grounded and aware while focusing on your client and his or her needs. If you find yourself becoming too overwhelmed by balancing work, family, errands, school, or any other number of things, pause for a moment and make sure you are nourishing yourself with a healthy balance of good food, plenty of water, rest, vacation, and social time.

Too often, massage therapists remind their clients to stay hydrated, but forget to drink water themselves! It is important to stay well hydrated throughout the day to perform at your peak ability, and maintain your body's health. For this same reason, it is important to eat regular meals, and not compromise breakfast, lunch, or dinner by scheduling a back-to-back day of massage. Burnout can be also exacerbated by fatigue, and whether you are a self-proclaimed "early bird" or "night owl", you should maintain a consistent sleep schedule and receive enough sleep each night to perform at your best ability.

Avoid Massage Burnout with Vacations / Downtime

One of the benefits to being a massage therapist is the non-traditional workweek. Many therapists work only when they have clients scheduled; others may work in a spa and need to be on-call even during periods of downtime. But regardless of your work environment, massage therapists have the ability to leave the "office" without any take-home work, deadlines, deliverables, or meeting preparations. Because of this, it is important to take the time after work to truly wind-down and refresh your mind and body with some relaxation and temporarily forget about massage. For some people, burnout can be prevented by taking time to relax on the sofa with a good movie or a book. For other massage therapists, taking a week or two off and escaping to a nearby beach or cabin in the woods is the solution for leading a stress-free life. Whatever your personal preference, it is important to always take some time to just stop working and enjoy some time off from massage. Burnout can be prevented when you take some downtime to assess those things in life that you love, as relaxing also provides you with an invaluable boost in energy and life that you bring back to your practice, your career, and your clients.

Finally, just remember that burnout is an uncommon occurrence, and primarily happens when massage therapists forget to give their bodies as much focus and care as they give to massage clients! Just like you should in any job, be sure to eat well, exercise, stay fit, and balance your work life with your social life and well-deserved rest. If you take care of yourself you will find yourself among the many massage therapists who have enjoyed their rewarding career for decades, and will look forward to each day of work for years to come.

Massage Therapy and Spa: Enjoy the Power of the Right Touch

Like a woman is expected to be a supermom, a super efficient wife, a loving friend and a knock-out lover, men also have to live up to a host of expectations bombarding them constantly from their workplace, family, relationships and friends. Yet this Superman also needs that private moment when he can enjoy some sensual indulgences in an environment that is not expecting him to 'perform'. All he needs to do is to mentally and physically unwind to get the best out of every moment that he has decided to spend in a premier male centric spa lounge.

'Unwinding' and 'de-stressing' are words we use rather loosely. Ask any man, and he would tell you that to unwind in the truest sense is sometimes more difficult than one would like to believe. Here too you need the right ambience, someone who sets you in the right mood and perhaps heals you with a sensual touch that loosens all those taut nerves. This, as anyone knows is the job best left to skilled masseuses, something that is guaranteed when you opt for massage in Brussels.

Premier male centric spa lounge: what to expect

When you enter a spa exclusively designed to cater to sophisticated and distinguished male clientele, there are two built-in benefits: personal service and attention and secondly professional massages from skilled masseuses who understand every nerve of the male anatomy, like no one else. This is the reason why they can inject so much vitality, energy and positivity into you after each session.

Though many of the massage parlors for men put extra emphasis on sexual arousals, etc., there are some exclusive spa lounges for massage in Brussels where they offer several treatments which are luxurious, indulgent and lavish; here sexual arousals are not the primary focus. You can expect all this without compromising on sensuality, which is the essence of all hand massages.

Luxury massage: you owe it to yourself

You need to completely remove all feelings of guilt if you are spending some quality time trying to pamper yourself. There is nothing selfish about it - as you are not depriving any of your loved one from any pleasure. You have taken the initiative to unwind and leave stress out for a while in your life as you enjoy some of the basic enjoyments that life has to offer. It is time you did something wonderful for yourself. As the expert hands of the master masseuse touch you gently, your body surrenders to the sensual pleasure and your mind is completely at ease with the world. As they say, the right touch can be more sensually arousing than indulging in any sexual act.

What kind of personal service does these lounges provide

Over and above, providing you with the near-perfect ambience including clean and tasteful interior d矇cor, private parking facility some of these luxury spa lounges for men also help you with classy hotel accommodation, escort service for dining and enjoying the nightlife in Brussels and more. You would be attended by professional masseuses who are certified therapists and are thorough with the principles and practices of a range of massages including sensual massage, Swedish and Candle massage, Tantric and relaxing massage and more.

