Importance of Makeup Artist Schools

The process of beautifying human bodies using cosmetic products is known as makeup. The latest fashion trend has made vast advancements in the field of makeup. Apart from enhancing the appearance, makeup has also the capability to hide the aging of people to some extent. This is the reason why middle aged men and women go in for makeup especially during special occasions. The importance of makeup in various fields and occasions has increased the need of experienced makeup artists. That is why makeup artist schools started functioning in large numbers. People having creative skills can brighten their career by studying in suitable makeup artist schools.

Course Features of Makeup Artist Schools

Makeup artist schools offer proper guidance and essential knowledge required in the application of different makeup. Generally the regular courses of these schools are conducted during day time. In addition, there are also evening and weekend courses in makeup. The curriculum is specially designed to offer classic courses to enable the students to perform their jobs confidently. In these schools, students are offered comprehensive hands on training programs to familiarize them with latest makeup products and tools.

Certain Makeup Artist Schools

These schools are accredited and recognized by the concerned authorities. The method of teaching adopted by them is sufficient to achieve highest academic and professional standards in the field of makeup.

Elegance makeup school - This school is started in 1966. Here, makeup is taught through hands on training programs along with theory classes. The instructors of this school have proven track records in different makeup fields. The qualification secured from this school is internationally reputed.

Joe Blasco makeup school - These schools are located in California, Florida and New York City. In addition to regular lecturing classes, students are provided live and online makeup classes on HD TV with plasma screen. The online seminars enable students to clear their doubts by interactions.

Marinello beauty school - The courses of this school are meant for students of varying calibers. Since beauty caring and makeup techniques are taught with equal importance, the students who pass out from these schools will be excellent makeup experts in beauty skills. In addition to regular makeup portions the curriculum of this school comprises of skin care, hair care, manicure, spa treatment, massage therapy etc.

Nowadays the lifestyle of people gives very much importance to smart appearance. This can be achieved only by ideal makeup. A professional makeup man can do this job to the best satisfaction of the customer. Hence, this profession will be very demanding in the years to come also. There are world famous makeup schools to fulfill these requirements. The comprehensive hands on training offered are sufficient to render confidence in students. The experienced faculties and the method of teaching in these schools are capable to meet the upcoming changes in the makeup fields.

The Difference Between a Physiotherapist and a Doctor

With the development of new medical techniques and the continuous influx of research, the quality of health services has indeed improved drastically. Working in public and private health fields, doctors and physiotherapists employ the latest in medical science. However, some people still confuse the roles that a physician and a physiotherapy doctor has in providing health care to patients.

The biggest difference between these two health care providers lies in their education and training. It is significant that this difference is noted so that you will know which health professional is best qualified to handle your condition.

Who is a Physiotherapist?

Essentially, a physiotherapist is someone who practices the principles of physical therapy. Alternatively, Physiotherapy is a health field which focuses on patients who have functional deficiencies, impairments, or other conditions that restrict normal functions and prevent the achievement of the patient's full physical potentials.

A physiotherapist is a primary health care provider who helps a patient cope with his or her condition by devising, applying, and modifying therapeutic interventions in order to alleviate the existing condition. Most of these interventions employ physical means of treatment, such as manual therapy, prescription exercise and various modalities.

Physiotherapy students complete a 4 year undergraduate study program, and then a 3 or 4 year honours degree in physical therapy. Education involved includes both a solid background in theory as well as spending a good number of hours in clinical experience working with patients as part of the degree program. A few of the subject matters covered by the course are anatomy, physiology, pathology, and even some psychology. Practicum also introduces the physiotherapy student to other medical students from other disciplines. This interaction is crucial in helping foster inter-professional team building relationships in health care.

Who is a Physician?

There are two types of physicians, the Medical Doctor, or M.D., and the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or D. O. Both physicians almost have the same education and training background except for the fact that Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine have more weight on diagnosing musculo-skeletal conditions for the patient.

Given the fact that dealing with the health and welfare of the public is no easy matter, physicians undergo a long formal education as well as take part in rigorous hands-on training. A person who wants to be a doctor will spend several years in school and in the hospital. He or she will pursue a four year undergraduate study; go on to pursue four more years of medical school, and another three to five years of residency. There are others who want to specialize will have to sign up for a fellowship which takes one to three years to complete.

What's the Difference Between the Two?

You may have heard about physiotherapy once or twice, and seeing the overlapping roles these health care providers sometimes exhibit, it is quite easy to confuse them with doctors. Aside from the level of education and training, there is another aspect of health care that differentiate a physician from a physiotherapist.

A medical doctor is legally qualified to issue medical prescriptions while a physiotherapist lacks this eligibility. Different from the main function of a physician which is to prescribe medications, a physiotherapist is more inclined into providing a targeted treatment program to restore the patient's functional capacity.

How Does a Physiotherapist and a Physician Work Together?

In some cases, a physician's referral is needed to be able to utilize the services of a physiotherapist but this is mostly in instances wherein insurance coverage is needed. Physicians are also known to refer patients to physiotherapists when the health condition merits the need for physical therapy treatment.

However, you can directly contact a local physiotherapist should a need arise. You can simply walk in to a physio clinic and talk with a physiotherapy doctor about your health problems. This direct practice is supported by physiotherapist throughout Canada since it can benefit the patient by doing away with referrals which are otherwise unnecessary. It also saves a lot of time and boost the outcome of the treatment.

If you are seeking medical help, it is easy to be confused with the term physiotherapy & doctors. You have to be aware of the difference between a physiotherapist and a physician when it comes to MSK injuries, since they provide slightly different approaches.

Acute and chronic health problems are better communicated with a physician whereas pain and mobility issues can be addressed.

Massage Therapy - Miraculous Demand & Fantastic Supply

''I don't fear death because I don't fear anything I don't understand. When I start to think about it, I order a massage and it goes away.'' Hedy Lamarr

Massage has been well known to cure the disease of exhaustion and fatigue. Long regarded a recreational indulgence, the world is now waking up to the therapeutic potential of massage in the treatment of many an ailment. In wake of this phenomenon, the number of hospitals offering massage therapy in the US increased by 30 percent in just the two years from 2004 to 20061. Blending into mainstream healthcare, this dramatic shift has spurred the industry to shape up professionally and demand more from professional massage therapy. In light of this trend, massage therapy education and professional certification have become especially relevant and that very well may be the reason why we have seen well established massage therapy colleges across the USA come into the limelight.

Did you know! - There are over 300 accredited massage schools and programs in the United States!1 Exactly what is it about massage therapy that has become increasingly attractive in these last few decades? To answer that question, both sides of the equation; i.e. supply and demand; need to be explored in overview.

Demand Side

''Massage is the only form of physical pleasure to which nature forgot to attach consequences.'' Robert Brault

From the surgical point of view, the use of massage as a treatment is widely becoming a hot alternative for medical establishments in light of its distinct feature of being less invasive than most other procedures. Its efficacy of treatment is tremendous for treatment of arthritis, muscle injury, erectile dysfunction and other organ related maladies. Doctors and patients/consumers both would prefer the idea of a less risk-more result procedure.

Interesting Fact: - More than half of massage therapists (69 percent) receive referrals from healthcare professionals.1

Furthermore, massage has few if any side effects and keeps the harms of toxins at bay (by discouraging drug/medicinal dependency). Interesting Fact: - Over 1.6 million Americans use alternative medicine for insomnia or trouble sleeping according to scientists at NCCAM!1

''The human body has been designed to resist an infinite number of changes and attacks brought about by its environment. The secret of good health lies in successful adjustment to changing stresses on the body.'' Harry J. Johnson

Social dynamics in the fast lane require people to be constantly prepared and on edge; all the more vulnerable to stress! Such is the requirement and the eventual reason behind the downward trend of performance. A massage a week does wonders at keeping the body and mind running smoothly and ever ready to keep up with increasing physical and mental challenges.

Interesting Fact: - In July 2008, 45 percent of women and 21 percent of men reported having a massage in the past five years!1

The Supply Side

As if the aforementioned demand factors were not enough to warrant a healthy boost in the supply side of the equation, there may yet be more reasons behind the flourishing number of budding health professionals enrolling themselves in massage therapy schools.

Interesting Fact: - It is estimated that there are 265,000 to 300,000 massage therapists and massage school students in the United States.

''All we have to do is preserve our personality, to live our own life, be captain of our own ship, and all will be well.'' Dr. Edward Bach

The working dynamics are most attractive for massage therapists in the sense that the timings and environment are virtually at the behest of their own wishes! Interesting Fact: - More than 75 percent of massage therapists are self employed; having the ability to choose their clients, make their own schedule and work as many or as few hours as they want!1 Working conditions are most comfortable in this industry. It gives the massage therapist the luxury of having a secondary line of work with a less demanding timetable!

Interesting Fact: - The average massage therapist works not more than 19 hours a week!1 Massage therapists who excel in their field become hot picks for sports clubs and training facilities that are always looking to provide safe and quick therapeutic treatment to their athletes in training. Consequently, massage therapists have the opportunity to work with some of the best athletes in the world for the simple reason that these athletes make regular use of massage therapy for preparation and rehabilitation!

