What to Look for When Hiring a Corporate Massage Therapist

Corporate massage has been demonstrated to be an effective motivational tool in offices (1). However, when wellness directors make the wise decision to bring chair massage therapy into their offices, what should they look for in a therapist?

First and foremost, most states now have certificates or licenses that therapists must (or should) obtain to demonstrate their completion of training and standards of professionalism. Be sure that any therapist you hire for corporate massage has one of these credentials. In states where these credentials do not yet exist, there are usually municipal credentials that can serve the same purpose. An acceptable substitute in areas without state or local licenses/certificates can be the therapist's school transcripts (showing completion of 500 training hours or more) and a detailed resume.

After assuring that your therapist has appropriate credentials, get an idea of his or her experience in providing office chair massage. Have they worked in an office before? What is the length of their average session? What areas do they focus on in their work? Do they have their own chair? Are they comfortable providing all the supplies necessary to do onsite corporate massage?

An effective therapist should be able to meet any reasonable demands you have for your wellness program. They should be able to provide massages in lengths of 10 minutes to 30 minutes. They should be able to provide all supplies you need them to and have an effective routine that involves work on the back, shoulders and arms. Many therapists will also be able to provide extra services that can enhance an office chair massage, such as aromatherapy, music, and foot or hand massages.

Finding a therapist who matches all these qualifications can be difficult, especially if you have offices located in different parts of the country. Because of this, hiring a nationwide massage therapy provider can be helpful, as it can then handle all the scheduling and logistical issues that arise when managing staff in separate locations.

If managing your therapist(s) alone, it is important to find someone you are comfortable speaking with when hiring, and who can answer all the questions mentioned above, as well as provide you with copies of their credentials. It is also important that you find someone who is punctual and who can manage his or her time effectively as - especially in the world of business - employees need to know when they can receive their massages, for how long, and then not be kept waiting.

Often times, in the more laid back world of massage therapy, this can be a problem, but there are literally tens of thousands of professional therapists who would love to work at a well managed corporate massage job. Knowing what to look for can help ensure that your chair massage therapist does a good job.

(1) http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5425998/using_corporate_massage_to_strengthen.html?cat=5

Massage Therapies for Arthritis Have Been Proven To Be Effective In Providing Arthritis Pain Relief

Massage is an effective way to manage arthritis pain. Massage as a treatment for arthritis is sometimes controversial. However, those who are believers in this therapy are individuals who have
experienced the relief from pain.

Massage therapy is a proven way to improve muscle and joint movement. Athletes use massage as a way to relax tense muscles and stimulate circulation. Massage therapy for arthritis is not only enjoyable, it has proven to be therapeutic.

Massage therapies for arthritis break the cycle of pain that often goes along with arthritis. Massage is being used successfully in some medical facilities as a healing therapy for people who suffer from arthritis.

Now as the medical community becomes enlightened to the benefits of massage insurance sometimes covers the treatment when prescribed by a a doctor. Now millions of Americans have access to massage as a treatment alternative for painful arthritis symptoms.

The use of massage in the treatment of arthritis continues to grow as the efficacy of the treatments is validated. The use of massage in the treatment of arthritis is being acknowledged by the medical establishment as a less invasive method of therapy for chronic conditions.

Massage has few side effects and does not add toxins to the body as traditional medications that are prescribed to treat arthritis. Some of the most common forms of massage used in the treatment of arthritis pain include: These are some of the most common ones:

*Deep tissue massage using slow strong pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Releasing tissue is the primary goal. The side effects may be soreness and some minor discomfort.

However deep tissue massage is sometimes associated with acupressure that has therapeutic benefits to the body and eases the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis

*Swedish massage is the most popular method of massaging the body. The whole body is stroked and kneaded. The top layer of muscles are manipulated with gentle stokes and movement. The Swedish massage is considered to be the most enjoyable massage technique.

*Myofascial release massage involves long strokes that stretch the body. These strokesare intended to release tension in the fascia. The fascia is the connective tissue around the muscles.

*Acupressure and Shiatsu massage are ancient Asian techniques that use pressure points on specific parts of the body. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture in that acupressure uses the same points that are stimulated in acupuncture.

*Trigger point therapy uses concentrated finger pressure on points or knots of tension or pain in the body.

*Reflexology therapy involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears that correspond to other parts of the body

The benefits of massage therapy for arthritis are many:

*Deep muscle and tissue relaxation

*Reduces stress

*Releases toxins from the body

*Increases the flexibility of muscles

*Improves blood circulations

*Lowers blood pressure

*Relieves tension and pain

*Balances the body

*Reduces nervousness

*Heightens mental and spiritual awareness

Massage therapy has been proven to be effective in treating the pain associated with arthritis that other medical treatments are unable to address Massage therapy has proven to provide a higher quality of life to individuals who use massage therapy to relieve pain. More people are learning to experience relief of pain as they are treated to the miraculous healing power of a massage.

How Lucrative is a Massage Therapy Career?

Massage therapy is definitely a strong career opportunity to look into. Unlike many other job options, massaging offers you a great deal of flexibility. While you can generate a sizable income working at a spa or hotel, many people are able to make good money simply by working from home with a select list of clients. Another thing to consider is that the scope of this job is far-reaching. Today many different kinds of institutions use massage therapy, meaning there is a variety of jobs available in a range of different sectors.

How Does It Work?

These kinds of therapists are generally paid according to their experience. That is, the longer you have worked in the business, the better salary you can expect. It is true that self-employed therapists generally make more money than those who work for someone else. However, it is difficult to start massage therapy on a freelance basis. The key is to work with reputed facilities for a good amount of time. This helps build an impressive resume as well as gives you the skill sets needed to start a business on your own. Perhaps most important of all, it will help you build a client list which you can rely on during your self employment.

A factor that will affect your salary rate is where you are employed. Today, therapists are employed by places as varied as hotels, gyms, nursing homes and hospitals. A therapist will be paid either on an hourly basis or on a per-session basis. In general, the hourly basis method is more popular. Most therapists will work a 40-hour week, since the job is physically taxing on the arms and shoulders. Another thing to consider is that most massages also include other kinds of treatments and preparations.

Don't Be Put Off By The Hourly Rate

When considering massage therapy careers, some people get put off by the starting hourly rates. It is true that the rates do vary slightly between those therapists who are licensed and those who are certified. The starting hourly wage at a private company can be a little over ten dollars an hour. But a self-employed therapist can charge thirty dollars an hour or even double that amount. It's important to remember that while the starting rate may seem small, the pay rapidly increases. Studies have shown that after just a single year of work experience, the starting hourly rate can jump by as much as 39%. Because it is such a lucrative career option which often doesn't take up much time, many people like to do it on a part time basis while pursuing other courses, like nursing.

The bottom line is that massage therapy gives you the ability to earn a full-time salary even if you only work on a part time basis. However, in order to draw a good salary, you need to start by gathering an ample amount of work experience. Other factors that will affect the salary you draw or the amount you can charge are the location of your facility and what kind of massages or extra treatment you offer in a session.

Pediatric Physical Therapist Jobs

A pediatric physical therapist deals with the rehabilitation of children recovering from injuries, fractures and other ailments. Pediatric physical therapist jobs provide immense job satisfaction because you can help in reshaping the lives of children and have the gratification of assisting the little ones get back to their routine lives.

Pediatric physical therapy is aimed at relieving pain, preventing injury or disability, and improving the clients' functions. It has the complete well-being of the child as the main objective. Through physical exercises and medication, pediatric physical therapists help the patient regain his/her physical capabilities. The treatment process is well-coordinated and includes proper diagnosis, formulating the best treatment plan, educating the children to perform physical exercises, evaluating different stages and more.

Basic Requirements for a Pediatric Physical Therapist Job

Individuals having good academic credentials can soar high in this job. They should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy. They should be professional, at the same time, sociable for effective interaction with the patients and other caregivers. Ability to organize, supervise, resolve specific health problems of the patient, plan treatment programs, and set goals, are the necessary qualities needed for an ideal physical therapy professional. Above all, the candidate should be licensed after undergoing training in an accredited institute.

Job Opportunities in Reputable Medical Firms

Home health agencies, school systems, outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and many other medical facilities offer job vacancies for physical therapists. Finding a proper place with excellent remuneration meeting all your individual requirements, might involve a lot of time and effort. Nowadays, people depend on recruiting agencies to find ideal jobs. When vacancies arise, these agencies inform their clients from where they will direct them to the right job providers. This gives the candidates the freedom to choose the job suiting their needs. Thus you can find highly rewarding jobs in the medical industry which will put you in a position where you can help the infants and children recover their health.

Benefits of Getting a Weekly Massage

There are many benefits to getting a massage on a regular basis. Besides just enjoying the pleasure, a wide variety of health and personal benefits exist that further support the notion of weekly massages.

Massage services can be somewhat expensive, but certain places will offer you discounts if you come often enough. Either that, or you can sign up for a plan that saves you money, which would be a lot more affordable than buying massages each time you come in. Depending on what business you go to, and if it is independently owned, you may be able to form a relationship with the owners and further drive down the price.

