University Requirements For Becoming an Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapy is a health profession that assists people with physical or mental impairments to engage in their daily routines. An occupational therapist may work with families and individuals, to encourage activity. This is achieved by modifying the environment, learning or re-learning skills, adjusting the activity, or facilitating mental or physical rehabilitation.

Occupational therapists are accredited at the Masters level through university study. To be admitted to a Master of Occupational Therapy program, the student must hold an accredited Bachelors degree in any subject. However, there are prerequisites that should be fulfilled at the undergraduate level. These vary from school to school, but most require at least a B average at 300 and 400 level courses; three credits in Human Anatomy at the 300 level, with an emphasis on gross musculature; three credits in social sciences; three credits in behavioral sciences. Some also require a course in statistics. Seventy hours of volunteer or work experience with people who have cognitive, physical or emotional disabilities are also required before admission to some graduate programs in Occupational Therapy. Some programs also require courses in physiology, child development, and developmental psychology of adolescents and adults. A prospective student must also display competence in the English language.

The exceptions to these prerequisites is the School of Occupational Therapy at University of Western Ontario, School of Rehabilitative Therapy at Queen's University, and School of Physical and Occupational Therapy at McGill University which require only the completion of a four-year undergraduate degree with a minimum B average in the last ten full courses.

The School of Rehabilitative Science at McMaster University requires only one course in biologic or life science, and one course in social science or humanities. School of Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University requires six credits in human physiology, and three credits in human anatomy. The program at McGill incorporates a qualifying year, which ensures that all participants in the program have the same basis for continuing studies at the graduate level.

The Masters programs all cover a core of courses and clinical practicum to prepare the student for work in a variety of settings. These courses cover the theory of occupational therapy, health conditions and occupations, professional practice, human anatomy, assessment and analysis, wellness by design of technology, research methodology, social influences on occupational performance, neuroscience, pharmacology, and applied research.

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is the body overseeing the certification of Occupational Therapists. Schools offering the program meet the criteria of CAOT for their students. CAOT is affiliated with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, meaning that graduates who complete a program in Canada meet the criteria to be licensed in countries that recognize the WFOT guidelines. Upon completion of studies, the graduate will be certified by the CAOT after writing the Certification Examination. CAOT also offers continuing education courses to its members.

Each province also has a regulatory body for the practice of Occupational Therapy and provincial associations. Many provincial organizations also offer continuing education for practitioners in their province.

The field of Occupational Therapy requires a lot of study and training. It is a great choice for those who want both a rewarding and lucrative career helping people function in their daily activities.

9 Benefits of Getting a Massage With Herbal Oil

It has been hotly debated whether or not the massage therapist should use herbal oil as part of the general massage of the entire body. As a recipient of regular massage, I find that the oil benefits me greatly by reducing the friction between me and the therapist's hands.

Whether or not the massage therapist uses oil, there are health benefits to getting a massage.

A good massage:

1. Relieves high blood pressures and promotes normal blood pressure.
   


2. Relieves stress-related disorders associated with sleeplessness and headaches.
   


3. Relieves many kinds of aches and pains especially in the joints.
   


4. Promotes normal heart rhythm and increases the efficiency of the heart.
   


5. Enhances skin tone and increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs.
   


6. Relieves depression and anxiety.
   


7. Improves muscle tone and increases mobility and flexibility.
   


8. Relieves indigestion and constipation and helps to remove gastrointestinal gases associated with bloating and flatulence.
   


9. Stimulates the lymphatic system by promoting the elimination of waste products, such as lactic acid, from your cells and tissues. This lactic acid can contribute to joint and muscle stiffness.

Keep in mind that a good massage is not the answer to cure or treat any disorder. It is simply a procedure to rejuvenate, repair wasted tissues, promote energy, and enhance function in the bodily organs. It is natural to feel relaxed and energized when the body has received a proper massage especially when more fatigued or ailing body parts receive a good massage.

It is incorrect to assume that a good massage is possible through the use of oils on the body. Each client is different and will have his/her preferences. The use of oils is only one aspect of massage therapy. There are other techniques within the profession of massage therapy that are practiced regularly. They include but are not limited to reflexology, shiatsu, panchakarma, Swedish/Western massage, Thai massage, and myofascial release.

Massage therapy is not an absolute way to obtaining optimal health. It does not replace traditional medicine. Massage therapy helps to relax your muscles, remove mental and physical fatigue, improve circulation, improve digestion, and give you an increased sense of well-being

Physical Therapy Assistant Duties, Education And Expected Salary

There are some positions in the field of medicine which offer people opportunities other than basic nursing. A physical therapy assistant works with patients who have undergone certain procedures, in order to help them regain the function of their muscles. This type of work is often classified as rehabilitative and is frequently given to people who have undergone surgery for the removal of a limb. People who work in this field are often employed by hospitals, but can be employed by medical centers such as burn units or government operated facilities.

People who want to work as assistants in the field of physical therapy will need to possess an associate degree. The courses covered in this program will include those in the fields of biology, chemistry and anatomy. People who work in health care professions are also required to take some type of psychology course during their studies. This type of program will incorporate two parts to the learning experience. Students will be required to have a certain number of classroom hours as well as clinical experience. The hands on training provided in a clinical setting is extremely valuable when learning how to properly care for people with debilitating conditions.

Some of the tasks a physical therapy assistant performs includes applying compresses to sore or stiff muscles. The compresses can be designed to transfer heat to the affected area in order to stimulate the flow of blood. This person will also be trained in the proper use of all of the related equipment used for therapy purposes. As an assistant, the health care worker will oversee the patient's use of the equipment and provide help when needed. Physical therapy also includes providing physical exercise to increase range of motion, which can be given without the use of machines.

The amount of money a person can earn in this field, will depend on where there are employed and how long they are employed in their position. People who receive bachelor degrees can earn more money then those who earn their associate degree. A starting salary for this position ranges between twenty and forty thousand dollars a year. People who have been employed for eighteen or more years can expect to earn as much as seventy-five thousand dollars as their yearly salary. These amounts do not include the wages paid for overtime hours or the health care benefit packages included with employment.

Massage and Your Exercise Program

While massage has been most commonly regarded as simply a service to help you relax, there are actually numerous benefits that your body experiences. For those who are seeking to achieve a healthy body and overall wellness, massages can play an essential role in your fitness agenda.

As we exercise, our bodies expend energy. Our muscles can become sore or even strained, especially during the first few fitness sessions we undergo. And like a car, we sometimes need a tune-up in order to continue functioning at 100%.

Helping body functions

The most commonly renowned benefit of a massage is to loosen and relax the muscles. During a workout, lactic acid can form in the muscles, which is what causes the "muscle burn" we feel the day after. This happens when these bodily chemicals accumulate in the muscle tissue, causing a burning feeling, but it can also leave you with little desire to get moving again. Lactic acid is commonly the result of lack of oxygen in the muscle tissue and forms as a result of muscle activity. This irritation commonly dissipates within a few days, but not before lactic acid has hindered the tissue's ability to metabolize minerals and nutrients properly.

By massaging the muscles, you can recover from soreness or injury and even prevent it in the future. This is because the massage provides more oxygen and nutrients to the surrounding tissues. Blood flow is increased to the areas, specifically the muscles. Because the muscles are responsible for movement and ultimately play a key role in converting food into fuel, their proper function is essential to any fitness agenda.

In addition to increasing blood flow, massages increase the body's ability to detoxify itself by pushing chemicals out of the muscles. Toxins, including lactic acid, are able to be transferred out of their stored status and back into circulation. Because the toxins are being removed from the body, be sure to drink plenty of water to help eliminate them properly.

At the physical level, massage therapy will chemically help return wellness and increase your natural healing ability. Without the harmful toxins that could hinder your fitness agenda, your body will be less susceptible to injury and far more efficient. Even though the lymph system and liver are primarily responsible for eliminating toxins, the toxins can still accumulate and are normally stored in fatty and muscular tissues, making it difficult to properly process them. Sources of the toxins can vary anywhere between unhealthy diets to contaminants in the air we breathe. They can even be by-products of the body's natural processes, such as lactic acid. By incorporating regular massages into your fitness agenda, you can help your body eliminate these toxins

A mental boost

While the muscles are often regarded as receiving the most benefit, there is also a psychological advantage to massages. The mental affects can come in the two different types of both chemical and emotional healing. Together, these benefits help the mind respond and function properly to ensure wellness in its entirety.

Chemically, your brain is apt to boost serotonin and dopamine, which are hormones within the body that make you feel good. During the process of the massage, you are able to relax and enjoy the experience, allowing for these naturally secreted chemicals to boost your mood. This is a natural and healthy way to increase confidence and initiative. But that's not all it does, since it is also known to lower the stress hormone cortisol. Both of these effects combined will not only affect your mood, but also increase your body's resistance to negativity.

As your body experiences these positive effects, you will also find yourself in a better emotional state. A body that feels great along with a mind that functions clearly provide you with the exact tools you need to remain positive. Emotionally, you are also put in a far better state of mind that will allow you to focus and achieve your goals. It isn't just because you experience the internal changes secreted in your brain, it comes from a conglomeration of effects that result from the body's relaxation and increased healing that causes your muscles and mind to respond well to during and after massages.

