Massage Therapy Provides Stress-Relieving Health Benefits

Everyone knows that getting a massage can feel great, but did you know that it's also a smart choice for your short- and long-term health? That's because therapeutic massage has been shown to decrease stress levels. And the lower your stress, the healthier you'll be both today and tomorrow.

That massage therapy is relaxing pretty much goes without saying. Unless you're seeking treatment for a sports injury or needing deep-tissue massage to address a particular issue, most people approach massage treatment specifically for the purpose of relaxation. Tight muscles will be loosened up, and you'll have the hour or so of massage treatment to just enjoy having your muscles worked, rather than obsessing over your to-do list or worrying about work projects. In short, having a full-body massage can provide relaxation from head to toe.

However, massages offer more than just general relaxation. They're also a powerful tool in your fight against stress and its negative health effects. Recent studies have shown that stress levels as a whole are rising across all of American society, up some 18% for women since 1983 (as reported on Time.com June 14, 2012). And because stress can make you feel anxious, unhappy, and all-around unwell, it's important to deal with stress before it snowballs.

Mayoclinic.com catalogs a veritable laundry list of symptoms caused by stress, including: headaches, fatigue, stomach upset, sleeping difficulties, and more. These are all immediate ill-effects that you may be experiencing right now. Additionally, Mayoclinic.com also lists stress as a contributor to major health concerns from high blood pressure and heart disease to obesity and diabetes. These are all chronic conditions that can negatively impact your life as they develop, but these can also be largely staved off by addressing major risk factors--like stress.

These facts about stress and your body's health show that massage therapy is not just a convenient way to relax, but also a powerful tool for being happier and healthier today and down the line. Full-body massages have been shown to increase serotonin production and decrease cortisol production, resulting in less stress. And less stress means reduced risk factors for chronic conditions like heart disease and overall better health in the short term, too.

So if you're having trouble justifying the splurge of a massage, it's time to rethink your attitude. Swedish massage isn't a luxurious indulgence; it's a wise investment in your health. Reduce your stress levels today by booking a session with your massage therapist ASAP.

Introduction to Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Hot stone massage with the use of water-heated stones to heat and massage your body has become increasingly popular over the past few years. This use of heated water to treat the body, called thermal hydrotherapy, deeply relaxes your muscles and relieves stress.

Most massage therapists use basalt stones, because they are non-porous and smooth and retain heat longer than other types of stones. These beautiful stones come in various sizes. The massage therapist positions larger placement stones in one spot on the body for an extended time, while using smaller tooling stones to perform specific massage strokes.

The strokes are generally slow and gentle, in a way that many people find grounding, comforting, and calming. Some massage therapists use hot stones for energy work by placing them along the body's meridians (energy lines) or on the chakras (energy points). Placing the stones at these key points can stimulate movement of the energy known as qi or chi and help release the effects of stress and facilitate healing.

Other potential benefits of hot stone massage include the release of toxins, relief of pain, and improved circulation. The combined healing properties of massage and heat bring many clients who have a hot stone massage once back for more.

Using the Stones

To heat the stones, the massage therapist uses a professionally designed heater with a thermometer for checking the water temperature. The water temperature is generally between 110 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Because everyone has different sensitivity to heat, it's important for the therapist to make sure the temperature of the stones is appropriate for you. Always let your therapist know if the stones feel too hot.

When using placement stones, the therapist will put a barrier, such as a flannel sheet or terry cloth towel, between them and your skin to avoid the risk of a burn.

To maintain and clean the stones, therapists use different techniques. Some wash the stones and change the water after every client. Others use a spa oxidizer that breaks down bacteria in the hot water, keeping the stones sanitized all day. Then at the end of the day, the therapist empties the heating unit and washes and sanitizes all the equipment.

Cold Stone Massage and Contrast Therapy

In addition to hot stones, some massage therapists use cold stones. These marble stones are hand cut for use in cold stone therapy, which is especially useful for injury and inflammation. Cold stones can also invigorate the body or have a cooling effect on hot days or for hot flashes.