Some of the other types of body pampering techniques include sea shell sensation, Tuina touch therapy, spa manicure, etc.

Pain Relief With Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage does more than relax and eliminate stress from the body. It is another option to achieving relief from pain. Many people are surprised to learn the effectiveness of massage therapy when the right techniques have been used. People who never thought of massage as a healing therapy are now sold on the idea.

Chronic pain in the muscles usually indicates muscles tightness. Trauma, injury, repetitive use of the same muscles, or even stress can develop into a chronic condition if left untreated. When muscles tighten, the fibers within the muscle decrease in length, resulting in a shortened muscle. This shortened muscle, along with the connective tissue coverings called fascia, can begin to adhere to surrounding structures in the body, decreasing range of motion in the joints and placing pressure on nerves. Tight muscles also can lead to reduced circulation, allowing waste products to accumulate. These waste products can also irritate nerves causing pain to develop throughout the affected area. This pain cycle can be corrected by increasing circulation, softening and lengthening tight muscles and fascia, and breaking down any scar tissue or adhesions that have formed between tissue layers. All of the above can be remedied by therapeutic massage.

Massage therapy is more than a relaxation and stress relief tool. It is a natural, safe, and non-invasive therapy for the prevention and rehabilitative treatment for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, low back pain, sciatica, tendonitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, whiplash, sports injuries, shin splints, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and golfers elbow.

Therapeutic massage is not and should not be considered a magic cure-all. However, massage therapy should be considered a natural alternative to more invasive and conventional therapies. Any surgeries that are being considered should be a very last resort. There are no guarantees when it comes to surgery. Long recovery times and the real probability that surgery will not take care of the problem should be serious considerations before making such a decision.

Prevention is the key to keeping our bodies in peak condition before your body starts to send pain signals. Our bodies need regular tune-ups, just like our cars, to keep them performing efficiently and without problems. Receiving massage at least once a month enables the body to release unwanted stress from the muscles and helps prevent muscle aches and pains from becoming a chronic condition. It also helps you to feel your best, both mentally and physically.

The Benefits of Using a Massager

You can receive many benefits to getting a massage regularly. You also may be able to use massagers if you don't have the time or money to get a regular massage. Many people may think that massage is strictly for relaxation but that is not true. A massage has many health benefits even if you don't suffer from back or muscle pain.

Besides relaxing a massage can also increase your blood circulation, lower your blood pressure, help you to sleep, improve your concentration and make it possible for you to recover from an injury faster. It also helps you deal with stress and can get rid of fatigue. All of these are fantastic benefits and occur because massage not only works your muscles but also helps to realign your body's energy paths correctly.

Athletes tend to have a massage regularly because it can soften those muscles that you are frequently working, reducing cramping, reduce spasms, increase the flexibility in your joints, help you body to recover faster and prepare your muscles for those very strenuous workouts.

Massage has been used for many years for healing and is particularly good with chronic problems. Massage has been used to help with depression, back pain, anxiety, arthritis, digestive disorders, musculo-skeletal disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, sleep disorders, whiplash, stress, pain, tendonitis and sports injuries.

Massage is generally used to improve your range of motion and flexibility. There are special techniques used for different types of massage. There has been a lot of scientific research into the benefits of massage and it is a great alternative therapy.

You do want to be careful and only use a professional massage therapist as while it is very rare sometimes there can be problems due to massage. If you have a bleeding disorder, weakened bones, fever, deep vein thrombosis, taking blood thinning drugs, tumor, damaged nerves, open wound or inflammation then it is recommended that you do not have a massage.

Physical Therapy Assistant Careers And Healthcare Industry Opportunities

Is helping people something you have a gift or inclination for? Have you ever considered a career in the healthcare industry? If this is something that is beginning to pique your interest, then perhaps you should look into a career as a physical therapy assistant.

Before making any decisions about this occupation it is important to understand that this job can require a great deal of physical interaction with patients. You should have a certain measure of strength because you may be lifting, supporting, balancing, pushing and pulling patients in any number of ways. Your hands can be assisting with exercises as well as providing deep tissue massages for the neck, torso and extremities.