For the active person, regular massages can prove to be a beneficial asset to any fitness program. You can increase the body's healing abilities and overall function, while at the same time positively affecting your mind. Throughout the body, the massage provides a great number of advantages that will help you achieve overall well-being.

How to Become a High End Massage Therapist

It takes much more than a desire to make money to become monetarily successful in a Massage Therapy Career. Don't be afraid to develop your empathetic side, and care for your clients' well-being. To become a true healer, it will need to come from the inside, out. Bring true value to your practice and your will gain loyal clients and an excellent reputation.

There are many levels of possible income for a masseuse. Some work for corporations making very little money, others work independently and make six figures, picking and choosing their clients. Many are somewhere in between. Decide what your Massage Therapy Career will be. Make a plan. Choose a course of action, writing a clear and workable business plan.

Make the most of your education. Choose a good school with a good name. Take classes that interest you even if they seem to reflect alternative thinking. Your passion will be reflected in your practice. Continue your education once you have reached the required hours. Learn much and learn it well. Ask questions of successful masseuse practitioners.

Develop relationships with fellow students who share your passion and high standards. Networking is key to marketing and beginning to develop your reputation. Fiercely guard your reputation. It is everything.

Treat every client and potential client as if they are very important to you. Your massage skill is only part of your healing potential. Your connection to them as people will serve you well in your career, as return clients and word of mouth are very important in your Massage Career. Maintain very high standards during each interaction with a client.

Develop a niche and become known for it. Refer people to friends in the field if they seek something you don't offer. It will come back to you in good ways. Target a particular clientele and find out how to access these people. Spend time marketing yourself. Athletes and celebrities are high paying gigs if you have confidence and a genuinely likable personality.

Some of the Important Benefits of Sports Massage

For professional athletes maintaining muscle condition and suppleness is not just a beneficial perk it is a vital component of their training regimen. When your lively hood depends on your body operating at its full potential, risking a torn ligament or a pulled muscle is just not worth it. Maintaining peak physical conditioning at all times, being constantly prepared for sports activity requires a lot of different practices. So massage techniques specially designed for sports people have come about and been integrated into most professional athletes repertoire of training practices.

Big league soccer teams, American football teams, basketball teams and any other sport where global excellence in sporting acumen must be matched with almost superhuman levels of physicality will typically have a sports masseur or even a team of massage specialists on hand to keep the athletes ready for play.

Before matches it is used to help loosen up muscles as part of a stretching and limbering routine to help prevent any cramps or strains occurring during the match or event. It has the added benefit of helping the athlete relax and focus their mind in preparation for the match which can require levels of concentration as intense as the levels of fitness required.

Of course, having the therapist there on the sidelines of a match is necessary for when an athlete does eventually strain a muscle or a tendon during play. Again, after the match or event, therapeutic sports massage can help muscles in the cooling down phase after intense activity and help the muscles in their natural healing process by moving blood through the area to allow for new muscle cells to form.

But for the rest of us who are not multimillionaire sports superstars this kind of massage therapy may seem superfluous. The fact is its just as important for ordinary fitness as it is for professionals. A professional athlete's body is conditioned over years for intense activity. For those of us who can only make it to the gym a few times a week or play with a local team for fitness at the weekends muscle injuries are a much more likely occurrence. And puling a muscle in your neck or leg can mean you miss a week of work or at least make it very uncomfortable. A professional athlete may only have a few weeks of actual events they have to attend throughout the year so are more likely to have the time to rest an injury.

Finding time on a lunch break once or twice a week for a sports massage can ensure that you don't receive any injuries that may put you out of work for a few days. Even if an injury doesn't prevent you from working it will likely prevent you from working out. Anyone who has an ordinary day job knows how quickly you can get out of shape just from missing a week or two of training. Months of hard work sweating at the gym or the pool can be undone in a few days of being stuck on the couch.

Massage Therapy for High Blood Pressure

There has been a recent study by Boris Prilutsky, MA, and Victor Gura, M.D., concerning the benefits that might be derived from medical massage by those who suffer from hypertension that is caused by arterial hypertension.

In the United States, it is estimated that as many as 70 million people suffer from hypertension. Of that 70 million, only about 8% are diagnosed with an actual cause for the high blood pressure, such as kidney insufficiency, a tumor on the adrenal gland, or narrowing of the aorta. A full 2% are simply diagnosed with essential hypertension. It is the same condition. It is just a condition without a named cause.

The study conducted by Gura and Prilutsky determined that most hypertension patients with musculoskeletal abnormalities can benefit from medical massage. There were only six patients involved in this study.

Medical massage therapy is defined as a soft-tissue mobilization method. The massage causes an acceleration of blood flow and lymphatic drainage as well as a mechanical breakdown of soft tissue calcifications. The objectives of the pilot study was to determine whether or not the elimination of musculoskeletal abnormalities in the reflex zones would cause the elimination of pain in the neck and upper back as well as headaches, increase range of motion, and cause a reduction in blood pressure.

Cardio examinations and blood pressure readings were taken before the start of treatments and again after they concluded. Each participant received a medical massage treatment every other day for a total of 15 treatments. That was followed by a two-week break, after which another course of 15 treatments was administered.

At the end of the study, all participants reported the disappearance of their pain. It was also evident that symptoms were eliminated from reflex zones and blood pressure readings returned to the normal range.

Physical Therapy Jobs - Participating in Health and Recovery

Careers that include physical therapy jobs are in demand! If you are thinking about becoming a PT or you are already one, healthcare staffing agencies can help you which connects those who have obtained a degree with health care professionals. Educational institutions, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, and physician's offices are continually looking for qualified candidates. Some other avenues for employment include acute care, home health care, and rehab units.

Physical therapists address problems that a patient has due to an accident of some kind. Sports injuries are common in this area. Many times the patient has a disabling or chronic condition. Some of these are sprains, fractures, and arthritis, burns, stroke, or back and neck injuries. Also included can be amputations, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Physical therapy jobs encompass joining and practicing with other professionals. This includes consulting with primary care physicians, nurses, and dentists, and audiologists. Often educators and social workers are contacted. Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists can also form the team that comes together to aid the injured patient.

Physical therapy jobs take place in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or private offices that have specially equipped facilities. Sometimes it is appropriate to administer treatment in the patient's home, office, or hospital room. It is very important the physical therapist to possess a good amount of bodily strength. Helping the person get to and from treatment areas is often required. They provide assistance daily with exercises or help the patient on and off equipment or massage tables. PTs also spend a majority of the day on their feet, including kneeling, stooping, bending, crouching, or lifting treatment equipment.

40 hour work weeks are the average for physical therapy jobs. Sometimes therapists work nights or weekends to accommodate patient schedules. Part-time work is also common for PTs. In a survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, more than three quarters of PTs surveyed reported being "very satisfied" with their occupation. So what are you waiting for? Contact a specialist today, online or by telephone. A team is also available to talk about exciting new opportunities in this field of helping people recover from trauma and injuries. Candidates for this profession need a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Passing scores on national and state examinations are also required to enter this field.

Is A Massage Therapist Career Right For You?

It's no secret that more people are looking for new careers. Probably the biggest reason is the current state of the economy. With so many people out of a job, or in a job with shrinking hours and benefits, people are looking for a new skill set that will sustain them and their families for years to come. One popular field many are getting into is massage therapy. But is it all that some think it is? Here's a closer look at what you can expect as a massage therapist.

To begin with, you'll have to be state licensed and certified. Some states will also require that you have a business license and carry insurance! Not only that, but some are requiring 4 years of training and school before you can sit for the certification test! Sure, there are still states that allow a Bachelor degree or trade school degree to be eligible for certification, but more and more are going with longer school requirements. It will pay to check to see what your state requires.

Many people who enter this field so so because they think there's fast and easy money to be made. Such is not the case. Sure, you have a few individuals making over $50,000 per year as a Massage Therapist, but these individuals have been doing this many years and have worked hard building up a loyal client list.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate that the salary of an experienced therapist is around $16 an hour. So that means that beginners will earn even less. The sad fact is that many beginners will leave this field in a matter of years due to several circumstances, low pay being one of them.

If you're lucky as a massage therapist, you'll find a salon or agency to work for. I think the lure of this business is that you can be your own boss and have low start up cost. But if you dig deeper, you'll see it may not be as economical to start up as your own boss as you think.

You'll have to buy all your equipment. If you'll be working out of your home, you'll need to dedicate one room to nothing other than a massage room. I'd say it was a safe bet to say that most beginners work out of their cars. They meet their clients at their homes or place of business to perform massages. They also work all kinds of strange hours in order to fit in picky clients. This isn't for everyone and is also one reason so many choose to leave the field after getting into it.

Finally, you'll have to put up with a wide range of personalities, not all of them good either. Some folks think that if they're paying your, they call the shots. They can be demanding and heartless. If you're the type of person who wears your heart on your sleeves, then you may want to look at another line of work!

But if you decide to stick it out, then you may find being a massage therapist as a rewarding and enlightening career choice!

How to Build Your Massage Therapy Business

Spending time promoting your massage therapy business yourself may not be the most fun thing to do but it is an important part of developing your business. It is just one of those things you need to do if you want to be successful.

