Massage Therapy and Fibromyalgia

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, fatigue and pain are very familiar to you. Did you know that massage therapy may help with the pain associated with this syndrome? Fibro suffers have reported that massage therapy has not only helped to relieve some of their pain and stiffness, but has helped them to learn to relax more. Let's take a quick look at the benefits of massage therapy for fibro patients.

Contrary to popular belief, massage therapy has been around for quite some time. Ancient Egyptian pictures suggesting massages being given and received have been located in some tombs. It is even rumored that Cesar himself partook of massages daily for his neuralgia.

What is it and how does it work?

For many pain sufferers, along with fibro patients, massage therapy is becoming even more popular. With massage therapy, soft tissues and muscles are manipulated to help relieve pain and stress, and increase flexibility. There are many different techniques including the more common techniques done with the hands such as palpating, stroking, and kneading the muscles. Other therapies such as hot and cold therapy are sometimes used during the massage to help with muscle relaxation and increase circulation of the blood.

Massage therapy can also help in the reduction of tender point pain and overall stiffness in the body. It is believed that this type of therapy boosts the production of serotonin, endorphins, and norepinephrine. It seems that these pain blocking hormones work to hinder the pain signals sent out by the brain; this would help explain why massage therapy is becoming such a pain reliever amongst pain sufferers.

The Benefits

When it comes to fibro pain and fatigue, massage therapy is one of the more beneficial treatments according to patients. Its benefits include:

- increased circulation of the blood to muscles
- increased flexibility and range of motion
- less depression and stress
- reduced pain and stiffness
- better sleep

According to a study done in the late 90's amongst fibro sufferers, patients noted more than a 30% decrease in symptoms associated with pain after ten 30-minute massage treatment sessions. Patients also reported better sleeping habits, and less difficulty falling and staying asleep.

The Massage Therapist

It's important that you take the time to find the right therapist. And when it comes to fibro sufferers, it can be quite difficult locating a therapist with the right technique, compassion, and experience in dealing with fibromyalgia. It's okay if you have to visit several different therapists before you find the right one. Here are a few tips to help you in your search:

* Word of mouth holds the number one spot on many tip lists when it comes to locating everything from a real estate agent to a plumber. Massage treatment is no different. Friends and family are your best bet. Start with them.

* Fibro support groups are another resource. They may have a listing, or current members who receive massage therapy and can give you recommendations.

* Ask about licensing and experience. Don't be afraid to check up on their license and certification before making your appointment.

Affordable Massage at Home - The Benefits of Couples Massage and Electronic Massage

Massage at home is an affordable way to reap the benefits of massage in the comfort of your own home. Whether you and your partner practice massaging each other or you use an electronic massager, including home massage as a regular part of your life will relieve stress and tension and allow you to relax at home.

Scientific research continues to support the benefits of massage therapy, not only for the body, but also for the mind, emotions, and spirit. Mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health are all interrelated. Discord in any one of these components of life can affect all other areas of your well-being. Intense stress, especially over a long period of time, compromises your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight off colds and the flu and can make you vulnerable to much more serious diseases and complications.

One of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is stress relief. If you lack a sufficient outlet for the pressures you face each day, the tension you feel will continue to build over time, making stressful events that much harder to deal with. Situations that are easy to handle when you are relaxed can get blown out of proportion when you are under intense pressure.

Even if you cannot afford to see a therapist on a regular basis, there are other ways to incorporate massage into your life. One option to consider is learning massage techniques to use at home. Simple techniques can effectively release tension in the muscles and relax the body. For those who have mastered the simple techniques, there are numerous massage instruction DVDs and courses for learning more advanced techniques at home.

Practice your techniques with your spouse or partner. Couples massage at home strengthens your relationship on many different levels. For increased comfort and flexibility, consider a professional massage table. Using a table increases comfort and allows easy access to all areas of the body.

A quality massage table increases the effectiveness of home massage overall. The best table for home use is portable and lightweight. A portable massage table easily folds for storage and is convenient for homes with limited floor space.

Electronic massagers are also a convenient option for massage at home. These electronic products help you relax on your own or with a partner. A quality vibrating massager offers just the right amount of pressure to release muscle tension and stubborn knots. You can also look for handheld massage aids that provide extra power to use with your partner.

Some electronic massagers allow you to experiment with different types of massage, such as chi swing machine. A chi machine rocks the feet gently from side to side, which creates a swinging movement throughout the body that relaxes and energizes.

Massage therapy is not just a luxury for the wealthy. Simple and convenient home massage products can bring the power of therapeutic touch into your life without straining your budget.

Want to Give a Mind Blowing Sensual Massage? Here Are Some Tips to Get You Started

When you are going to be giving your partner a sensual massage it is important that you create the right sort of atmosphere to begin with. By doing this you will be able to create a place where they are able to relax and so ensure that they really benefit from the effects of the massage you are carrying out on them.

In this article we offer some tips to ensure that you create the right sort of atmosphere to carry out the massage on your partner.

Tip 1 - It is important that you make the room as warm as possible, remember your partner will be naked. By ensuring that they are warm you are going to be able to take much longer over the massage and which means they will benefit more from what you are doing.

Tip 2 - You need to make sure that you have the lighting right. Again you want to create an atmosphere in the room that they find relaxing. So turn off all main lights and instead use table lamps draped with some soft material or candles (scented ones preferably).

Tip 3 - Another thing that can help to create the right sort of atmosphere when giving your partner a sensual massage is to put on some music. Either something that they like or something that is romantic. It is important that you play it at a level that isn't too loud but which can easily be heard by you both. Again the right sort of music played in the background will help not only them to relax but you will find it helps you to relax as well.

Massage Therapy Job Outlook For The Future

Many people are interested in the massage therapy job outlook for the future. Most of these individuals are interested in this field because they want the opportunity to help other people. Statistics indicate that continued growth can be expected in this field. People are very interested in feeling as good as they possibly can. Usually when people feel good they have a better quality of life. Individuals involved in the profession will be able to contribute to the wellness of their clients.

Service providers will have opportunities to work in hospitals. Individuals will also be given opportunities to work in private practices. Private and public employment options are available to individuals that have skills within this medical profession. People have the option of working in a health spa. Sometimes working in a health spa can be very exciting for individuals that have the correct skills.

There is also a growing trend within society to open businesses specifically for the purpose of massage. Some people find that a targeted business is more profitable because they are not sharing their profits with an organization. People can make private appointments in the home of their clients if they choose to do so. Private appointments are usually reserved for individuals that do not have access to regular transportation.

The possibility exists of offering services to elderly individuals. These services might include the quality of life that a patient is experiencing. People involved in the profession must be willing to look into becoming properly licensed if their state requires them to do so. Having the proper license is important so that the service provider is taken seriously by prospective clients.

The movement towards holistic wellness is advantageous for people involved with the industry. The holistic wellness movement has caused people to become very interested in managing their pain in every possible way. Pain management is a reason that people may choose to have services that involve massage therapy. People that make the choice to have these sessions usually are more limber.

Most people do not have any trouble understanding why the massage therapy job outlook for the future is very positive. Most people can clearly understand the reasons that someone may desire to get a job in this profession. People require extensive training in order to be successful in the field. People with these skills usually can find work very quickly once they have established themselves.

Ways to Land a Massage Job While Still in School

You should wait until you have graduated from massage school, passed the National Massage Exam (NCBTMB), and have your state license before applying for a massage job, right? WRONG! During these tough economic times it is important that you get an early jump on your massage therapy career. Waiting and waiting until everything is lined up just so may leave you with months of "free" time on you hands. The massage therapy education that you invested in will pay off if you take the proper steps. Use your time as a student wisely. Use the collective efforts of your school community to prepare yourself and to land a massage job while still a student.

First begin by deciding what type of job you want. The field of massage therapy offers so many opportunities. You can pursue employment on a cruise ship, in a day spa, salon, doctor's office, physical therapist, or for a professional or amateur sports team. What interests you most? Speak with your instructors and career counselors to get a better understanding of which job opportunities would best match your interests, goals, and skillset.

Next, begin working on your resume. Maintain a professional image by submitting an appropriate cover letter and resume to all jobs you seek to be considered for. On your resume highlight any previous relevant experience. (i.e. receptionist work done at a spa, medical knowledge, or hospitality experience) If you lack professional experience, focus more on your knowledge of the modalities taught in your program. Employers want to know what type of bodywork you can perform. Make it clear to them. Don't forget to include the experience you gained in participating in student clinic. Detail the number of hours and amount of clients you worked on.

Search the web for job opportunities in your area. Most schools have a Career Services Department that will have a list of available jobs. Once you have finalized your resume start submitting it to your jobs of interests even if you do not meet all of their desired qualifications of the job. You never know how flexible an employer is willing to be until you ask. Plus, you will want to practice interviewing for massage therapy positions.