Another option is alternating hot and cold stones, a technique called contrast therapy. Contrast therapy takes advantage of the benefits of both heat and cold. The contrasting temperatures expand and constrict the blood vessels, stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

Cautions and Contraindications

To make sure that hot stone massage is safe for you, always tell your massage therapist about all your medical conditions and anything else affecting your body. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or are under a healthcare provider's care for a serious medical condition, consult your provider before receiving a hot stone massage.

Heat can worsen some skin conditions, such as eczema, rashes, and psoriasis. Avoid heat if you are taking medication that causes skin hypersensitivity (such as antibiotics or Accutane for acne). Be cautious about any area that is numb. Avoid heat on varicose veins, open wounds, infected skin conditions, or inflammation.

In general, avoid cold stones if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, circulatory problems, reduced sensation, or nerve damage. Also, avoid cold stones on your abdomen if you have abdominal distress (discomfort, pain, bloating, gas, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea). However, warm stones moved in a circular, clockwise direction may help relieve these symptoms.

Enjoy Your Massage!

Now that you know the benefits of hot stone massage and understand when it's safe to receive one, call your local massage therapist and enjoy the relaxing and healing effects of the penetrating heat of a hot stone massage.

The Science of Healing and the Art of Caring

As far back as 460 B.C., Hippocrates, considered the "father of medicine," described what could be considered an early form of physical therapy with his use of massage and hydrotherapy. It is also reported as a form of manual therapy in China around 2500 B.C. However, even before the need for the physical handling of patients was well understood, the ancient medical system of "Ayurevda" was developed in India which addresses healthy living along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony.

Modern physical therapy has its roots in England, where it was developed in London in 1896, on the belief that hospital patients needed to receive mobility on a regular basis in order to maintain muscle function and mobility. Events such as the World Wars and the polio epidemic also spurred the development of physical therapy, especially in the United States. Marguerite Sanderson and Mary McMillan were leaders in the field of physical therapy, offering training to "reconstruction aides" who were responsible for caring for soldiers injured in World War I. In the 1920 and 1930s, polio raged through the United States and its primary modes of treatment involved isolation, immobilization, splinting, bed rest, and surgery. In 1940, Sister Elizabeth Kenny, an Australian bush nurse who was well known for her innovative treatment of polio, brought her treatment techniques for the management of patients with polio to the United States.

Despite its development and successful use, physical therapy has still come under criticism for the lack of research to back up its anecdotal findings. In response, organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) have called on the profession to implement and adhere to practices based on the best scientific sources. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) postbaccalaureate degree indicates an increase in training in the sciences, research, and interventions.

According to the APTA, physical therapists are experts in "the science of healing and the art of caring." As patients and physicians are demanding the talents of physical therapists, the PT is becoming more widely consulted for help with orthopedic conditions such as low back pain or osteoporosis; joint and soft tissue injuries; neurologic conditions; connective tissue injuries; and circulatory conditions, to name a few. Therapists may choose to seek advanced certification in a clinical specialty, such as orthopedic, neurologic, cardiovascular, pediatric, geriatric, or sports physical therapy. Today's PT can be found in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, and work settings.

In today's environment of patient service within health care, the individualized "hands on" approach that characterizes physical therapists is highly valued by patients. When a patient sees a physical therapist for the first time, they can expect a thorough examination, followed by a plan of care that the physical therapist develops to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. As physical therapist and patient work side by side, the goals of the treatment plan are met, and the patient receives therapy to restore good health.

At the cornerstone of everything the physical therapist does is exercise and functional training. Depending on the needs of the patient, the physical therapist may perform certain passive movements at the end of the patient's range of motion, and/or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Other therapies such as electrotherapy, ultrasound (high-frequency waves that produce heat), hot packs, and ice may also be used during therapy sessions to bring about pain relief. In order to prevent loss of mobility within a patient, therapists may also develop fitness and wellness-oriented programs to bring about healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical Therapy Career Advancement Tips

Being a physical therapist has its own perks and benefits. But getting a promotion in this career is very challenging. That is why if you are a physical therapist and you are aiming for a career advancement, you should be aware of how to climb the ladder of success in this field so you will be successful.