As a massage therapist you are probably more interested in the practical aspect. After all, that is what you went to college for wasn't it? That is what interested you the most, becoming a massage therapist, being able to heal clients, not the business promotion.

As a massage therapist you have a business you want to promote, your business, your massage therapy business. So how do you do this successfully?

Well there are many ways you can try. Design some leaflets, well yes that's a good idea but what do you put in them? How do you make them catch your prospective clients eye? And where do you distribute your leaflets for maximum impact?

You could make a YouTube video of your massage business - that could be very interesting! But you could find your self being shut down if someone got the wrong idea, if you weren't marketing it correctly.

You could run an advert in your local paper. Well written articles go a long way in promoting your business, and especially press releases - however they may not reach the clientele you are looking for and can be rather expensive if you don't get it right first time.

Let me tell you, I know promoting your massage therapy business does not have to be expensive, it does not have to be time consuming and it can be hugely successful when you get it right and above all it can be easy - when you know how.

Save yourself the hard work. Don't go down the road of trial and error. Enjoy the easy life. Understand how the most successful massage therapists operate. Get into their mindset and copy their ways.

Understand how to market your massage therapy in the newspaper, where to position those ads and never have to worry about getting clients again. Capture those clients within the first few sentences. Learn what to do and what not to do when advertising your massage business.

Getting it right can transform your massage therapy business. Once you understand how to promote your business your client list will grow and grow. Your earning potential can go through the roof. You can have the massage therapy business you have always dreamed of.

The Benefits of Using Massage Chairs

Massages are as popular today as they have ever been. However, these days, you can pick lots of options on how your massage can be done, including whether it is done by human beings or machines.

Lots of individuals use massage to relax themselves especially after work. Massage is known to be the simplest type of remedial care and it's very effective in relieving pain. Massage therapy is the use of touch to work on with muscles and soft tissues in a person's body. It's being performed for several reasons together with the treatment of painful ailments, reducing stress, decompressing an overworked muscles, rehabilitating injuries commonly to sports injuries as well as promoting overall health.

Most clients seek massage often because of its remedial benefits and the relaxation it gives. Though there are lots of massage therapists, but some people prefer instead to own a massage chair. Massage chairs are becoming popular because it can give various kind of massage that some massage therapist can't give.

Almost all individuals would like to have an everyday massage and going to massage center or hiring massage therapist can be costly and not all individuals can afford it. In such cases, the best solution is to own a massage chair. These chairs are made from many different manufacturers throughout the world, and come in a wide variety of price ranges. They are also increasingly energy efficient and most models do not need lots of electrical power anymore.

Many people are very happy to have this modern day convenience in their home. Although they may seem to cost a lot up front, in the end they can actually save you a lot of money when compared to seeing a human therapist on a regular schedule. You can use the money that you may have previously used on paying for your massage sessions on other necessary things instead after you have purchased your chair.

But not only can they save you money - they are also very convenient to use. You will be able to use your own chair anytime you feel the need for a massage. You can use your massage chair while watching TV, reading magazines or books, drinking coffee or even talking with friends or family on the phone. Instead of spending time commuting back and forth from the massage center, you can use that time on other important things.

Another thing many individuals prefer regarding using chairs is the level of privacy it allows. Lots of individuals do not want to be naked together with their therapist and some individuals feel uncomfortable going to massage center. If you are this kind of person, then a massage chair suit you best. Owning a massage chair allows you to massage your body at home in a private and comfortable surrounding.

The Healing Benefits Of Massage Therapy For All People

Massage therapy is not based on sketchy science that only works for a handful of clients. In truth, it is based on proven medical principles. Almost everyone can benefit from the talented hands of a masseuse. This is how those therapies work and what you can expect to happen as a result of them.

We need this sort of treatment based on the way our bodies receive energy from the foods we consume. Each time we put tension in our muscles, they use part of the food we consume in order to contract. When everything is working properly, the segments of our nourishment they burn are the sugar parts. While in the blood stream, those sugar parts are called glucose.

Consuming glucose for energy makes a byproduct build up in the muscle fibers. This byproduct is called lactic acid. The more your muscle tissues contract the more lactic acid you will produce. As you make more and more acid, the tissues burn more intensely. The burning sensation lets you know they are contracting vigorously.

Many people experience that burning feeling after or during strenuous exercise. This is not the only time lactic acid can build up in your body. Whenever you tense a muscle for a long period of time, you might feel it burning. Sitting in one position for too long can cause that chain of events to happen. Working at a computer with your shoulders hunched can cause you to overproduce the acid. Studying at a table with your neck bent in the same position for too long can also bring on the burn.

People regularly experience aches in their muscle tissue from tensing it for an extended period. A masseuse can help relieve the suffering. They are instructed in methods that cause the lactic acid to leave the muscle fibers that created it.

It is useful to envision a masseuse as a muscle fiber plumber. She encourages the final product of glucose consumption to exit the muscles. As the rubs the fibers with her hands and fingers, she makes the acid flow out and into the bloodstream. After she is finished, you might feel relief in muscles that did not seem that painful before she started!

No matter how good a masseuse is her technique can only do half of the work needed for acid removal. If you allow it to remain in the blood stream, you will soon find yourself aching again. Before the end of the day, you will be ready for another massage. To prevent that burning sensation from returning, drink between six and eight glasses of water. Doing so will move the acid out of the blood stream and will keep the painful sensation away.

Massage therapy helps to alleviate tension in muscles. Muscles feel painful and tense as a result of too much lactic acid built up in them. A masseuse releases the acid by rubbing her hands and fingers into the muscles. Drinking water after treatment removes the byproduct from the blood stream, helping you feel better all day.

How To Get A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Degree

Physical Therapists are health care professionals who treat patients of all ages. They are called upon when a patient has a hard time to move around because of illnesses or injuries. These injuries may include sprains, strains, neck injuries, arthritis in older patients, certain strokes and conditions like Spina and Bifida. The therapist examines each case and provides lifestyle changes, diet changes and drugs that would help the person regain their ability to move around and go back to the normal way of life. Through therapy the patient will be able to keep mobility and motor skills. The Therapy also reduces pain and helps the patient gain a healthier and an active lifestyle, the therapist synergies with other physicians to provide a comprehensive recovery process.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy is a three to four year long doctorate program usually taken after a four year long bachelor's degree and requires a good high standard internship. Vision 2020, a vision of the American Physical Therapy Association, that states: "By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health."

The entry level doctorate degree is the degree that most of the Physical Therapist has. Getting into a good school would require you to have to complete a set of required coursework, a good level of extracurricular activities and social services, a good score on a standardized graduate examination such as the GRE, a set of well written recommendation letters and a sound academic background in science. You will most probably be asked to have at least 12 credits of Chemistry, a semester of Physics with lab work, two courses on Psychology and lastly a good semester on Biology. Course pre-requisite may defer from school to school.

To get a doctorate you will have to complete a basic curriculum which consists of pathology, pharmacology, radiology, anatomy, biology and such as a part of the foundational science courses, you will also have to take multiple courses on behavioral science and courses which include law and ethics, clinical reasoning, business and management sciences. The students will also go in depth into the clinical sciences with courses on neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and integumentory biology. The last part of the course deals with the actual physical therapy courses. Every school has a set of actual physical therapists who guide the students as they look at case studies and also treat patients at the school.

The seven year path to becoming a Physical Therapist is not for the faint hearted, but there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow because Physical Therapists are one of the best paid professions with many variations to the degree allowing you to branch out to types of therapist such as sports physical therapy.

What Are the Benefits of a Balinese Massage?

Balinese massage, which traces its roots in Bali, Indonesia is a type of natural therapy which includes the manipulation of the body's meridian through a combination of various massage techniques. Acupressure, aromatherapy massage and reflexology are used by the masseuse during the therapy to address various types of problems both emotionally and physically with a specific technique.

The patient often experiences the satisfying benefits and effects right after the massage therapy. Whole body relaxation may probably be the most common noticeable effect of this type of massage therapy. The body loosens up with every massage strokes and manipulation of each pressure point with the acupressure and reflexology method. The aroma of therapeutic herbs is used specifically in soothing and calming the emotion of the client. Aromatherapy massage is also essential in setting up the mood inside the room which greatly increases the healing capability as well as the relaxing experience of a Balinese massage. Each of the essential oils have their own healing, energizing, and calming effects when applied on the skin, although some of these oils may have negative effects on sensitive skin. Discussing the skin medical history of the patient as well as his or her current condition is vital in preventing this kind of problem from occurring during and after the therapy session. The client may also want to use other clothes as some of these massage oils may leave stains on the cloth.

Balinese massage therapy also includes deep tissue massage which helps relieve the patient from all sorts of muscle pains. This type of therapy not only focuses on the soothing of the body but also aims for the total wellness of the body. Each stroke stimulates the nervous system which enhances the mood of the patient as well as heightens the sense of wellness. Acupressure is known for targeting pressure points which addresses to the corresponding part of the body. As the therapist conducts acupressure techniques with his or her hands, the body loosens up and relaxes with each application of pressure. The main goal of acupressure in this therapy is to regain strength to the weakened muscle groups, relax stiff muscles, and relieve muscle pain. This technique helps in balancing the energy or qi within the body to maintain a healthy physical and mental condition.