Stop by local spas and salons simply to meet and greet. Introduce yourself and leave a resume behind. Employers are looking for polished go-getters. Be proactive and let potential employers know when you'll be ready for hire. Network with other professionals. The best jobs I've ever landed where those that I already had before stepping foot in the interview. The referral from a colleague made all the difference. Join professional organizations, such as AMTA and ABMP. These organizations will provide you with the liability coverage that most employers require but most importantly will establish you as a serious candidate. So start early. Decide what type of work you want. Solicit the help of instructors and other professionals. Submit as many resumes as possible and interview. interview, interview. Practice makes perfect. With a little determination you should have no problem landing a massage job while still in school.

What Are the Benefits of Integrative Manual Therapy?

Nowadays, we enjoy many different types of therapeutic massages that it sometimes becomes a hassle to pick out which one will suit our needs. There are massage therapies designed to treat a variety of conditions and there are also those that are created for a specific disorder. The best thing to do when choosing the right one for you is to know your medical needs and compare all the massage therapies that fit into that category of medical attention you are after. Afterwards, you can narrow down to your top pick of massage therapy.

Among the many therapies using massage is the integrative manual therapy or IMT. This form of bodywork is included in the many types of somatic therapies. When we say somatic therapy, it means that the focus of healing is not only in the physical condition of the client but also on the spiritual and mental state. This type of therapy includes a variety of combined techniques from different massage therapies. Due to its gentle massage style and techniques, it is allowed to fill in the needs for a therapeutic massage in infants and seniors.

The benefits of integrative manual therapy to the client when taken seriously and in regular sessions are:

• Correction of imbalances in the body - the overall massage technique is capable of correcting any imbalances in the client's body. Due to the constant battering of stress and fatigue in our daily lives, our body succumbs to these conditions which will eventually result to body imbalances that causes various ailments and disorders.

• Triggers the body's self healing abilities - any massage when done correctly can trigger the body's healing and regenerative ability. IMT is designed for this purpose to aid the therapist in his or her goal of improving the recovery of the human body.

• Relieves back pain and neck pain - the combined massage techniques are effective in relieving these types of body pain including chronic body pain.

• Relieves headaches - the gentle massage technique is perfect in treating headaches with every stroke of the hands of the therapist.

• Treats menstrual cramps - IMT is good in relieving pain during menstrual periods due to its effectiveness as a therapy.

• Relieves stiffness in joints - the massage strokes and techniques are ideal for the purpose of releasing tension in the joints of the body.

If you are after these great results, it would be wise to choose a therapist who is certified and skilled in performing an integrative manual therapy. This would heighten the chance of a successful and effective massage therapy session. Although the therapy is known as a safe therapy considering the fact that it can be used for infants and seniors, getting a professional therapist is always the best thing to do to avoid problems.

If you want to try this relaxing therapy, you can start by looking for good massage centers in your local area or through the internet. Always make sure that the therapist is certified and knowledgeable in what he or she is doing.

Physical Therapist Resume - How to Write a Good Resume For Your Physical Therapist Job Application

If you are the type of person that can find self-satisfaction for helping people than becoming a physical therapist just might be the job for you, not to mention that you can earn handsomely for it too. Obviously before you can do so you will need to get a job and for you to land one you will need a resume that is not only appealing but can portray you as the person that you say you are. So besides listing down all your educational background your resume should also be able to list your characteristics as well.

As such you have to be very careful when you write your resume, the reason for this is because this is the first ever interaction you will have between your future employer. So the resume must be able to stand out from the crowd and one that the employer will be able to remember from the stack of applications that they receive. This is of course not the only step as you will need to go for interviews and so on but nonetheless this is the most important step of all.

When writing your resume you should not just list down all your past achievements and educational background and be done with it. Today the problem is that anyone can get a degree but whether or not they have the necessary skills to back up the certificate is an entirely separate question. So make sure that you include other important information about yourself that will attract the employers.

Don't write a sloppy bio data about yourself, instead take the time and effort to compile all the necessary information and write a proper resume. Even through the simple task as that, your potential employers will have a glimpse of your passion about the job. Having said that you are not writing a biography so make it concise where they employers can get a sense of who you are.

Employers don't want a robot that can only heal patients they want people that can help other people too. This means that your soft skills should be as good as your medical knowledge, so make sure that you not only graduate at the top of your class but when it comes to dealing with people you have the patience for it even though there is no certificate for that.

Working in such as high risk environment the extra knowledge of CPR or first aid would certainly be an added advantage on your part. Include such information on your resume so you can land that dream job.

Massage Education

So what exactly is massage education? I began teaching in the industry in 1993 at the Utah College of Massage Therapy. The classroom size was anywhere from 24 to 48 people, and the instructors were highly qualified. The students got a great basic education and if they decided to stick around for an additional 300 hours or 400 hours, they left with a pretty darn good massage education. I was the deep tissue instructor there for three years, I passed on the savvy of Dr. Ida Rolf. In 10 sessions I taught them as much as I possibly could in that brief period of time and gave them a basic understanding of the work. As the deep tissue instructor, I realized that there was a huge misnomer about the work. For some unknown reason, people that come for massage education or continuing education think that deep tissue means continual deep pressure. Unfortunately, this is not true. Deep tissue work should access deep layers, but their tools should not always be angled steeply. Accessing the deep tissue first requires that the student use superficial angles to free fascia that is above the deeper layers. Yes, we work the origins and insertions and ischemic tissue. Oftentimes this creates a brief painful response in the patient. But, can this also be called energy healing? Of course, any time two biodynamic systems dance, there is an exchange of energy. Energy healing is nothing more than the transference of energy from one to another.

Massage continuing education begins after the student's foundation has been built. Continuing education in the massage field leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. A massage education should give a student a wonderful set of tools to begin their journey as apprentices, so to speak. I know that this may feel a little bit callous, but in over two decades of work, having taught in three massage schools and having taught privately for 15 years, I do believe that there is room for improvement in the massage education field. A massage continuing education should give a student definitive tools in which to be successful in their chosen field, not just to satisfy some inane state requirements. Unfortunately, the majority of the massage therapist that I know, take continuing education only because they have to fulfill State requirements for licensure. If the student focused on a deep tissue therapy such as Rolfing or neuromuscular therapy, and they took the time that was necessary to master these deep tissue approaches to healing, they would more than likely be successful as massage therapists.

One of the most powerful disciplines in massage education that a student can learn is cranial sacral therapy. Sometimes this is also spelled craniosacral therapy. Please don't be confused by the spelling. Its the same brilliant work. Massage education should fulfill the needs of the students desire to be successful in their chosen field. It's important when considering massage therapy education that the student understand that the more information, (which is time at their massage tables) that a student puts into their study, the deeper they will understand their discipline and its applications. So the focus of continuing education should be a deepening focus from the many disciplines that are available in our field. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that your primary education at the first massage school that you attended would be enough for you to be successful as a massage therapist. A massage education doesn't stop at your primary school, it continues throughout your career with the tools and insights that are gained through continuing education.

How Does Massage Treatment Relieves Back Stiffness?

There are a few options to choose from when trying to find effective back stiffness treatment. Massage therapy for example, is among the preferred treatments for the condition and with good reason. Studies have confirmed that a massage can help in cutting back trouble and improve sleep range and motion of the joints too. Here's more.

The massage treatment does the most simple; it improves blood circulation in hurting areas and deadens discomfort. This is what a lay man understands but there's more to massage treatment. It takes away the excess lymph in the blood and decreases swelling and provides sciatic and other related discomfort alleviation.

Redness is frequently an accompanying symptom of discomfort. It serves as the body's defense mechanism and often appears as a reaction to an infection or injury. Generally, soreness is seen around muscles or joints and is known to cause heat, pain, redness and swelling in the affected area.

The increased quantity of lymph and redness in the body exerts stress on the influenced arteries and can cause them to ache. This condition also hinders proper blood circulation in this area which discomforts the nerves. Thus, massage treatment works best to revive standard blood circulation and eases pain.

Massage therapy has other benefits too. There are no complications of this treatment and you won't need to worry about the costs too. Whatever are the advantages, this treatment does not work best at the time of harsh sciatic pain. It works only when the pain subsides a bit. You have to be terribly careful re the right method of massage being used on you because if the massage is being done in a wrong manner, it may land you in a bigger trouble. So, get it done from a pro only.

A qualified massage therapist should have a real understanding of the body, muscle imbalances and the way to work with the body. Additionally, a therapist should utilize various methods to offer maximum pain alleviation. Ideally, consultants use energy systems together with the conventional massage. Though there are a few styles of massage, there are some that are way more preferred like orthopedic massage, St John Wort's massage and medical massage. While looking out for a specialist, you may wish to go for one who specializes in one of those techniques.

Sciatica and different kinds of back trouble need a more physical solution than massage. Massage may help stretch your body a small but it cannot rectify muscle imbalances and postural dysfunctions. So, it might be better if you use this alternative cure for sciatica and other forms of back trouble in association with other treatments.

Pain, Injury Should Not Be Part of Backpacks For School

It's Fall and students everywhere are preparing to head back to school. Backpacks for school will be first on the school supply list for many kids. The choices of backpacks for school may seem overwhelming at times. Due to the astounding number of available backpacks and options on the market, it just makes sense to take a few moments and find out what backpacks are the best for your kids.