Conclusion

In summation, it is now quite apparent why these last few decades have seen a miraculous increase in demand and a fantastic response from the supply side in the massage therapy industry!

References:

American Massage Therapy Association. AMTA Industry Survey www [dot] amtamassage [dot] org/news/MTIndustryFactSheet.html Martin Ashley. Who hires hire massage therapist school graduates? www [dot] naturalhealers [dot] com/qa/massagecareers.html National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork www [dot] ncbtmb [dot] org/consumers_massage_facts.php Elizabeth Quinn. Does therapeutic sports massage improve performance or recovery? sportsmedicine [dot] about [dot] com/od/injuryprevention/a/Sports_Massage.htm Tim Gorman. Massage Therapies for Arthritis Have Been Proven To Be Effective In Providing Arthritis Pain Relief ezinearticles [dot] com/?Massage-Therapies-for-Arthritis-Have-Been-Proven-To-Be-Effective-In-Providing-Arthritis-Pain-Relief&id=437411

Ayurvedic Massage Treatment

Ayurveda has been one of the major forms of treatment of several ailments; it is used in the treatment of various diseases and deformities both physical and mental. Recently Ayurvedic message has emerged as one of the boosting therapy for human kind.

Ayurvedic massage therapy though does not provide a complete therapeutic cure but it assists the individual to receive nutrients from within the body and to expel the harmful toxins.

Various deformities pertaining to the muscles, ligaments and nervous system can be cured via ayurvedic massage therapy. Diseases which are caused by deranged muscles etc. massage therapy is the best remedy for that. Ayurvedic massage therapy involves the practitioners who do the treatment from the knowledge of the Marmas or Indian pressure points. Ayurvedic massage therapy is an ideal remedy for pain like headache.

Ayurvedic Body Treatment is accompanied with a dry, silk glove exfoliation, followed by a warm herbalized oil application. Therapist applies a mask of purified and herbal clay collected from deep in the earth in remote regions of India. This soil mask nourishes as well as detoxifies the skin, leading to more glow and smoothie feel. The massage if finished with a hot towel wipe down, at the point where you will be given a robe and escorted to the shower to rinse off the remaining clay.

Ayurvedic massage is helpful in treating:

o Tension and infections of the gums and teeth.

o Acidity

o Gastritis.

o Inflammation of the stomach.

o Severe Ulcers

o Intestinal disorders

o Disorders of the fallopian tubes.

o Kidney disorders.

o Disorders of urinary tract.

o Neuralgia.

o Formation of cataract.

o Disorders of the brain and the spinal nerves

Ayurvedic massage therapy can be a real cure in case of arthritis, rheumatism, neurasthenia, high or low blood pressure, sciatica, paralysis, polio and insomnia. In all these cases, the massage practitioner should however also prescribe specific medication, changes in daily habits, exercises, etc

Health Benefits From Balinese Massage

Balinese massage is a popular type of Oriental massage therapy which focuses in bringing deep relaxation, whole body wellness, and unclogging of blocked qi pathways. This therapy includes the use of gentle long strokes, reflexology, aromatherapy and acupressure as its total package for healing and soothing the client's body. Skin rolling, kneading, and gentle stretches are also utilized during therapy sessions of this technique.

This Indonesian traditional form of massage therapy, like all types of therapeutic massage developed in Asian countries, follows the simple concept that the life force or qi holds the balance between health and wellness. With this type of therapy, unblocking the pathways for the energy inside the body is crucial in attaining good physical and emotional condition. The methods used for this process is through applying pressure on the meridians with acupressure therapy. The therapist conducts various techniques with his or her hands while applying a varying force of pressure on key areas. Blood and oxygen flow in the body are improved with every sessions of this therapy as it helps in unblocking the pathways.

Special oils are used during therapies in which they possess healing properties, vitamins and minerals that are helpful in treating and preventing physical and mental problems. During the therapy, these oils are used in their warm temperature to help nurture their calming effect on the body. These oils have specific scents that have varying healing, calming, and energizing abilities. Essential oils are usually used for this kind of special massage oils used for Balinese massage therapies. Massage therapists choose three or a blend of essential oils to be used on the patient in a massage therapy. The client also has the liberty to decide on his or her own regarding the selection of the massage oils. Proper selection of these oils plays a huge role on the success, benefits and effects of the therapeutic massage. The patient should be careful though in picking his or her preferred oil as some oils can cause skin irritations, especially to sensitive types of skin. There's no need for worries though as the therapist can always assess and assist the client in choosing the right essential oil for the therapy.

Balinese massage is good for treating:

• Stress - acupressure on pressure points, reflexology and simple Swedish massage strokes such as effleurage and petrissage helps in relieving stress within the body.

• Muscle pain - acupressure acts as a deep therapeutic massage technique which improves the condition of stiff muscles groups. The body benefits by being relieved from chronic and acute muscle pain. Gentle strokes also helps in stimulating and soothing muscle problems that causes various types of body pain.

• Sleep problems - Balinese massage improves the sleeping pattern of the client by calming the body and setting the mind in a good condition, thus allowing proper sleeping pattern to occur.

• Anxiety and depression - nerve stimulation from the effleurage and reflexology sends messages to the brain thus manipulating the emotion to succumb to a better mental condition. Balinese massage is good in treating and removing anxiety as well as depression.

Choosing the Best School to Become a Physical Therapist

Medical professionals who treat physical dysfunctions and injuries affecting normal body movements, by applying varied methods of exercise and rehabilitation are called physical therapist. Physical therapists are also known as physiotherapists. They are practitioners in the healthcare industry who perform their job alongside patients to help them lessen the pain of their injury while restoring the patient's ability to move. To put it simply, physical therapists assist patients in the prevention of more body damage through regular exercise and healthy lifestyle. If your wish is to practice physical therapy in the future, your first step involves finding a fine school that can give you exceptional training course and program.

Before you can enroll for a program in a graduate school, you need to finish a course with a bachelor's degree. Whatever degree course it is would do as far as it includes related courses in science and math. When you choose a degree program, it must contain anatomy, chemistry, biology, and physics. In addition an experience working as a physiotherapy volunteer in hospitals or clinics can be a big advantage because usually, this is required by physical therapy schools to student applicants getting a graduate degree program.

There are post-graduate programs with accreditation from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). As a standard requirement, you need to complete at least one of them to become a physical therapist. Basically, you may need two years and six months to get a master's degree, while you have three years for a doctorate degree.

A residency program is required after you have earned a graduate degree in a physiotherapy school that is accredited. The APTA requires a residency program of about 1500 hours of practicing physical therapy in a hospital or clinic at least 9 months to 3 years. A resident in such programs must work under the apprenticeship of accredited physical therapists. The tasks residents are permitted to perform are evaluating and diagnosing patients while simultaneously undergoing specialty training.

The practice of physical therapy is only allowed if the professional has obtained a license. Most states differ in their licensing requirements. Applicants need to show they have completed a graduate degree program in an accredited physical therapy school to be considered a legit candidate by the states. The test that must be passed by would-be physical therapists in America is the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTA). The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy facilitates this exam.

You might want to see yourself becoming a specialist in your professional horizon. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) grants certifications for such options. Specialties are usually categorized in the field of geriatrics, orthopedics, neurology, and sports. It is necessary that physical therapists who would like to get specialization must already have their license. Plus, they must have practiced their profession at least three months in their chosen specialty.

Ayurvedic Massage Therapy in Kerala - Part 3

Day 7 brings a new treat. A paste moat is made on my back and this is filled with warm medicated oil. This is to treat lower back pain. To be truthful, I never feel like I have pain that disables me though sometimes I have to propel myself forward, head first, and bum out. Anyway, that is enough to warrant this treatment which is really quite pleasant. I have looked in the clinic catalogue and there is a picture of a woman with such a set up around her eyes. It looks suspiciously like her eyes are afloat with oil. The doctor tells me that this is a treatment for cataracts.

Already I am reaping the benefits of my treatment. Not only am I feeling supple, but my back feels terrific and my mum tells me I have stopped snoring. And let us not forget the missing four kilos!

Day 8 and after the usual treatment I have to sniff some medicated oils and then the masseuse (who delivers all the treatments) tells me she is going to clean my ears. I am expecting an ear candle but instead some herbs are heated in a coconut shell. A bent metal pipe is inserted in a hole at the top of the shell and warm smoke blows out the pipe and into my ears. How pleasant! She then fans me with a tea towel dipped in hot herbal oil.

It seems that no matter how much I wash myself, I can never completely remove the pervasive yellow colour of oils and clays. After each treatment the bath water is a thick cloudy yellow. Also my underclothes are all stained yellow due to skin contact. It's not the place to be wearing your sexy lingerie.

I notice that I have now lost my normally ravenous appetite. I am quite happy with two meals a day. My mind is also the most relaxed it has been for years. I am actually quite happy to do nothing all day - a first for me!

There are a couple of problems here - despite the fact that it is winter it gets very hot in the middle of the day and therefore a bit uncomfortable to be walking around. Also public transport does not run to the hotel and taxis or auto rickshaws cost a bomb for foreigners. Every trip seems to wind up costing in the vicinity of $40 just for the transport, and this is a definite deterrent to leaving the hotel.