Reflexology in a Balinese massage is used to manipulate each part of the body through the hands and feet of the patient. The body benefits with the improvement of blood and oxygen circulation which is attained by unblocking each of their specific pathways for the two to freely flow throughout the body. When these two important supplies needed in the body freely circulates without blockage or shortage in supply, the body works properly and in its optimum performance. The result is a healthy mind and body. Reflexology focuses on the treatment rather than making the body calm down and relax which is the work of aromatherapy in this type of therapeutic massage.

Although this therapy has a great combination that can both heal and sooth the body, it is still best to consult a doctor before trying this alternative medical care.

Massage Therapy Bodywork & Stress Relief Massage - Getting Everything Back Into Balance

Massage therapy bodywork is only one method holistic healers use to help their patients, even in the Texas high country around Austin. Other techniques include relaxation hypnosis and stress relief massage. All of these techniques help relieve stress, promote relaxation, and help with overall well-being. There are many additional benefits in the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual centers. Let's look at these three different techniques and see how that they can help you.

Massage therapy bodywork involves a wide variety of techniques in order to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Traditional massage therapy is only one component of this. Therapists often integrate aromatherapy with scented oils. They may use acupressure to relieve pain and stiffness in certain areas of the body. They may use a variety of techniques to realign the body into a natural flow. Various forms of massage therapy works release toxins in the muscles and promote the body's immune system. All of this comes together to bring the body back into balance and promote long-term healing and well-being. Relaxation hypnosis is another technique.

Relaxation hypnosis works to promote the minds control over the body. Hypnosis helps to them choose the mind into a deeply relaxed state. The hypnotherapists can give the patient suggestions to encourage relaxation and to get past stress. Various medical studies have shown that cancer patients using hypnosis often have longer periods of remission and respond better to various treatments. These forms of therapy helps alleviate anxiety that helps reduce stress and promotes better sleeping habits. Many people use it to get past the various phobias and weight-loss issues. It is effective for many different medical conditions including asthma, cancer, and diabetes. It works great in combination with stress release massage and massage therapy bodywork.

Stress release massage is another technique that helps reduce tension and stiffness in the body. When you reduce stress, you are less likely to develop chronic conditions or severe illness related to stress. Modern life is extremely stressful for most people. Symptoms of this life often include reduced amounts of sleep, mood issues, and various physical symptoms. Reducing or eliminating the causes of stress is very important. However, stress happens all the time. Using massage to release the stress will promote your health of the long run. Along with massage therapy bodywork and relaxation hypnosis, stress release massage brings a person's health back the balance. When you get everything back into balance, you will feel better physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Why stress when you can relax?

Relaxing with massage therapy bodywork, stress relief massage, or relaxation hypnosis are just three ways to get things under control. All of them are natural methods. That bodes well for your body since you are not putting drugs and medications into it. If you link up with a good holistic healer, they can advance this natural healing with other methods. Hypnotherapy is one option. It can help get past your mental barriers and uncover the real reasons for your stress and anxiety. With the help of a healer, you will need to visit your conventional doctor less often as a result.

How to Choose a Massage Therapist

Finding the right massage therapist can be a daunting endeavor, especially if you're new to massage. However, it doesn't have to be intimidating. There are two important aspects to evaluate--qualifications and comfort level. When you keep these elements in mind, you'll soon be on your way to blissful relaxation through the power of massage.

Qualifications

There's a lot more to being a massage therapist than just knowing how to give a nice back rub. To make sure you have an enjoyable, safe experience, you should only receive massage therapy from certified, licensed professionals. This ensures that the massage therapist who is handling your treatment knows how to safely manipulate your muscles without harming you as well as making certain that the facility is clean and run in accordance with state regulations.

There are a variety of different massage techniques, so make certain that the professional you choose is qualified to provide the type of massage you're looking for. Most relaxation and de-stressing treatments fall under the category of Swedish massage, which involves a combination of kneading, tapping, stroking, and otherwise manipulating your muscles to relieve tension. However, there are other types of massage that can be used to treat aches and pains, athletic injuries and more. If you're interested in specialized sports massage, pregnancy massage, or deep-tissue massage, make sure you ask about relevant certifications before you decide on a massage therapist.

Comfort

While certifications and licensing are vital to finding a good masseuse, they aren't everything. Just because a massage therapist is qualified to provide you with the deep-tissue massage you need, doesn't mean that they're necessarily the right person for the job. To fully enjoy your massage experience, you also need to find a massage therapist that you're personally and physically comfortable with. Obviously, you're not going to be able to relax and enjoy the treatment if you're uncomfortable with the individual who is providing it, so shop around! If you're a woman who prefers a female massage therapist for your personal comfort, don't be afraid to speak up. Your comfort is of the utmost importance so be certain to evaluate the more subjective realm of personal comfort as well as qualifications before you select your massage professional.

The best way to find a great massage therapy center in your area is to ask your friends. Most will be more than willing to make a recommendation about a positive massage experience they've had in the past. If you're looking for sports massage or deep-tissue massage to help an injury heal, inquire at your doctor's office. They may frequently work with a particular massage therapist or center. If you're unable to get a recommendation, don't sweat it: the Internet can provide numerous listings for reputable massage therapists in your area.

Massage Contraindications - Why Some People Cannot Receive a Massage

Massage therapy is a wonderful and beneficial form of holistic health care. Massage can provide stress relief, muscle tension relief, improve circulation, and the list goes on. But massage can be detrimental to your health if you have certain physical conditions, illnesses, or disease. You can also put your therapist at risk of contracting certain illness or disease if you are in a contagious state of health.

The term "massage contraindication" means you are not able to receive massage, or the massage may be limited to certain areas of your body. When you are contraindicated for a massage it is for your health and safety as well as the massage therapists. Not all contraindications mean that you will never be able to have a massage. There are two types of contraindications: local contraindications and absolute contraindications.

Local Contraindications

Local contraindications are conditions involving a pathology related illness/disease or an acute injury. These conditions mean caution must be exercised and the massage must be adapted to the condition. This is to ensure the safety of both the client and the therapist. For the client, the massage must be adjusted as to ensure it will not spread the condition, or further injure the client. For the therapist, it is to ensure the therapist does not contract the disease.

If you have what is determined to be a local contraindication your therapist may require a doctor's release before he will agree to provide you with a massage. While some local contraindications only require that you and your therapist discuss the condition and tailor the massage accordingly. In either case, it is the therapist that will make the final decision as to whether or not you will be able to receive the massage. This is done to protect your health and safety as well as the massage therapist.

A massage may be adjusted for a local contraindication in several ways. It can mean an area is to be avoided, such a the lower leg of a recently sprained ankle. It can require that the pressure be adjusted during the massage. The position in which the client is lying the massage table is adjusted, such as using a side lying position for pregnant women. It can also mean the time allowed for the massage be adjusted.

Some of the more common local contraindications include, but are not limited to: Abnormal lumps, Ance Vulgaris, athlete's foot, blisters, bruises, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Cystitis (Baker's and sebaceous), Decubitus Ulcers, Gouty Arthritis, Graves' Disease, hernia, Hyper and Hypothyroidism, infectious diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, local inflammation, open wounds, Phlebitis, poison ivy - oak - sumac, Shingles, swollen lymph glands, ulcers, unhealed burns (sunburn if not widespread), Varicose Veins, and warts.

The following conditions will require a medical doctors clearance: Acromegaly, Aneurysm, Atherosclerosis, Burns, Cancer, Cerebrovascular accident, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Hemophelia, Hodgkin's Disease, Kidney Stones, Leukemia, Myasthenia Gravis, Nephrosis, Peritonitis, Polycystic Kidney Disease, and Uremia.

Absolute Contraindications

Absolute contraindications are conditions where you cannot receive a massage. Giving a massage to someone who has an absolute contraindication can result in serious health risks for the client and/or the therapist. Some absolute contraindications can even cause death to the client.

Not all absolute contraindications are permanent; meaning you may have a condition that, once it clears, you can receive a massage. These conditions are typically an illness such as a viral infection. Some conditions are permanent and unfortunately if you have one, you will not be able to receive massage. In either case, as long as the condition is in an acute stage, you will be denied massage therapy.

The following is a list of common, but temporary, absolute contraindications for massage: Chickenpox, Contact Dermatitis (if wide spread), diarrhea (if due to infection), fever, German Measles, Gout (during acute phase), Hepatitis, Hives, High Blood Pressure (unless controlled by medication, diet or exercise) Influenza (the flu), lice, Lupus (during a flare up), measles, Mononucleosis (mono), Mumps, Pneumonia, Ringworm, recent injuries or surgeries, Scabies, and Tonsillitis. This list is not definitive, but a list of the more common conditions that are absolute contraindications. These are all temporary conditions that once they have run their course, you can receive a massage.

The following conditions are a permanent condition that will prevent you from receiving a massage. These are serious conditions and if you receive a massage it can cause further health related problems or even death. Your massage therapist must be informed of these conditions. This is one of the reasons you are required fill out a health history form when you enter a professional massage therapists office.