A properly fitted, well-designed, and durable backpack is going to be the best available choice for avoiding any discomfort, pain, or even possible long-term injury to your child. The experts at the American Physical Therapy Association have been studying backpack for years. Through their research, the APTA has discovered the main things that make a good backpack. Properly designed and well-padded shoulder straps, load stabilizing adjustable straps, a waist belt to place more weight on the hips and off of the shoulders/back, and several internal compartments to divide the load more evenly.

The Experts Say Backpacks May Be Too Heavy

Studies show that most kids are carrying way too much weight in their school backpacks. "Wearing backpacks improperly or ones that are too heavy put children at increased risk for musculoskeletal injuries", said Mary Ann Wilmarth, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, assistant dean and director of transitional doctor of physical therapy degree program, Northeastern University. Wilmarth studied Pre-K through 9th grade students in the Andover, Massachusetts area over a period of time. Her research found that improperly wearing a backpack, or wearing an overloaded backpack had a long-term negative effect on children.

Other studies which were conducted in New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. reached the same conclusions about backpack weight, improper use, and the negative effects on posture. There needs to be much more research done in order to determine the overall long-term effects on young kid's back, neck, shoulder, and posture.

Correct Backpack Weight is Specific for Each Child

In the past, the American Chiropractic Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics have all come forward with backpack recommendations for students, teachers, and parents. All experts agree that backpacks worn improperly or that are simply too heavy may cause damage now and in the future. Some cheap backpacks may cause permanent physical damage to kids that will develop into much more serious problems in their adult years.

The medical professionals who see these type of backpack-related injuries on a regular basis have come up with some very simple guidelines. Typically, a backpack should weigh no more than 15% of a child's total weight. In other words, if your child weighs 120 pounds, the total weight of their school backpack should be no more than 18 pounds. Kids should also be warned about the negative effects of carrying a backpack using only one strap, or in any other improper manner.

How to Get the Right Backpack for Your Child

Don't go for the cheap backpacks typically found in large displays at your local discount retail store. Also, stay away from the celebrity bags that feature the latest motion picture theme or animated character. These backpacks are manufactured for only one reason and that is to get unknowing consumers to buy cheap stuff for way too much money.

Instead, look at some of the backpack manufacturers who have been around for a long time. Companies like L.L. Bean (R), North Face (R), and JanSport (R) have been making top-notch, quality backpacks for many years. These guys really know what they're doing. Look for a simple backpack that has adjustable and padded shoulder straps, load stabilizing straps, and an adjustable waist strap. A good quality backpack can be found for less than $50.

Take some time to research the best backpacks for your child's comfort and long-term health.

Setting Massage Goals

"How often should I receive massage?" This is one question I hear regularly at the studio that leaves me feeling out of breath and out of time when I answer it. Now I could just answer "whenever you want it" or "whenever you feel you need it", but that doesn't completely answer the question. If I say once a week, or twice a week, or even once a month, that still doesn't mean much because you don't understand why. I think everyone who has had a massage before understands that it is capable of relaxing the mind and body and reducing pain caused by tense muscles (stress). This goal can be accomplished with random sessions of massage plugged into your schedule when it fits OR solidified into an overall health and wellness routine to produce and maintain more lasting results.

According to leading massage author Sandy Fritz there are three primary reasons why people seek massage and bodywork services. Once this reason is determined it is easier to set goals and treatment protocols for current and future sessions. The three primary reasons people seek massage and bodywork services are

Palliative Care

Condition Management

Therapeutic Change

Palliative Care

The term palliative massage can actually have two very different meanings. On one hand it is interchangeable with "pampering" massage while on the other it refers to massage treatments for those in hospice or suffering with a chronic debilitating disease. Although these are two very different circumstances, the approach to setting goals for the massage are much the same.

The verb "to palliate" means to reduce suffering. In the case of a pampering massage the goal might be to temporarily relieve stress and tension associated with a particular situation or event in one's life, such as getting married or having a birthday. A person may visit a massage therapist to be pampered once a year because they are on vacation or have received the massage as a gift. In the case of persons in hospice and those experiencing a chronic debilitating disease, palliative massage care provides the same temporary relief from the stresses and tensions that accompany these experiences. Massage does not provide a cure for the condition and is not able to slow the condition down. Care is provided to reduce suffering and make the person as comfortable as possible.

It is difficult to produce any temporary or permanent changes in a person's condition through the application of a single massage session (such as with those seeking massage as a yearly luxury). It is equally as impossible to reverse the progression of chronic debilitating diseases. Therefore the goal for this type of massage session is to create an overall sense of wholeness and wellbeing and reduce the intensity of associated pains and stresses.

Condition Management

Condition management is the most common approach to massage therapy; the primary condition being managed is stress. Let's say, for example, that you work a full time job, have a family and have recently started taking classes at the local community college. Although finding time for a weekly massage might be difficult, you still manage to visit your massage therapist every few months to help you stay relaxed and focused. Your stressful conditions in life are not changing; however a massage every 1-2 months keeps things from getting worse. Think of condition management like a maintenance program on your car. You change the oil every few months and it keeps things running as they should. Don't change the oil (or take a break from stress) and other parts of the car start breaking down.

The condition management approach also works well in musculoskeletal conditions such as scoliosis, in which massage has been shown to effectively manage the pain and inflexibility that results from an abnormal curvature in the spine. Massage provides temporary relief to overworked muscles that are consistently strained by the misaligned bones. Scoliosis is a condition that can be treated through various forms of medical care. Massage manages the pains and stresses of this condition throughout the course of that care. The condition is treatable and massage is likely to help it get better before it gets worse.

Therapeutic Change

This approach to massage treatment is designed to improve the condition of the body as a whole or any of its parts. Sessions designed to produce therapeutic change require the most resource expenditure (i.e. time, money, and lifestyle changes) because they require frequent sessions performed closer together. 1-4 sessions a week for several months may be needed for chronic conditions before a lasting change is experienced. A good example of this is a person who has experienced mild to moderate low back pain on a regular basis for over 6 months. The longer the condition has been occurring, the more likely regular massage treatments will be needed. Massage produces a change in the amount of pain experienced and increases flexibility. If, however, the person doesn't change the other perpetuating factors that contribute to their back pain, such as how they lift boxes at work, then the therapeutic change produced by massage may only be temporary. The person may then move back into utilizing massage for condition management after significant improvement in the condition or the inability to improve the condition any more through massage.

Be sure to discuss these approaches to treatment with your therapist. Receiving a great massage isn't just about how good your therapist is at applying massage techniques. It's also about good communication between the therapist and the client. So be sure to answer any questions on the intake form honestly and take time to write something for each questions. Your expectations are more easily met when goals are set for the session before hand.

Resources

Sandy Fritz. Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 3rd edition.

Chronic Back Pain And Its Non-Invasive Treatments

Chronic back pain is not a new condition among people who are prone to this kind of problem. This condition ranges from full soreness to persisting sharp inflammation. Back pain patients frequently experience stiffness in the morning, while others, undergo pain in the lumbar area (lower back). Though the pain is certainly distressing, more people complain about the disruption that it causes their daily life.

This is the reason why the sufferer must seek a treatment or relief that best suits his/her needs, as soon as possible. There are lots of treatments provided for chronic back pain. Some of these are home remedies, invasive, and non-invasive therapy. Home remedies can provide quick but temporary relief for the condition. Invasive therapies can cause you a lot of money and a possibility to encounter some side effects in the long run. On the other hand, non-invasive therapies are considered to be safe and effective for treating chronic lower back pain, as well.

What are Non-Invasive Treatments?

Non-Invasive Treatments are preferred if you are suffering from pain in the back without really having the necessity of going through drastic medical procedures. These treatments are generally those that provide somewhat conservative procedures, which don't require any kind of incisions made to the body or any elimination of tissue.

A treatment combination of non-invasive procedures such as physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation and heat therapy. These procedures are usually prescribed over a period of time depending on the level of treatment required. Non-invasive treatments are necessary if a patient needs to cope with the pain.

Physical Therapy

When a patient experiences a series of back pain that lasts between 2 to 6 weeks, or if there is a recurrent persistent back pain, then it is reasonable to try physical therapy or workouts. Generally, the goals of chronic back pain exercises and physical therapy are to lessen back pain, enhance function, and give education on a maintenance program to stop further recurrences.

There are lots of different types of physical therapy. The therapist may concentrate on reducing the pain by means of passive physical therapy, also called as modalities. These are considered passive therapies since they are completed to the patient. Some modalities include heat/ice packs, TENS units and ultrasound.

Other kind of physical therapies include active physical therapy or exercise. Exercise is important for patients who want to rehabilitate the spine. In general, the person's back exercise program must encompass a combination of stretching as well as strengthening for back pain exercise, and low-impact aerobic conditioning.

Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic or spinal manipulation involves moving a joint beyond its normal range of motion. You frequently hear a cracking or popping noise during chiropractic adjustment while the joint is manipulated. The objective of chiropractic manipulation is to ease the pain and enhance the physical function of a person's body.

Chiropractic manipulation is done with a chiropractic doctor. In the meantime, spinal manipulations are performed by physical therapist or osteopathic doctor.