So I am quite happy to sit by the pool or watch cable tellie. There are about four English channels - Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and two movie channels. It is quite obvious what Indians find entertaining - on 90% of the remaining Indian channels the programming is singing and dancing. There are channels that show dancing all the time and the rest have a diet of talent shows or Bollywood movies.

One thing I find very curious is that in 100% of commercials the Indians all have the palest of skins. This contrasts strongly with the people I see in the streets who all have very dark skins. Maybe the actors are sourced from a part of India where people are all pale. Maybe the actors are airbrushed! Nevertheless, does this all mean that Indians will not buy products endorsed by their darker skinned brothers and sisters?

I celebrate my good health by visiting a beautician who is in residence in a cubicle in the alleyway behind the hotel. I book in for a fruit facial. It costs about 750 rupees or $19. In the course of an hour, layer upon layer of fruit preparations are massaged into my face, leaving it glowing and wonderfully smooth. She notices my unruly eyebrows and asks if I would like a trim. Oh well, why not? I expect her to pull out the tweezers but instead she takes out a roll of cotton thread. Holding one end between her teeth she uses the thread like a pair of scissors. Snip, snip - no messy hair escapes her attention. With extreme dexterity she wields her cotton, snipping away at errant hairs and soon I have two finely sculptured eyebrows.

Meanwhile, back at the clinic, my treatment has now progressed to oil baths and enemas. Also, at the end of each treatment I am now given a drink of medicated ghee in hot water.

After my massage the mattress on the table is whipped off to reveal a hollow into which I climb and buckets of warm medicated oil are sloshed over me. This is an oil bath. When I roll over so that she can pour oil over my front, I am terrified that I am going to shoot off the bed like a pea escaping from its pod. I hold on for dear life. Fully greased, I am now ready for my herbal enema. The mini enemas are not too bad and actually do not have much of an effect on me at all. But then I am given the biggie! The super enema is quite unpleasant but it is good for losing another kilo I guess.

I am told the story of the massages, oil and the enemas. The theory is that the massages, oil baths, bashings with hot leaves and the medicated clay massages all serve to draw toxins out of the tissues and into the bowels. These toxins are then flushed out by means of the enemas and herbal drinks.

So after two weeks the treatment finishes. My mother has given up three days before her graduation. Her intolerance to chillis and the fact that unlike myself, she has found the enemas to be totally purgative and has been running to the toilet day and night, have taken their toll. However, she ought to be very impressed because her legs which are always quite swollen with fluid, are now shapely and quite deflated.

I have in all lost five kilos and my blood pressure has stabilized to a nice 120/80 which pleases me greatly. I am sure I would have lost more weight if I could have stayed off those yummy breads, teas and vegetable dishes cooked in coconut oil. I cannot guess my cholesterol level but I feel supple and flexible. I notice that the nasty gum infection that has plagued me for two months prior to my trip has now gone. Aches and pains have disappeared and I am sleeping extremely well.

Would I go again? Most definitely! All in all, it was not an overly expensive proposition and in two weeks I have lost a sizeable bit of weight and have health benefits to boot.

Dr Jayahari gives me a tote bag of herbal pills to take home and a diet sheet with recommendations to assist in my food choices back home. However, I do not know why I can eat dried figs but not fresh figs and why brown rice and watermelon have been banned. l will have to ask him when we meet again.

Total Knee Replacement Goals To Achieve During Rehabilitation

After you have undergone knee replacement surgery you are started on a rehabilitation program almost immediately while in the hospital. After hospital discharge, you either will be sent home for physical therapy or to a rehabilitation center. Wherever you end up, you and your physical therapist should have outlined goals you will want to achieve during the rehabilitation process. Following are three goal that everyone should be working on and included in their physical therapy plan of care.

1. Increase Your Knees Range Of Motion. This is done in a several ways however, once your physical therapist has explained to you and demonstrated the method on how to increase both your knee flexion and extension mobility, it will up to you to get the results.

I find sitting in a straight back chair and placing the stronger opposite legs heel over the surgical leg and gently pulling back holding your knee in flexion for a slow count of five. This works great in producing results you need when it comes to bending your knee. When it comes to extending the knee, you have to position your leg where you can stretch your hamstring muscles. This also can be done sitting in a chair and placing your operated leg on to a chair placed in front of you and placing gentle pressure on top of your knee and hold that position for a five count. Also ask your therapist to show you the long sitting position, this is where you sit up in bed with your legs out in front of you and slowly lean forward until you feel a slight stretch, hold this position for a slow count of 10.

You are looking to get at least 110 degrees of flexion and 0 degrees of extension for your knee to be functional however, you will be encouraged and generally expected to get anywhere from 115 to 125 degrees of flexion in time.

2. Reduce Your Pain and Swelling As Soon As Possible. This is a must to be effective in your rehabilitation. The increased swelling is just a part of the natural healing process, so that will always accompany the procedure. It will be your job to keep the swelling at a minimum through proper foot elevation, using ice as needed during the day and evening and after each rehabilitation session. If you cannot keep the swelling down to an acceptable level, that will hinder both you and your therapist from obtaining proper mobility with your knee. One of the biggest problems I find with patients is that they do not ice and elevate their knees enough after surgery and during the rehabilitation process.

3. Strengthen Your Quadriceps, Hamstrings and Calf Muscles. This believe it or not is generally the easier of the three goals to work on and achieve after surgery. I find that in most cases, your strength will come back rather quickly. Your muscle has memory so it will bounce back during the rehab process within 3-5 weeks. The important part that you and your physical therapist will need to discuss is the muscle imbalances that have developed long before you decided to have the knee replaced.

Your quadriceps will weaken over time and are considered to be the most important predictor to possible disability. You will spend considerable amount of time getting your quadriceps strength back to help you with your ability to walk again and also to help with any balance problems you may have had before or after surgery. Hamstring and calf strengthening will be a major part of the rehab program as well. Getting these muscle groups strong again will help you with your daily activities and help in supporting the prosthesis properly.

Once you have achieved these goals you will be on your way to living your life pain-free again along and being able to walk unlimited distances and stand for unlimited amounts of time along with getting a good nights sleep again.

Addressing Your Massage Clients' Needs

Aside from effective massage techniques, one of the most important aspects to giving a good massage is to understand and address your massage client's needs. By fully understanding your client's issues, problem areas, and preferred treatment methods, you can be well prepared to address a number of the unique client-specific issues that you will encounter during your career as a massage therapist and will ready you for consistently giving a good massage.

Conduct an Interview

It is always important to speak with your client prior to beginning a massage therapy session, to ensure that you are both on the same page about the expectations for change, focus, and treatment during the massage. Clients may sometimes come in for a deep tissue massage, even if they normally receive a light, relaxing Swedish massage. Techniques that you normally use might not be preferred in a new session, and some clients may want you to focus on their legs and back, even though you normally work on their neck and shoulders. By conducting a thorough interview with your client, you can be sure that you are well informed of their focus areas and expectations, which is essential to providing exceptional service and to giving a good massage.

Before a massage, the clients' interviews are the ideal time to speak about factors that may have led to the problem areas, to help you tailor your massage techniques. If a client comes in complaining about low back pain, find out the history of the pain, and possible causes of the problem. Do they drive often? Is there any past surgery or accident that may have contributed to the pain? What kind of pain is it - a shooting pain that may be linked to a pinched nerve, or general muscle soreness that they want addressed during the massage? Clients provide a wealth of information and when you speak with them, you can better prepare for giving a good massage.

Be Aware and Informed

Once you are in the massage, being totally aware and informed of your clients' expectations might mean changing the plan mid-way through the massage. Clients may communicate to you that they want to switch from deep tissue massage techniques to a Swedish massage, and giving a good massage means being able to communicate to the client any changes or focus areas that you believe would be beneficial.

For example, imagine a client who has requested a Swedish massage for relaxation, and indicates noticing some adhesions in their shoulders and back. If you want to change massage techniques to address these areas, you should always ask the client if they want you want to address the adhesions with deeper techniques before actually doing so - "never assuming" is part of giving a good massage! Just because a client mentions a problem area in the initial interview does not necessarily mean that they want you to spend time on it during the massage. Clients may just be giving you background information to be helpful. This can be understandably confusing, but it is a common break in communication between the therapist and the client, and can unfortunately lead to your client leaving unhappy, or uncomfortable if you use the wrong massage techniques.

Understand Appropriate Positioning

Giving a good massage means being ready and able to adjust your table to accommodate all clients. Not everybody will want, or be able, to lie on the table prone or supine during a massage. The clients you encounter will likely have a number of unique personal and medical needs. By understanding how to appropriately position clients and alter your massage techniques for any number of issues, you can be sure to give each of your clients the individual service and attention that they deserve. Some preparation recommendations for always giving a good massage:

• Stocking your room with at least two extra bolsters, or three pillows. These can be used to support a side-lying position, and can provide extra comfort to people with injuries or painful areas. In the event that you are performing pregnancy massage, techniques aided by bolsters are essential in giving a good massage.
  
  
• Positioning also includes ensuring that the client is enjoying a comfortable temperature during the massage. Clients should always be asked whether they are too cold or too warm. Be prepared to accommodate them with extra blankets of varying thicknesses and warmth.