The primary benefit of weekly massages is the relief that is given to different parts of the body. Over the course of the week, tension builds in many places, and it can inhibit our daily activities. A massage relieves this physical stress and enables you to operate at an optimal level. This is invaluable in this fast-paced world, and you will find that the investment in massage services quickly pays off in the way you feel and the increased productivity you have.

Being productive is meaningless if we are not healthy, and there are tons of health problems out there that can bring us down at any moment. Massages stimulate portions of the body that are responsible for fighting off conditions, and having your body regularly recharged in this way is overall beneficial to your health. Most importantly, the positive feelings generated from massages reduces stress to an almost nonexistent level, and since stress is a major contributor to heart disease and cancer, this is certainly an important factor.

Getting a massage improves your focus, both after and during the massage. It enables you to think more clearly without having to worry about troubles that perpetually cross our minds. Experiencing clouded thinking can be very unpleasant and debilitating, and being free of this is quite liberating. For all these reasons and more, you should definitely consider a weekly massage, or at least one on a less frequent basis.

The Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

After many years of time and study, researchers have investigated the possible emotional, physical and medical benefits of therapeutic massage. This study has been going on since the 1800s and only recently have their been substantial and legitimate findings. The truth is that therapeutic massage has many beneficial qualities within the daily life of all people. Researchers now stand by therapeutic massage and its advantages to the human body and mind.

Anxiety and Stress Relief

Therapeutic therapy has always been said to be a great anxiety and stress reliever. Now, according to the AMTA or American Massage Therapy Association, therapeutic therapy has the ability to relax the mind, relieve stress and improve a humans ability to recognize and monitor their stress signals. In addition, therapeutic therapy also helps to reduce anxiety, improves mental alertness and increases the mind and body connection. Studies were performed on medical students and was discovered that after a therapeutic therapy was administered these students responded cautiously to stress signals and had a decreased rate of anxiety. Remarkably, therapeutic therapy was also found beneficial to cancer patients after successfully reducing their anxiety levels as well.

Attention and Focus

Additional research found that when therapeutic massages were given to already stressed office workers they were able to perform better in the workplace more so than those who were not given a massage. Persons who were given regular massages were far more alert and experienced less stress than persons who went without a massage. Research was also performed on several autistic children who showed reduced erratic behaviour after a therapeutic massage. Erratic behaviour is very common in autistic individuals.

Healing and Rehabilitation

Therapeutic therapy is also common in the medical field in healing and rehabilitation aspects. It has been proven to stimulate and relax inactive and weak muscles in order to quicken recovery time. This was found to be especially beneficial to individuals who had experienced a debilitating injury or sickness. These illnesses or injuries cause inactivity which further bring about muscle deterioration. Therapeutic therapy was also found to be beneficial to HIV-exposed, premature infants as it enabled them to experience healthy weight gain.

Pain Relief

Pregnant woman often seek out therapeutic therapies in order to help alleviate discomforts during pregnancy. Therapeutic massages are very common in these instances. Additionally, professional athletes also seek out massages in order to help with muscle pain and swelling. These massages have been proven to relieve swelling and pain brought about by sprained or strained muscles. It can also help to reduce tension headaches or those related to types of eye strain.

Therapeutic Massage in General Health

Therapeutic therapy has been found to be highly beneficial in an individuals general heath. This type of massage helps the circulation of blood throughout the body. It helps to reduce blood pressure and also gives the immune system a much needed boost.

Therapeutic massage has always been known for its physical relief agents but it is also a great emotional aid. Massages help individuals who experience stress related problems. Therapeutic therapy is extremely beneficial to those who go through constant anxiety and stress and even depression.

How to Give the Ultimate Deep Tissue Massage With No Pain

Massage is an art, not a technique or a profession. Massage is a skilled dance between the hands of the therapist and the body of the massage receiver. A truly great therapist does not give a massage they express their work of art onto the soft tissues of client. To give a great Massage the therapist must be in the correct mindset to be able to give an ultimate deep tissue relaxing massage. The ultimate massage is a balance between power/pressure and flow. Many therapists are simply going through the motions of what they were trained to do in school. These are the types of therapists that should be avoided. The following is how to give the ultimate deep tissue massage with maximum results and relaxation of the client.

The first thing the therapist needs is a positive mindset. This is something that is difficult to find in today's day and age but they are out there. The correct mindset will allow the therapist to transfer there positive energy and magic to the client. This positive mindset can be achieved by simply giving a massage that the therapist themselves would like to receive.

The second thing that the therapist needs to give the ultimate deep tissue massage is a body. Well that is easy since everyone has a body. I should rephrase that statement with a ultimate massage therapist needs to be in tune to their body. If a therapist is not in tune with the minute feelings in their own body how can they be in tune with the clients? This takes allot of searching to find but they are out there and can be found. Usually they will people that drink alcohol only in minute moderation and do not smoke. The ultimate therapist cannot be overweight as the balance in their body cannot be good if they are carrying extra weight causing them to live in an off balance life.

The third thing that the ultimate therapist will need is very important and an obvious one for a massage therapist is hands. The hands of an ultimate massage giver can come in any shape or size, but they need two things. First they need to be flexible and sensitive. By having these two attributes it will allow them to be able to give a powerful yet flowing massage, which are the two most important things when giving the ultimate massage. The hands of the ultimate massage therapist must have eyes. Hands of eye massage therapists can see with their hands and feel with their hands allowing them to give the ultimate deep tissue massage with no pain.

Hands of eye massage therapists can give the ultimate deep tissue relaxing massage because they are able to feel the person while seeing with their hands. This allows great pressure with great flow nourishing the entire muscle from insertion point to insertion point. By having hands of eye an in tune body and the correct mindset you can give the ultimate deep tissue massage with no pain.

Physical Therapy Assistant - Historical to Modern Day Applications

The origins of physical therapy are very interesting. Many of the physical agents used in modern physical therapy treatments, were also used in ancient times. Greek and Roman writings have been found, that refer to beneficial effects of the sun, water as well as exercise and massage. It is also known that the ancient Chinese, Persians, and Egyptians also used these types of treatments.

The field of modern physical therapy was developed in Great Britain in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Not long after, American doctors specializing in orthopedic surgery began training women graduates of physical education schools to provide care and treatment for patients in clinics and hospitals.

The military was the beginning of specific training and education in PT, as the first physical therapist, and physical therapist assistant programs were developed at Walter Reed Army Hospital, in Washington D.C. Soon after the commencement of world war one, an additional fourteen schools were established. The original therapists were known as reconstruction aids and were engaged primarily for the military.

Some Interesting Points in History

1881 The Sargent School, the first school of modern physical therapy opens in Boston. 1920 The first American Women's Physiotherapeutic Association Organizational meeting is scheduled and attended in the city of New York.

1942 Enactment of Public Law 828 considers and makes a determination of women Physical Therapists as world war two era members of the Military Medical Department of the Army, with rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

1946 American Physiotherapy Association changes name to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

1956 Scientist Jonas Salk introduces a vaccine for polio. Physical Therapists play a prominent position in testing the vaccine prior to public distribution. Thousands of American children who are afflicted with polio require continued treatment.

1967 The APTA establishes a doctrine to allow the training of PT Assistants.

Physical Therapists also known as healthcare clinicians review and care for individuals of a wide variety of ages, from newborn baby's, to the oldest geriatric, who suffer from medical problems as well as additional health associated conditions, and injuries which restrict a patient's abilities to be mobile and conduct normal activities as they might on a daily basis.

The use of history as well as a physical examination is customary in order to reach a clinical diagnosis including the establishment of an effective treatment plan. Physical therapists can develop management plans that include the prescribing of or help with exercises, massage therapy, core physical treatment and other therapies. PT assistants may treat patient's to help prevent restricted mobility by promoting conditioning and physical fitness oriented programs for healthy and improved quality living.

Since the role of a PTA requires certification and licensure, prospects who are considering this occupation may conduct research into a physical therapy assistant salary. What you will find is the fact that an investment in your education of approximately two years, can yield a potential income of six figures.

Additionally further research into physical therapist assistant schools, will provide lists of accredited scholastic institutions located all over the United States that can provide an excellent education and at an affordable tuition rate. Further, these educational entities can also provide scholarships, and grants to reduce costs significantly.

Gain Valuable Knowledge and Experience With Physical Therapy Travel Jobs

If you have qualifications in physical therapy, critical care nursing, speech pathology, or other specialized fields in the medical profession, there are exciting travel jobs all over the United States waiting for you! Physical therapy helps children and adults who have suffered from injury or illness lead better quality of lives through regaining or improving movement of limbs and body functionality, which may have been lost as a result of these factors. You can make a difference in these and more peoples' lives. As a physical therapist you play a vital role in the medical profession, and we believe your skills and those of other therapists deserve quality employment positions with the best benefits possible.

Many travel therapy companies offer physical therapy travel jobs that have excellent remuneration and benefits. Inquire further for specific salary and benefit opportunities. To begin the process of becoming a travel physical therapist, many travel therapy companies simply request that you complete a short application form online listing your skills, after that, you will be able to browse thousands of job listings to suit your field and needs.

High paying physical therapy jobs are available at many prestigious medical institutions and at private clinics where you can provide your vital services to help people lead normal lives again. Live in new, exciting locations that add experience to your profession while you explore different cultures and make new friends. Travel therapy companies can serve as the liaison between qualified staff looking for prime physical therapy jobs and available positions at specialty schools, medical colleges, hospital clinics, and private therapy institutions.