Heat Therapy

Since heat and warmth are always associated with relaxation and comfort, heat therapy is one of the best ways to reduce back pain. Heat therapy provides more benefits than what patients of back pain usually know. Moreover, heat therapy for chronic back pain in the form of heat wraps, heating pad, warm gel packs, hot baths, are affordable and simple to do.

Heat therapy can dilate blood vessels of the muscles that surround the lumbar spine. This method increases the flow of oxygen, including nutrients to the muscles, helping to cure the damaged tissue. In addition, heat can stimulate the sensory receptors within the skin, which means that using heat to the lower back will moderately relieve the discomfort brought by chronic back pain.

Prenatal Massage Therapy - Benefits of Pre-Natal Massage For the Expectant Mother

Every pregnancy comes complete with aches and pains. It's not a welcome inclusion but it is a non-negotiable part of the deal. Prenatal massage can be of enormous benefit to expectant mothers.  We will discuss here the top benefits, some precautions one should consider, and some of the methods used when applying pre-natal massage therapy.

Muscular tensions, aching back, neck and shoulders, headaches, pooling of blood in the legs, and all other manner of physical discomforts and pains occur due to the inevitable increase in weight, the resulting shifting of posture and centre of gravity, and changing hormone levels.

Prenatal massages aim to alleviate aches and pains, improve circulation, reduce muscular tensions and help to ease other pregnancy related symptoms.  An additional benefit is an improvement in the expectant mother's emotional moods and mental attitude.

A full body massage including attention to the head including the scalp and face area, as well as the feet and hands provides relief from tensions and is found to be extremely soothing and nurturing. All areas should of course be massaged gently, with appropriate levels of pressure applied.

An experienced prenatal massage therapist can choose methods which are effective and safe that provide much needed comfort and pampering.

Prenatal massage offers numerous benefits of a broad range.  The top benefits of pre-natal massage are:

- Reduction of fatigue

- Increased circulation

- Improved digestion

- Reduced swelling in the hands, feet and lower legs

- Fewer calf cramps

- Lessens the severity of backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches

- Reduced pain in the pelvic/hip area

- Alleviates stress on weight bearing joints including the lower back, knees and ankles

- Improves sleep and decreases insomnia

- Promotes deep breathing and relaxation

- Reduces stress hormones

- Assists in maintaining correct posture

Prenatal massage therapy during pregnancy can also be greatly beneficial emotionally as it allows expectant mothers to relax and feel a sense of calm. They also report feeling comforted and healthy during what is a period of emotional and physical stress.

Pre-natal massage can be applied in different ways. The pregnant patient should lie on her side and the therapist is trained to modify the massage techniques to adapt to this position. Lying flat on back is not recommended as it reduces blood circulation to both mother and child.  The mother-to-be can lay on her back with the body in an elevated position by using pillows to support the mother's body. Body pillows can also be used for side lying positions as well.

There is a specially designed pillow now available to assist when massaging expecting mothers in a face down position. This pillow has a deep centre cut-out which allows the mother to lie flat on her belly and feel comfortable and relaxed.

After giving birth, new mothers experience a kaleidoscope of physical and emotional stresses, commonly including sleep deprivation. Prenatal massage can aid the birthing process, and then continuing with postnatal massage can be highly beneficial and therapeutic by assisting the new mother's body to return to its former state.

Pre-natal massage is generally considered safe for expecting mothers, although it is always advisable to consult with your doctor before beginning a program.  There are some precautions. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, prenatal massage is not advised. You should certainly tell your therapist if you have had, or are having any complications or problems with your pregnancy.

Prenatal massage may be from 10 minutes to an hour depending on your available time and your level of comfort.  If the massage brings discomfort, you may like to have shorter sessions more often.  If the massage causes no abnormal discomfort, then once per week during the 2nd trimester and twice per week or more during the 3rd trimester is ideal.

If considering prenatal massage therapy to assist with a pleasant and positive pregnancy and birth, consult you doctor or pre-natal massage specialist and begin.  The therapy has enjoyed long and wide spread use and offers many therapeutic benefits to the pregnant mother to be, and ultimately to her child as well.

Appointment No-Shows - How Much Revenue Are You Losing?

Do you know how much revenue your practice is losing because of appointment no-shows?

There are many reasons for no-shows and the reasons for your practice are not the same as the reasons for the practice down the street. Unfortunately, a universal solution to this problem does not exist. However, if you and your staff are aware of the warning signs, you'll be able to proactively prevent them from happening and reduce the amount of no-shows in your practice.

Are you ready to get started? This information will arm you with information that you need to tackle this problem and reduce no-shows in your practice once and for all.

No-Show Warning Signs:

繚 Forgetfulness: Sometimes a patient simply forgets their appointment.

繚 Low Priority: Often, it's a question of priorities and choosing between going to an appointment or attending a personal event, like a grandson's soccer game.

繚 Fear of Pain: Fear that the treatment is going to be painful, or if a patient has phobias, can lead to no-shows.

繚 Finances: Finances can be a major factor for some patients. Some patients are in a position where it's difficult to pay their co-pay. Some patients don't have insurance or have lost their coverage.

繚 Frustration with Progress: If a patient feels they're not making progress with their treatment, they can quickly become frustrated and give up on their treatment.

繚 Lack of Transportation: In some cases, a patient has lost their ability to drive, like after an accident or serious injury, and rely on caregivers to provide transportation.

繚 Bad Experience: If a patient has a bad experience, like a long wait time or dissatisfaction with their therapist, they're more likely to not show up for their next appointment.

繚 Embarrassment: When a patient feels embarrassed for not completing their home exercises, or any other reason, they will avoid coming in for their next appointment.

When you and your entire staff are all on board and on the lookout for these warning signs, you can stop them in their tracks before they become a problem for your practice. After you've determined the triggers for no-shows in your practice, and if you realize your scheduling system can use an overhaul, consider the benefits of physical therapy scheduling software to help you reduce no-shows in your practice.

There are many sophisticated scheduling tools out there that can help you improve your process, drastically reduce appointment no-shows and cancellations and increase profits.

Sports Therapy - A Growing Field for Physical Therapists

Physical therapists have the ability to become certified in different specialties. Sports therapy is one specialty that therapists can specialize in and offers a growing field that include many different physical therapy forms. This form of therapy includes treating sports injuries with proper therapy, using rehabilitative practices along with injury protection. For those considering a career as a sports therapist, here is a closer look at what this field has to offer.

What is Involved in Sports Therapy

Sports therapy requires targeted treatments to help athletes recover and rehabilitate from an injury. Therapists may provide assistance with stretching, evaluating the condition of an athlete before sporting events, protecting injuries and more. In many cases, these professionals also offer advice on proper diet, nutrition and exercise programs while working closely with sports coaches.

Professional therapists work with individuals who have sustained sports injuries, customizing treatments based on the specific needs of the patient. The main goal of rehabilitation is to help return the athlete to their original condition pre-injury. Common injuries rehabilitated by sports therapists include lower back, leg, foot, shoulder, ankle, elbow and knee injuries. Some of the rehabilitation treatments include strengthening exercises, reconditioning exercises, massage, compression wraps and more.

Working in sports therapy requires therapists to work very closely with doctors, such as the patients surgeon and physician. Therapists work closely with doctors to come up with a good plan for rehabilitation. These professionals are often on site during games and competitions as well, offering first aid when simple injuries occur and deciding whether additional treatment is necessary. While much of their job includes treating current injuries and rehabilitation, their primary goal is to help athletes prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.

Education and Certification

To become a sports therapist, individuals must require physical therapy schools to get their physical therapist degree. After their original education, therapists have the ability to get specialty certifications, which come with strict requirements. To become certified in this specialty, therapists must show that they have extensive training or experience in this area. Most certifications will require the applicant to have emergency medicine training as well. While certification is required to practice sports therapy, currently a uniform standard of certification does not exist. However, the American Board of PT Specialties offers the most common certification in this specific field.

While sports therapy is a fairly small specialty within the PT realm today, it does offer a great opportunity to therapists who want to work with athletes. This field is growing and offers great potential in the future for those interested in specializing in a specific area of therapy. While salary amounts can vary, sports therapists usually enjoy a better than average salary in their field.

Sleep and Massage - Circadian Rhythms and Singing the Blues

Sleep and Massage therapy should be a normal part of your natural life rhythm. We have a biological clock that is called a circadian rhythm. This rhythm is what keeps us healed and whole. On a 24-hour cycle, the sleep and wake rhythms carry us through the vitality of the day and the restfulness of the night.

But what happens when you interrupt any rhythm? Pretend you are at a stunning Beethovan concert listening to a piece being performed, awaiting the crescendo. Suddenly, the music quits.

When rhythms are broken or interrupted, the result is discord and feelings of anxiousness and maybe even anger. Interrupting the circadian rhythms produces the same results. Lack of sleep can have you singing the blues all night long. Massage helps restore balance so the rhythms of your life ebb and flow in a natural pattern.

Sleep and Massage - Chronobiology and Songs of Exaltation

Chronobiology is the study of biological rhythms and that is what sleep is - a biological rhythm. When your sleep is consistently poor or constantly interrupted, it has a direct impact on your physical and emotional health. While you are sleeping, the body is preparing for another wake cycle. It is during sleep that most of the healing process takes place.