Creating An Eye-Catching resume

When looking for a job, the first thing that a hiring manager will ask from you is your resume. That is why it is very important that you create a resume that is clean, informative and enticing. Many people aren't given the chance to be interview because of bad resumes. When you are applying for a position it is vital that you state your objective according to the job position you are applying for. Avoid writing "generic" objectives. One of the common mistakes applicants commit is copying a generic resume online and submitting it to the employer. It's not bad to go online and search for sample resume as a basis in creating your personal resume. However, it is important that you tailor it to the company's objectives as well as to the specific job position that you are applying for.

If you are applying for a promotion, you have to highlight all your accomplishments and contributions to the company. This will make your employer realized how valuable you are to the company. Keep in mind that you are selling your knowledge, talent and service to the company.

Choosing a company that is open for career advancement is one thing that you have to check before you apply for any job. One area of physical therapy where promotion is fast is home care. Creating a development plan and show this to your director. Your physical therapist director will never know that you are aiming for a career advancement if you will not let him see your eagerness. Giving him your career development plan is one of the ways that could make your director be aware of your future career plans. Ask for feedback. Being open-minded is very crucial for anyone to have a career advancement.

Continuing education is the key for a physical therapist's career advancement. There online programs that you can enroll into to save you time and money. if you are too busy to travel back and forth from your workplace to the school, you can enroll in an online program.

Occupational Therapy Schools: A Career That's About Caring

Occupational therapists provide an important role in the world of health professions, helping patients to regain their ability to perform some of the most basic tasks of everyday life. Occupational therapists help patients by providing treatments that will help them to regain some of the more basic function and actions of regular life. Those who are interested in helping individuals to become more independent should seek out a career in this field through occupational therapy schools.

Occupational therapy schools are going to provide you with the education that you need to truly help patients to regain some of their most basic functions. Those who work with those who have been physically injured will work hands-on with patients to help them to regain strength. You will help them to re-learn how to perform tasks like cleaning, cooking, eating, and general hygiene. Occupational therapy students must learn how to create programs for these patients to make sure their recovery is speedy and safe.

Students may choose to work with those who have been permanently injured to help them to work around their injuries. Students will create programs for patients that will help them to use the new tools that they must use to perform their daily activities. Finally, students may choose to work with individuals who are mentally impaired or emotionally impaired, or those who must deal with the changes that come from growing older. In the end, students must work to help each group to become more independent and strong in their daily activities.

Occupational therapy schools take education very seriously because of the important nature of the work. Students who are looking to get into the Occupational therapy field should understand that the minimum education required for entry into the industry is a Master's Degree. If students want to eventually become nationally licensed and certified, they must attend a school with ACOTE (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education) accreditation.

Education for Occupational Therapy generally includes courses in various sciences, including anatomy, chemistry, and biology. Students will have a full load of classes that tackle the theories of Occupational Therapy and the skills needed for the industry and field. After their education, students must go through a minimum of 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork.

There is a licensing procedure that each occupational therapy student must go through. Different states have different requirements for licensing in their state. Each state does require that students go through an accredited school, and that they pass the national certification exam. Changes in each state's requirements will determine how much schooling is needed or how many hours of supervised apprenticeship are needed to become an actual occupational therapist.

There are plenty of different Occupational Therapy Schools that will be able to provide you with the education that you need to become an OTR (Occupational Therapist Registered). You will be able to join this growing field by getting in the classes that you need, getting hands on experience, and passing your final certification. Once you do so, you will start to work with patients on a one-on-one basis, helping them to regain their independence.