Some common absolute permanent contraindications (this is not a definitive list): Blood Clots, Cirrhosis of the liver, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Embolism, Hypertension (unless controlled by medication, diet or exercise), Intestinal obstruction, Kidney failure, Lymphangitis, Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Pulmonary Embolism, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Syncope (fainting), and Tuberculosis.

While massage has many benefits certain conditions warrant caution. If you have a condition that has not been listed here, or you are unclear about whether you can receive massage, talk to your massage therapist and you family doctor. They will both be happy to discuss this with you. Remember, if you are turned down for a massage because of a condition you have, it is because the massage therapist has your best health at interest.

Shiatsu Therapy Releases Trauma in Body and Mind

Shiatsu is from the Japanese word shi meaning finger and atsu meaning pressure. It is characterized by the systematic application of pressure with the fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, forearms, knees and feet on specific points (tsubos), and areas (meridians) on the body. Unlike acupressure, Shiatsu uses not only the main acupuncture points located on a meridian, but also the spaces in between those points. It does not use typical massage mediums such as oils or creams, and as such can be done through clothing. Shiatsu is traditionally practised on the floor on a thin futon.

The basic premise of Shiatsu is that pressure is applied at a perpendicular angle to the plane of the body and held for approximately 3 to 7 seconds. In many styles of Shiatsu there is a support hand which remains stationary, and a working hand which applies pressure along the meridian. The most common application of pressure is with the palm and thumb. The depth of pressure or weight is gauged according to the client's condition and constitution.

The sustained application of pressure during a Shiatsu treatment activates the mechano-receptor cells in the body and the parasympathetic nervous system, often resulting in a change of brain wave patterns. This allows the body to relax, promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi (ki in Japanese) or vital life force, and activates the natural or innate healing power of the individual.

Shiatsu uses the primal sense of touch along the body's largest organ (skin) to exact change on a cellular level. In doing so, stored traumas and emotional issues can often be released and resolved.

Shiatsu's roots can be traced to China and a style of massage known as Anma. In the 6th century A.D., there was a migration of Buddhism from China to Japan, along with a concurrent migration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including Anma massage. Anma, the precursor of Shiatsu, underwent considerable refinement in Japan, and flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868).

Shiatsu's popularity was increasing by the 1900s, and underwent further refinements as Japan became more Westernized. Tamai Tempaku wrote Shiatsu Ryoho - Finger Pressure Way of Healing in 1915 and Shiatsu Ho - Finger Pressure Method in 1919. Then in 1925, Tokujiro Namikoshi started the Clinic of Pressure Therapy in Hokkaido and the Japan Shiatsu Institute in 1940. Shiatsu gained official recognition as a treatment modality in 1955, and in 1964 emerged as a form of bodywork distinct from Anma and Swedish massage. It was introduced into Canada in 1971.

The main effect of the modernization of Shiatsu was in the ratio of pressing to rubbing. Anma massage held a ratio of 80% rubbing to 20% pressing. Shiatsu reversed this to 80% pressing and 20% rubbing.

Standards of Practice

The minimum standard of practice for professional Shiatsu therapists is 500 hours. This standard is used in Britain, Europe, Australia and some parts of the U.S. Shiatsu is unregulated in Canada, and there are both longer and shorter programs available. A prospective student should look for things such as course curriculum, experienced instructors, quality of teaching and a supportive learning environment when selecting a school.

Therapeutic Benefits of Shiatsu

Shiatsu can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, pain being the most common. Often pain, particularly in the soft tissues, is treated by Western medicine with muscle relaxants and pain killers. Shiatsu seeks to treat the underlying cause of pain, as well as the symptoms.

In my own practice, I have seen numerous cases of Shiatsu's unique healing properties. One particular client's recovery using Shiatsu was especially rewarding. Several years ago, this client visited me with severe TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain. It was so severe she could not open her mouth fully and was restricted to eating soft, mushy foods. She had been feeling pain in the jaw for about 1-1/2 years, and now she was experiencing severe headaches as well. She had gone to see several specialists who recommended surgery.

Shiatsu done on her neck and shoulders provided considerable relief after just one treatment. By the end of the third treatment all pain and accompanying symptoms were gone. She couldn't believe the results and was now even able to manage a smile! I was especially surprised that the recovery came so quickly, as I had anticipated at least 6 to 10 treatments.

The role of the Shiatsu therapist is to help activate the natural healing and recuperative powers of the patient. Regular treatments are important when there is a chronic condition, but Shiatsu is most effective when used preventively. The cumulative effect of treatments helps to strengthen the immune system, tonify organs, and keep the qi and blood flowing smoothly.

Shiatsu is very old, powerful medicine with its roots at least 5,000 years in the past. Yet it still remains an important and potent way for people to connect with themselves, their health, and their environment in the fast-paced 21st century.

Massage Terminology

How many times have been to a massage therapist, a doctors office, even your local mechanic and been told something in a language you don't understand. Even though English was spoken, the words just made no sense to you. Like most people you politely smile, nod your head in agreement and leave wondering just exactly what he meant.

You may have done this because you did not want to look "stupid" in front of the person who was talking to you. You have probably heard this before, but it needs saying again - "There are no stupid questions!" Especially when it comes to your health. If you don't understand what you are being told, ask for it to be repeated in a way that you can understand.

Professional people use a language all their own. Depending on what profession the person belongs to, dictates the language they use. When the professional is dealing with the general public, they sometimes forget that they need to use "laymans" terms in order to be understood. A good professional will take the time to make sure you understand what you are being told. They have to, if they want your business. If they are unwilling to make themselves clear to you, then it might be a good time to seek another opinion.

In the massage profession, a therapist is taught the specific terms used in massage. Once a massage therapist learns these terms, they tend to use them. One reason is so that there can be no confusion as to exactly what they are talking about. That is of course if they are talking to another massage therapist. Sometimes they forget that they are not always talking to someone who understands massage terminology.

In this age of the Internet and the Information Super Highway a lot of people are educating themselves. I believe this is an excellent thing to practice. The massage terminology I am going to list is not definitive, but only some of the more common terms. I will attempt to explain each one in plain English.

Massage Terminology:

Types Of Massage

Swedish Massage: One of the most common forms of massage therapy. It is a very relaxing and therapeutic form of bodywork.

Hot Stone Massage: A massage that uses basalt stones that are heated. They aide the therapist in providing deep penetrating heat to the muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage: A form of massage therapy that uses a lot of pressure to relieve muscle tension.

Sports Massage: A form of massage therapy designed for athletes. It's more vigorous than a Swedish Massage.

Trigger Point Therapy: A form of massage therapy designed to release a specific type of knot in the muscle. (see "All Knotted Up" below)

Therapeutic or Medical Massage: A form of massage therapy designed to work specific muscles.

Seated Massage: A form of massage therapy that uses a specially designed chair for the bodywork.

Reflexology: A form of bodywork that uses pressure points in the feet, hands and ears to stimulate the corresponding body organs.

Pregnancy Massage: This is also referred as side lying massage. It is used for pregnant women (obviously) but also used for special circumstances. A client may be physically handicapped, or in pain that prevents him from lying face up or face down on the table.

Energy Work: This involves many different massage modalities. It comes from Eastern Medicine and the belief that there is more to the human body than what can be seen physically. Most of these modalities date back thousands of years. Western cultures and medicine are only just starting to realize that energy work is real, although inexplicable.

Different Strokes For Different Folks

Effleurage: A gliding stroke used by massage therapists. This is typically used at the beginning and end of the massage. It's purpose is to warm the tissues by providing increased circulation.

Petrissage: A kneading stroke used by massage therapists. This stroke is designed to lift and knead the tissues. It helps in removing the metabolic wastes that have built up in muscle tissue. It also helps to draw new blood to the tissues.

Friction: Also referred as cross fiber friction. This stroke is most commonly used by the therapists fingers or thumbs. The therapist will sink into the muscle with his fingers, then rapidly move them back and forth across the muscle. This helps in breaking down tight knots that have built up in the muscle tissue.

Nerve Strokes: This is a form of effleurage that involves a light touch. It is usually done in a manner that is both light in touch and quick in movement. It's purpose is to stimulate the area after it has been worked with other methods.

Tapotement: This is what you have seen in the movies. The boxer that lays on the table while some big burly guy appears to be beating on the boxers back. In reality there are many forms of tapotement, from light finger tapping to the heavy beating. This is generally used at the end of a massage session and it helps stimulate the tissues.

Stripping: This is a stroke used by massage therapist that is designed to help lengthen a muscle. Usually the therapist uses his thumbs and while applying pressure he glides the full length of the muscle that is being worked on.

All Knotted Up

There are different terms for the different conditions of a muscle. These can vary wildly and mean different things to different people. You might hear your therapist say "That's a ropey knot." What he may be referring to is a long tight band of muscle. Two forms of knots that have definitive meanings are trigger points and tender points.

Trigger Points: There are several types of trigger points; active, latent, primary, and satellite. For the purpose of this article we are going to just call them trigger points. Basically a trigger point is a knot in the belly of a muscle that when pressed on, refers pain to a specific point in the body. Trigger points are knots that are in a constant state of contraction. Normal massage strokes will not "release" a trigger point. A massage therapist has to use direct pressure on the trigger point to interrupt the nerve impulse that is causing the muscle contraction.