As an assistant you will report to a physical therapist, and may help design and implement rehabilitation therapy's for patients, many of whom can require treatments over periods of days, months, even years. Certain therapy's can include clinical tasks such as implementing traction and other non-invasive mechanical devices, as well as conducting electrical stimulation for pain management.

A good way to test the waters, so to speak, and give the occupation a try before making the commitment of time, education and expense, is to start the process by becoming a physical therapy aid. Since the aid cannot assist the physical therapist in any clinical tasks, the educational and licensing requirements are avoided. By taking this avenue and working closely with professionals in the industry, you can gain a great deal of practical work experience and ensure that this is a career you are solidly gifted for.

The tasks performed by the physical therapy aid are not as demanding as the physical therapy assistant and can run the gamut from clerical or administrative duties such as record keeping and filing, ordering office supplies, answering phones and confirming appointments, cleaning and maintaining treatment areas, and completing patient medical forms for billing purposes.

Since the financial and future growth expectations of this career are also an important consideration, statistics from the Bureau of Labor indicate that employment growth is slated to increase by about thirty four percent through the year 2018. Since this occupation can be conducted in every state of the union, it is probably one of the better career choices for those who like to experience residential changes every so often. As an assistant you need not worry about closing and relocating a practice.

Salary levels vary from state to state and industry to industry, but it is worth noting that for a relatively minor commitment of just two years, a six-figure salary can be achieved without backbreaking student debt, and without years of formal educational requirements. That makes the return on investment for this occupation, one of the best bets of your life.

As indicated earlier, your desire to help people with healthcare needs, and an opportunity to have a career in a recession proof industry, coupled with the advantage of six-figure income potential, should be proof positive. You need to get cracking on a career as a physical therapy assistant.

Before You Become A Massage Therapist

Everyone has to ask themselves whether they have passion for what they are doing for a living. For example, you can ask an accountant whether he or she likes their job and the nature of numbers. The same goes to a massage therapist. Different careers have varying questions. But all of them come to one thing. Are you prepared to do this for your whole life?

That is the honest question everyone has to ask themselves besides knowing about their true passion.

When you massage someone, do you like it? Do you feel yourself as an important person giving value and helping people alleviate their problems?

When you consider a career in massage, you have to be a certain type of person. If you have been massaging strangers for a while, what do you feel about it? If you are a massage therapist type of person, you should feel that these people are not strangers. Instead, they are like other human beings that you can relate to. How do you relate? Well, using your massage skills of course.

The work of massage is actually a work of empathy. You will notice the professional massage therapists touch other people in caring ways and helping them take relieve the stress. Moreover, massaging people makes them feel secure and wanted, an important quality in life. In short, massage therapists are there for the people.

After reading the previously mentioned points, do you see yourself in those descriptions? Do you empathize with others? Do you think of other people as human beings instead of strangers? If you do, then massaging is indeed a career for you in the long term.

Therapeutic Sports Massage as Rehabilitation

Sports massage therapy can be highly beneficial to athletes who need to constantly perform at the pinnacle of their game. Such masters of the sports world often employ personal massage therapists because they are so pivotal in rehabilitation after a game, or before a game, loosening the body up in preparation for the physical exertion to come.

If a player has damaged tissue then the sports massage therapist can be optimized to aid in the bodies natural healing process. Therapeutic Sports Massage as Rehabilitation is most helpful with:

• Oxidizing soft tissue with nutrients


• Rehabilitating muscles and tendons


• Removing waste from inside deep tissue

Sports massage is somewhat different from a normal spa massage because it is meant to delve deeper into the muscle and completely relax all of your tissue after having participated in extended high intensity action. Sports massage and spa massage do use essentially the same types of strokes and techniques. However, the sports massage therapist is putting more force into specific points of soreness.

Therapeutic sports massage could be ill advised because of the intense penetration into the bodies deeper tissue. If you have any of these physical attributes then sports massage is NOT recommended. You may need to have a discussion with your massage therapist beforehand if you have any medical conditions including:

• Open wounds


• Ruptures in muscles or tendons


• Bursitis


• Tumors


• Artificial blood vessels

Therapeutic sports massage can be utilized in successful rehabilitation after a labored day on the playing field. Revitalizing deep within the body and allowing relaxation and rebuilding of an athletic body. Visiting with a sports massage therapist before a game is often quite beneficial as well. Fifteen to forty-five minutes before playing will begin to warm up the muscles that will be needed for peak performance. Even during training there is need for massage therapists to encourage injury prevention, help care for soft tissue and start training the muscles for aches and pain, which is common until they locate the correct position for the required physical implementation that is being placed upon them.