5 Things to Consider Before Starting a Massage Therapy Practice

As the economy takes its time in recovering from the economic effects of recession, many people are attracted to the idea of going into business for themselves. Maybe you're one of them! And if you're someone who likes working directly with clients in a close setting, and are drawn to the idea of proving a healing service, then you've probably thought about setting out your slate as a massage therapist. There are any number of schools that can provide training and accreditation; but once you've got your certification, you still have the tackle the challenge of growing a client base. Before starting your massage therapy service, it helps to have a business plan that takes into account the following 5 questions.

What are my market demographics? In other words, what kinds of clients can you find in my service area, and how can you engage with them? As you begin to market your services, you are going to need to identify the kinds of clients that are in your service range. If you're operating in an urban area, you'll want to identify neighborhoods where residents have disposable income to spend on massage -- or who in the socio-economic class of clients that are willing to devote part of their medical budget to therapeutic massage. A blue-collar worker is less likely to make time during his or her workday for a half-hour massage appointment, whereas white-collar workers and professionals are more likely to be responsive to your advertising. In short -- know your audience! Knowing who your ads are seen by, and where they are likely to see then, is vital if you want your advertising energy and budget to be effective.

What are your competitors, and how can you distinguish yourself from them? If you're doing a leaflet blast, and notice that public bulletin boards in a high-traffic shopping plaza are covered with flyers for other massage therapists, don't panic -- this may not be a sign that the market is saturated. In fact, it might be a very encouraging sign: the customer base in the area is apparently capable of sustaining multiple, multiple massage services! Follow the marketing efforts of your competitors in order to take advantage of their own research, so that you can cast your bait (so to speak) in the same fishing spot. Remember, you're running a business; be collegial and professional, but don't be afraid of being competitive.

How can you add value to your services? Every time you meet with a client, you have a rare opportunity to provide services and products that complement your work as a massage therapist. Product salespeople are terribly jealous of the unique access direct service providers -- like massage therapists, dentists, and medical doctors -- enjoy with clients; that's why so many of their advertising dollars go toward persuading these providers to act as proxy product representatives. Why not invite your local whole foods grocery, or health foods store, and so on, to make it worth your while to represent their product lines to your clients? If you know that Client X enjoys music while relaxing during massage, you're in a position to tell him or her where to go online to purchase the music you've selected for their session; and you're in a position to recommend it, because you've carefully researched the music (and candles, and aromatherapy products, and lotions, and towels, etc.) that help make your sessions effective. Make sure that you're in a position to profit from your expertise in the materials you use to enrich your massage therapy, by taking a share of the profit from any sales generated.

When taking all of these issues into account, don't fail to make sure you've taken care of the nuts and bolts: Have you put into place the business infrastructure needed to work seamlessly with your customer base? Once you've got your deep-tissue training and your medium-pressure training and your Swedish massage training, and you've bought a durable comfortable massage table and have covered your market area with advertising, you might think you're ready to start accepting clients and making appointments. However, there are other, more technical aspects of your business that you need to square away; and the most important of these is payment methods. You'll want to see if there are financial advantages to signing up for a business account through your banking provider, so you can operate under a "d.b.a" or "doing business as" professional name -- By water Massage, for example, or Healing Handwork!

Having a separate business account, with separate checking and debit services, will make it much easier for you to track expenses and income when it comes time to file your taxes. Can you receive credit card payments, or were you expecting to process credit payments through a third-party processor like PayPal? Talk to your bank manager -- you may be able to hold on to some of that money that would have gone to your payment processor, by signing up for that business account. If you have a smartphone, do you have the appropriate financial channels, and the right gadgets, to process card-swipes wherever you are, such as in the client homes and hotel room rentals where you might be operating? How about insurance payments -- have you done the legwork to see if your certification will allow you to receive third-party insurance payments on behalf of clients to whom you are providing therapeutic massage services? A little bit of research in this area goes a long way.

Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Massage therapy eases the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and increases grip strength, according to a recent study.

"Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are lessened following massage therapy" was conducted by staff at the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, tingling, burning and numbness of the hand. Sixteen people diagnosed with this syndrome participated in the study. All of them held jobs involving heavy word processing or computer work.