Preparing for Emotional Issues: Existing or Brought on by Massage Techniques

Giving a good massage also means being ready to address clients' emotional issues. Sometimes, an emotional memory may come up during an otherwise routine massage. Clients experience muscle tension due to emotional stress, and when addressing the physical ailments of a client, thoughts and memories of the related cause of the stress may occur.

Even if your client is not emotional when they arrive for the massage, techniques used during the session may bring up feelings or memories related to an event or injury. Don't worry! This isn't necessarily a sign that you aren't giving a good massage; most people have varied reactions to touch, and some of these emotions may manifest as crying. It's important to understand that while these situations can be awkward and potentially embarrassing, they are fairly common and should be treated with respect and compassion before, during, and after a massage. Clients should not be counseled by you during these emotional situations, as this is outside of your scope of practice.

As a massage therapist, it is your job to use effective massage techniques to the best of your ability, while giving a good massage, and maintaining a professional relationship with your client. Sometimes, it may be tempting to give advice to someone experiencing an emotional trauma or problem, but a better way to support your client would be to simply provide them with focused, caring touch therapy through massage. Clients, whether dealing with emotional issues or not, deserve your open communication with them to either address, or redirect options for therapy.

Use a Closing Technique

Finally, it is best to select closing massage techniques that bring the massage to a relaxing and mindful end. Simply stopping can feel sudden, and leave the body feeling unbalanced at the end of giving a good massage. Clients each enjoy specific methods, but light tapotement, a series of light effleurage strokes, or perhaps traction of the neck and legs can leave your client feeling whole. As always, be sure to let the client know how you plan to close so that they're informed and aware of your massage techniques. Clients who have a smaller frame may not enjoy tapotement, and clients with a larger frame may not enjoy light effleurage. By utilizing a closing technique at the end of the massage, clients will feel whole and leave happy and relaxed.

Which is the Best Marketing Tool For a Physical Therapy Clinic?

Any physical therapist will agree that the best marketing tool for a physical therapy clinic is referrals. For referrals you need your clients to trust you and be happy with your services. They need to have a personal rapport with you to want to refer you.

This is why you need to build this marketing tool into your marketing strategy for marketing your physical therapy clinic. Requesting referrals is something you should be doing as a matter of daily business operations.

Just asking your patients for referrals will get you only that many referrals. Use your imagination and find more creative ways of getting referrals. Call up your potential patients and ask them for referrals even if they are not willing to commit buying your services just yet. Attend doctors' conferences and seek referrals by exchanging business cards. Tap into your network of associates and ask for referrals.

Set a clear goal for you to achieve such as increasing your referrals business at your physical therapy clinic by 7% in the next 8 weeks.

Provide extra service and support to your patients before asking for a referral. They will be more willing to refer you in order to return the favor.

Design a rewards program for referrals. Use a separate set of incentives for patients who provide referrals and a separate set for doctors who refer you.

Set up a customer satisfaction survey and find out if you are meeting your patients' expectations. Additionally, find out if your referring doctors are happy with the kind of service their referrals are getting. Send out letters to referring doctors within a week of their referral's visit so that they know that the person they referred, is being looked after by you.

Ensure that you have a system for clearly tracking those patients who have been referred by doctors. Just being prepared to receive referrals is not enough. You need to keep in touch with the referrers on a regular basis so that the referrals keep flowing. You can implement this by creating a special newsletter for referring doctors to let them know of new services or some new technique.

6 Personal Traits You Must Posses If You Want To Be A Massage Therapist

Being a massage therapist is a people-centered job that entails lots of interactions with clients such as patients and people who generally want to relax after a stressful day at work. Because of this, if you want to succeed in the healthcare and service industry, you must have the following personality traits.

Resilience. You will be meeting various personalities in this kind of work with differing needs and reasons for seeking massages. Therefore, you must be flexible enough in dealing with your clients.

Patience. Some patients seek the help of massage therapists because doctors recommended the treatment, while some simply want to relax and de-stress. There are also those who come for massages but do not really understand the health benefits one will get from it. In this case, you have to be patient enough to explain the pros and cons of massages as well as the nature of the various massage modalities.

Good listener. Not everyone who goes for a massage can explain what he or she really wants to get out of it. As a massage therapist, you must be able to make sense out of what your client is talking about. If he is complaining about a certain body pain, explain to him what could have caused it or refer him to the clinic's physician or healthcare practitioner.

Good communication skills. Generally, this type of job does not require you to talk during the entire massage session, except for a couple of questions you might ask your customers concerning their comfort and preference when it comes to application of pressure during the massage. But the need for communication happens before your massage session in order to put your client to ease and after the session, where you check whether he or she feels better after the massage or if they need anything else after the session.

In addition, you might also double as office receptionist from time to time, thus, you will be having client interface at a different setting.

Commitment to work. Being in the massage industry can be a taxing job considering that you will be using mostly your hands, arms, legs, and feet during massages and depending on the type of massage your client wants. Therefore, you have to have the dedication to work even when you feel tired after handling several clients already.

This also means you have to come mentally prepared and alert so that you do not hurt your clients while doing the massage. Your role as massage therapist is critical and just one wrong move could result to permanent damage or pain to your clients.

Caring attitude. Caring and nurturing for your client should be inherent in you in order to be successful in this job. Because your work is critical to a client's well-being, you must have the instinct to want to help people get well or feel better about themselves.

Shiatsu - A Timeless and Effective Massage Therapy Technique

In a massage school in Maui , Hawaii , a group of students are gathered around their teacher as he performs the steps in shiatsu massage. The teacher executes several movements that are basic in a shiatsu massage. These include pressing, tapping, squeezing, and rubbing some of the patient's body parts. To the untrained eye, it would seem that the teacher just randomly touches or squeezes here and there, when in truth, these actions were planned beforehand. As he is doing this, he is also telling his students the history of shiatsu massage and how it became one of the most effective and popular massage therapy styles or techniques known today.

The technique being taught in a massage school in Maui, Hawaii actually originated in oriental Japan . Shiatsu is a Japanese traditional hands-on technique of therapy. The accepted founder is said to be Tokujiro Namikoshi. When Namikoshi was but a boy, he found out that by applying pressure on his mother's joints and then rubbing them, he was able to alleviate the pain she felt caused by arthritis.

This encouraged Namikoshi to pursue the study of the technique he discovered. He called it "Shiatsu" because in the Japanese language, "shi" means "finger" while "atsu" means pressure. Because of his perseverance, he was able to build the Shiatsu Institute of Therapy in Hokkaido in 1925, and later on, the Japan Shiatsu School after the technique became accepted and licensed. In Japan, shiatsu is widely promoted and supported by the government. Because of this, many people were encouraged to study shiatsu.

The graduates of the Japan Shiatsu School are responsible for the spread of the technique all over the world. Not only that, shiatsu gained popularity when Namikoshi himself treated important or famous personages such as Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida, Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe, and champion boxer Muhammad Ali.

Shiatsu, as a technique, is one that needs careful and dedicated studying. Shiatsu is done by using one's fingers, palms, and especially the thumbs, to find irregularities in the patient's body and heal or correct them. The benefits that shiatsu has been known to induce include the relaxation of muscles, the reduction of stress, and the improvement of blood circulation, among others. Aside from these, shiatsu has also been known to heal specific illnesses such as arthritis.

The effectiveness of the shiatsu technique coupled with its illustrious and much documented history has gained it many followers until today. It is no wonder that shiatsu is taught not only in a massage school in Maui , Hawaii , but also in other massage schools in the world.

Once you learn shiatsu massage, it would mean that you now have the skills to make people around you feel better. You can even give use your knowledge as a source of income. Many people have healed family members and friends, or started booming massage therapy businesses just because they had knowledge in shiatsu. This might work for you as well. Study shiatsu now and enjoy the benefits that this time-tested massage therapy technique can give you.

Hi Dow and ISmart - Muscle Stimulating Massage Therapy Anytime, Anywhere

There are many products available to assist with pain and exercise related stress, but electrical muscle stimulation is one of the safest and most effective therapies on the market. Today, electrical muscle stimulation is available in convenient hand-held products, such as the Hi Dow Massage XP-3 and ISmart Massage devices, which are connected to electrical nodes that adhere to the skin.

Since the 19th century, electrical therapies have been looked at as a way of improving muscle tone and increasing blood flow to muscles. Only recently, however, has electrical stimulation been fully understood to have proven efficacy. Modern muscle stimulating products like those made by Hi Dow and ISmart are affordable to nearly anyone, making them quite popular.

Electrical muscle stimulation is used by athletes of all levels to train muscles and increase muscle tone. Different skeletal muscles respond to differences in current and voltage, so Hi Dow and ISmart devices have a variety of settings in order to stimulate muscles at different depths from the skin. For sport-related and aesthetic uses, stimulation is generally used before and after training. This is one reason why portable muscle stimulating products are now made in hand-held forms, such as the Hi Dow Massage XP-3, which features a user friendly iPod-like design.

Muscle stimulation can also be used daily for relaxation, since as it tones the muscles it also increases localized blood flow. This can help to un-knot and relax muscles after a stressful day. Additionally, electrical muscle stimulation can be used daily or even more often in order to help treat chronic pain or rebuild damaged muscle tissue in conjunction with other therapies, generally under a doctor's supervision. However, owning a product like the Hi Dow or ISmart devices can help avoid the need for more costly prescription machines, since they can help prevent future increases in pain or potential muscle damage from workouts.