Sports massage therapists are an important part of every game. Rehabilitating athletes and the muscles, tendons and tissue that become damaged every time they compete. There is a highly sought-after market for sports massage therapists going on in the private, public, college and professional levels.

Anyone who is active needs to have access to a massage therapist in order to relieve soreness and avoid injury. Whether your 16 or 60 there are benefits to being healthy and with the aid of sports massage you can achieve the goals set fourth by yourself quicker and easier than thought possible.

For more quick tips and advice on Therapeutic Sports Massage as Rehabilitation or simply sports massage visit this popular website at http://www.health-nutrition-medicine-medical.info. You will find the answers you need and want for Sports Massage Therapy.

Connecting With Peers in Cyber School

One of the biggest fears for parents considering online learning is that their children will not have the same social experience a traditional school offers. While the concern is justified, you might be surprised by all the social opportunities available to online students.

Online learning has greatly developed throughout the years. There are very few limitations to what cyber schools can offer students, and that includes social interactions. Pennsylvania cyber schools make it easy for students to engage in both learning and socialization.

Online Classrooms

Online classrooms offer a unique learning opportunity for students. Through the use of a computer, web cam, microphone and live classroom technology, students can ask questions, answer questions and participate in live discussions with instructors and classmates. Online classrooms incorporate interactive tools and lessons to create a lively classroom environment.

Clubs and Activities

Making friends through a Pennsylvania cyber school is easier than you may think. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and activities that allow them to meet and interact with students that share their interests. From chess clubs to art clubs, virtual schools make it easy for every student to get involved.

In addition to activities offered directly through the school, online learners have the opportunity to spend more time participating in their local communities. Because their educational schedule is flexible, they have the freedom to take part is extracurricular activities and service projects that the schedule of a traditional school might not accommodate.

Through online school clubs and activities students can:

• Easily make friends
• Develop valuable leadership skills
• Connect with students all across the country
• Expand their interests
• Pursue their interests

Online School Field Trips

Through Pennsylvania cyber schools, students can take field trips that are educational and fun. From museums to state parks, students will be able to supplement their online learning with a variety of interactive field trips. Not only will they have the opportunity to learn and explore new things, but they will have the chance to interact with other online school students, teachers and parents.

Student-Teacher Interaction

When choosing a Pennsylvania cyber school, know that your child will benefit from instructors trained in the nuances of teaching in a virtual classroom. The teachers in a cyber school work closely together to ensure they are offering a high-quality, personalized education for each student.

Through the use of interactive tools, teachers and students interact in real-time. Because cyber school teachers often interact directly with students on a one-on-one basis, they get to know each of their students better than they might have in a traditional classroom setting.

A Pennsylvania cyber school offers students the ideal solution to getting the education they deserve, while also getting the social interaction they need. Online schools in Pennsylvania are designed to offer children the optimal learning environment, so rest assured that a cyber school will be a positive transition for your child.

Beauty and Health Benefits of Indian Face Massage

Indian face massage, also known as face rejuvenation, is a form of natural face lift therapy that uses hand and finger techniques to create elasticity on the skin. This therapy is a non-invasive treatment for giving the patient beautiful, radiant and younger looking skin.

The therapy effectively combines different massage techniques into an ultimate face massage therapy. Indian face massage is also similar with the Indian head massage or Champissage as the founder and developer of this massage is Kundan and Nahrendra Mehta. Soft massage strokes are utilized on the various areas of the face to sooth and release tension and stress from the face.

In an Indian face massage, the therapist works on the lying patient in a sitting position. Although standing positions are also used, gravity from this posture adds up pressure as the masseuse massages the face. Light to medium pressure is enough to stimulate, loosen stiff muscles and stretch the tissues on the face.

This therapy is popular not only because it helps keep the face maintain its younger look, but also due to its health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits the patient can expect after sessions of Indian face massage:

• Removes Physical and Emotional Stress - this therapy works best not only in improving the appearance of the face but also on relieving the body from both physical and emotional stress. It enhances the system to ward of stresses that are usually the cause of various problems within our body. The smooth massage techniques used during the therapy relaxes and calms down the mind and body leaving a sense of weightlessness.