Subjects were randomly assigned to either the standard-treatment control group or the massage-therapy group. Those in the massage group received one massage per week on the affected arm for four weeks. They were also instructed in self-massage, which they were to perform each night before bed.

The massage routine consisted of stroking of moderate pressure from the fingertips to the elbow. A massage and pain log was kept by subjects in the massage group. In the log, participants recorded the times at which they began and ended self-massage, as well as their levels of pain on a scale from zero to 10.

Subjects in the control group received no intervention, but were taught the massage routine after the study ended.

Physicians evaluated participants' carpal tunnel symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, pain and strength, at the beginning and end of the four-week study. The Tinel sign, which tests to see if light tapping of the affected area elicits pain or tingling, was also used at the start and finish of the study. Physicians used the Phalen Test at the beginning and end of the study as well. The Phalen Test involves flexing of the wrists to see if numbness or tingling occurs.

A nerve conduction test was also performed at the start and finish of the study. This involved stimulation of the median sensory nerves through electrodes placed on each subject's index finger and wrist. Peak sensory latencies were recorded to test for nerve compression at the carpal tunnel. Median peak latency was the primary outcome measure.

Assessments were also made before and after the massage sessions on the first and last days of the study, including the Perceived Grip Strength Scale; VITAS, a pain assessment using a visual analogue scale; the state anxiety inventory; and the Profile of Mood States.

Results of the study showed that the subjects in the massage group had significantly less pain and reduced carpal tunnel symptoms, as well as shorter median peak latencies and increased grip strength.

"Functional activity also improved as noted in reduced pain and increased grip strength in the massage therapy group, both immediately after the first and last massage therapy sessions and by the end of the study," state the study's authors. "Finally, the massage therapy group reported lower anxiety and depressed mood levels both immediately after the first and last sessions and by the end of the study."

Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description and Education Requirements

A physical therapy assistant plays a vital role in the smooth running of a physical therapist's practice. Such assistants perform numerous tasks and help the therapist in a variety of ways. In addition, they contribute greatly to the comfort of each patient.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow significantly until 2018.

Physical Therapy Assistant - An Overview

Job Description

A physical therapy assistant works under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. As previously mentioned, he or she may be called upon to complete a vast array of duties. These may include teaching patients how to perform exercises, applying hot and cold packs to patients, and operating therapeutic equipment such as a TENS machine. They may also be asked to perform massage treatments, ultrasounds or a range of motion tests.

The assistant is almost always called upon to chart the progress of various patients, as well as confirm appointments or complete other clerical duties. Additionally, that must frequently multitask to cover a broad range of administrative and clinical duties.

Education Requirements

The amount of time required in order for one to become a physical therapy assistant is typically two years. The individual must graduate from high school and enroll in an associate program in physical therapy assistance at a university or college. In certain states, such training can be obtained at a technical or vocational school; however, the school must be accredited. The curriculum is usually divided equally between classroom lectures and clinical experience.

The number of mandatory clinical hours will vary depending upon the school in which one is enrolled in, as well as the area of the country in which he or she lives. However, the minimum national requirement of clinical experience is at least one semester. At most schools, two semesters are devoted to clinical experience.

After successful completion of a program, one must then take the national examination in order to become licensed and certified. When this has been accomplished, the graduate is then qualified to seek employment at the facility of his or her choice.

Additional Requirements

One should also be aware of the fact that there are a certain number of additional requirements necessary for those who wish to become physical therapy assistants. For example, a substantial amount of upper body strength is sometimes necessary when one is assisting a patient, as someone working in this profession may also be required to lift, kneel, or stand for a prolonged period of time during the course of an average workday.

One may also be required to work a non-traditional schedule that involves weekends, evenings, or very early mornings. This is because certain individuals must schedule their physical therapy sessions around their work schedule, and therefore must be accommodated during non-business hours. However, such details will vary considerably depending on the facility at which one is employed.

It is also important to understand that an assistant is not limited to working for a private practice, but may also decide to work in fitness centers, schools, nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities.

Regardless of the institution where one obtains employment, those who choose to become a physical therapy assistant can anticipate a long and rewarding career.