Both the Ismart and the Hi Dow Massage XP-3 are FDA approved and available to the general public without a prescription. Although both of these products perform the same function, they do have some slight differences. Both products feature four variable intensities of muscle stimulating therapy in order to assist with helping tone or relax different muscle groups. This allows either the ISmart device or the Hi Dow Massage XP-3 to be used for the purposes of sports training, relaxation, or treatment of chronic pain or muscle spasms.

Hi Dow and ISmart's hand-held units both feature LCD screens and timers, which are quite useful in determining the ideal amount of time to work on individual muscle groups. While both products come with lithium batteries which can be recharged, the XP-3 product also has a USB converter, much like an iPod. This allows it to be recharged and used while one is on the computer, which may be of special interest to people wishing to have their electrical muscle stimulation therapy at the end of the day at the computer, or even at work after a lunch hour jog.

Top Physical Therapy Schools - Decide to Improve Your Education

Individuals aspiring to establish themselves as physical therapists think it important to find best amongst top physical therapy schools. Physical therapy courses are becoming interesting profession choices amongst aspirants, proffering them several educational programs. Let us consider all those vital features that will help in evaluating a good physical therapy school for a bright therapy profession:

- The certification

Accreditation is an essential point to be considered while choosing for the top physical therapy schools. It is as well incredibly important to verify if all the courses and educational programs are certified by the official authority.

- The sustain-system

These colleges are offering several facilities for all the college students that are interested in improving their preparation. The aids like study materials, resource materials, access to library, sessions, counseling facilities, mentoring sessions etc are of a great assist to college students.

- Admission requirements

While short listing these type of schools, the aspirants must also take a careful note of all the essential educational requirements that several schools would be requesting for. This aspect is extremely important because the admission requirements vary. Several of the top physical therapy schools have restrictive admission requirements.

- The curriculum

Each of the physical schools has a different didactic program structure according to their particular curriculum. Additionally, while some therapy schools offer theory-oriented lessons, others focus more on researches.

- The distinctive side

All the therapy educational facilities are different. The fact that all the schools are different is a great benefit. All the therapy educational institutions that provide appealing instructive programs will attract more college students than the ones that are considering the conventional approach.

- Managing your time

The time involved in the completion of different courses will determine the indulging time of the student. The course duration may or may not include the duration of an internship.

- Previous results

You must verify how many college students are graduating every year. The selection of one of the top physical therapy schools is a significant decision as only a credible and a reliable therapy school will help them shape up a good career and their future too.

How to Become a Doctor of Physical Therapy

If you're looking to get into the field of physical therapy, holding a doctorate is becoming increasingly important. It is soon expected that every professional physical therapist will be a doctor, and the degree is necessary in today's competitive job market.

In order to go on to a graduate school program you must first have a bachelor's degree from a college or university. The most useful area of study for getting into physical therapy is biology, though other sciences or mathematics are helpful too. Choosing an undergraduate school that offers field work or internship opportunities in physical therapy is also a good way to get experience and to get into a good graduate school.

Once you have a bachelor's degree you can begin applying to graduate schools for physical therapy doctorate programs. The majority of schools require a bachelor's degree in a related field and the general GRE scores. Some more competitive schools may also request scores from a GRE subject test, such as the biology test. Most doctorate programs take between 3-4 years. There also also prerequisites for many programs that must be taken either in undergrad or in graduate work, including courses like psychology, physics, and anatomy.

Once you are accepted into a doctoral program, you will have to take a combination of classes and field work. Classes would include foundational science courses, clinically based courses specific to physical therapy work, and behavioral sciences such as psychology. Field work could be done at the school or in a nearby hospital, and will be monitored and supervised. At many schools you may also have to develop an independent study and do a research project on a related topic of your choosing.

After you receive your doctorate keep in mind that you also have to pass a licensing exam in the state that you want to practice in.

What Are the Benefits of Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage?

As its name implies, barefoot deep tissue massage is a form of deep therapeutic massage where the therapist uses his or her feet instead of the hands. This type of technique uses several types of massage techniques to heal and relax the body. Among these techniques are acupressure, shiatsu and Swedish massage.

John Harris is a massage therapist who developed this newer form of massage therapy due to his desire to eliminate injuries after regular sessions of therapy by the therapists. The overuse of the hands during massage sessions usually results to the straining and spraining of the hands due to stress. Harris was successful in developing and improving this technique which yields satisfying and effective results right after each session.

This deep tissue therapy was designed for treating chronic muscle pain with the use of direct pressure on the different muscle groups of the body. The method is to give slow yet deep compressions on the various areas that have problems or injuries.

Barefoot deep tissue massage is a type of therapy that involves trigger point therapy as a part of its therapeutic massage treatment. This tender muscle tissue therapy is done by applying pressure in order to relieve body pain and treat dysfunction within the body of the patient. Myofascial release technique as well as the use of compressive strokes is performed by the massage therapist in a barefoot deep tissue massage. Benefits received from this therapy are:

• Overall body relaxation - The body enters the state of relaxation during and after the session. The various application of pressure through the different massage techniques are effective in soothing and calming the body both physically and mentally.

• Improves the immune system - Similar to all types of massage therapy, barefoot deep tissue massage boosts up the immunity of the client when done regularly. It helps in preventing disease as well as in improving the body's capability to recover from sickness.

• Improved Mobility - Produces flexibility on the different muscle groups by breaking down stiff muscles all over the body. The stretching of the muscle tissues result in the enhanced mobility of the various body parts.

• Muscle Pain Relief - The deep tissue therapy along with the soft strokes takes away any painful traumas from injuries and muscle pains. It acts very well in removing acute and chronic muscle pain and is a great type of therapy used for treating sports injury.

• Improve circulation - It greatly enhances the blood and oxygen circulation within the body which results to an improvement in the total health of the client.

All of these benefits can also be received through hand massage therapies, however Harris explained that the difference of his technique is that it is both beneficial to the patient and therapist as well. The comfort level of the therapist during the massage session plays an important role in his or her output as he or she conducts the various strokes. The use of the foot also has the advantage to apply more pressure than when using the hands.

Massage School Can Be Very Therapeutic For You

I attended a great massage school in the state of Arizona. I say it like that because I now live in Costa Rica with my own massage school. I say it was a great school because I thought I had the greatest teachers and the managers, who were a husband and wife team, took a personal interest in our lives. My fellow students, David and Terri were great people and we shared our lives together for those eight short months, although those months seemed like an eternity mid-way through the program. David and Terri gave some great massages. Other students came and went. Each one touched my life in some way.

I guess I'm writing this article to keep those memories alive.

There was intimacy. After all you are baring your naked body to another person whom you don't know. There is also the intimacy that develops because of the bonding that develops between each other. You learn trust. You learn boundaries. You learn to respect that other person's feelings and lifestyle. Most of all, you learn about yourself. You learn about your strengths as well as your weaknesses. In spite of all this, if your intentions are good you evolve into a professional who strictly adheres to a code of ethics that demonstrates honor and respect for another human being.

Those eight months were not easy. I went to class after working all day at my job selling stamps and delivering packages. The last thing I wanted to do was to spend four hours attending classes after work. I was in my 40's at the time. All I wanted to do was go home but I wanted to do something more with my life. I wanted to touch people's lives in a positive way and I wanted to feel like I was appreciated.

Selling stamps and delivering packages is a great service. But I never felt appreciated for it. I was like a cipher in the snow, a face with no name.

Those months spent in student clinics were some of the best moments in my training. I worked on a client who was prone to seizures, one who brought in her own oil, a few who had shoulder issues, an athlete who was looking for recovery, construction workers whose muscles screamed for relief, and the elderly who just wanted a gentle and kind touch; the kind of touch that lets them know that someone else cares. There were many others too numerous to mention and each one was so thankful for my touch.

I have been a therapist for some years now and developed into a good one at that. I have appreciated the many compliments and the satisfaction I get from making a difference in my clients' health.

Great things happened to the three of us.

David went on to college to major in psychology. Terri quit her full-time job and started a private practice. And I started a massage school. That must say something about the quality of training that we received.

It seems everywhere I go I meet other massage therapists who love their careers. I have met therapists who lived in Jamaica, Costa Rica and Hawaii. Massage therapists who work in resorts, private practices and spas. They talk about their experiences and share one thing in common - their love of massage.

You see, massage is as therapeutic for the giver as it is for the receiver. Studies are being conducted on the benefits of giving massage. Some of those studies have shown some healthy changes physiologically. Some massage therapists have reported meditative qualities like a moving meditation. It is no wonder that quite a number of massage therapists are also doing other bodywork practices i.e. yoga, tai chi, chi gung and meditation.

My life has been different because of massage school. It was, has been, and continues to be in all sense of the word -therapeutic.

How to Choose the Best Massage School

Are you planning to attend a massage school? Well, you have found the right place to begin your search. The main goal of this article is to provide you the necessary information on the things that you need to do in order for you to find the most ideal massage school that would work for your location and for your budget as well.