The experience and knowledge that is gained by working in different environments helps you further your own career and abilities, while broadening your horizons and allowing you to learn about different cultures and environments.

The Benefits Of Massage Therapy

You might think that massage therapy is a luxury item that has few benefits other than the pleasure you receive during the treatment? If you think this, you are absolutely wrong. There are a great number of benefits to massage therapy. Keep reading this article and you might be convinced to get a massage more often.

One big advantage to a massage is stress relief. Stress is probably the most common reason why people get massages. Your muscles hold a great deal of tension. Tension that is released during a massage. The stress relieved does not come back as soon as the massage is over, there is a long lasting effect. Massage also has a positive effect on blood pressure.

Another benefit of massage therapy is for muscle pain. Athletes in particular get sports massages often to relieve sore muscles and to promote healing of injuries. Sports massage helps to break up scar tissue and stretches and soothes sore muscles. It can help an athlete out when he is trying to reach that next level of fitness and it can help out the average person who has just pushed themselves too hard.

A third reason to get a massage is to treat depression. Depression has a number of different causes. Not all of these causes are helped by massage but a number of these causes are addressed by massage therapy. Stress, tension, high blood pressure and more causes of depression are alleviated during a session. In addition, the pleasure given by a massage releases endorphins. Endorphins make you feel good and give you a sense of well being.

As you can see massage therapy has a number of benefits. There are more but this gives you a general idea. If you think massage might benefit you, it probably will. You should contact a massage therapist in your area and make an appointment.

Massage Therapy Modalities

Now that you've made the decision to become a massage therapist, and pursue a career in the field of bodywork, you will need to decide what type of therapy to specialize in. Many therapists choose to specialize in more than one area of massage therapy. This opens up the door for more services you can provide (and also, more places where you can find employment, which translates into more money). Each modality requires its own specialized training. There are approximately 80 different specialties of massage but, we'll only mention a few of the more popular ones here.

Swedish. Swedish massage is the most common and best known type of massage in the US. Swedish massage is based on the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology and was pioneered by Swedish physiologist Per Henrik Ling. During your training to specialize in this modality, you will focus on five basic strokes, all which flow towards the heart. This type of massage therapy is a great choice for beginners. One of the beauties of this form of massage is that it can be performed slow and gentle or vigorous. More often than not, a Swedish massage lasts between 50-60 minutes. To perform this type of massage, you will use massage oil to help warm up the muscles. Your client will generally be nude, underneath a towel or sheet. As with other types of massage, Swedish massage helps to promote relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage. Deep tissue massage is a style of massage that focuses on working with the layers of the body to help relax, lengthen, and release holding patterns. When you think about deep tissue massage, you probably think about the masseuse being extremely large and exerting and extreme amount of pressure. However, this is an incorrect assumption. In order to obtain the results of deep tissue massage, you will learn how to use your elbows and forearms to obtain deep results. You will also learn how to change the angle of your touch to the body. Deep tissue massage can be done without straining and requiring very little massage oil. It's all about proper technique, hence why it's important to receive training in the areas of massage therapy for which you want to specialize.

Sports Massage. Because so many athletes push their bodies to the extreme, it's no wonder that many of them could greatly benefit from the art of massage. Sports massage is a style of bodywork that focuses on applying massage techniques and stretching exercises to help enhance athletic performance. Massage can be provided before an event, after an event, and during times where the athlete is a state of maintenance work (such as an off-season break). Sports massage is good for people with injuries and/or restricted range of motion. When performing a sports massage, you will generally focus on a specific problem area, like the neck or shoulders.

Pregnancy Massage. Pregnancy is a time where a woman's body undergoes a number of changes. Pregnancy massage aims to help a woman find balance as she goes through these changes. Massage is tailored to the different trimesters, since the body changes drastically during all three of them. During your training, you will learn the proper way to position a pregnant client on the massage table. Pregnancy massage will help to reduce stress, improve circulation, and contribute to the overall wellness of the mom-to-be. Some of the conditions you will help to alleviate include joint pain, sciatic nerve pain, and edema or swelling. You will also learn about the anatomy and physiology of the pregnant body, precautions to support healthy pregnancies, and emotional concerns of pregnant women.

Shiatsu Massage. Shiatsu is a form of bodywork, specifically acupressure massage. Shiatsu, in Japanese, means finger pressure and much of the foundation originates with Traditional Chinese Medicine and the concepts of energy pathways in the body. You will usually perform Shiatsu massage on a floor mat but, you can learn how to perform it on a table or while a client is seated in a chair. No oils or lotions are used and the client only removes their shoes. Shiatsu massage helps to relieve stress, digestive discomfort, and headaches. You will learn how to apply firm pressure to energy points, so that the flow of "chi" (life force) is restored.

This by no means describes all of the different modalities associated with massage therapy. There are over 80 recognized massage modalities. While you undergo your formal education and training, you will probably become adept at 2 or 3 different specialties of massage. As you gain more experience during your career, you may begin to direct your focus to specific direction. The better you are at a specialty, the more results you will get, leading to happier clients and more business for you. You're ultimate goal is to satisfy clients. So, set out to learn about as many different modalities as possible, until you find the one that feels right to you.

My Journey From Needing Healing To Becoming A Healer

The first time I realized I could heal myself was when I was a child. I was quite daring and a bit of a dare-devil. It was a time when Evil Kenivel was popular and so were his stunts. I would set up ramps and jump them in an abandoned lot near my grandmother's house in Queens, NY. Needless to say I fell a lot. I would get up and using my belief that it didn't hurt. I would go on. I now realize that I used the power of faith, or placebo effect as some like to call it, to minimize the pain.

I started meditating and reading about healing and the like in 1988, when I was in my early 20's and my father had recently passed. I was trying to make sense of my loss.

I began reading books like Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain and Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss.

I also began praying for guidance, something I never thought of doing in the past. I also began following the guidance I received which usually came in dreams. I started reading the tarot cards and moving my energy using color and visualization. I could put my hands on someone, visualize a color and their pain was gone. I began to start believing in my gifts.

Between 1990 and 1991, my whole world came apart, my marriage fell apart, and I got sick and needed surgery.

In 1990 I also took my first trip to Tulum Mexico and felt this incredible connection with the place. I could see all the colors and the energy emanating from the ruins. In 1991 I had Pelvic Inflammatory disease which blew out my right ovary and blocked my left tube. I was a mess. I had exploratory surgery which left me with a large scar down the midline from my navel to my pubic bone. I woke up in extreme pain physically and emotionally. This opened up my emotional wounds. I was so depressed and angry, I felt completely hopeless. I was unable to care for myself and for my two children. I was completely emotionally, spiritually and physically raw. I was also informed by my doctor that I was now sterile and could not have any more children. After a tremendous amount of self-healing, which I discussed in the first manual, I realized that I could no longer see energetically, which was traumatic. I no longer felt gifted only wounded.

In 1992, I took a trip to Florida with my children. I was finally feeling a little better and wanted to start living and enjoying my life again. While I was there I went to a psychic fair for fun. I saw an amazing psychic who told me I was a high priestess many times in many lives and that I was a healer, and that I would be going back to school for many years. At that time I was thinking of back to school but didn't really know for what. I had so many interests. She also told me that in a past life I was in Central America and I was killed because I gave too much information before the people were ready for it. She had said that was one of my challenges this time; coming off as a "know it all".

Given the information, I decided to go back to school to CW Post, LIU, that fall 1992. I took some classes in Art, music, dance and psychology, only to realize I could incorporate them all and become a Creative Arts Therapist. During this time I also began my treatment with an amazing art therapist, who I discussed in the first manual. During this time, I began uncovering many aspects of myself that I didn't realize were there. I was a talented artist, writer, and dancer. I also realized I had the potential to become a good therapist someday.

I also realized that something else was missing in my life. I was nearing the end of my 20's, I was doing well in my work, I had a boyfriend I loved very much and for the first time in my life that I could remember I was feeling somewhat happy, yet something was missing. I started longing to have another child. I knew I was sterile and really shouldn't bother. I was plagued with chronic yeast infections and bladder infections and my gynecologist had been trying to convince me to have a hysterectomy, but I refused. I really believed I could have another child.

I began to pray every night and as often as I could remember during the day. I prayed for help and for guidance. One night I had a dream of my grandfather, who had passed in 1990, holding a beautiful baby. I can remember his luminous blue eyes shining so brightly as he held this little bundle of love. When I woke up, I of course rationalized and psychoanalyzed my dream. I thought for sure it was because I was doing so much inner child work the baby part of me was coming out. Lo and behold, 3 months later I was pregnant, wow, what a surprise for me, my boyfriend and my doctor. He told me, well these things do happen sometimes. Of course I attributed it to my praying and visualizing holding a baby, my baby.

I was in my last year of school to finish my Bachelors of Science in Art Therapy with a minor in Art and Dance, when I was told by my doctor that if I didn't stop everything I was doing, I would lose this baby. For the second time in my life I stopped everything. I stopped working full time in the family pharmacy and I needed help to take care of my children. My boyfriend moved in and my new life began.