Sleep promotes immune function and restores metabolic balance. During sleep, brain proteins are increased which affects mental acuity the next day. Adequate sleep is instrumental in maintaining weight. Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by a severe lack of sleep.

The consequences of insomnia on your health include loss of concentration and decision-making abilities. It causes irritability and emotional instability. Many people turn to over-the-counter drugs to combat insomnia, but massage and insomnia relief is a much more natural approach to the problem. If you have insomnia and message therapy is available to you, life is about to improve drastically.

Massage therapy is a technique of applying pressure on the upper tissue levels of the body using kneading and pounding and rubbing. Sleep and massage are perfect partners, because massage activates the parasympathetic half of the autonomic nervous system for relaxation.

Massage also turns off the sympathetic nervous system which is the source of stress. In doing so, getting a massage and relieving stress create better sleep patterns. If you want to sleep and massage therapy can help, there is no reason to delay. It is a therapeutic drug-free means of reducing incidences of insomnia. Instead of singing the blues, you will be singing songs of exaltation.

Sleep and Massage - All Night Long

The daylight hours must not be long enough, because many of us use what should be sleep time to stress about problems. Massage therapy is a technique that can eliminate the physical results of the day's stresses so sleep is enhanced. There are many reasons why sleep and massage make a great match - reasons both emotional and physical.

• Lessens lower back pain







• Eases chronic fatigue syndrome







• Reduces muscle tension







• Eliminates headaches







• Lessens effects of medicinal side-effects on sleep







• Relieves stress







• Assists with weight control







• Relaxes nervous tension







• Increases blood circulation

Hospitals use physical therapy massage to help insomniacs sleep as an alternative to drugs. If you can't sleep and massage therapy sounds as if it can help, please visit your local massage therapist. She or he can help you find your circadian rhythm again.

Get a massage and sleep will be restored as a time of rest instead of a time of restlessness. You will be able to sleep all night long, waking refreshed instead of tired and tense.

The Educational Path Of Earning A Degree In Physical Therapy

If you would like to enter the health care field, and you enjoy working with people, a career as a physical therapist might be a good choice for you. In this field, you will help sufferers of debilitating physical illnesses recover, creating treatment plans to get them moving. To do so, you will work in offices with other physicians and aides. This career path will need a lot of dedication and hard work, as well as a college education and a license.

You will need a Bachelor's degree to continue your studies in physical therapy. Since Bachelor's degrees in this field are not often available, other majors in health sciences or interdisciplinary health and rehabilitation sciences are acceptable choices. There are some accelerated programs for students who would like to go straight through for their Master's in physical therapy. In addition, programs for those who have a four year degree in an unrelated field are also available, but may take longer.

Master's programs in physical therapy are readily available at many universities. They may be designed for students coming from a Bachelor's program in health, or students who received a Bachelor's degree in a different field. These degrees are good, but a doctorate is becoming the common expectation for physical therapists. You will take many courses that will provide you with an appropriate background on physical therapy and movement, such as orthopedics, pathokinesiology, and neurology. There may also be courses on certain groups, such as geriatrics, pediatrics, and more.

Like a medical doctor who receives an MD, a physical therapist must receive a DPT, or Doctor of Physical Therapy. These programs are available all over, and generally come in two forms. They may be transitional for students who are already practicing in the field and need to advance their careers. They may also be direct-entry, for those that can enter from non-physical therapy undergraduate and graduate degrees. Each program will thoroughly go over rehabilitative procedures, pathology, biomechanics, and more.

Licensing to become a physical therapist can be achieved through the passing of the NPTE, National Physical Therapy Examination, which is a difficult exam provided to ensure the knowledge and qualifications of future physical therapists. The NPTE is provided from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, where you can register for the test, pay a fee and take it after you graduate.

When you enter the field of physical therapy, you will be enjoying good pay, flexible positions, and plentiful job offerings. Employment is expanding rapidly - there is an expected increase of 30 percent. The pay usually ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, so it should be very lucrative. You can also plan on a very clean and pleasing work environment. The majority work in hospitals and doctors' offices, but other physical therapists work in outpatient care centers, nursing homes, and in private practice.

If you cannot afford or attend a lengthy doctoral degree program, you should consider going to school to become a physical therapist assistant. This only requires an Associate's degree, which you can find nearby in many two-year colleges. This degree will prepare you for clinical work and help you understand some of the common concepts in the field. Once you graduate from an accredited program, you can work closely with physical therapists and patients, providing exercise, training, and therapeutic methods.

How Alternative Therapy Can Help Reduce Stress

Stress is an undeniable facet of life which exhibits various harmful effects on the human body. When our body is under stress, it starts releasing stress hormones that increase heart beat, respiratory rate and provide a burst of energy. Stress can exhibit worst effects on the human health and may cause headaches, stiffness, neck pain, shoulder pain, upset stomach, back pain and insomnia. Stress can also lower the immunity of the body and reduce the ability to fight off certain health concerns. Furthermore, it makes your body depressed, tense, and irritable that ultimately affects on your daily activities and lowers your efficiency.

Alternative therapy is a natural healing approach to get rid of this worst health concern. It includes a number of treatment techniques that work best for treating the whole body systems. In this article, I will describe how alternative therapy helps treat stress and how alternative treatment techniques heal.

Alternative Therapy - The Whole-Body Systems Approach

Alternative therapy is a natural and holistic approach that encompasses a number of hands-on techniques that activates the internal healing system of the body. It includes various holistic approaches like physical therapy, massage therapy and various integrative manual therapies that are performed by a professional and trained physical therapist or massage practitioner to correct the health conditions that are created due to stress. A physical or massage therapist provides a gentle body touch with his skilled hands that activates the natural healing system of the body and provides a sense of well-being.

Massage Therapy - Relaxing the Mind, Body & Spirit

Massage therapy is a holistic and natural way to treat stress related conditions of the body such as high blood pressure, back pain, stomach disorders and emotional disturbances. It effectively relaxes your mind, body and spirit and promotes a feeling of calm, peace and comfort.

Integrative Hands-On Techniques - Promotes Emotional Calmness

Since alternative therapy includes various integrative hands-on techniques that effectively induce relaxation responses i.e. promote muscle relaxation, lower blood pressure, normalize respiratory rate and ultimately promote emotional calmness, reduce stress responses and maintain overall wellness.

Alternative Therapy - Helps Relieve Stress

Physical therapy is a type of alternative therapy that offers strengthening, stretching and stress relief exercises to promote mental and physical wellness of a person. A physical therapist gently provides breathing and relaxing techniques that induces mental relaxation. Gentle and effective body movements stimulate the receptors in the nervous system to decrease the production of stress hormones which ultimately relax muscles, improve flexibility and normalize the breathing pattern of the body.

In a nutshell, alternative therapy is really effective for both mind and body and proven to be highly effective for alleviating stress and other stress related conditions. Indeed, it is a profound and natural approach to provoke a gentle feeling of calm, relaxes your mind and promotes mental and physical health. It is a natural way to cope with the worst effects of stress and provides you a stress-free life.

What is Breema Bodywork in Massage Therapy?

Breema bodywork is a kind of body therapy that utilizes simple forms of tactility and body movement. There exists two kinds of of breema therapy.

• Self-breema exercises
  


• Bodywork

The purpose of both kinds is to increase the energy flow of the body and to bring the body to the present time. Self-breema exercises utilize gentle body stretches and nurturing touch in a nonjudgmental environment to bring about mental, physical, and emotional balance for optimal health.

Normally, a breema bodywork session takes place on the floor using a padded mat or cushioned surface such as a massage cushion while the patient is still dressed. The therapist then initiates a series of movements on the patient that include tension-relieving stretches, the holding of different poses, and muscle leans and pulls. The focus of these movements is to gently stretch out the muscles of the body not so much as to cause discomfort on the patient.

There exist nine (9) principles of harmony in breema exercises:

• 
  Body comfort--Breema exercises are supposed to be relaxing and comfortable. They focus on the body as a whole in place of targeting unique parts. There is no place for discomfort in this therapy.
  


• 
  Firmness and gentleness--Breema exercises are supposed to be firm and gentle. The key to this technique is that the pressure applied to the patient needs to be firm and gentle at the same time.
  


• 
  Mutual support--The giving and receiving of support during breema therapy has to take place at the same time.
  


• 
  No haste/No pause--The therapist must maintain natural rhythm of movements while not rushing or pausing between movements.
  


• 
  No force--The activities involved in breema do not include any kind of force.
  


• 
  Individual moment/individual activity--Each of the specifically designed movements is different and functions on its own. There is a purpose in each and every movement.
  


• 
  Non-judgmental environment--Breema bodywork is conducted in an environment of non-judgment. This allows the patient to feel comfortable and accepted as they maintain present time consciousness.
  


• 
  Full participation--The patient is required to partake fully and not just lie there passively. This participation includes his mind, body, and feelings in order for breema bodywork to be effective.
  


• 
  No more extras--The goal of breema bodywork therapy is to help the patient express themselves to their fullest potential. Nothing extra is needed.