Tender Points are similar to trigger points with the difference being a tender point does not refer pain when pressure is applied. The method for releasing a tender point is different also. The therapist must place the muscle in a passively contracted state until the tender point relaxes and dissipates.

Some Miscellaneous Terms

Fascia: is a layer of connective tissue. Fascia is found throughout the human body. Think of it as a nylon stocking wrapping everything in the body. This is what helps hold everything in its place.

Tendons: These connect the muscle to the bone.

Ligaments: These connect bones to bones.

Draping: A technique used to cover a client in order to protect the clients modesty.

Drape: The material used for draping, this can be a sheet, pillow case, towel, etc.

Face Cradle: The area where a client rests their face on a massage table.

Bolster: A specifically designed cushion to aide in the clients comfort while lying on the massage table.

Lotion, Oil, Gel: The lubricant used to aide the therapist in giving a massage.

Prone: This is the face down position when a client is on the massage table.

Supine: This is the face up position when a client is on the massage table.

As stated earlier, this is not a definitive list of massage terminology. These are some of the more common terms used by most massage therapists. The next time your massage therapist uses any of these terms; you will know what he is talking about. You can be proud that the power of educating yourself has paid off!

Physical Therapy Assistant - A Rewarding Future

A physical therapy assistant is one who assists a physical therapist in providing physical therapy treatment to patients. Physical therapy assistants usually perform physical therapy proceedings as instructed by the senior therapist. They assist the senior therapist in managing conditions such as sprains and fractures, back and neck injuries, burns, arthritis, stroke, amputations, multiple sclerosis, injuries related to sports, birth defects and others. It is the duty of the physical therapy assistant to gather information regarding the patient's response to the treatment and describe the outcome to the supervising therapist.

Physical therapy assistant jobs promise a rewarding future. These jobs are increasing in demand day by day, and physical therapy assistants have excellent career prospects.

Physical therapy assistants are required to have:

o An associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program.

o A valid license proving clinical experience is an added advantage.

Physical therapy assistants work in various healthcare settings such as private hospitals, physical therapy offices, nursing homes, community healthcare centers, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, industrial health centers, research institutions, and pediatric centers, among others. They are also required in colleges, sport teams and organizations.

By specializing in a particular clinical area, physical therapy assistants can advance their career. They can work as directors in the departments, in areas they are specialized in. They can also advance to administrative positions where they organize all the assistants in a physical therapy organization. Physical therapy assistants can opt for a teaching profession in accredited physical therapist assistant programs. They can take health fitness classes for the public.

The salary of a physical therapy assistant depends on the position, degree of education, years of experience, practice setting and geographic location. To reduce the expense of physical therapy services, assistant therapists are very much required by physical therapists. Due to the increasing demand, physical therapy assistants have a good chance of a rewarding future with high remuneration and benefits.

4 Ways On How Male Therapists Can Enter This Woman-Dominated Career

It may sound like a gender discriminating career, but the reality is massage therapy is still a career that accepts more women than men. Considering that massage involves skin to skin contact, regardless of gender, patients feel more at ease when women are the ones doing the massage.

Why Patients Choose Female Massage Therapists

- Female patients are afraid of sexual harassment or being taken advantage of by male therapists

- Male patients are not comfortable being touched by fellow men

- Both male and female patients prefer the soft and sensual touch of female therapists

Given the above reasons, does that mean then that if you are male, you can no longer practice as a massage therapist?

Of course not. Therefore, how can you break in this career if you are a man?

How to Increase your Chances of Working as a Male Massage Therapist

There are many other options and places of work where males are preferred over female massage therapists.

Learn more massage techniques. Despite the trend that shows more women are hired as a massage therapist, some clients or patients prefer the strong hands of males when it comes to giving massages. Therefore, you should be well versed in various massage techniques such as deep-tissue massages and Swedish massage, among others, so that you can also work in this industry.

Obtain higher education. Graduating from a 1-year or 2-year massage therapy course can help you land a job. However, obtaining higher education shows how serious you are when it comes to your chosen field, thus, this could be a way t attract potential employers. In addition, you do not have to limit yourself to work as a massage therapist because with higher education, you can work as office manager, massage therapy instructor, or even as physical therapist if you pursue a different path.

Find employment as a sports massage therapist. Nowadays, sports teams include a resident massage therapist in their payroll because after each game, athletes usually need to relax their bodies o tensed muscles to get ready for their next game. In addition, athletes are known to like hard massage than soft or medium massages, and because of this, teams usually hire male therapists.

Likewise, you may find employment in fitness centers, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers where patients are more likely to "see" you as a medical personnel rather than a masseuse.

Don't be discouraged by "trends". Trends are indicative of a number of people's preferences, but it does not necessarily mean you cannot enter the field. Be professional when it comes to dealings with your clients and build a professional reputation so that people will go to you regardless of your gender.

Make yourself indispensable by learning as much massage techniques as possible. This will be your key to a lucrative and fruitful career in massage therapy.

Benefits Of Massage With A Theracane Massager

If you have muscle injuries, trauma or strains, trigger points will develop. These problems could bring about several forms of pain such as lower back pain, headaches, tennis elbow, jaw and neck pain. At times, they can also trigger pain in the knee, ankle, wrist, hip and shoulder joints yet individuals occasionally mistake these for ligament injuries, arthritis, bursitis or tendinitis.

Trigger points can also lead to other indirect conditions like dizziness, earaches, sinusitis, heartburn, nausea, genital pain, false heart attack, heart arrhythmia and numbness of feet and hands. Luckily, the symptoms brought on by these have predictable patterns. As soon as you have figured out where to check, it is possible to find and deactivate by using self-massage techniques.

When massaging, your tissue is going to be purged and any developed sarcomeres can be discharged. Massage therapy is easily the most natural, safest and effective method to directly manage the trigger point. Theracane Massager is designed to help persons apply self-massage techniques to shoulders, back, neck, legs, arms and more. This enables an individual to rub hard-to-reach spots using strong pressure, while standing, sitting or even in an inclined position.

The massager enables you to relieve tenderness, stiffness, soreness and muscular tension. You can easily carry out self-massage by applying direct deep pressure to anyplace trigger points manifest. This leads to stress break-up in the muscle tissue between your shoulder blades, which is generally difficult to grasp.

Theracane Massager provides individuals with minimal mobility or strength all the leverage and reach that is needed. Once you feel any pain, you should understand where to find it, especially the ones in between your shoulder blades.

As a result of habitually stretching your muscles, this will help you to find the spots on your own. Many muscles and trigger points are generally combined. For example, a spot on your left side includes a related spot on your right. The most tender points for these spots will be the same side with the pain, therefore applying pressure on the will provide the most comfort. But, it is best to pay the same attention to each spots on both sides to give your body the most beneficial results.

Erector Spinae Muscles - A Massage Therapist's Review

What are the Erector Spinae? Commonly known as the erectors, the Erector Spinae is a muscle group of the back that consists of the Iliocostalis, the Longissimus and the Spinalis.

Anatomy

Origins: Spinous processes of T9-T12.

Insertions: Spinous processes of T1 and T2 thoracic vertebrae and the cervical vertebrae.

Actions: Allow bending forward at the waist by resisting the force of gravity, and to straighten up by contracting. Used in maintaining good posture.

Antagonist: Abdominal muscles

Symptoms

Spasm or tightening of these muscles, since they insert on the ribs, may cause a stabbing pain and make taking a deep breath painful.

Self-Care

Stretching: Lower Back Stretch

While lying on the floor on your back, bring your knees up to your chest, hugging them with your arms and pulling them closer. Hold.

Get down on all fours, round your back like a cat.

Strengthening: Back Extension

Using an exercise ball, lie on it on your stomach, toes on the floor. Lift your head and chest off the ball, then slowly return to the starting position.

Massage Techniques

Warm up using Effleurage, massaging the entire length of the muscle, from neck to lumbar spine.

If you're inclined to using your thumbs, then Stripping, thumb on thumb is effective.

For a deeper effect, use the forearms, with the elbow pointing toward the spine starting at the lumbar gliding up to the neck.

The above methods have all addressed the erectors in a linear way, moving parallel with the muscle fibers. Moving perpendicular to the muscle fibers as well is recommended. While standing at one side of the table, reach over the spine to the erector that is furthest away and use Cross Fiber Friction (finger tips on finger tips), moving skin and fascia only in a rocking manner, beginning at lumbar and ending at neck.

The same kind of thing can be done using palm on hand, again beginning at lumbar and ending at neck.

A Thai massage pose, the Assisted Plough provides a good stretch: the client is on his back, legs are lifted up to 90%, then the angle is decreased by the practitioner who pushes the ankles toward the client's head.

Another Thai massage pose, the Assisted Forward Bend: the client is seated with legs straight in front. Practitioner sits on heels facing client, with client's feet resting on knees. Client and practitioner grasp wrists while practitioner pulls client forward.