This was truly a healing crisis. According to my doctor, if I made any fast moves or walked too much the placental wall would separate and I could self abort. This was not the pregnancy I imagined. I went from being a strong and confident woman to feeling like an invalid. I wasn't able to do very much for myself and was so used to doing everything myself. This was a huge lesson for me to STOP and BE! I was so used to doing and being on the go, go, go all the time.

I was on bed rest for 6 months, so I read. I read every book I could get my hands on about energy healing, the chakras, meditation, shamanism, Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, herbs, homeopathy, and natural remedies. I even applied to The Barbara Brennan School for Healing, though the timing wasn't right.

After a tumultuous pregnancy; I was in the labor room 7 times before I was finally in labor. I gave birth to my last son. I took a semester off and began school the following semester nearby at Marymount College. I thought this was a better idea since I was still nursing. This was a huge adjustment, new school, new baby, new county, and new home. We made the move to Westchester.

Towards the end of my first internship at a nearby psychiatric hospital, there was an incident and one of the therapists had been beaten up badly, suffering brain damage. This disturbed me and my husband very much. I began to rethink the line of work I was going into.

During the same year, the dean of The Art Therapy Program was let go, and I was having a difficult time applying for my second internship, as all the Art Therapy Programs were closing in the nearby hospitals. I took these incidences as signs that I needed to make a change. During that same year, I did a research paper on emotional release and bodywork. I needed to know more about this. I did a lot of research at the New Center which had an extensive library on bodywork, the mind/ body connection and healing. I felt very comfortable there, right at home. Little did I know that would practically become my home for 4 years.

Upon finally completing my degree, not in Art Therapy but in Psychology, I took the summer off to think. I knew I didn't really want to be a Creative Arts Therapist anymore, but didn't know what I wanted. During this time, I got pregnant again. It was a little over a year after my last child and I was elated. That was until I saw my doctor. He and my husband felt this could kill me and like in the last pregnancy, the placental wall would tear if I kept the baby. Like all women who make the decision to have an abortion, it was not an easy one. I cannot blame my doctor, husband or even myself, because I know that if I didn't go through this the next step in my healing probably would have never happened.

I had the abortion and right after my heart rate would not stabilize and I realized I was not as strong as I thought. I had a severe reaction to the anesthesia. When I got back home I felt different, extremely unhappy and gained 25 pounds that month.

I also began having dreams every night about this little Asian looking girl. I would see her face when I closed my eyes. I thought I must be going crazy.

I began seeing my therapist again, doing art and energy work. I also told him about my thoughts of going to school to become a massage therapist to get my license to touch to release emotions stuck in the body. It was during this time that he went from being my therapist and started becoming my mentor. In 1997 I began the massage program at what was once the New Center soon to become the New York College for Wholistic Health Education and Research. I also began a journey in finding out who this little girl was that I kept seeing in my dreams. I had never done any type of actual bodywork before this point. I had been doing energy work since the early 90's and besides the research paper had little or no knowledge on it. When I worked on someone or they worked on me I felt sick and irritable. It was horrible, not at all what I expected and researched.

I did however absolutely love my introduction to Chinese medicine. This I knew I had to do. The massage I felt was like a stepping stone to get my license to touch, but Chinese medicine had all the answers, or so I thought. I still kept having the dreams of the little girl; she seemed to be a little older now though, which made no sense to me. I began doing a sculpture, little by little allowing this little girl to evolve out of the clay. When I finally finished the sculpture, I realized the little girl was me. I was birthing me. A new me. I me I never knew existed before.

In 1998 I began the Oriental Medicine program, along with the massage program. I was in my element; I was so happy, learning new things every day. I really didn't study, somehow I retained the information even though I was taking 8-10 classes at a time, 3 kids at home and working on the weekends. It was really a recipe for disaster. I realize this now in hindsight.

During that year my good friend Julie gave me a book called Sastun, about this healer in Belize. I looked it over, but didn't fully read it, as I had so many reading assignments. I did however remember that as a child I had a burning desire to go to Belize, but I thought it was in Africa. I actually used to search the Atlas and maps for it but could never find it. In 1999 I was finally at the tail end of the massage program and in clinic. I loved and hated clinic. I loved feeling like I was working, having regular clients coming in, but I hated the fact that I would often go home feeling, grumpy, sad, angry, and often in tears.

I felt like I was taking all the pain from my clients and feeling horrible for them. I remember one of my clinic supervisor's took me to the side and said we needed to have a talk. She explained to me all about grounding, cleaning your energy with salt. I had read about all these things years ago but forgot about them, never actually applying them. I began applying them, washing myself daily with salt scrub, grounding before each client and taking time every day to go outside and be in the sun even for a few moments. I started noticing a difference, finally. I felt happier and healthier.

As part of the Acupuncture program, Qi Gong and Tai Chi were required. I tolerated Tai Chi, but I loved Qi Gong. It felt so effortless and expansive. This practice made me feel so alive, so full of energy. I also began to see again. I hadn't been able to see for so many years that I let it go. I was able to see now but in a different way, I could also energetically feel at the same time. During my last semester of massage school I was taking a class given by a wonderful Holistic Nurse practitioner, and Amma Therapist, Cathy Lipsky. During that semester my daughter woke up from a nightmare and came to my bedroom, scared and crying. My first response was to rub her belly. I honestly didn't know what I was doing, I was half asleep, but it seemed to help and she went back to sleep.

The next day, after class I spoke with my teacher about what happened the night before and asked her what suggestions she may have if she had been in that situation. She asked me to show her what I had done so she could give me feedback.

I showed her how I rubbed my daughter's belly and she asked, "Where did you learn this technique?" I told her I was half asleep and didn't know. She then told me she had just gone to learn this ancient technique in Texas called Maya Abdominal and Uterine Massage. I was speechless. I didn't realize at the time, but she learned this from the same woman who wrote the book Sastun, my friend Julie gave me the year before. I had a prolapsed uterus since I was a child caused by a fall from a tree. I had a history of ovarian cysts and fibroids. I had developed Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in 1991 and had exploratory abdominal surgery, which caused my Uterus and Bladder to further prolapse and adhere together. I was told I would need a pessary, a plastic invasive device to hold up the uterus, if I didn't do surgery. I couldn't do the surgery because my reaction to anesthesia.

I took this as a sign to heal myself. I gave it a try and after three months of weekly sessions my uterus and bladder were no longer adhered. My hands were always cold for as long as I could remember, but after the Maya Abdominal work I had circulation. I was truly amazed at how quickly I was healing. I also knew I had to go to Belize. I still didn't know why, but I knew I would. I found out through my friend Dea that there would be a class in Belize called Spiritual Healing that March and I knew I had to go. I finished the massage program in 1999 and took my state boards January 2000. In January I started the advanced Amma Program.

In March 2000, I went to Belize with Cathy, Dea, and my good friend Cynthia, as well as 8 other amazing women for the first Spiritual Healing Class given by Dr Rosita Arvigo. I had no idea what to expect. I was in complete awe. I was finally living one of my dreams, to go to Belize. I didn't realize I was there to heal me and become a Spiritual Healer. Spiritual Healing addresses the causes and treatment of chu'lel (life force) and four major spiritual illnesses of the Maya: susto (fright), pesar (grief), tristeza (sadness), and invidia (envy), and the uses of healing techniques such as prayer, herbal bathing, and incense.

It was my first experience with spirits and spirit guides. Up until that point I had only had guidance in dreams, not intuitive guidance or with spirit guides.

During the life transforming trip, I released the baby spirit that I had aborted in 1996, along with the help of Rosita, Ms. Hortence and Ms. Beatrice and a multitude of Spirits and Guides, in what was a replica of Shaman Don Eligio's hut. I learned to heal spiritual diseases with prayer, spiritual baths, and copal. I realized from my Greek Orthodox upbringing what my grandmother did weekly was spiritual healing on the house and us. Little did I know it at the time. I also learned to release spirits from individuals, sending them to the light. I became a Ghost buster! Who Knew?

Upon my return from Belize, I was working in a spa in Larchmont, NY. Rosita had told us, not to worry; when you are ready the clients will come. Well my first client back had lots of issues that I had learned about, difficulty sleeping, bad dreams, etc. So I asked him, if he would be interested in Spiritual Healing, he said Sure. I started saying the prayers into his pulses and as I did what looked like snakes were moving under his skin. I was truly creeped out. I tried not to be scared and only focused on the task at hand. I continued the prayers and as I said them the movement stopped. He came back a few more times. He said he felt much better and that his nightmares had stopped and he was sleeping for the first time in many years. I completed the Self Care and Professional classes in 2000 and started working as a Maya Abdominal Massage Practitioner. In 2000 I met my good friend Lindsey Sass- Aurand at the Self care class. We hit it off immediately. She was my cubicle neighbor and we would take long walks together. She is an amazing clairvoyant, having been hit by lightning twice, no less.

She had been telling me about a Healer she was working with and was encouraging me to meet him. His name was Jacques Tombazian. When I met him I felt comfortable around him but also felt a very strong presence, like I didn't want to get too close. I didn't know why. He seemed very nice and helpful. Over the next few years I took a number of his classes; The Development of Clairvoyance, Esoteric Healing, Inner alchemy 1-3, Healing Sexual Issues and Healing Relationships. I learned so much from him, how to be a healer, fully using my gifts, and senses and unlocking my potential.