• Improves Circulation - even a simple massage stroke whether a light or heavy one can improve the blood and oxygen circulation of the body when done correctly and properly by the practitioner. Good circulation enhances the blood pressure and respiratory system of the patient, thus defending the body against circulatory problems.

• Relieves Eyestrain - massaging the face helps stretch tissues and stimulate proper flow on the nervous system. The gentle massage on the face of the patient allows the recovery from eyestrain. Continuous sessions of Indian face massage can completely remove this problem from occurring or coming back.

• Treats Headaches - the gentle, steady circular and gliding motion of the fingers and hands on the center of the forehead going down to the temple is great for treating headaches. The circular motion done on the temple allows the head to release tension which causes such pain.

• Relieves Sinus Congestion - Indian face massage strokes also works in relieving sinus congestion on the patient. The therapist conducts massage techniques that can free the sinus from any condition.

The health benefits are considered as additional effects from a natural face lift done through sessions of Indian face massage. Although this therapy is not harmful to anyone, doctor's opinion or advice can always help in preventing or avoiding problems in the future. They can also help improve the benefits received from the therapy by giving advices and instructions to the patient

Physical Therapy Treats a Variety of Injuries

Physical therapy has never been in such high demand as it is today. Treat patients with a variety of injuries, helping them recover from physical conditions that inhibit normal body functioning. Any injury that limits mobility or normal functioning is usually treated by physical therapy with the goal of returning the patient to normal functioning in every day activities. With a variety of techniques and equipment, physical therapists treat injuries that result from a number of different causes.

For instance, Often specialize in treating sports-related injuries that result from accidents in training, incorrect warm up or cool down methods, or trauma to limbs caused by a fall. Also used to treat chronic diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis as well as patients who require muscle conditioning and strengthening after surgery.

When a person receives a head injury or has a brain condition, PT can help restore any balance or mobility problems that may have resulted and PT can also help cure and alleviate muscle injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, neck pain, sprains, and lower back pain. And some techniques, called neuro-rehabilitation, can even help patients who have suffered from a stroke or spinal chord injury.

With an aging generation, the growing popularity of sports, and an increased emphasis on physical exercise, more people are incurring injuries than ever before, and as such, physical therapy services are becoming more widespread. And as physical therapists adopt new skills and techniques, almost any injury that inhibits normal functioning or mobility can be restored through physical therapy.

Simple Tips to Manage Everyday Pain

As I have been watching, the past few mornings, my children getting ready to go to school, I am reminded that pain is unfortunately an unavoidable part of life. Whether it is getting up early in the morning to go to school, the result of a fall or accident, or even chronic poor postures, pain can disrupt our day-to-day lives.

In my profession, I deal with managing pain every day with my patients. In some shape or form, every patient who walks in my door has some sort of discomfort that results in their inability to do something that they like or need to do. Although it would be wonderful for me if everyone who had pain would come to seek the care of a physical therapist, most types of pain can be cared for using relatively simple methods. Here are some simple tips to manage everyday pain that you experience.

1. Exercise. It is been said that if scientists could package exercise into a pill, it would be the most prescribed pill ever. If such a pill is ever invented, I would probably be in line right behind you to get my prescription filled as well! However, it is unlikely that any of us will see that pill anytime soon. In the meantime, regular, relatively gentle, safe exercise is not only good for overall health, but can do quite a bit to minimize painful joints and muscles. Proper exercise maintains flexibility and strength, which are necessary for proper efficient movement. My local TV provider even has free exercise segments that can be accessed on your remote control. These 10 to 15 minute routines can make a difference. As always, consult your healthcare professional for safe prescription of any exercise routine.

2. Meditation. As I am reminded every fall when school begins, stress is part of life. Your body responds to stress in the short-term by producing pain killing substances. However, over the long-term this can prove damaging to your body. Meditation, or any other relaxation techniques, has been proven to reduce tension which will reduce muscle pain. Meditation does take some practice, and there are numerous free resources at your library and even on the Internet to help you get started.

3. Massage. Although most of us consider massage to be a luxury, regular human touch has been demonstrated to reduce stress levels, reduce pain levels, and release tension. Massage increases circulation to painful areas, which in turn decreases pain and stimulates healing. Massage is very helpful for people who have chronic muscle tension issues. My advice is to go to licensed massage therapist (spouses don't count, sorry!)