Through every breema therapy session, the patient benefits by exhibiting mental clarity, mental and physical relaxation, and balance of energy and emotions. Breema bodywork is a great form of therapy for those who want to pursue a life of balance and harmonies while at the same time nurture their body.

Relaxing Benefits of Acrosage Therapy

Acrosage therapy or also known as inversion therapy is a form of massage therapy that is combined with above-the-ground yoga that will surely make you feel good. This type of therapeutic massage aims on releasing pressure from the neck and spine. Pressure points are targeted and worked on during the elevated yoga session as a way of healing, removing stress, realigning shoulders, hips, and spine.

This unusual type of massage therapy focuses on working on the patient while being balanced and transitioned in various postures above the ground. Most of the time during the massage session, the patient is hanging balanced on the feet of the acrosage therapist. As the patient is held suspended upside down, the massage therapist then works on and conducts his massage techniques on the patient. The trust between the patients and their therapist is required in order to perform properly during the massage therapy session. Although it may seem quite scary being transitioned with your head, feet and arms hanging, there's no need for worries as acrosage sessions are done without injuries and accidents unless done by an untrained practitioner.

Benjamin Marantz was a circus acrobatics performer during the time of his discovery of this revitalizing technique. He was surprised on how wonderful and relaxing he felt as his acupressure points were worked on as he was inverted. This curiosity then led to his practice and soon development of acrosage technique. Marantz's first patients were his fellow performers in the circus he was working at during that time. As his skill in this new therapeutic massage technique was mastered, he started on treating in the public.

Marantz's idea is to give a soothing experience as the body of the patient is in many various acrobatic positions. During each positions, the practitioner works on realigning and decompressing the spine, correcting the position of the neck, shoulder and hips as well as massaging the back, arms, and feet of the patient. He believes that this form of therapeutic massage also allows the body of the patient to fully receive the benefits and effect of the massage as the head hangs freely while the neck and spine carries no pressure.

Extra oxygen is passed on to the brain and an improvement in the circulation is enjoyed after sessions of acrosage therapy. Blood circulation is also a benefit the patient can get while being suspended without having gushes of blood going to your brain unlike with some of the inverted therapies. The patient can also relax as he or she meditates while being held in a comfortable upside down posture that is ideal for improving the spirituality of the client. Good posture of the body is also acquired after series of acrosage sessions as the patient's spine is constantly checked and corrected in its ideal place.

A boost in the overall immune system is also another great benefit from the natural therapy which can be achieved with regular sessions. Although this technique has many wonderful effects to the human body, it should be done with utmost caution and care as it involves much risk when performed.

The Benefits of a Chocolate Massage

Have you tried going to spas and massage centers? Have you tried giving different parts of your body a chocolate massage? Massage is one way of alleviating pain, relaxing and rejuvenating ourselves after long hours of work at the office and at school. To know more about the benefits of chocolate massage, read the article below.

For years, men and women go to sauna and massage parlors to have massage treatment using oils, lotions, powder and other essences. Through the years, dermatologists and scientists have discovered new ingredients and formulations for use in massage parlors and spas like mud, gold, honey and oatmeal. Are you aware of the latest hype in sauna parlors and massage centers nowadays? Did you know that chocolate is not only used as comfort food but in massage parlors as well.

We already know that chocolate is one food that dieters should hinder from eating to prevent gaining additional pounds. We also know that chocolates have the ability to remove menstrual pain and to prevent drowsiness. Aside from preventing heart diseases, it is also a rich source of antioxidants needed in preventing chronic fatigue, cancer and hardening of the arteries.

Apart from these advantages to your health, dermatologists also discovered that chocolate is advantageous to use in massaging our body because of its high antioxidant levels, tryptophan, minerals and vitamins which are good to the skin. Studies show that the chemical substances found in chocolate lets you relax and feel good, comparable to eating chocolates.

Benefits of using chocolate on the skin include:

• Did you know that the theobromine content of chocolate helps burn fat and eliminate unwanted cellulite.


• Its polyphenol contains anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties.


• It contains glycerides which contain lipids and fats used to moisturize, to plump and to firm your skin.


• It contains calcium, potassium and magnesium needed for cell renewal and growth.


• It has a calming effect that reduces stress and makes your muscles feel relaxed and rejuvenated.


• It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and stretch marks.


• It improves the texture of your skin.


• It removes harmful radicals caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, dust, wind and other harmful substances found in the air.


• It leaves your skin glowing, fresh and younger looking.

How is chocolate massage done?

The first thing that masseurs do is they warm the chocolate before using it during the massage. Massage therapists sometimes incorporate warmed massage oil to thin the chocolate.

In massage parlors or spas, customers are given the option to choose which procedure they want to have, like chocolate facials, body wrap or complete chocolate massage package.

In the chocolate facials, masseurs place thin coat of chocolate on the face before massaging. This procedure is known to plump the skin, to erase lines in the skin and to make the skin look younger.

In chocolate body wrap, massage therapists use dark chocolate oil in massaging the body. They wrap the body with foil to allow the properties of chocolate to seep into the skin.

Neuromuscular Physical Therapy - Megan's Case Study

In studying Megan's case history and symptoms, key moments and events stand out in her time line of pain and dysfunction. Nine years ago, after the birth of her second child, was the first time that Megan noticed that her left foot was slightly wider and longer than her right foot. The timing of this is relevant as during the course of her pregnancy a hormone called relaxin would have been released into her system to loosen the ligaments of her pelvis in anticipation of childbirth. However, relaxin can also loosen ligaments elsewhere in the body and a longer and wider left foot would indicate the collapse of the main arches of the foot due to ligament laxity. This is one of the turning points in Megan's history that has had a detrimental effect on her health ever since. The relaxed ligaments may never have fully recovered their full stabilizing strength and when she developed a tired aching sensation in her left medial arch a few years later it was probably as a result of this. A fallen arch will lead to over pronation and this will in turn put the tibialis anterior and possibly tibialis posterior muscles under undue stress as they try to stabilize and counteract over pronation. Stressed or overwhelmed muscles will form trigger points (TPs) within them and for tibialis anterior this can refer pain anteromedially as it passes the retinaculum. TPs in the tibialis posterior will refer pain into the sole/arch of the foot. Over pronation will lead to shortened peroneus longus which will further inhibit the tibialis muscles which will further exacerbate the problem in a continuous vicious circle.

The whiplash injury experienced last year would also add to Megan's problems and since then she has experienced occasional headaches and neck stiffness. The whiplash injury almost certainly would have affected her sub occipital muscles, sternocleidomastoids (SCM), scalene and other stabilizers of the neck and spine. This whiplash would lead to improper neck movement which in turn would lead to TPs in the SCM and possibly the longus colli on one side (left) possibly due to the leg length discrepancy. TPs here would leave these muscles in a shortened state resulting in rotation of the head to the right hand side. If the longus colli is involved it result in kinetic chain problems and affect the peroneals on the lateral aspect of the lower limb further exacerbating the fallen arch. With the peroneus longus muscles in such an unhealthy state it is possible that it could have an effect on the sacrotuberous ligament of the pelvis and its ability to hold the sacrum in position. Megan states that one day last year she felt a twinge in her right sacroiliac joint while assisting an obese client up from a supine position. She experienced locking/jamming and diffuse soft tissue pain in QLs, multifidis and shooting pain into her hip. The fact that she was locked into torso flexion to the right suggests that the QLs went into spasm on the right side after insult and as we find out later her sacral base is an inch high on the right and there is posterior rotation of the right ilium with resultant postural imbalance whereby 2/3rd of Megan's weight is pressing down on her right side. This extra load and postural imbalance has led to shooting pain in the trochanteric region and referred pain on the lateral aspect of the thigh due to TPs in the weakened gluteus medius and iliotibial band issues due to the over worked tensor fasciae latae.

With all this pain getting to unbearable levels, Megan turned to prescription drugs, codeine based painkillers, antidepressants, Zoloft, anti inflammatory tablets all of which would have exacerbated her problems through time by building up toxins in her system. She was also whilst under the influence of painkillers probably injuring tissue by doing activities that she would not have done if she had her natural alarm system of pain stopping her. The elastic support belt and the taping would have made the situation worse by encouraging atrophy of supporting muscle tissue.

Megan's right shoulder is lower than the left possibly due to shortened latissimus dorsi pulling on the humerus and inhibiting upper trapezius and hypertrophy of the pectoralis minor muscle pulling the scapula forward and down.

As we consider Megan's problems, symptoms, and case history, we can appreciate that she is suffering abject pain and dysfunction up and down her functional kinetic chain. From the pain in the plantar fasciae, spastic peroneus longus, inhibited tibialis, medially rotated tibia, medial knee pain, lateral thigh pain, trochanteric pain, lumbo - sacral pelvic pain and dysfunction, posteriorally rotated right ilium, lower left anterior superior iliac spine, 2/3rd weight imbalance to right hand side, lower back pain with QLs and multifidis in a shortened state, latissimus dorsi, neck extensors and flexors all giving problems we have to ask the question as to which functional kinetic chain we are dealing with. In my opinion, considering all areas involved, it would be the spiral oblique chain.