In 2000 I also met Mercedes and Geraldo Barrios, Maya Elders from Guatemala, Keepers of the Calendar. We performed a fire ceremony in Washington, DC, linking the Shamans of the North and the Shamans of the South, connecting the eagle and the condor. I didn't think it so profound at the time, but in hindsight it created the template for the healing of many. In 2001, I was starting to feel the wear and tear of my life, going to school, working on the weekends, 3 kids and learning to be a healer.

My back gave out in the spring. I literally couldn't move. My knees then went out. I can remember the day like it was yesterday. I was in Qi Gong class doing a warm up exercise, when I felt a pop in my left knee. My left knee had always been my weaker knee since I was a child. I had injured it numerous times in gymnastics, soccer and dancing. I went home and then within 2 weeks tore the cartilage in my other knee too. I was a mess. I tried physical therapy, acupuncture, all kinds of energy healing. I agreed with my doctor that if I didn't get better my way, holistically within 1 month, I would do surgery.

I also took this as a sign that if I didn't stop my frantic pace I would get worse. I finished the Advanced Amma Program and dropped out of the Acupuncture program. This was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. July of that month, I had surgery. Upon seeing the second MRI my doctor was astonished by how well the so called "alternative healing" worked. I still underwent the surgery. It turned out that my ligaments were also much more overstretched than we previously thought and I had unhealed hairline fractures on my femur, probably from my dare devil antics as a child. It took me 6 months to walk normally without crutches or a cane and 1 year to be able to run again. 2001 also was a turning point for so many around the world. I started working full time as a healer that year, helping spirits go home after 9/11. I also started my healing practice.

Since then I also took a Galactic Counseling Course with Jelaila Starr. She taught me discernment and not to be a love and lighter. There are many gifts that can be attained by healing ones own darkness, and I am thankful to her for it. I also apprenticed with Laura Shurts, a Native American Grandmother, Elder. She taught me about being a warrior and about the true meaning of healing, not fixing. I have learned so much from my clients in the last 8 years it's impossible for me to write even half of it down. The more experience I have working as a healer and facilitator the more I learn there is more to learn. I have recently decided to go back to school and finish my Masters in Acupuncture. This time in a way I have always wanted but didn't know existed, Classical Acupuncture, in an oral tradition. I look forward to see what the future holds.

I have realized in my journey that every day is an opportunity to heal myself. In doing so it brings me the greatest gift of becoming an alchemist, transforming my personal lead into gold.

Symbols in Design Using Law Firm Logos and Physical Therapy Logos As Examples

The logo design of a business serves as a visual identifier. This visual identifier may be created using fonts, symbols or a combination of both. For this logo design tip, we will focus on logos which use symbols.

If you are planning on using a symbol in your logo, make sure it is unique within your industry. For example, if you designing a law firm logo, try to use symbols which are unique to the legal industry. In other words, avoid using a "judges anvil" or "balance scales." These symbols are all too common among law firm logos. Using these symbols may communicate that you are no different than any other law firm, when you want to communicate that your law firm is better.

Same with the design of a physical therapy logo. You should try using a symbol which is unique, not only among physical therapy clinics, but unique to the medical industry. For example, the "caduceus" medical symbol is used way too often in physical therapy and medical logos. Instead, try and come up with an unique universal symbol or a symbol which is unique to the physical therapy and medical industry.

A great example of a successful logo design which used symbols uniquely, is the old version of the UPS logo. Instead of using a symbol of an envelope, mailbox, or a mail truck; UPS used a "gift wrapped package symbol" to represent "mail" and a "shield symbol" to represent "protection." This effectively communicated: "we protect your precious packages." This communication helps give the consumer confidence in UPS.

Not all logos use symbols. But, if you decide to use symbols in your logo, make sure they are unique to your industry. By following this tip, you should be that much closer to a successful logo design.

How Can A Massage Help Me Sleep?

It is one of our natural tendencies to rub someone when they are having a hard time sleeping. One of the most concrete examples to back up this claim is the way we gently stroke the head of babies, or rub their backs to make them fall asleep. Admittedly, rubbing or touching is a natural and instinctive way to soothe and relax. And isn't it that rubbing and touching is what a massage is all about?

There are many articles and scientific journal entries that discuss how a massage, massage therapy, or therapeutic massage can help us relax. Even just one session of massage therapy already has an impact on our body and how it works. Here is the picture: humans are born with a parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic nervous system. These two balances each other out. When we are stressed, our sympathetic system is activated making us feel the urge to fight, flight, or move restlessly. On the other hand, when we have a massage, our parasympathetic system is activated allowing our bodies to relax. What is the connection between this and our topic? Simply put, common sleep disorders are usually caused by stress and tension. And if these are the reasons why you are not sleeping very well every night, then you might be pleased to know that one of the benefits of massage therapy is improved sleep patterns. And this is true. In fact, there are some people who actually fall asleep while having a session at their massage spa.

Quite a number of people have claimed that they have slept well after receiving regular sessions of massage therapy and reflexology. Several studies also support the claim on how massage therapy does more than reducing incidences of back pain, body pain, and headaches. These studies also showed that therapeutic massage also helped patients sleep better due to lessened anxiety and depression. Another interesting massage study reported that critically ill patients claimed experiencing improved sleep patterns, both in the quality and quantity of sleep, compared to those patients who received only relaxation exercises.

So whether you are experiencing sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome, there is a therapeutic massage technique that can help you. According to a professional massage therapist from leading massage spa in Sarasota, Florida, people increasingly avail of their Swedish massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, deep tissue massage, and reflexology services because they want to be soothed and relaxed.

Here are the basic description of each massage therapy treatment:

- Swedish massage is a massage therapy technique that uses variations of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on surface muscles. Strokes used in Swedish massage generally goes with the direction of blood flow toward the heart. Swedish massage is commonly availed by people who wants to experience relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, as well as relieve muscle tension.

- Deep tissue massage is a massage therapy technique aimed at reaching the muscles way below the surface level. Chronic patterns of muscular tension usually happens at the deep connective tissues and this is the area targeted by deep tissue massage. With the use of slow strokes, direct and firm pressure, as well as friction techniques directed across the area of the body experiencing chronic muscle pain, deep tissue massage is effective in relieving chronic muscular tension and pain.

- Sports massage is a massage therapy technique that uses massage strokes similar to those used during a Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. The difference is that sports massage is specially adapted to deal with the effects of athletic performance on the body, as well as the needs of athletes regarding training, performing, and recovery from injury.

- Pregnancy massage is a massage therapy technique specially adapted to suit the delicate conditions of soon to be mothers. It uses the gentlest forms of massage strokes. A go signal form a medical practitioner is necessary before a woman can avail of pregnancy massage. Pregnancy massage is very effective in relieving back pain, leg cramps, and other discomforts associated with pregnancy.

How Massage Therapy Can Benefit Geriatric Clients

While individuals of all ages may appreciate the various benefits that massage therapy can provide, geriatric clients are a unique sect of the population and statistics have proven that the results are far more important than simple relaxation. Before joining other consumers in the misconception that massage therapy is only useful for providing a level of pain relief by loosening tight muscles, it is necessary for prospective clients and naysayers to understand how critical to good health a comprehensive therapeutic massage regimen can truly be.

Massage therapy can benefit geriatric clients that have a wide range of chronic illnesses and painful conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and even hypertension. The increased blood flow that massages directly cause is responsible for helping control blood pressure. The improved range of motion that the treatments can assist with will help geriatric patients retain their independence and help make activities of daily living a little easier. Diabetes is another chronic condition that plagues many older clients, but the better blood flow and circulation can help decrease the negative repercussions of the disease.

Pain relief is important to patients of all ages, but the golden years are often filled with chronic pain that doesn't go away. Any treatments that can help alleviate some of the discomfort can help regulate sleeping patterns and simply provide a more comfortable lifestyle on a daily basis. Muscles that remain functional can be instrumental in preventing injuries that occur as a result of falls, and massage therapy can be an excellent way to encourage exercising of the joints.

Few people understand that massage therapists are medical professionals that are well-trained and possess the necessary qualifications to design an appropriate treatment regimen. The benefits can of course be beneficial to members of any age group, but geriatric clients will certainly appreciate the results much more and will be find more noticeable improvements in their day to day life.

Art Therapy Schools for Children

Have you ever given art a thought? Perhaps just like everybody else, you laughed at the thought of using art to help children overcome their trauma or help them through the difficult time in their life. Art as a form of therapy involves helping people increase their knowledge of who they are so that they can in turn identify the symptoms of having problems and dealing with them to find a perfect solution. Art is known to improve the cognitive side of a person because through it one is able to digest a lot of life and how it is connected to who they are and who they can become. Today, art school rankings have clearly recognized art therapy schools and its great contribution to the world of medicine.

Art as a therapeutic activity is being used to help treat depression, anger and aggression and even anxiety. You might have come across the thought of who is actually capable of handling art therapy classes and how different they are with regular school teachers. The truth is that there are special teachers who have passed as registered art therapists who have especially trained in handling students who have problems to be able to teach them the great value that comes with art and producing it. They are the people who are skilled in helping people especially children overcome their traumatic experiences and at the same time be able to discover who they really are through different art forms.