4. Medicine. You hate to take pills, I hate to take pills, but sometimes you need to take pills. Simply put, see your doctor. I say this not just for prescription medications, but for over-the- counter medicines as well. The average person is simply ill-equipped to understand all the possible interactions between different substances. My philosophy is that everything has a side effect, including water (take too much and you drown!)

5. Sleep. Getting enough good quality sleep is vital for many things, including dampening pain. When you don't sleep bad things start to happen. This is true of all ages. Recent studies even link babies' lack of sleep with later problems of obesity.

For example, in our practice, we see quite a few patients with fibromyalgia. This is a condition where the patient perceives even non-painful things as pain. Along with regular exercise and getting enough water, we recommend anything they can do to get good nights sleep. Quite simply, when you are not well rested everything hurts more. Getting quality sleep is a whole separate article, but suffice it to say that unless you are getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night; you are probably chronically fatigued, which can add to pain.

So, consider these areas in helping yourself to manage pain independently. I can't help with the pain of the new school year!

Hand Massage Therapy - Better Health in the Palm of Your Hand

Some may consider the practice of hand massage therapy as a new way to improve circulation and encourage your body to self-heal. But hand massages have been used as far back as classic Chinese and ancient Egyptian times. Apart from our face, our hands are often the most noticed part of our body, which is why we care so much about how they look. You've probably met someone who looks very youthful in their face, while their hands reveal their true age.

The theory of hand massage - that every part of one's body can be mapped on a person's hand - came by way of a Korean doctor who specialized in acupuncture. The acupuncture method that he developed led to the discovery of today's traditional hand therapy.

During a massage, endorphins are released into the system to balance our body and reduce stress. So, while a hand massage feels wonderful, it's also working its healing magic to:

•Keeping joints mobile;
•Increasing circulation in your hands;
•Toning the muscles in your hands;
•Rejuvenating your skin;
•Helping to prevent conditions such as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury);
•Reducing stiffness and increasing flexibility.

Today's technology is proving to be a new source of pain and discomfort in our hands... texting on cell phones, extended video game play, typing on our computer keyboard... all are contributing to the popularity of hand therapy to combat the increased strain on our hands.

If you use your hands a lot during any given day - and most of us do in our workplace - you probably experience the tension and pain associated with your work. If you spend a majority of your day typing - for example - a hand rub can relieve the effects brought on by excessive use of a computer keyboard. In just 5 - 10 minutes, one can experience much-needed relief; this benefit only compounds the popularity of hand massage therapy among people of all ages.

If you're familiar with reflexology, you know that a hand rub can bring relief to the stress and tension found in various other parts of the body. As stated earlier, it has been found that different parts of the hand have "access" to other - often distant - parts of our body. So during a hand rub, the area receiving the pressure is certainly being targeted, but so are the other parts of the body that "link" to that area of the hand. A trained massage therapist can treat neck and head pain, arthritis and poor circulation by honing in on specific areas of the hand while administering a hand massage.

A hand rub - correctly administered - provides relief to various parts of our upper, middle and lower body. I combination hand massage can effectively used to address the effects of:

•Symptoms associated with cold and flu;
•Back pain;
•Problems with our immune system;
•Addiction and craving;
•Sexual energy reflexes;
•Mental stress and energy.

Though do-it-yourself hand massage equipment is popular, having it done by a licensed massage therapist provides the maximum benefit. Nothing can compare to the hands of a professional.

Physical Therapy Techniques - A Compact Detour

The aim of physical therapy is to focus on the well being and health of a patient suffering from any kind of ailment. Such ailments could be diseases such as arthritis, wear and tear of body parts, post-surgical difficulties and any other condition that might occur. Often, physical therapy is used in conjunction with medical practices with a similar goal; the restoration of mobility and the rehabilitation of the patient.

Professionals use different techniques of physical therapy to enable the patients to start healing their injuries. Each technique is unique and has a different level of effectiveness for a particular ailment. A physical therapist is trained enough to know when what kind of technique is useful at what time and should be able to implement the necessary actions to gain desired results.

There are a few techniques of physical therapy that have been prevalent since the birth of this profession, while other techniques have evolved with the changing technological innovations and research. The face of physical therapy is constantly changing with the changing technology and research.