Megan would have to be informed that her treatment will be extensive and prolonged because some issues have been there for a while and would involve neural retraining for the dysfunction and imbalances present.

• Medical screening.


• Case history.


• Postural assessment.


• ROM testing / neural testing.


• All shortened and restricted muscles would have to be relaxed / lengthened with TP therapy, METs, positional release / strain- counterstrain.


• Inhibited muscles would have to be fired and strengthened with tapotement, METs and strengthening exercises.


• Any areas of bind would need STR, cross fiber friction etc.


• A consideration would be referral for PCIs to address the pronating left foot initially with a plan to strengthen that area long term.


• Megan's nutrition was not mentioned but I would be referring her to a specialist in that field to ensure that she has no nutritional deficiencies that would hinder the healing process.

The Nervous System and the Benefits of Swedish Massage Therapy

Swedish massage stimulates your central nervous system to sooth and calm your nerves. By doing so, it reduces stress and tension in both a physical and psychological sense. This is why Swedish massage is often recommended as an important part of a stress management program for people who are otherwise naturally predisposed to suffering from elevated stress levels.

Your body's nervous system is responsible for sending, receiving and carrying nerve impulses around your body. It is the main control unit in your body and these nerve impulses allow your organs and muscles to work efficiently.

Nerve impulses are electrochemical signals carrying information, which travel from your brain to nerves around your body. The stresses and strains of everyday life can affect the smooth running of the nervous system and this where massage therapy can help alleviate the problems this causes.

The skin is the body's largest sensory organ of the body, and when it is touched thousands of tiny nerve receptors send messages to the brain. These are interpreted and returned to the muscles. When the muscles are massaged the body's natural painkillers, endorphins, are triggered which send messages of calm and relaxation. If vigorous massage strokes are applied, the skin's underlying muscles are stimulated, easing tension and stiffness.

Massage can have a very powerful sedative effect on the nerves and problems such as headaches can be relieved, patterns of insomnia broken, tension, stress and anxiety relieved, as well as encouraging relaxed muscles.

The effect of a Swedish massage on the nervous system depends on the reaction of the nerves stimulated. Depending on the type of massage strokes used, the nervous system can be stimulated or soothed creating a calming and relaxed state of well being in the receiver.

The Benefits of massage on the nervous system are:

1. Stimulates blood circulation and the nervous system's response enhancing your well being and boosting your energy

2. Reduces stress, tension and anxiety which can result in headaches, backaches, neck pain, eyestrain, poor concentration, depression, irritability, anger

3. Improves nerve function

4. Massage therapy relaxes contracted muscles which press on or pinch nerves, causing tingling, numbness and pain.

5. Helps treat insomnia caused by tense muscles. Massage therapy relaxes them and allows you to have a good night's sleep

6. Helps balance the nervous system

7. Stimulates the release of endorphins which are the body's natural painkillers thus decreasing pain

8. Massage relaxes and tones the muscles due to its effect its effect on the neuro-muscular reflex pathways.

9. Depending on the type and length of a massage given it will leave you relaxed yet stimulated

10. Massage stimulates the touch, pressure, and receptors of the skin and underlying tissue.

If anyone suffers from any problems caused by the dysfunction of their nervous system then a Swedish massage is the answer to their problems. With a little practice anyone can learn a few strokes to alleviate and improve a person's health and well being.

Massage Therapy Technique - Using Your Hand to Glide Over Fascia

Have you ever removed the skin off turkey when preparing a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving? Are you familiar with the thin, transparent, membranous substance underneath the skin and surrounding muscle? That substance is called fascia. It resembles saran wrap and covers every cell, muscle, bone, and organ in the human body. It also forms a uniform, continuous lining underneath your skin. It is thought that meridians travel through this see-through substance, and that is why you feel the results of meridian therapy very quickly in many different places in your body.

In the human body, fascia has approximately 2,000 pounds of tensile strength. What that means is that fascia can withstand forces up to 60 miles an hour before tearing. Furthermore, fascia can carry electrical impulses faster than nervous tissue.

If you are considering getting a massage and want to know what fascia feels like, just take your hand and put it over your leg or other arm with minimal pressure. Allow your hand to sink into your skin. Feel for the muscle and fat layer underneath your skin. Then let off on the pressure from your hand and gently move your skin so that it slides over the muscle and/or tissue below. It is this fascia that allows your skin to glide smoothly over your muscle and tissue underneath.

The next time your prepare turkey for Thanksgiving, try this skin sliding technique on the turkey. You may be surprised by what you find.

If you decide to cut up a turkey before sticking it in the oven, locate the fascia underneath the skin and the covering of the outside surface of the muscle. Try to use this sliding method to find fascia.

Physical Therapy and Direct Access

Physical Therapists have historically been required to work under the direction of a referring physician. While this has been a relationship that has worked in the past, the profession of Physical Therapy is growing with advanced degrees now required of all new graduates to have their Masters in Physical Therapy and more programs offering a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. As Physical Therapists and the profession of Physical Therapy advances, the relationship between the therapist and the physician must be redefined.

In order for a client to seek the services of a Physical Therapist, they have been previously required to see their primary care physician first for an initial assessment. The primary care physician then had the option of writing a referral to therapy services or referring the patient to a specialist such as an orthopedist, cardiologist, neurologist, or one of many other specialists. While this diagnostic assessment is critical to the success of the patient and the therapist, the time it took the patient to be processed through these systems has been extensive. With more time lapsing, the patient often suffered from increasing pain and decreasing function. Without the immediate intervention and education provided by a Physical Therapist to compliment the ongoing diagnostic assessments, patients have had to unnecessarily wait to solicit and initiate the services of a Physical Therapist.

Over the past several years, the National American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in cooperation with each state's Physical Therapy Association has lobbied congress for Direct Access in each state. Direct access, as stated by the APTA, "is the ability of a physical therapist to provide evaluation and treatment to patients without the need for a physician referral. At this time, more than 35 states have some form of direct access as part of their state practice act. Physical therapists in states that currently have restrictions to direct access are actively working with those state legislatures to make the changes needed to permit patients/clients to having access to care."

As the nation accepts Direct Access for Physical Therapy services, clients will now be able to go directly to a therapist for assessment and treatment. In most states, it is still required for patients to follow up with their primary care physician or specialist as a script for therapy services is still required to continue ongoing PT treatment. This immediate access to therapeutic care in cooperation and conjunction with the diagnostic assessment of the physicians and supporting medical community leads to a much higher rate of success in a timely manner for the individual seeking services.

The National APTA has issued a Vision Statement for Physical Therapy services over the next 12 years. The APTA Vision Statement for Physical Therapy 2020 is "Physical therapy, by 2020, will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy and who may be board-certified specialists. Consumers will have direct access to physical therapists in all environments for patient/client management, prevention, and wellness services. Physical therapists will be practitioners of choice in patients'/clients' health networks and will hold all privileges of autonomous practice."

More Physical Therapists are graduating from college with their Doctorate of Physical Therapy. There is also a growing trend of practicing Physical Therapists with their Bachelors and Masters Degrees to go back to school to earn advanced degrees in order to achieve the Vision of the APTA. As advanced clinicians, we are now able to achieve and support the APTA's vision to provide direct access to Physical Therapy services in our communities.

Pregnancy Massage - How to Choose a Prenatal Massage Therapist for You and Your Baby

When you become pregnant, your health and wellness options become vitally important. The health benefits of receiving massage during your pregnancy are numerous. But like all other decisions about your prenatal health, choosing a massage therapist should be done with thought and investigation.

How are the health of mother and baby improved by receiving prenatal massage?

Massage therapy is always useful for relaxation, pain relief, and loosening tight muscles. Pregnant women can expect those same great effects from massage, plus some that help the baby and pregnancy conditions, too.

A few benefits of receiving prenatal massage include:

• Enhances nutrient and oxygen flow for mother and baby
  


• Reduces swelling
  


• Promotes relaxation and tension relief
  


• Decreases hip and pelvic pain
  


• Relaxes painful areas like back and hips
  


• Loosens tight muscles and stiff joints

How is pregnancy massage different from other massage?

Most massage styles are founded in relaxing Swedish massage. Some therapists also use more therapeutic approaches for medical conditions and chronic tensions.

Pregnancy massage is mostly a modification of Swedish massage. The therapist makes accommodations so that the client (you, the Mom-to-be) is comfortable and peaceful.

Prenatal massage is always relaxing, with many therapeutic effects. However, massage therapists express that it becomes increasingly difficult as the mother grows larger to provide Deep Tissue and firmer pressure during the massage. This is mainly due to positioning of the client on the table.

Again, relaxation is the goal, moreso than deep, clinical application.

How do I know which massage therapist to see for my prenatal massage?

You will find relief in the hands of almost any massage therapist who offers prenatal massage. However, choosing the best therapist for you and your baby's needs can make a huge difference in your experience.

If you and your therapist are an exceptional "fit", you'll want to get pregnant all over again just to keep getting regular massages!

First, choose a massage therapist who is certified and specially-trained in prenatal massage. And one who seeks prenatal clients because they are excited to support your pregnancy and good health.