Before we delve into those exact details, you might want to ask what you would get from acquiring training to do massages. Would you get a decent job after the program? The answer to the last query is a definite "yes". Massage centers are used by different countries to promote their place and since almost everyone loves to travel, then you would never run out of shoulder to massage once you have completed your training. Moreover, a lot of individuals actually go to spas to unwind and relax from their hectic lifestyle.

A respectable massage school can help you acquire the necessary skills that would make your customers come back again and again. However, the question still remains as to whether training in massage is truly essential or not. Actually, you can learn to massage somebody by simply watching a therapist. Nevertheless, even those therapists have undergone extensive training to get their job positions. Plus, no one would hire you if you don't have the necessary credentials. A soothing massage needs to be beneficial to the customer. Thus, you need to know everything about a human body's pressure points for you to bring utmost satisfaction to the person who is on your massage table.

Is it expensive to go to a massage school? No, it isn't. A lot of colleges nowadays understand the financial needs of their future students. Therefore, they find a way to offer inexpensive yet quality education to the larger population. You can use the Internet to your advantage for you to inquire about institutions such as this. You can also ask your friends regarding this matter. What's truly important here is you get to know everything about your prospect college and you have to save the money that you would need to finish the entire program.

Great online sources for massage schools are available provide a comprehensive list of all of the colleges in United States which offer such program. They also have links to the official websites of the schools so you will have no trouble in getting the information that you need. Just take your time and look into these websites over the Internet. Widen your options and don't settle for a college only because they have cool features on their website. Be practical. Know your wants but don't forget your needs.

We can't deny that education is truly important. It's something that we can all take to our graves. It can never be stolen and it can complete our whole being. Thus, invest in a reliable massage school that can bring you such treasure for all your life.

Criteria for How to Select and Choose a Great Massage Therapist

Massage therapy spans a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, working to improve an individual's health and well-being through the hands-on manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body. Doctors are increasingly recommending it to their patients for stress relief.

Additionally, it is being used as part of treatment programs for many medical conditions, including chronic pain. Many businesses are now seeing its potential to boost worker productivity, help morale, and decrease the number of days that employees miss work. Public interest in complementary therapies has helped many consumers to try massage.

It is not commonly known, but in many states, individuals with no training at all can open massage businesses, so long as they do not refer to themselves as certified or licensed, or otherwise falsely represent themselves. So how do you find a good legitimate massage therapist? Personal referrals from friends or healthcare providers are a great way to find a massage therapist. You can also look one up in the Yellow Pages or online, but make sure you talk with them on the phone or via email before going for your session.

A therapist's most important concern should be that you are pleased with your experience. So when you go to look for a therapist, and to ensure that your expectations are met, open a line of communication between you and your potential MT. A therapist should want to share information about their businesses and should therefore welcome any questions you may have.

If you have never had a massage before, you could be nervous and not know what to expect. Asking questions can help you to be more relaxed which will make your first massage experience even more enjoyable.

Questions to ask a therapist

What certifications do you hold?

Are you state and nationally certified? (NCTBMB Certification) (Since there is not yet standardization in this industry, many aren't nationally certified. This does not necessarily mean that they are not qualified.)

How long have you been practicing massage?

Do you give discounts if I refer people who I know to you?

What kind of oils, creams, products, etc. do you use?

Do you use a drape while massaging? (ie. A sheet or other covering for the client)

What kind of training have you had?

What types of massage will you be using?

What are your prices? Do you have any specials, packages, or discounts?

Do you sell the products you use?

How long will the session last?

What kind of payments do you accept? cash, check, credit card?

How can I make an appointment?

Do you have references?

What to Expect to Pay

Just like most service-related industries, the price of massage varies and is determined by demand, location, type of experience, and experience of the therapist. Within a local area, the price for a massage can vary greatly. Some therapists offer shorter massages at discount prices, but to get the most out of a massage, don't try to find the best deal.

There is no set price for a massage. The range for a one-person massage at present is between $25 and $85/hour for a therapeutic massage. The average price in Denver, Colorado seems to be about $55/hour. The price will generally be less if the therapist has less experience. Massage will also, on the average, be less expensive in rural areas and more expensive in larger cities.

Expect to pay more in most day spas. The treatment you get often involves more than a massage session. You can often get a facial, manicure, pedicure, body wrap, skin peel, etc. Many of the massage therapists in day spas are actually employees of the spas and receive a percentage of the amount you pay to the spa. Day spas generally start at $60 for an hour massage and go up, depending on what is included, demand, location, etc.

Many therapists offer specials. Ask about these. Ask as many questions of your therapist as you want to be sure your expectations are met. Some therapists will offer an introductory massage while others have discounts for buying a package of sessions. It never hurts to ask.

Legitimate massage therapists are professionals. Many hours of training and practice allow them to offer an incredible service to you. If you are satisfied with your massage, tipping or offering a little extra will show how much you enjoyed the experience. Also, giving positive feedback can help the therapist to reach more people and become more successful.

What you want to consider post-massage

Following your massage, evaluate what the session felt like, how you felt after the session, etc. Personality fit is important when choosing a massage therapist, as is trust. You should feel confident in and comfortable with the massage therapist. Massage therapists use a variety of techniques, so you may need to try a few different practitioners to find one that fits your needs.

The Best Tourist Sites in Bangkok

Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River is the capital and primary city of Thailand. Bangkok, which means "city of angels," is the social, financial and political hub of Thailand. With many renowned temples, palaces, parks as well as hotels and nightclubs, Bangkok is a major tourist center in Asia. Here is a list of its major sites.

The spectacular Grand Palace and the associated Wat Phra Kaeo are the most photographed sites in the town. The vast palace built in 1782 by King Rama I was the residence of the Royal Family. Wat Phra Kaeo featuring the renowned Emerald Buddha statue is the holiest temple of the country. Both these revered places are open year round. Chao Phraya River is the soul of the city and without an alluring boat ride on the river, no Bangkok trip would be complete. The Chao Phraya Express provides a cheap and comfortable way to see the various sights by avoiding the heavy traffic. Go for a memorable one-hour dinner cruise in a teak wood boat, or on a deluxe yacht to watch the glorious sunset.

Take a cross-river ferry to reach Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, and climb the sheer steps of the incredible temple for an amazing view of the city. Wat Arun, featuring a 79-metre porcelain covered Pagoda with elaborate floral pattern is one of Southeast Asia's most renowned temples. To escape from the pollution and bustle of the city, visit the tranquil and beautiful Dusit Park. The green heaven with teak mansions, gardens and the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is the best place to stroll around or relax. Lumpini Park featuring numerous trees, jogging paths, Tai Chi classes, bicycle roads as well as many art shows and festivals is another popular Bangkok park.

Wat Pho near the Grand Palace is the enormous temple complex that contains the oldest and largest temples in the city. The temple built in the 16th century holds the celebrated, 46 meters long and 15 meters high, gilded reclining Buddha statue. In addition, the place has the best-known massage school in the country and a museum with a fantastic collection of frescos, inscriptions and statues. Bangkok National Museum, displaying a grand collection of various artifacts is the biggest museum in Southeast Asia. The museum with various rooms and many pavilions truly represents the cultural, religious and social formation of the country. Never miss the collection of royal objects including the magnificent chariots.

The majestic Vimanmek mansion, which holds several imperial photographs, furniture, paintings and other artifacts from 19th century, is the world's biggest golden teak building. This former summer citadel of the royal family has stunning lawns and gardens to stroll.

Enjoy a pleasant shopping experience at the crowded Chatuchak Market. With over 8,000 stalls in a 35-acre area, the vendors sell almost everything. Use your haggling skills in this wonderful market that is known for illegal wildlife trade too. Shopping at Damnoen Saduak floating market highlighting numerous narrow channels full of wooden row boats and merchants selling various kinds of products would be another amazing experience.

The colossal Siam Ocean World displaying over 30,000 species in its seven underground demonstration zones is an astounding aquatic wonderland to visit. Get a stunning view of the town from the Vertigo Restaurant and Moon bar of the Banyan Tree Hotel while enjoying a rooftop sunset dinner.

Bangkok is globally renowned for its spas and massage centers where various types of massages including Thai massage, oil, foot and soapy massages are available. Experience it at the Oriental spa, Bodhi, Lullaby Spa, Ruen-Nuad Massage or Divana Spa. Bangkok is also famous for providing thrilling nightlife and Sukhumvit, Silom, Siam, Khao San Road, Ratchada and RCA are the town's best-known nightlife areas. Watching breathtaking Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) at Lumphini, Ratchadamnoen and Pattaya Stadiums will be another terrific experience here.

The History Behind Massage Therapy

The power of touch is one of the most popular ideas to be conceptualized long ago. In fact many believe a person's touch has the ability to heal. It is thought touch can relieve both pain and stress. This belief then evolved by the introduction of massage therapy.

The word massage has a very interesting story. It was derived from several languages. In Greek, it came from the word masso or massein. This means to touch or to handle. The Latin also lifted the Greek word and used the word masso. On the other hand, the Arabic used the word mass'h or mass which translated to press softly. In Sanskrit, the term is makeh which has the same meaning as the Arabic word.