Massage is perhaps the oldest method of physical therapy. Massages usually involve manipulating tissues to achieve a particular goal. This goal varies with each patient and also depends on the needs of the patient. There are a number of benefits of this type of manipulation. Relaxation and tension release are the main benefits gathered from this technique. Although this technique of physical therapy is relatively easier to perform, a considerable quantity of knowledge is required in order to perform it correctly. Very often, the traction force is applied on the area that is tight in order to restore a normal texture and feel to the tissue. This kind of myofasical release concentrates on stretching in order to reduce the restrictions and barriers that are on the body. This helps in reducing pain and improving movement.

Other techniques of physical therapy concentrate on arthritis, general stiffness, soreness and joint care that can severely impair the movement of the joints causing discomfort for the patient. The physical therapist should be able to guess what kind of treatment is suitable to reduce pain: rest, basic joint mobilization or the joint. The physical therapists should be able to loosen up the muscles that are causing the stiffness, as well as improve the mobility range for a particular joint. The therapist will use particular hand motions and placements in order to release particular contracting agents that can reduce pain. This method especially helps those who have arthritis and whose joints might have grown stiff due to lack of use because of pain.

Another physical therapy that is used often is hydrotherapy. Also known as aquatic therapy, hydrotherapy makes use of water as a device for the implementation of different complementary techniques. Water has numerous effects. Water helps in reducing strain and stress built in the body due to exercises performed on land. This especially helps patients who are recovering from fractures, arthritis patients and even overweight people. Water helps in providing the required resistance for successful exercises.

There are a number of other techniques of physical therapy that are effective in the restoration of health to the body. People suffering from pain and limited motion can also benefit a lot from these techniques.

Physical Therapy Pictures

For a physical therapy website and newsletter to be successful and visited often, they must include pictures. Aside from making the website and newsletter more interesting, pictures can help illustrate what you are all about and add credibility to your practice/business. Pictures help attract visitors to your site, which is a great way to funnel potential patients into your clinic.

The following are three sources you can check out and possibly use in your sites. These three sources lets you browse through a great variety of pictures in different genres, including pictures of physical therapy clinics, patients using different machines, and patients doing various exercises.

The first service you can check out is iStockphoto. This company is one of the pioneers in the member-generated image and design community. It is also the world leader in its category and offers its images royalty-free. There are over 4 million pictures, video footage, vector illustrations, audio tracks and Flash files that you can browse from.

The second service you can check out is Fotosearch. This company is a provider of royalty-free and rights-managed stock photography, maps, illustrations, video, and audio, which are collected from various stock agencies all over to offer a wide variety of media in just one site.

The media on offer in Fotosearch can be licensed and downloaded easily for your company's use in promoting your business via ads, promotional materials and websites. The license you purchase to use a video and audio clip or an image is based on the license agreement of the publisher of that particular content. This license agreement will then be presented to you before your purchase confirmation.

Finally, you can also try Fotolia, which is the first worldwide social marketplace for royalty-free stock images. This means, they allow people to legally purchase and share stock images and illustrations. Fotolia has the largest image bank out there that offers free and affordable, royalty-free photos and images that are applicable for any medium, web or print.

There are numerous designers and photographers, who constantly update Fotolia with literally thousands of new illustrations and photos everyday. These designers and photographers do receive some commission from each photo sold, as well as, some revenue from their advertising on the free section of this site.

This assures you of high quality images at all times that you can, in turn, apply to your physical therapy business to help promote your practice. Image banks, therefore, are a wise use of your practice's advertising dollars. Remember that a picture does, indeed, paint a thousand words.

5 Key Benefits of Sports Massage

Whether for athletics or relaxation, sports massage is a great way to keep yourself healthy. With many countries offering their own unique twist on the traditional sports massage, there are endless opportunities to relax, loosen your muscles, and come out feeling great, no matter where you are. With physiotherapy services often costing relatively little, a relaxing and healthy sports massage can be a great way to wind down after a busy and stressful workweek.

However, there are more reasons to get regular massages than just relaxation. For sportspeople and athletes, physiotherapy is an essential ingredient in injury prevention and intelligent training. For those who have already suffered muscular injuries, massage can be the perfect way to bring damaged ligaments and joints back into action. If you're looking for a reason to start taking regular physiotherapy, here are the top five benefits of sports massages.

#1: You'll be more relaxed.

Depending on what type of massage you prefer, you could walk out feeling completely revitalized or howling in pain. If you like a good pampering, a spa-style massage can leave you feeling amazing in the days afterwards, with more energy and motivation to succeed. If you're struggling to stay awake or aware during the week, a great massage can be the perfect way to relax and add some awareness to your days.