Most registered art therapists begin by assessing the problem of the student. They conduct proper research in what the student is going through and the kind of art that could help them overcome the problem. In the beginning, people thought that doing art or creating art is just another pastime that only those who are already talented can do. But art therapy schools are changing the way people see art as a therapy not only to help improve lives but to go up the art school rankings considering that what they do is something valuable to the community too. Along with the art therapists, people who are under art therapy schools go about identifying the problem, recognizing it as a problem and finding a solution for it.

The use of the different art materials help clients in exploring the possibility of the use of each one in finding the creativity hiding within them. Not only do they become more creative but they also become more productive that most of them are able to sublimate the negative emotions that they have which cause them to become unhealthy. At their young age, children need to be exposed to an environment that could help them go about life's challenges without stumbling along the way and that is what most of them find in art production. The process helps them realize that the good things in life are achievable as long as they work hard for it.

Indeed, art therapy schools come with a lot of benefits and a special list of it mainly describes what children get from undergoing such program. The art schools rankings will clearly show how much people these days appreciate the presence of art in their lives. This is perhaps the reason why art therapy schools will continue to survive just like how art continues to live on.

Meniscal Tear Physical Therapy

A meniscal tear is an injury which occurs to a person's knee. A tear usually occurs near the knee joints and impacts the tissue surrounding the knee. This injury can cause certain lifestyle change as the meniscal tear will definitely limit an individual in performing daily activities as well as engaging in sports related activities. Depending on the severity of the tear, the menisci or meniscus tissue can be repaired or certainly heal on its own. It is imperative to get an accurate diagnosis on the severity of the meniscal tear to determine the proper steps necessary to help heal the menisci tissue.

Once a confirmation of a tear is revealed, it is up to your personal medical doctor to determine the next series of steps that will help your knee recover. Most often, these series of crucial steps will require the person to seek medical surgery to repair the meniscal tear. These series of crucial steps are examined by determining the severity of the tear and whether a surgical option or a physical therapy option is best. If the tear of the meniscus is partial and further ligament damage such as an ACL, MCL or PCL tear has not been attained, chances are the health care professional will suggest physical therapy of the meniscal tear for treatment. It is important that the individual does not make this critical decision on their own, further damage will be incurred if the wrong steps are taken in healing the knee.

The actual process of physical therapy for a tear usually begins with a consultation session with a physical therapist. The physical therapist will have extensive knowledge and information of your injury. A course of action plan will be determined for your specific case. The beginning sessions of physical therapy for your torn meniscal tissue will usually include very light exercises to determine how much pressure and strenuous force your injured knee can withhold. Examples of exercises for the menisci will usually include simple leg extensions without weights as well as walking exercises to regain the range of motion which has been disabled. Once your knee has regained some of its initial flexibility and range of motion, the physical therapist will suggest adding weights to help build some muscle mass surrounding your leg. The weights will help improve the muscle foundation surrounding your knee, it will also help your knee be stronger than it was before your injury. Specific muscle training exercises include weight training of your quadriceps as well as your hamstrings.

The tissue and muscle density in those areas help support the knee, it is essential to increase the muscle mass so that your knee becomes stronger. Your physical therapist will also suggest calf and hip exercises so that your overall leg becomes stronger. It is important to consider that physical therapy for meniscal tears does not solely concentrate on the tear itself, but place emphasis on the entire leg to help build a strong foundation for your knees. If one follows the suggested physical therapy instructions, recovery from a meniscal tear is highly successful.

Physical Therapy Colleges

Physical therapy education is offered in many colleges across the United States especially now, with its increasing popularity continuing to rise. There are different types of programs offered catered to meet the differing needs of students all over the world. For example, there are colleges that are mindful of the needs of working students and so these institutions decide to offer online or distance education. Other colleges decide to implement a six-year doctorate program for students straight out of high school.

So what college you go to really depends on your needs and the circumstances surrounding you. The factors you need to look at which may affect your needs include location, tuition fees, school reputation and affiliates (if any), size of the PT department, college ranking, professors, and the overall quality of education offered in that institution. The more meticulous you are with this decision early on in your career, the better off you can start your career when it's time to do so.

Currently, the American Association Of Physical Therapist requires a minimum of a master's degree in physical therapy before you can start a career as a therapist, in agreement with the rules of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. In the coming years, these rules may change to require a doctorate degree in physical therapy instead, as an entry-level requirement for practice. Despite this, the popularity of physical therapy as a career continues to soar among students and even those looking for a career change.

One thing of note is that physical therapists are only allowed to see patients who are referred by other medical practitioners.However, with a doctorate degree, therapists can be independent practitioners, that is, they can diagnose and treat patients who are afflicted with disability, mobility, and motor function problems and do not need referrals from other doctors first to treat patients.

School rankings are a good way to help you choose where you want to go for your PT education. In 2008 the University of Southern Carolina (USC) topped the usnews.com list. The following schools were listed among the top 10 schools for Physical Therapy Program: Washington University in St. Louis, Northwestern University in Chicago, MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, University of Pittsburg, University of Delaware, US-Army-Baylor University, University Of Iowa, Arcadia University Pennsylvania and University of Miami.

USC offers a three-year Doctorate for Physical Therapy Program, which requires completion of 115 units in six semesters and two summer courses. The curriculum also requires participation in clinical exposure and experience throughout the three-year program. Finally, the dPT designation is awarded to students who finish with a GPA of 2.75 and who complete all coursework, requirements, and clinical clerkship in the three-year allotted time.

At the time of writing, the estimated tuition fee for this doctorate program in USC is around $120,000. However, this amount is subject to future increases. There are other options available as other mid-sized schools' tuition per year is pegged at around $20,000. This fee does exclude books, allowances and other course supplies though, but an education from a reputable institution does pay off in the long run.

So start your career in physical therapy off on the right foot by choosing among the best colleges around. It may take a bit of sacrifice, but the rewards are more than worth the early sacrifices.

Athletes May Prolong Their Careers With Knee Replacement

Athletes are finding that the prolonged impacts of running, jumping and even being tackled are causing undo stress on their knees and joints. These effects are long lasting and could ultimately require a partial or total knee replacement. Knee replacement surgery is becoming an option for more and more athletes as they extend their careers rather than just retire due to the extent of their injuries. The road to recovery can long and arduous but with the consultations with their doctor and rigorous physical therapy they can regain nearly full mobility and it may be possible to again return to their sport.

Physical therapy can be the key to a faster and more efficient recovery. There are a variety of programs designed to help athletes get back to their vitality following knee replacement surgery. A physical therapist will generally visit the patient the day after the surgery and begin helping the patient to gently extend the joint. Intense pain can be an issue immediately following the surgery. Once the sutures have been removed, the patient can begin swimming and participating in aqua therapy in conjunction with other types of physical therapy. The use of flex machines and other therapy programs after surgery can help increase flexibility for knee mobility. These days, knee replacement surgery and the following physical therapy can give an athlete further options for extending their lucrative careers.

Although strenuous and impact heavy sports are generally discouraged, it is possible for an athlete to resume their normal activities within reason. The recovery process can take anywhere from a few months up to a year, and varies patient by patient. Low impact sports such as golf or swimming can be resumed for some athletes within the first 12 months of having a knee replacement surgery. Higher impact activities such as running, cycling and jumping can take longer for the athlete to recover from and re-acclimate. Recovery times vary from person to person. The more committed to their recovery that they are, and the more closely that they follow the instructions given to them by their surgeon and physical therapist, the more quickly they can be back on their feet.

Knee replacement surgery techniques and recovery times have made huge advances over the decades. Programs have been developed to increase the ability to prolong an athlete's career after having knee replacement surgery. Pain Free Knees, a program developed by Jerry Seaman, following his own knee replacement surgery has had fantastic results for many patients. Visit http://www.knee-replacement-video.com today to see what a difference this patented program can make in your recovery.

The Characteristics of Effective Physical Therapist - Kindness

There are many characteristics that an effective physical therapist must have in order to provide the highest level of services to his or her clients. Besides a high degree of knowledge in the field of physical therapy and other characteristics that will enhance the productivity and effectiveness of a physical therapist, there are intangible qualities that enhance their effectiveness.

Kindness is one of the greatest attributes that a physical therapist can provide to their clients. Kindness helps the therapist as well as the client in many ways, some of them subtle,and some of them easily recognizable from the onset of the therapist client relationship. One of the most noticeable results of kindness is a comfort level that will be reached and increased between the physical therapist and his or her client. As the therapist continues to show kindness and concern for their client, the client will achieve a higher level of comfort and a feeling of well-being when he or she is in the presence of the physical therapist. As the client becomes more comfortable with the therapist his or her anxiety will greatly decrease and the effectiveness of the treatments will usually multiply due to the relaxation of the client. Kindness will also serve as the catalyst for a bonding effect between the client and the therapist, which will make it more likely that both the client and therapist will actually look forward to the sessions.