What to Think About Before Becoming a Massage Therapist

Becoming a massage therapist is not an easy task. You are required to have special training and an area of expertise. Before becoming a therapist invasive schooling is needed as well as training. There are specific standards that differ from state to state and can be extremely difficult. A requirement of a massage therapist is that they have a love for what they do. They must be able to communicate well with others and be able to provide others with pleasure. They can make a good living and provide you with useful information. Many places in the United States are hiring because massages are becoming more and more popular.

Before entering into this field the first things you should do is choose the area in which you will be practicing. This is important because some states have higher standards than others. In most states however, you need a graduation certificate from an accredited school and hours of on-the-job training. The amount of hours necessary will also vary among states. In many circumstances you will be required to receive a certificate from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. This board is much like that of healthcare. An administered tested will be taken and a certificate will be received upon passing. You can specialize in a specific area of massage therapy, or become a master of them all.

Another key part of becoming a massage therapist is a love for the job. Some people find out during schooling that this is not something they love to do. Others may find it tiring or tedious. The main factor that drags people away from this field is the communication level that you must acquire with your patients. You must know when to speak and when to allow them to relax. This may be hard for some people because they may like to speak their mind or consider not carrying on a conversation rude. These things will be taught to you during your classes but still it is not for everyone.

The salary for this type of profession can also vary. It has been reported that massage therapist can make anywhere from $10,000 to $70,000. Salary will depend on how many hours are worked, where you are practicing, the techniques you offer and your qualification level. A six figure salary can be achieved by owning your own parlor. If you work full time, have experience, offer a variety of massages and operate in the right areas you will most likely make a good living.

This field is growing by the minute. To get the best information about a career in this area it is recommended that you look into your state guidelines. Being qualified is the most important aspect of the. With the proper schooling and a love for helping others the possibilities in this field are endless. Many places are hiring and the opportunity should not be passed up. If you love helping people relax this could be a great profession for you.

The Use of Therapeutic Home Ultrasound to Treat Arthritis

As we age, our once lubricated joints can become less efficient at absorbing shocks and protecting our bones. This condition, known as arthritis, can be both mentally and physically crippling and affects approximately 50% of adults 65 years and older. Arthritis can significantly reduce a person's ability to enjoy life because it effects major joints of the body, such as knees, elbows and hands, which are vital for daily functioning.

Types of Arthritis: Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness. It comprises more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions. It results from severe infection, traumas, degenerative changes (osteoarthritis, hypertrophic arthritis, senescent arthritis), metabolic disruptions, autoimmune disorders (lupus erythematous) or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, is considered a chronic disease and patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop chronic arthritis pain. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, especially among older populations, affecting over 20 million Americans. Two types of arthritis are Rheumatoid arthritis &osteoarthritis, both of which cause arthritic joint pain that can significantly impair a person's quality of life.

Causes: Daily activities such as getting out of bed and even walking can be affected by a painful joint. This arthritic joint pain is occurs when the lubricant, known as synovial fluid, present in the joints and cartilage becomes damaged. Because this fluid acts as a shock absorber and ensures that the ends of our bones are protected, when it is comprised, our bones can grind against each other, causing significant pain in our joints.

Painful joints and joint inflammation and stiffness typically characterize the disease. Some causes of arthritics include overuse, basic wear and tear, pseudogout, infections, autoimmune disorders, bone diseases or fractures, and bone tumors or cancer. In addition, medications, such as penicillin, and the common cold or flu often cause sore aching joints or stiff joints.

Treatments: While there is no known cure for a chronic condition like arthritis, there are treatments for inflamed, arthritic joints that really work and help sufferers manage their pain to lead normal healthy lives. Most often, a doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist will prescribe a medication program of prescription medicines and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to treat an injured joint. These medications aim to reduce the pain and inflammation of sore arthritic joints. However, they are associated with a number of bad side effects, such as drowsiness, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache and rash. Anti-inflammatory drugs are not your best treatment option because they do not heal your joints, they only mask the arthritis pain. A stiff injured joint is also sometimes managed with splints or braces of various types which allow the joint to rest.

Many Arthritis sufferers have found relief with natural supplementation of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine. Chondroitin is a building block of the human connective tissue in bones and cartilage and glucosamine is the major constituent of joint cartilage. Other herbs to try might be curcumin, MSM, and boswellia.

Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathic medicines and yoga, a weight-bearing exercise that strengthens bones, have helped some arthritis sufferers find relief.

The intense flare-ups of arthritis pain can be best managed through conservative, regular treatments. Patient education on how to treat arthritis and self-care are critical components in healing painful joints. Patience is also key, as an inflamed joint can we slow to heal. Often the combination of therapeutic modalities, such as an herbal supplementation regime and, can offer the most arthritis pain relief.

Ultrasound Therapy: RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate) can we a very useful procedure for managing arthritis pain, however, using therapeutic ultrasound prior to RICE treatment is best because the ultrasonic waves efficiently decrease inflammation and relive pain.

Joints have limited blood flow and as a result, they recover from arthritis flare-ups very slowly. In addition, inflammation and waste matter build-up due to the decreased blood flow causing extreme pain to arthritis sufferers. A personal, therapeutic ultrasound device acts as a blood flow stimulation therapy to increase circulation in the inflamed joint and decrease arthritic pain. People suffering from osteoarthritis pain or chronic Rheumatoid arthritis can perform rehabilitation at home now with the advent of portable ultrasound machines. The ultrasound therapy utilized by these devices can be used as an advanced treatment of arthritis and the chronic pain that accompanies the condition. Therapeutic ultrasound can be used to reduce pain, stimulate blood flow and injuries twice as fast.

Ultrasound physical therapy not only helps alleviate pain, but speeds up healing process as well. Ultra sound waves generate deep tissue vibrations that provide gentle heating to decrease pain and inflammation. The most rehabilitation benefits can be gained by utilizing therapeutic ultrasound at home.

Case Study: In a study by Casimiro et al, 2002 investigating the use of therapeutic ultrasound for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it was found that continuous ultrasound benefits grip strength when applied to the hands of RA sufferers. Ultrasound has both analgesic & anti-inflammatory effects, which is why its so widely prescribed for arthritis by qualified health care professionals. In two randomized trials, it was proven that continuous ultrasound applied to the hand increased grip strength and wrist dorsal flexion, as well as decreased morning stiffness and the number of swollen painful joints as compared with placebo.

Home Ultrasound Machines: A home ultrasound unit works the same way as bigger machines, found in physical therapist and chiropractor practices, but is more compact and priced reasonably so home users can afford to purchase. Portable ultrasound machines are also safe for use by the general public because they utilize pulsed, instead of continuous, ultrasound waves, which are just as effective when used on a daily basis. Physical therapy involving ultrasound for plantar fasciitis will provide users with immediate relief and continual healing over a 3-4 week period.

Because arthritis involves joint and bone inflammation, a specific kind of home ultrasound machine is required for treatment. A home ultrasound physical therapy machine should emit 1Mhz ultrasound waves. It is also important to purchase an FDA approved ultrasound unit that is quality manufactured. The portable therapeutic ultrasound device should also be covered with at least a 1 year warranty. And best of all, with a portable therapeutic ultrasound machine, on a daily basis you can treat your arthritis only when it's most convenient for you.

Conclusion: Studies have shown that people who receive early treatment for arthritis feel better sooner and more often, are more likely to lead an active life, and are less likely to experience chronic arthritis pain, and the type of joint damage that leads to joint replacement.

Arthritis sufferers can lead a more normal active life by reducing pain & swelling in their joints fast with a home ultrasound machine. If you would like to reduce or eliminate you intake of harmful pain-killers and improve your arthritic symptoms and chronic joint pain, a portable ultrasound unit would be a great, affordable option for managing your arthritis.

How to Choose the Right Physical Therapy Table

The main objectives of physical therapy are to promote body strength, function and mobility and prevent future physical injury. This is achieved through the physical therapy itself as well as through teaching patients safe exercising and movement techniques to avoid potential injury and protect joints. There are many types that include orthopedic, geriatric, rehabilitation, pediatric, pulmonary, cardiac and neurological.

One of the general needs of include tables. The types of tables needed in a physical therapy office are usually much different than the standard exam tables often found in other physicians' offices. There are many types of therapy tables designed for many varied purposes depending on the needs of your particular clientèle. You may find it beneficial to have general all-purpose tables within the office. However, often there are particular needs that are not met with standard tables, and you will need much more specialized tables for your particular patients.

Take special note of the main focus of your office to assess the your patients' needs. This will greatly aid in the decision of the tables needed for your office, and help you make the appropriate decision. For example, is the therapy mainly performed in your office in need of stationary tables or would adjustable tables be more beneficial? Do your physical therapists travel or perform home heath visits? If so, you may need to invest in special portable tables.

Often you may have many patients with mobility issues, especially if working with orthopedic, geriatric or intense rehabilitation patients. If this is the case, you'll do best to look into the wide variety of tables designed for those with these particular medical issues that accommodate wheelchairs and other common mobility devices. Depending on the types of therapy performed within your practice, you may need flat tables, positioning tables, mat tables, tilt top tables, inversion tables or specialized hydraulic tables.