#2: You'll lower the risk of injury.

If you're an athlete, you'll know how important regular stretching and muscle stimulation is for injury prevention. High intensity sports can wreck havoc on your muscles, and potentially tighten your major muscle groups. However, through physiotherapy you can loosen your major muscle groups, giving you greater freedom of movement and physical ability. If stretching isn't doing it for you, look into therapeutic massage.

#3: You'll cut down on back and neck pain.

Back pain is a problem that plagues millions of people worldwide. It's not that the back's a poorly designed system - it's a remarkably complex and powerful area - but that many activities simply put far too much stress on it. Our back muscles are some of the strongest in our body, but when they're exposed to too much effort they quickly develop problems. Massage is a great way to eliminate back pain, neck pain and other major muscle aches. If you need back pain relief, look at physiotherapy and massage services.

#4: You'll eliminate joint problems and ligament damage.

The rotator cuff, an important turning ligament in the shoulder, is at high risk of permanent damage through weight training and athletics. The ALC joint, a part of the knee, is also at a huge risk of permanent damage, sometimes requiring complete replacement. There are many joints and ligaments in your body that are worn down through constant strain and activity, and preventative action is often a lot less painful, and less expensive, than eventual surgery. If you're having joint problems, taking preventative measures like therapeutic massage and physiotherapy could save you a lot of trouble in the future.

#5: You'll minimize the effects of tension headaches and migraines.

Sometimes you'll try everything to minimize headaches - drinking more water, using aspirins and other medication, breathing exercises - and nothing works. That's because some headaches can't be fixed through changes in diet and temporary relaxation. Serious stress headaches need real therapy to fix, and with a sports massage it's possible to eliminate the problems behind them. Whether you're tired and in pain or simply burned out and demotivated, a massage can help you minimize stress headaches and recurring migraines.

Elderly Massage - Benefits of Therapeutic Massage For Elderly People

Elderly massage offers numerous benefits to our senior citizens which can greatly help to improve their health and well being.  This article looks at what is elderly massage, why it is valuable to society, and the benefits of massage for elderly citizens.

What Is Elderly Massage?

Massage for elderly citizens is simply that, massage for the elderly, but it's application is certainly different to massage for the younger population and the massage therapist needs to be knowledgable of the physiological changes that occur in the ageing body.  Massage techniques are different, pressure applied is certainly different and there must be great sensitivity shown to the receivers feedback to ensure the massage is comfortable as well as effective.

A natural trend when we age is to become less active and this reduction in physical activity contributes to the reduction of the quality of life experienced by many of our senior citizens.  Many studies have shown that elderly massage therapy can be of significant benefit in managing the effects of aging such as arthritis and a host of other physical ailments. 

The NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) has promoted the use of elderly massage for years.  Although there is a general awareness of massage for elderly citizens, there is a poor understanding of its direct benefits. 

Why Is Elderly Massage Valuable To Us As A Society?

First there is the obvious; we have an ageing population and we should naturally seek effective modes of care for our elderly as they are our parents and grand parents, and we are all on a journey to where they are.

There are also more pragmatic motives as a society.  Health care expenditure is predominantyl made up of caring for our elderly, so any therapy that reduces the negative effects of ageing on our health is also beneficial to our society as a whole.  This is true in a financial sense, but also because society would benefit from having a healthier and thus happier and more productive older population.

Benefits of Elderly Massage

• According to the Touch Research Institute, elderly massage is very useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's patients. It has shown to facilitate relaxation and communication. 


• It can greatly assist in arthritic pain management.


• Massage for elderly citizens helps to increase their range of motion. 


• Also promotes natural joint lubrication, which is extremely important for arthritis sufferers. 


• Helps to increase strength and muscle coordination. 


• Boosts natural energy levels and mental awareness. 


• Can also greatly improve posture by reducing muscle tension. This has the added benefit of assisting seniors with a higher quality of rest, and helps them to sleep deeper and longer which can have a significant effect on their general health and well being. 


• Can also have a profound calming effect which in turn helps them to deal with medical interventions they may need to experience in dealing with various conditions.

Pain management in the elderly is predominantly treated through pharmaceutical methods, but thankfully, more people are becoming aware of the benefits of elderly massage therapy.

Massage for elderly citizens is a natural solution to many ailments associated with the ageing process, and has proven to be an effective complimentary therapy to assist and improve the efficacy of conventional treatments.