Kindness expressed by the therapist toward their client will make them feel appreciated and important, which are two things craved by all of humanity. Once the client feels that he was she is appreciated and important to the process, his or her confidence will grow. Once an individual starts to feel confident in their abilities, then their progress in the therapeutic sessions will increase greatly, which has the effect of boosting their confidence even more. By continually expressing kindness to an individual an individual will develop a sense of well-being when in the presence of the individual that showers them with the kindness, which often develops a strong allegiance between both parties.

A Career In Physical Therapy Can Be A Demanding But Rewarding Option For The Right Person

If you are interested in entering the health care industry to help people gain body function after illnesses, injuries, or operations, perhaps you could consider a degree in Physical Therapy. Becoming a Physical Therapist requires years of intensive training, but the career is rewarding and the benefits are excellent. Look into some physical therapy degree programs in your area to see if a career as a physical therapist is a good choice for you.

If you wish to be a physical therapist, you will have to enter an accredited degree program. The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education, or CAPTE, accredits educational programs. There are over one hundred accredited physical therapy graduate programs in the United States. Around 12 of these programs awarded Master's degrees in Physical Therapy, while approximately 200 awarded doctoral degrees. Expect to spend at least two years on a Master's degree and three years on a doctoral degree to become a physical therapist.

As an alternative, you could become a physical therapy assistant. These assistants work with patients under a primary physical therapist's direction. In order to be a physical therapy assistant, you will be required to have an Associate's degree in the specialty, as well as undergo on-the-job training.

In a Physical Therapy program, you will focus on natural science and health science including but not limited to biology, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, anatomy, neuroscience, biomechanics, pathology, pharmacology, and radiology. You will also take courses related to clinical reasoning and practice, including screening, examination, diagnostic process, and therapeutic interventions. Students should receive clinical experience in a supervised setting in addition to their classroom and lab work.

The job of a physical therapist is to help patients recover from problems which may affect their functioning. These medical problems can be birth defects or the result of illness or injury. Some examples include back and neck injuries, sprains, fractures, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sports injuries. As a therapist, you will evaluate patients for programs of therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, movement training, physical aids, and other treatments.

Over fifty percent of physical therapists work in hospitals. Others have private practices or work in outpatient care facilities, nursing care homes, adult daycare facilities, and schools. Employment prospects are excellent in the field of this area, with a great deal of room for growth.

If you are interested in Physical Therapy, be aware that this work is physically demanding. You must be strong in order to assist patients who have limited functioning and need support to stand or walk. You will have a work day that includes frequent standing, bending, crouching, and lifting. You should also be a compassionate and sensitive individual, as you will be working with patients who may have experienced traumatic injuries or who have disfiguring illnesses. You should love working with people and helping them.

Massage Therapy Bodywork & Stress Relief Massage - Providing Long Term Benefits to Health and Beauty

In an attempt to get relief naturally, many individuals are turning to massage therapy bodywork to relieve the stresses of life. That is likely the main reason why people seek the help of a massage therapist. Stress relief massage helps bring the body into harmony. When the body stresses, the brain signals for the release of hormones designed to cope with stressors. That revs the body's engine into overdrive. After a time, the body cannot come down from that stress level. In the long run, that level of stressing causes long-term health issues. It makes total sense to bring stress down naturally when possible.

Massage therapy bodywork involves working muscles in such a way that muscle tension reduces. The brain and body begins to relax. Some therapies work the upper muscles while others work deeper. Just about any form of massage therapy will have positive affects however. Stress relief massage helps bring stress under control and gives the client more relaxation in a few minutes than they have in an entire week without massage. For the busy person, even a 15-minute chair massage will give them much relief.

There are many forms of massage therapy bodywork available. Swedish massage involves long smooth strokes combined with muscle kneading. It gets more oxygen into the muscles. Other forms of massage therapy include shiatsu, Thai, hot stone, and aromatherapy. Shiatsu involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to get blood moving. Thai works on stretching muscles and applying pressure in areas. Hot stone involves placing heated rocks on portions of the body. Aromatherapy involves adding scented oils and candles to the session. Stress relief massage often involves one or more of these techniques.

Massage therapy bodywork should be as common as going to the hairdresser or visiting the doctor. Why do we put so much work and effort into our outward appearance and neglect our inner? With tense muscles and high stress levels, no amount of makeup or hair styling products will help us get through the day. Stress relief massage should be part of many people's weekly or monthly health and beauty regimen. It would give them long-term benefits by reducing wrinkles and worry lines. It also helps move blood around the body to reduce toxins in the muscles. All of this helps them live a healthier longer life. Now that is a good investment of time and money towards long-term results.

A Thai Massage School is the Only One That Can Teach the Different Techniques of Thai Massage

As clients of Thai massages, we haven't really thought about where the masseuse gets her training. What we are more concerned about is the relaxed feeling that we get during and especially after the massage. Actually, we should check where the masseuse gets her training. It is easy to know because those who got their skills and knowledge at a reputable Thai Massage School have given a copy of their Thai Massage Certificate at their place of work.

The reason why we should be strict when it comes to Thai massages is because the Thai massage practitioner uses her body weight. So can you just imagine if the practitioner does not know where to place the exact pressure on? It will bring pain instead of pleasure. The client should be relaxed and not be stressed out more with the massage. So if you feel pain instead of pleasure asks for proof that your masseuse got her training at a Thai Massage School.

Actually when a person enrolls in a reputable school for Thai massages, one can choose from either of these two courses: General Thai Massage and Therapeutic and Healing Massage Course. Of course, you can learn both and take it one after the other since it only takes around 48 hours of training to complete one course. The former kind of massage teaches the right position of the masseuse and the client, ethics, caution and rules of the massage. It will teach you how to relieve fatigue, muscle cramps and nervous tension. The Therapeutic and Healing Massage teaches the masseuse to cure more than 80 kinds of simple body pains (muscle pain, muscle sprain, tennis elbow, stiff neck, low back pain, muscle cramps and others.

Plan Ahead Before Going To Graduate School For Physical Therapy

A career in physical therapy is extremely rewarding for most professionals in this field. You will get to help others to improve their functioning, overcoming illness, injury, or disabilities. You'll get to see your patients regain their normal lives after traumatic experiences, and you'll help them to reach their full potential. Obviously, a career in this field is very demanding and requires a great deal of education and training to prepare you. You will need to go to graduate school if you want to become a physical therapist, but are you ready? You'll need to know the prerequisites for entering a graduate program in physical therapy before you begin the application process.

Physical therapy is generally not a career you can enter on the strength of a Bachelor's degree. In fact, only graduate programs in physical therapy are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education. The majority of accredited programs are doctorate degrees, as this is the most desirable degree to hold if you would like to become a physical therapist.

It is not necessary to have completed an undergraduate degree in physical therapy before pursuing your graduate program. Rather, you should have an academic background that has prepared you for your rigorous graduate coursework. Most students who go on to graduate school in the field have an undergraduate degree in an area of science.

Many schools require students to have taken at least a year of anatomy, chemistry, biology, and even physics during their Bachelor's degree program. These classes will serve as a jumping-off point for the rigorous science courses you will be taking in graduate school. After all, you cannot succeed in a musculoskeletal graduate course if you do not understand the basics of human anatomy. If you are still working on your undergraduate degree, keep graduate school prerequisites in mind when you select your courses.

Many physical therapy graduate schools expect students to be certified in First Aid and CPR. These skill-sets comprise medical training at its most basic. If you are still working on your undergraduate degree, you may have a chance to take CPR and First Aid classes at your college. If your school does not offer these courses, or if you have already completed your undergraduate degree, you can likely pursue CPR and First Aid training at your local community college.

Something else that can help you to be accepted into an excellent physical therapy program is work experience. You will probably not have any direct work experience in the field of physical therapy. What a school may look for, however, is experience related to working with people in many capacities. For example, a volunteer position at a hospital or even a customer service job can demonstrate that you have a good work ethic and people skills.

Many physical therapy departments of hospitals or health care centers ask for volunteers, which would be the best choice of work experience for you. Seek whatever opportunities you can find to spend a day shadowing a physical therapist or even directly assisting him or her in her duties.

Techniques of Massage Therapy

Stripped off all pretense or flourishes, the basic intent of therapeutic massage is to manipulate the soft tissues purposefully to help heal the damaged, sore, bruised or otherwise impaired part of the body. There are, however, a seemingly vast number of specific specialized techniques and types of massage. There is Sports Massage, Myofascial Massage, Neuromuscular Massage, Swedish Massage, Acupressure, Thai Massage, Watsu and Hydrotherapeutic Massage. The massage therapist must look at the different kinds, examine their techniques and decide what is appropriate for their client.

This may seem an insurmountable difficulty, but it is not. You can easily divide the basic techniques of massage therapy into two categories: Eastern (or Oriental or Asian) and Western. Although there are hybrids of these two major categories of therapeutic massage, the techniques remain distinct. There are clear indicators of the focus and style of massage in hybrids.

Eastern Massage at its most traditional bases its massage techniques on a pressure point system. While the philosophy of Thai Massage, Shiatsu, An Mo and Tui Na refers to the existence of some form of universal life force of energy, the actual technique involves working on specific points of the body. In Acupressure, for example, there are 365 acupoints on the body. A practitioner of this method uses the fingertips or hands to press on a specific point. This pressure, applied for a specific length of time, may relieve the pain, reduce tension, increase circulation, eliminate toxins and prevent nausea. In Reflexology, the practitioner utilizes reflex zones. Each point on the foot represents a specific part of the human anatomy. A point may have an association with a specific organ, gland or other body part. Pressing on the Reflex point helps remove congestion or imbalance within the body. This, in turn, prevents or removes disease and illness.