Once you've determined your patients needs depending on your main clientèle and are highly familiar with the types of therapy performed within your office, it will become quite evident the best types of tables to suit your needs. Often you may find that you need many different types of tables within the same office to handle the wide variety of physical therapy performed in your facility. This is quite common in less specialized practices that perform many different functions to the many different types of patients they may see in their office.

If you are looking to purchase physical therapy tables, be sure to spend plenty of time becoming fully informed of the types of therapy being performed at your facility. This is especially important if you are not a physical therapist yourself. You'll want to spend plenty of time consulting with and observing the professionals within your facility to get a well-rounded idea of their daily needs to best treat the patients on a daily basis. You can also contact other similar offices for their input. The more time you spend evaluating your patients needs and the treatments used for their types of therapy, the more beneficial your table choices will be both financially and medically.

5 Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is very popular in this day and age of stress and fast moving lifestyles. Massage therapy can be effective at relieving tense muscles and aches and pains. It is also used in sports for sport injuries.

Massage therapy involves manipulating the body with pressure using various movements including kneading, chopping and rubbing. These techniques are mainly applied by the hands, but some therapies including using elbows, knuckles, forearms and feet and are used when the hands can not give an effective massage.

Massage is popular for its calming effect on the body and release, however does not solve a tension issue. Usually tense muscles come about due to bad posture and these days many massage therapies, including rolfing, include postural alignment within their therapy.

There are several different types of massage therapy, in fact hundreds, and it would be impossible to list them all here, so this article goes over 5 of them.

Aromatherapy massage - Aromatherapy massage is a form of massage that uses essential oils added to the massage oil. Essential oils are inhaled and messages are transmitted to the limbic system that affects your stress levels, heart rate and numerous other things. Essential oils are also absorbed through the skin. Each essential oil has a different effect and have different healing properties. Some oils calm, some are uplifting and others give energy. This type of massage is suited to problems of stress and emotion. So if you are emotionally charge or/and live a stressful life this type of massage is perfect for you.

Indian Head Massage - This type of massage works on the head and neck. Traditionally it was a head and hair massage but has been extended in the Western world to incorporate neck, shoulders and upper back. The Indian head massage helps relax the thin layer of muscle covering the head helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Rolfing (Structural Integration) - This is a massage that manipulates the body to bring into alignment. There are ten sessions in all to complete to get the best benefit. If you have poor posture and chronic muscle tension this is the perfect type of massage to go for to correct problems for good.

Sports Massage - This is specifically designed to help loosen muscles so you can regain flexibility. It also helps prevent strains. It is also suppose to help you with muscle fatigue after exercise by releasing toxins from the muscles giving you a quicker recovery rate. The type of massage used is usually fairly deep.

Thai Massage - Thai massage is a gentle type of massage. It involves gentle stretching, pulling andalso bending to help and manipulate the flow of vital energy in the body. Thai massage focuses on massage channels and points and this is a massage that the therapist will use feet and elbows as well as hands.

These are only a few massage therapies among hundreds, so before choosing one make sure you have a good idea of what you would like to achieve from it.

Study Habits for Middle School Students

Ohhh I still remember when I was at Middle school, those beautiful days. At the beginning of each year, everything was very nice, new friends, new teachers some times, playing football and running from one side to the other all the time... Anyway it was beautiful "at the beginning of course" hahaha, because over time, the headaches started to appear.

You guys know what I'm talking about, when I say headaches right?

Yes that's right, tests, exams, many subjects, homework; ugh it was a big headache to put everything in my little head...

But well, we cannot do anything about it, we really have to study to acquire more knowledge... otherwise in the future we will be a Joe nobody (and nobody wants that);

Although the classes are boring, and we have so many pages to study, and many formulas to memorize, it is our duty, to know how to study, and have the best grades to step up to the next year and let our parents happy.

You should have good grades not only to glad your parents, but to glad yourself, because in the future, you will have a better profession, and you will be the person who will benefit most.

In middle school there are many more disciplines than in elementary school, and usually, the student may not be accustomed to so many disciplines, and may end up shuffling. It is very important to know how to organize your notes, because later you will need them when you're studying, and if they are organized, it will be easier to find each subject.

Summaries, summaries, summaries, much attention to it, always write the summary, always! As we all know the summary contains the topics that are spoken in the classroom. If you ever decide to study for a test, and you are not quite sure what you have to study, or where to start, you know where you have to search, right? Open your notebook, and check the summaries, you will find everything you need.

Another crucial tip is to study daily. I do not recommend creating the habit of studying only on the eve of exams or tests, because besides you stay too stressed, and do not manage to retain everything in the brain, you will accumulate a lot of subjects, and it will be hard to put everything in the head, in a short time.

Now imagine that you have 2 - 3 or 4 tests in a week? How are you going to study everything at once on the eve? It's impossible... you will get so stressed, and your head will "KABOOM"!

Maybe you can manage to pass on some tests, but most of the tests will go all wrong, trust me.

Well I gave you, some tips on how to get good study habits in middle school, read and follow what I said, and you will have good results, do not forget to pay close attention in class, write everything on paper and take notes of what the teacher say.

Good luck buddy!

High Paying Physical and Occupational Therapy Jobs

The opportunities for high paying physical and occupational therapy jobs in the United States are on the rise. Leading healthcare staffing companies provide skilled and qualified professionals competent recruitment services to help them secure placement in established medical facilities. These companies place qualified professionals in multi-specialty hospitals, acute care clinics, long-term healthcare centers, rehabilitation clinics, educational institutions, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, and other facilities. The job package comes with good salary and several other benefits.

Rewarding Professions with a Range of Benefits

To secure physical and occupational therapist jobs, you must possess a master's degree in the concerned discipline from an approved university. A relevant licensure is also essential to work in some US states. Additionally, you must have excellent communication skills, good aptitude, a positive attitude and patience to help the patients of all age groups in each and every phase of the treatment. Besides high pay, these rehab jobs ensure benefits such as:

• Professional liability insurance
• Health care insurance
• Section 125 cafeteria plan
• Short-term disability insurance
• Continuing education programs
• Additional state license
• 401k benefits
• H1b visas and green cards
• Immigration processing
• Cancer insurance

Nature of Physical and Occupational Therapy Jobs

Physical and occupational therapy jobs come with a great deal of responsibility. As a physical therapist you would have deal with persons experiencing with limited mobility, and help them perform their routine activities that have been hindered due to medical problems, injuries, illnesses, or any other medical issues. Physical therapy jobs involve important duties such as diagnosis, planning treatment procedures to reduce pain, restore functions and improve mobility, patient progress analysis and maintaining treatment reports.

An occupational therapy job would require you to work with people with physical, emotional, mental or developmental disorders. As a responsible occupational therapist, you would have to diagnose and plan treatment procedures and therapeutic exercises that would help them develop abilities to handle their responsibilities efficiently in both living and working environments, improve their basic reasoning abilities, motor functions, and also build their confidence and skills to help them lead an independent and productive life.

Register with an Experienced Healthcare Staffing Firm

To get placed in high paying physical and occupational therapy jobs, both domestically or internationally trained professionals should register with an experienced healthcare staffing agency. Most established agencies can help both experienced and new job seekers secure permanent, temporary, part-time, long-term, full-time and short-term jobs, or travel assignments. Additionally, almost all healthcare staffing firms offer dedicated assistance for internationally trained job aspirants to complete immigration and licensing procedures easily, as well as to obtain green cards within a short period of time. They also help candidates to obtain convenient housing facilities and provide the fees for visas or Green cards. Most staffing agencies maintain online jobs databases that are updated frequently. Jobs seekers can easily locate suitable rehab therapy job openings. They offer facilities for online resume submission as well.

Karmic Release - Letting Go of the Chains That Bind You

Most of the people who are attracted to Tantra are on a journey, where sexual healing plays a leading role in their search for understanding, greater pleasure and satisfaction. The work has to do with the whole karmic persona. The human body is the medium. It holds the keys to one's liberation and expression.

Freedom can be beautiful and wonderful, especially when you release the karma that binds you. Many souls have been sexually initiated before their time. The early years can be better understood and reclaimed through touch and breath awareness. The challenge is permitting the letting-go process (receiving) and the holding on process (control) to share versatilely in the exchange. The work explains how to facilitate, integrate, and balance the exchange of receiving touch. This is accomplished by both of us staying karmically aware and in tuned with the process. Tantra awakens your body, heart, and spirit in an empathic way that is gentle and safe.

Many people shut off their feelings when touched by freezing their core muscles in connection with their breath. Quite a few pharmaceutical medications can interrupt the ability of the libido to function, blocking one's core response. Tantric massage and release movements facilities primal activation, rebuilding and repairing your directory, and data recovery from the past; thereby, updating your current program. Karmic release melts the glue, binding substance of excessive crystallization and collagen build-up between the connective tissue layers caused by stress and/or trauma. Local blood flow and exchange is improved, and an increase in hormonal circulation can take place producing greater health and performance for you. The process sets the stage for greater energy expression. I teach you breath awareness to enhance your primal, total orgasmic response. In general, people hold back on their expressive interaction by holding their breath and tightening their muscles. The work facilitates relaxation, and will help you to orifice breathe from your whole, gestalt being.