The history of massage can be traced in several countries. In China, there was a book believed to have existed way back in 2,700 B.C. The book was believed to be The Yellow Emperor's Classic Book of Internal Medicine. It was composed of techniques that enhance relaxation using breathing and touch. It is stated that such techniques are used as a remedy to relieve pain.

On the other hand, in ancient Greece and Rome, it was believed that the doctors used massage as their principal means of their therapy. In fact, one of their famous leaders, Julius Caesar, had his neuralgia treated by getting a daily massage session. Ancient writing of the Egyptians was believed to contain details about massage treatments.

In India, the system of their medicine called Ayurveda, is mostly based on the power of touch. Though there are a lot of things introduced by modern medicine today, massage still remains a huge part of the medicine practiced in India.

However, the use of massage diminished when the civilization of Rome and Greece disintegrated. It was only in the 19th century that massage began to make a significant return. Once again, massage became popular as it became an in-demand way of therapy.

Today, the power of massage therapy is still an effective way of treating pains. Healing of back aches and muscle cramps can occur more easily with a therapeutic massage. Doctors also often recommend getting massage for those who have been in an injury that results to restriction of movement.

Massages have also become a popular way to relax and unwind. Spas and wellness centers offer all types of massage therapy treatments. Examples are Shiatsu, Swedish and Hot-Stone.

EMS For Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

The medical community has made great strides in developing innovative treatment methods for patients suffering an injury that requires rehabilitation of the muscle tissues. Injuries can result from a sports related event, an accident that requires the need for physical therapy, or an injury resulting from a daily activity. One therapeutic treatment that has become popular in treating physical injuries is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS).

Electrical muscle stimulation, also referred to as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), or electromyostimulation, is used for the prevention of muscle spasms and muscle atrophy, increasing local blood circulation by stimulating muscle tissue, strengthening the muscle tissue to promote healing, maintaining or increasing the range of motion, muscle re-education, and the stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis

How EMS Works

EMS uses an electrical current to stimulate your muscles. The electrical pulse stimulates the nerves to generate a natural muscle contraction. This is known as passive exercise. EMS devices produce electrical signals that stimulate the nerves. The impulses are produced by an electrical device and delivered through electrodes placed on the skin near the muscles that require stimulation. By placing the pads near a certain group of muscles, and then sending the impulses using the EMS device, the muscles will begin to contract and relax. The impulses imitate the impulses produced by the brain to stimulate muscle tissue. The contractions that results from stimulation are much like muscle contractions during regular exercise. The voltage for different pressure points on the muscle can be adjusted according to need. The result of stimulation is the repairing and strengthening of muscles.

EMS devices help stimulate muscle tissue that may not be affected by regular exercise routines. They will stimulate damaged muscle tissues resulting in restoring, toning, and strengthening of the damaged tissue. The pulses stimulate the tissue fibers to certain degrees and patterns which decreases muscle degeneration caused by nerve atrophy.

Advantages of Using EMS Devices

Most rehabilitation clinics use EMS devices because of their healing qualities. When using EMS, the repair process is much faster because nerve and muscle tissue are able to recover more quickly. Stimulation is sufficient to initiate repair of the muscle. When the muscle tear heals, the patient can continue with the next step in the rehabilitation process. Therefore, the patient's rehabilitation time is shorter. The method is much less painful. It can also be relaxing because much of the pain is alleviated. As well, the relief can last for some time after the session is complete.

The FDA mandates that manuals display contraindications, warnings, precautions and adverse reactions. This includes: no use for wearers of pacemakers; no use on critical body parts, such as carotid sinus nerves, across the chest, or across the brain; caution in the use during pregnancy, menstruation, and other conditions that may be affected by muscle contractions. Possible adverse effects can include skin irritations and burns

More hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and sport clinics are using Electronic Muscle Stimulators, or EMS devices. Their use is growing particularly in the athlete community. The beneficial results have attracted the attention of many in the medical community. General Practitioners are now seeing the benefits of using EMS on their patients. EMS devices can also be found in gyms and in homes to help people recover quicker from a muscle injury. .Most people who have received EMS treatment find the process constructive and comforting. Because it speeds up the rehabilitation process, patients will find themselves saving money. Electronic muscle stimulators are a great way to encourage muscle healing, control pain, and strengthen the muscles.

Benefits and Risks of Massage Therapy

A soothing rubdown can help you unwind, but that's not all. Explore the possible health benefits and risks of massage therapy, plus what to expect.

Massage is no longer available only through luxury spas and upscale health clubs. Today, therapy is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals and even airports. If you've never tried massage, learn about the possible health benefits of massage and what to expect during a massage therapy session.

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure techniques.

There are many different types of massage, including these common types:

• Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you.

• Deep-tissue massage. This technique uses slower, more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries.

• Sports massage. This is similar to Swedish massage but is geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries.

• Trigger point massage. This focuses on trigger points, or sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.

Benefits of massage

The benefit is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It's increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits, some studies have found massage helpful for:

• Stress relief
• Managing anxiety and depression
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Blood pressure control
• Infant growth
• Sports-related injuries
• Boosting immunity
• Cancer treatment

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often involves caring, comfort, a sense of empowerment and creating deep connections with their massage therapist.

Despite its benefits, massage isn't meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you're trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have.

Risks of massage

Massage is generally safe as long as it's done by a trained massage therapist. But massage isn't appropriate for everyone. Discuss with your doctor first in cases of:

• Unexplained pain or other symptoms
• Burns or open wounds
• Cancer
• Blood clots
• Fractures
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Severe osteoporosis
• Pregnancy

Some forms of can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn't be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, speak up right away. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage.

In rare circumstances, massage can cause:

• Internal bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Temporary paralysis
• Allergic reactions to massage oils or lotions

What you can expect during a massage

You don't need any special preparation for massage. Before a therapy session starts, your therapist should ask you about any symptoms, your medical history and what you're hoping to get out of massage. Your therapist should explain the kind of massage and techniques he or she will use.

In a typical massage therapy session, you undress or wear loose-fitting clothing.

Undress only to the point that you're comfortable. You generally lie on a table and cover yourself with a sheet. You can also have a massage while sitting in a chair, fully clothed. Your massage therapist should perform an evaluation through touch to locate painful or tense areas and to determine how much pressure to apply.

If you want, your massage therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. Tell your therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients.

A session may last from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage and how much time you have. No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and relaxed during and after your massage. Pain that's more significant than momentary discomfort could indicate that something's wrong. If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It's likely to be uncomfortable while your therapist works it out. But if it becomes painful, speak up.

Finding a therapist

Massage can be performed by several types of health care professionals, such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist or massage therapist. Ask your doctor or someone else you trust for a recommendation. Most states regulate massage therapists through licensing, registration or certification requirements.
Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist such questions as:

• Are you licensed, certified or registered?
• What is your training and experience?
• How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?
• What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?

Use massage as another health care tool

Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. You can even learn how to do self-massage or to engage in massage with a partner.

Reach Out And Touch Someone Close To You - It's Psychologically And Physiologically Healthy

What is the value of a good massage? For the surgeonfish, even a fake massage will do! Marta Soares of Portugal's ISPA University Institute recently concluded a study using surgeonfish and fake cleaner fish, that mimicked the movements of real cleaner fish, to see if the draw of the cleaners was their scouring function, or the stimulation that the nibbling action provided to the bigger surgeonfish.

It is well known that many larger fish, including massive sharks, not only allow but encourage small sucker fish to "ride along" and nibble at parasites on the scales of the big fish. It is a symbiotic relationship, in that the small fish gain protection, while the bigger fish get a good cleaning. But seeking out these little stimulators for the sake of a good massage seems hard to understand.

However, the Soares experiment leaves little room for doubt. First, Soares exposed the surgeon fish to all kinds of stressors, similar to what they would experience in the wild, then they were put in a tank with the cleaner wrasse. The surgeonfish immediately sought out the cleaners, and positioned themselves in such a way that the wrasses' fins provided the massaging action.

So how does this extrapolate to us humans?

Psychology Today reports that, when used to treat eating disorders, massage therapy had some unexpected benefits. As expected, it boosted dopamine and serotonin levels, resulting a calming effect. But it also decreased the patients' dissatisfaction with their bodies and raised their self esteem. This is the simple and powerful value of touch, as assessed by the University of Michigan Medical School. They showed that there is a strong correlation between being touch-deprived and having an eating disorder.

Developmental psychologist Tiffany Field, Ph.D., claims that massage, for premature babies, helps them gain weight and improve health. She also claims that touch-deprived babies grow up to be more aggressive than those that receive tactile interaction.

Diane Zeitlin, of the New Jersey Medical School discovered that touch therapy revved up the immune system in students at exam time, who were experiencing fatigue and anxiety.

And cancer patients under the care of Pauline King and Richard Jost, of Ohio's James Cancer Hospital reported less pain and anxiety as a result of receiving massage therapy.

More than just sometimes, it seems, the power of touch is all we need to improve our attitudes and responses, our day, and our lives. Whether human or animal, massage and tactile stimulation are essential to our emotional, and physical health.