In the classic form of Western massage, there are no specific acupoints. The practitioner uses 5 basic hand motions to relieve stress, reduce tension and help the body heal itself. These 5 points for Classic Massage or Swedish Massage bear French nomenclature. They are Effleurage, Petrissage, Frictions, Tapotement and Vibration. Effleurage is long, smooth motions while Petrissage refers to a kneading of the flesh. In Frictions, a practitioner makes circular movements with the hands while in Tapotement the hands perform a tapping or percussion-like movements. With Vibration, the therapist uses two hands or thumbs to shake the flesh.

In Classic Western Massage, the hand and its parts work to manipulate the flesh. In Swedish Massage Therapy, the body is the entire canvas of the practitioner. In variations of Classic Massage, such as Sports Massage, the therapist usually focuses on a specific body part. In Traditional and modern forms of Asian Massage Therapy, the practitioner may utilize the fingers and other parts of the body to free energy. The desire is to use the techniques to unblock the channels for the entire body.

A massage therapist needs to know the different techniques. Although he or she may prefer a specific type of massage therapy, it is necessary to understand the essential differences and their application. In addition, a practitioner needs to know the necessity to adapt the techniques of massage therapy to the client. This includes realizing adjustments are essential when dealing with the specific needs of clients.

There are several individuals requiring alterations or adjustments in technique. This applies to both Western and Eastern approaches. The factors for which a therapeutic masseuse must make modifications include body type, age, pregnancy, disability and even gender. A practitioner has to be able to assess and tweak their approach accordingly.

Heavily padded or thin, bony clients require different techniques. You do not use Tapotement on a small, slender individual. This may produce bruising. In the least, the action can be uncomfortable. In the case of well-padded clients, you will have to increase the depth of your massage. Otherwise, you will not be able to affect the circulatory system.

Males and females have different requirements. During pregnancy, a practitioner will need to adjust the mat, pad or massage table to address the various trimesters. The length of the massage may not correspond to a comfortable time for the woman. At 4 months, it may be difficult to lie on the stomach. Later, it may also be hard to maintain a position on the back. There is also the question of depth of massage and massaging the stomach. With the male, therapists may need to apply greater pressure too manipulate the larger muscle bulk.

Another factor is age. You do not apply the same force or use the same technique for either the elderly or infants. In Tui Na, the form for infants differs from that for adults. The same is true for Western Massage Therapy. In both the elderly and the very young, a practitioner does not utilize heavy hands. Therapists also avoid pressure on fragile bones. If the practitioner knows his or her craft and understands the need to vary and adapt his or her technique, there should never be a problem.

The 3 Key Benefits of Massage Therapy

The benefits of massage therapy cover a large array of health issues, from stress and tension to lowering blood pressure. Stress and aches and pains can melt away with the skilled hands of a massage therapist and people who have massages regularly tend to fall asleep faster and enjoy more restorative sleep. All this contributes to an improved sense of well-being and may even help individuals from getting sick less frequently.

Everyone who lives the modern lifestyle can enjoy the benefits of massage therapy. A lot of us have become so busy that we simply never have the time required to wind down or rest. There is not a great deal of down time for today's society, as the majority of people are juggling youngsters, work, as well as other family activities. So, what are the main benefits of massage therapy?

Physical Improvement Individuals that require time to entirely unwind may benefit from massage. Frequent massages have been verified to get appreciable physical improvements, for instance a rise in serotonin levels in the human brain and reduction in detrimental t-cells. This can also help strengthen your immune system.

Decreased Blood Pressure Another of its chief benefits is that it decreases one's blood pressure. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that over time a regime of massage will help to lower a person's levels of blood pressure. Individuals with hypertension must talk about the benefits of massage treatment with their physicians and verify if this form of treatment can be added to their existing anti-hypertensive therapy.

Improved Circulation Other benefits of massage therapy that have been well-documented include overall circulation improvements. What do we mean by improved circulation? You could have reduced circulation if your hands and feet are habitually cold, and if you are weary and achy a lot of the time. The advantage of massage is that it makes blood rich in oxygen flow to the affected areas by means of effortless massage pressure, thereby improving circulation.

Massage furthermore will help to remove lactic acid which gathers inside the muscles and it helps the lymphatic system that is responsible for removing toxins from the body. This is particularly helpful after working out to relieve sore muscles.

The benefits of massage therapy are cumulative. Following a sustained course of massage, the subject will find that their blood pressure levels are reduced, stress hormone levels are decreased, and that depression and nervousness are also decreased. Consequently, general overall fitness levels will almost certainly be improved.

What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

Neuromuscular Therapy is a form of Physical Therapy. It is drug-free and predominantly hands on non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on the effective treatment of pain and changes in sensations treating not only the musculoskeletal systems but also with a unique focus on treating fascia and myofascial trigger points.

Neuromuscular Physical Therapy offers a unique holistic (whole body) approach to health care. Neuromuscular Physical Therapists do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use various manual soft tissue manipulation techniques to bring balance to all the systems of the body, through neuromuscular and fascial interventions in an effort to provide a foundation that encourages a return to or maintenance of good health and wellbeing.

The philosophy of European Neuromuscular Physical Therapy is what sets it apart from other complementary medical disciplines. The key principles are based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is restricted or experiencing pain, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. Neuromuscular Physical Therapy takes account of the dynamic contractile ability of human fascia and the formation, etiology and treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points.

Neuromuscular Physical Therapy is the ideal complement to primary health care professionals and General Practitioners (i.e Medical Doctors) work. Treatment of pain and injury is one aspect of Neuromuscular Physical Therapy, however, a preventative role is also evident as when the body is free of restrictions in movement, Neuromuscular Physical Therapy treatment assists the body with pain minimisation, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself thereby avoiding knock-on negative effects.

Exercise and Nutrition expert John Sharkey MSc is the director and founder of European Neuromuscular Physical Therapy. Neuromuscular Therapy is also established in North America (i.e American Version) but differs significantly from the European style. There are several training centres in Ireland offering professional training in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy up to Higher Diploma level. With the best ones, students enjoy the fact that they have access to some of the world's leading authorities in the area including eminent lecturers such as Leon Chaitow and Judith DeLany.

So what can students learn during such a course:

There are CCME course as an advanced Complementary Medical Educational (CME) programme involving Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Manipulation techniques including:
o Primary and Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
o Exercise Physiology
o Neuro Physiology
o Cadaver Studies
o Myology
o Soft Tissue Release
o Muscle Energy Techniques
o Trigger Point Techniques
o Neuromuscular Techniques
o Positional and Myofascial Release

What is most important, is that graduates can start a successful career in physical therapy provided they meet general requirements.
In addition to following a strict code of ethics, all licensed Neuromuscular and Physical Therapists must be a member of a recognised professional body such as the Association of Neuromuscular Therapists. Membership of this Association allows a therapists patients to benefit from health insurance payments.

The combination of continuing education and professional status will offer the reassurance which the public demand before a course of treatment commences. Patients will be able to verify the professional status of therapists using an on-line licensing register.

Thai Massage - Benefits and General Overview

Thai massage is a type of massage treatment used for medicinal and health purposes, to help people with specific dieting goals and is a ritual many folks use in a spiritual sense or for ceremonies. This specific massage therapy has existed for thousands of years. In the country, Thailand, this massage method is applied in addition to the abovementioned treatments, like curative therapies, homeopathic and diet treatments and ceremonial healing. In countries other than Thailand, Thai massage is practiced individually, without the additional forms of treatments mentioned here.

Originally, and as some folks use it today, the basis for the therapy is that people believe that all ailments occur because of an inequity of an individual's vitality of the body. The objective of this treatment is to encourage the body's vitality balance and hence help with the recovery of the complete individual to improve his or her health. To accomplish this objective, Thai massage involves numerous practices.

The initial method used is the appliance of compression by way of directing toward the location of the body where the patient requires treatment. This compression is a lesser amount of pressure than that implemented into a few additional types of manipulation therapies and more similar to compression massage therapists use when performing, let us say, Shiatsu. Similarly, identical to Shiatsu, Thai massage therapists utilize force alongside the body's vitality paths. Another Thailand name for this technique is "sen," also referred to meridians (what therapists in China call this method), which means peaks. The chief variance between these two techniques is that Thai massage handles the body's paths of energy in equal paths, whilst other massage methods only work in one direction of the body.

Thai Massage Benefits are as follows:

• Enhanced circulation
• Improved bodily movement
• Enhanced elasticity
• Tension and anxiety relief
• Improved overall physical and mental health
• Assists with promotion of energy balancing within a person's body
• Holistic - all-natural treatment

This form of massage treatment takes longer for the session than regular massages sessions. Additionally, every technique with Thai therapy is performed with the patient resting on a comfortable, padded mat that is placed upon the floor. If the client rested on a table used for massage treatment, the therapist would not be able to perform the treatments as easily as is possible while having the client rest on the floor, because Thai massage is a very effective manipulation to perform.