Avoid getting massages from therapists who are not specially trained, or who seem even-slightly hesitant about working on a pregnant woman. There are many passionate, caring, and qualified therapists to be found.

Next, interview your prospective therapist. Join them for a cup of tea. Ask about their background, and what other kinds of wellness care they provide.

If the massage therapist has a background in another health field, they may be more competent to answer questions and adjust their treatments to your body's changing needs. For example, a therapist who is also a midwife or doula can help your delivery. A therapist who also practices fitness training can offer exercise guidelines that are safe and effective for your prenatal fitness needs. A therapist who was formally a nurse will know how gestational diabetes and edema contribute to your pregnancy, and to your massage experience.

Trust your instincts. If you meet a massage therapist who does not seem to understand your lifestyle, or who does not agree with your healthcare choices, you are free to seek another therapist.

As your pregnancy progresses, you may wish to get more frequent massages. Monthly may become bi-monthly, and then weekly, depending on your needs and physical challenges that arise.

Like any other choice you make about your pregnancy or your baby's health, your choices in health and wellness providers are based on long-term relationships of no less than nine months. Your prenatal massage therapist should be chosen with these same considerations.

Concerns About The Physical Therapist Assistant Salary

If you are planning a career in physical therapy and concerned about the physical therapist assistant salary, then don't be! For years, the medical profession has been the most looked upon and wanted career. With the emerging health concerns, the demand for health care professionals continues to increase. Those who want to pursue this career without getting involved in intricate procedures opt for the physical therapy field. There has been high demand of physical therapists and their assistants and ultimately, has resulted in continuous increase in their salaries.

As a physical therapist assistant, you have the possibility to work either full time or part time. Whichever you choose, it offers quite a competitive package. However, various factors affect what you can make per year. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage in this field was $51,110 for May 2011 with $24.57 as the mean hourly wage. These average figures are only for guidance, as the actual physical therapist assistant salary you may draw at the yearend may be somewhat different.

Time spent on the job, performance, skills, qualification, the state you're practicing in and type of facility; all have a lot of influence on your compensation package.

• Like all occupations, amount paid at the entry level is lower, but then you work to move your scale up. Here, performance plays a major role on how quickly you can attract higher income figures after probation period.


• Type of facility, i.e. whether you're working for a hospital, with a sports team, at a private clinic, homecare services or nursing care facilities; affect the amount of salary. Nursing and homecare facilities are considered to be the highest paying. The annual mean wage was $60,090 for home health care facilities in May 2011. Surgical units and general medical care are also amongst other high paying institutions.


• A physical therapist assistant salary also varies state to state. Low income states, offer lower compensation as compared to high income. For instance, Texas is considered to be the highest paying, around $62,000 per annum as compared to South Dakota with $33,000 per year as the lowest.

What you're earning today, you will not be earning tomorrow. Because you'll be making higher than what you are today! This law generally applies to most of us. But, to get that, requires hard work and dedication. The job of a PTA is challenging as well as very demanding. It not only requires to have the basic education and training but in order to be at par with the new techniques and procedures, it is important to keep oneself updated. Also one way of increasing income is by acquiring additional certifications and trainings, such as, athletes training certification, life support certifications etc. This not only gives you better and more specialized skills but also makes you an imperative part of your team.

Hence, the physical therapist assistant salary has been growing at an above average rate, despite hard economic times. And it's positive employment outlook is expected to have an upbeat impact on the salaries too.

5 Questions You Should Ask a Massage Therapist Before Booking an Appointment

Massage has become widely popular over the last few years. In a lot of cities, there is a massage center or day spa on every other corner. Massages are also becoming more affordable. And massage schools are popping up all over the place.

Although this can be exciting news for the industry, how does it affect the consumer? Well, anytime something becomes more mainstream, popular, and profitable, it also has the potential to become watered down. This increase in quantity usually means a decrease in quality.

So how do you ensure you receive a quality massage? Here are 5 questions you should ask any massage therapist before hiring them:

1. What types of massage do you specialize in?
This is especially important to ensure the therapist's preferred style of massage matches yours. There are well over 50 different types of massage styles. If a massage therapist focuses on sports massage and deep tissue massage, and you are more interested in relaxation and you hate painful massages, then this is not the therapist for you. If you are unsure of the different types of massage, ask the therapist, "what are the benefits of your massage?" and "how will I feel after your massage?" This will help you determine if this massage is right for you.

2. What training and certifications do you have?
This question helps determine the quality of the massage therapist. There are a lot of massage schools more interested in profit and business, than in training qualified massage therapists. In fact, I know a few schools who have business teachers on staff and no massage therapists.

Also, you want to make sure that the therapist is certified. There is a National Certification Agency for massage therapists called, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). All states do not require a national certification, although you can be sure that therapist who acquire it are dedicated to their craft since it requires them to take a standardized test. To find out which states require NCBTMB, go to http://www.ncbtmb.org.

As long as the Massage Therapist is licensed in your respective state, they have followed the required certification requirements.

3. Do you have testimonials you can share?
Find out what others have said about the potential massage therapist you are thinking of going to. This is one of the best ways to evaluate any type of bodywork therapist. If the therapist does not have testimonials on their website, you may not want to hire them.

If you are hiring a therapist for an in home massage, you may also want to ask if there are any clients you can e-mail as references. This will help you check the quality of the massage and professionalism of the therapist.

4. What do you do for stress relief?
Make sure the massage therapist practices what they preach. If they do not regularly schedule time to relax and take care of their health, how can they really guide you in relieving stress?

Also, consider that massage is a type of relaxation therapy in where touch is used to manipulate soft tissue. And this same touch can transfer stress from the therapist to the client.

The state of mind of the therapist can affect your session. If the massage therapist is stressed during the massage, they can transfer that state of stress to you, which is one of the reasons I don't suggest going to a massage studio that requires therapist to perform 6 or 7 massages a day. Can you imagine the poor quality of massage the 6th or 7th person receives? Who wants to receive massage from an exhausted massage therapist.

Those who take their craft seriously will incorporate it into their own lives.

5. How long have you been practicing?
The average life span of a massage therapist is very short: 1-3 years. If the therapist has been practicing for more than three years, this shows real dedication. Massage is a craft that you truly learn through the experience of actually working on real people. So make sure your therapist has invested some time in the field.

If the therapist has been practicing for 10 or more years, ask them how they continue to improve their craft. Make sure they still take continuing education classes to stay on top of new developments in the field.

These questions will guarantee you find a qualified massage therapist. Lastly, any therapist who respects and enjoys the art of massage will be ready and willing to answer all of your questions. If a therapist does not return your phone call promptly or seems frustrated by your questions, then I strongly suggest you stop doing business with them. You want their professionalism to be top notch during your first encounter. If it's not, it's likely to continue to decline.

Massage is relaxation therapy. Why pay someone for stress relief when they cause you more stress?

These questions may seem detailed, but how many strangers do you hire that you share such an intimate space with? Massage is psycho-somatic, meaning there's a physical component and psychological component. So make sure your therapist is qualified before you get on their table.

Learn the Art of a Good Facial Massage

One of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and relaxed is to get a facial massage from an expert. It helps remove dirt and dead cells besides reducing the wrinkles on the face. A facial is an instant way to a glowing and dirt free skin. You can learn the art of a good facial massage if you want to make a career as a beauty specialist.

First, understand the types of facials and their benefits.

Different types and benefits of skin facial:

Facial has several advantages, which not only makes the skin glowing, but also keeps the skin-tight and wrinkle-free through the soothing massage. However, it is recommended to keep your skin type in mind before selecting a facial. Not all kinds of facials suit all skin textures.

Once you enroll in a beauty school, you would receive the training on the best facial treatment that suits a skin type.

a) Normal facial: This facial involves simple cleansing and massaging. A normal facial is good for people with a normal skin type that is not prone to acne or oil accumulation. Such facials are less expensive as compared to several other facials.

b) Acne Facials: This is a recommended treatment for teenagers and adults who are suffering from different skin problems, specifically acne. Such facials involve cleansing, followed by an enzyme or acid exfoliation treatment, and a warm vapor mist.

c) Special facials: These are special facials meant to improve your skin texture. According to the skin type, face packs are applied. This facial is recommended for people with a sensitive skin type.

Career as a beauty therapist:

With the growing demand and the desire to look gorgeous, the need for professional experts in saloons, health centers and spas have increased over the years. You need to browse through the internet and search for the best beauty school. Enroll in a reputed beauty training school to learn the art and science of facial and beauty. A number of institutes teach candidates to do proper make-up, how to act as a consultant for clients, give skin treatment, analyze the skin type and suggest the type of facial.

What you will learn from a professional course on facials?

• How to study the skin type of the client
• On skin allergies and how to deal with them
• Know about the various facial types
• Suggest the treatment that is best suitable for their skin type - whether dry, oily or acne prone.

Beauty therapy courses teach you about different facial techniques, both theoretically and practically. Get a hand on experience for a better exposure.

Facial is the first step towards being a professional beautician. Make-up courses give practical exposure to candidates to learn a-z on beauty. A degree from a reputed beauty school brings in excellent employment opportunities and lucrative salary packages.