The Importance of Physical Therapy

With scientific advancements and improvements in the preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic medicine today we have solutions and treatments for almost all medical issues; however, holistic ways of treatment are still popular all over the world for a number of reasons. They are totally natural and organic and are not associated with any short-term hazards or organic damage to tissues. Anyone can be a candidate for holistic methods of treatment like physical therapy and chiropractics. Physical therapy is very effective in treating the symptoms of diseases without any risk of long term complications.

Physical therapy can be employed by every individual in order to improve the stiffness of muscles and joints that occur in the setting of inflammatory joint diseases. These diseases include arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis) that limits the range of motion and causes moderate to severe pain. PT helps in removing the toxins, inflammatory mediators and free radicals that causes pain, redness, inflammation and disease.

Traumatic injuries that occur as a result of accidents (road traffic accidents, falls or physical impact) can lead to injury to ligaments, bones, muscles, tendons, joint capsule or cartilage. Physical therapy helps in the healing of tissues by providing warmth and support to healing muscles and tendons for healthy recovery.

Age-related wear and tear changes affect the integrity of joints and little can be done to repair the damage; however, by employing PT exercises, further damage can be prevented and complications can be decreased. Moreover, physical therapy improves the range of motion and pain-free activity across damaged, osteoporotic joints and also prevents the damage to nerves to improve numbness, paresthesia and other symptoms.

Unlike other field of medicine, physical therapy governs all aspects of healthcare. If you have certain risk factors, these exercises can help in preventing diseases and complications by improving blood circulation and stability of bony architecture in medical conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, osteopenia, chronic steroid therapy and others. PT exercises performed by athletes, elderly patients with low physical mobility and pregnant women decreases the risk of damage to joints and ligaments. PT exercises in the elderly and hospitalized (bed-ridden) patients helps in preventing bed-sores, infections, deep venous thrombosis and other complications.

In case of certain injuries like torn ligaments, osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases, bone aches and other issues, physical therapy exercises promote natural tissue healing and repair. Injuries are a part of sport-related activities and most athletes avoid surgical procedures to avoid the risk of damage to other vital structures and also to reduce the time for post-op recovery. PT exercises help in achieving both the treatment of injuries and the promotion of early post-op recovery in case of surgery.

Physical therapy exercises are widely used for rehabilitation after major surgical procedures all over the world. After major surgeries, early mobility and physical activity is very important and determine short hospital stay and early recovery. This therapy is used for rehabilitation in patients after cardiac surgery to promote early return of circulatory function of heart. However, since vigorous activity is not indicated, physical therapy exercises are the only option to restore normal circulation. Physical therapy can also be used following surgery involving major vessels for deep venous thrombosis in order to prevent the formation of thrombus, embolus and lymph edema by promoting blood flow across the vessels and also helps in healing. It's used in surgeries of the gut that increases the risk of thrombosis and other issues and any surgery that involves bones, skeleton, ligaments and muscles for healthy recovery.

The most important component of physical therapy is to educate patients and other individuals about its importance. Education and awareness about physical therapy exercises helps in the prevention of a number of health related issues and complications.

Going to Hair School Can Provide You With a Rewarding Career

If you have been struggling to find a rewarding career and are not fond of school, you need to think about what skills you have. Since it is important to have an education behind you before you begin to embark in the career field of your choice, you are going to need to make sure that you find a skill that interests you. If you love the idea of being a hair stylist or makeup artist, you should consider going to hair school.

Just because you don't want to go to some big name university for four or more years, doesn't mean that you can't receive a quality education. There are plenty of educational facilities where you can learn how to be a stylist and earn your license. If you want to have a shot at being successful, you will need to go to hair school.

Since this is a major decision, you should be selective about where you decide to receive your education. This means you should contact several educational institutions that interest you and request information about their programs. Inquire about their financial aid programs and learn about ways you can finance your education so that you have little to none out of pocket expenses.

Make sure that any facility and program you are interested in will provide you with a certificate or license once you have completed them. Take a look at how long it will take you to complete the programs. Keep in mind that if you have other obligations such as a full time job or children, it may take you longer to complete the programs.

Once you have done your research and compared different institutes and programs, you should be able to choose a hair school that you feel will give you the edge you need to compete in this world. Get in touch with a counselor so you can get enrolled. Some schools may not require that you see a counselor in order to register for classes, however it is in your best interest to see one. This person can help you put together a reasonable class load that will not interfere with your other obligations. They can advise you on which courses to take so that you are not throwing away money on a class you may not need. They can also help you get enrolled in classes that may be full. If you have any issues that may be making it difficult for you to get enrolled, your counselor is a great resource for you to go to so they can help.

Apply for financial aid as soon as possible. Look into other payment options that can help reduce the cost of your education. Don't forget to search and apply for tons of scholarships. Increase the amount of opportunities you have available and improve your quality of life by taking advantage of the education you receive at hair school.

3 Facts About Deep Tissue Massage - Benefits Compared to Swedish Massage

If you have been seeking massage therapy for aches and pains, you may want to consider getting deep tissue massage. Though the Swedish-style massage can be great for minor aches and pain, and is also great for relaxation, there are times when it just isn't enough. Deep tissue massage is more about therapy and healing than relaxation, and there is a reason why it works better than the Swedish type. You should consider that the problems you are having in association with chronic pain need a more advanced approach.

You may not hear much about deep tissue massage, but it is something that is used quite often to help athletes and others who have very physical jobs. Most injuries are not just surface injuries, and it is important to get to the root of the problem for real relief. Athletes are not the only ones who can benefit however, as there are many injuries that go deeper than the surface. If you have an office job where you must sit in front of a computer all day, or if you do a lot of repetitive motions for any reason, you are also at risk for this type of problem.

3 Things You Need to Know

1. How it Works

Deep tissue massage reaches core muscles that are often not stimulated through surface massage. These muscles may be in a state of agitation. These core muscles are important for posture, and when they are not loose and working well, you are going to have all sorts of problems. If you have a backache that won't go away, and regular massage doesn't seem to do much to help you, it means that the core muscles are in need of manipulation, and that is where deep tissue massage can help. You may find relief for many types of chronic pain through this type of massage, and once you find you are feeling better, you may kick yourself for not having tried it sooner.

2. What Results Should You Expect?

A therapist using deep tissue massage will have to apply more pressure to reach the muscle well below the surface. This means there is going to be more pain when you have treatment. This pain is temporary, and is letting you know that the proper tissues are being targeted. When muscles are bunched, the act of kneading and manipulating them will hurt. This pain is temporary, and depending on the state of your health, you should see results rather quickly. It is important that you keep up with your treatment if you want to see total and complete results.

3. Where Can You Go?

You may have to look hard to find a good deep tissue massage therapist. You generally won't find someone like this in a spa that specializes in Swedish massage, but it is not unheard of either. If you can't seem to find anyone, talk to your medical doctor. They may know of somewhere you can go. Though some doctors are iffy on recommending alternative therapies, many of them respect what deep tissue massage can do for the health and well-being of their patients.

Improper Massages Can Injure Muscles

A massage performed by an experienced and licensed massage therapist is a therapeutic technique that helps the muscles relax so that tension and soreness can be alleviated and healing of an injured area can begin. The goal of a therapeutic massage is to improve and enhance the healing process. An injured or torn muscle can be so sore that it prevents one from engaging in their normal activities. Massage therapy promotes muscle healing by increasing blood circulation to the injured area, reducing tension, reducing stress, and draining lymph nodes. If one is not experienced and educated in the art of massage and its therapeutic methods, the injured area can receive further damage thereby delaying the healing process.

A massage therapist will be able to identify which muscle is injured and know which type of technique and oils are best to treat the injured area. An improper massage can further injure a torn muscle, so it is important to use the services of a licensed massage therapist. For instance, deep tissue massage is a preferred massage technique to help people with lower back pain. The therapeutic movement and motions of massage therapy will loosen tight muscles to increase flexibility and reduce stiff and sore muscles. The improved circulation brings much needed oxygen and nutrients to the injured area which enhances the healing process. As well, a professional massage will decrease muscle spasms, decrease pain and soreness, relieve tension, improve range of motion and muscle and joint flexibility, and drains fluids so swelling is minimized. The over all result is reduced discomfort and quicker recovery time.

A massage therapist is a trained and educated professional who knows exactly how to apply the proper massage techniques to a particular injured area. They will attend a special school where they will acquire a certificate. To work as a massage therapist, they will have to be licensed. As well, a massage therapist can even specialize in areas such as Swedish massage, sports massage, and clinical massage. To become a licensed massage therapist, most states require national certification. Training, education, and certification highlight the importance of not having an inexperienced person who tries to massage an injured muscle or tissue.

There have been very little risks associated with engaging in massage therapy. There have been a few noted injuries, but it was normally the result of an inexperienced and unqualified person giving the massage. Before you decide to have massage therapy, ask the therapist about his or her training, experience, and any licenses or credentials acquired. As well, make sure you tell the massage therapist about any medical conditions you have and ask whether he or she has had any specialized training or experience with the particular condition, and ask about the number of treatments that will be needed.

Massage therapy is an ancient practice with proven results. There are many types of massage therapy that involve working the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. In the United States, massage therapy is often part of traditional medicine. As well, it is part of complementary and alternative medicine. When engaging in a massage session, it is important that you use the services of a licensed massage therapist.