Student Minimal Schooling in India

While it is true that government has taken many initiatives to foster primary education to the children of India in the form of flagship programmes such as Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), Mid Day Meal and the National Policy on Education (NPE) which calls for fulfilling compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14, as stipulated by the Constitution of India so as to ensure minimal schooling and which also envisages a budget of more than 6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is still non-disputatious that drop out levels are too high in almost every region where these resources and initiatives are influential.

Even after five years of implementation of the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP), not much progress has been done so far on the promises or announcements with regard to developing the poor state of affairs in the Education sector in India. As a matter of fact, the proportion of total government expenditure on basic education has declined from around 11.1 percent of the GDP in 2000-2001 to around 9.98 percent during the UPA rule. These facts infer that the stipulated budget doesn't become fully existential or it doesn't reach the targeted public institutions. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, a scheme initiated by our former Prime Minister Late. Rajiv Gandhi to provide good quality modern education to the children predominantly from the rural areas, without regard to their family's socio-economic condition proves to be a very valuable scheme for children of the rural community but the scheme is predominant only in some regions of the country. Also the scheme is located nowhere in TamilNadu. Such non-uniformity in universalizing education across the nation is also a factor that can be attributed to plummeting literacy rates that differ in different regions of the nation. Overall, two third of the population has remained out of school, 40% of the population is illiterate and only 15% of the students reach high school according to current estimates. To abate these imbalances and to ensure education for all children up to the age of 14 as stipulated by the Constitution of India in the NPE, I recommend a new system of education which I would name as "SMS", the acronym for Student Minimal Schooling. The name may seem ordinary and simply relevant to what we are discussing about but as I bring up the features and benefits of this scheme, I believe one shall apprehend them and I certainly aver the scheme would be well suitable for the Indian society which will be justified as we discuss about it.

The Mid Day Meal scheme in public schools proves helping with regard to food and reduces the burden of unaffordable parents to some extent. But looking at a macroscopic point of view, we have to think whether providing food to the students alone helps to achieve India's vision of ensuring minimal schooling. It is a fact that apart from free lunch, the students who fall under the category of Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) (as classified by the government in 1960) savor various other amenities provided by the government. All students attending public schools do not fall under these two categories. It is a general consensus that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are provided for in many of India's educational programmes. Special reservations are provided for them and a reservation of 15% in Kendriya Vidyalaya (a system of central government schools under the Ministry of Human Resource, Government of India) for Scheduled Castes and another reservation of 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes is an instance to commend here. Due to this, many other students who fall under various other categories apart from SC and ST (again as classified by the government of India) do not relish all the amenities that are provided for those reserved students.

So according to my SMS scheme, first of all this disparity between different sects of students has to be completely ruled out in order to achieve minimal schooling up to the age of 14 for all students in India. If a question arises as to how then the students belonging to SC and ST can afford to join schools without reservation, my answer would be what if the government had not framed these rules and reservations. After the amendment was made by the government in 1975 to the total number of SC and ST groups in India, there was an ambience of self-security for their future among all the SCs and STs who according to the government deserve reservation in schools, colleges and even in occupation but overall it has created an imbalance in normalizing the structure of imparting equal education to the children of our nation.

Next, as stated before, the stipulated budget for education doesn't reach the public schools or it doesn't become existential. Is the government becoming reluctant day by day in concentrating on education, particularly among the rural masses where it really needs to emphasize on caring the unaffordable children by ensuring mid-day meal, free books and transportation? If we ask this question to those engrossed in gaining statistics, the answer would be 'Yes'. While it is true that the budget spent on education mainly focuses on free lunch for all students enrolled in public schools, the government has to increase its impetus more on other amenities to be offered to students apart from lunch like free books, transportation facilities and also in conducting various other intra-mural activities including inter-state exhibition, sports, cultural activities, etc which are always predominant in private schools. It doesn't mean that free lunch alone would invite much of the rural students to join public schools. What if they cannot afford to buy books, pay tuition fees and spend daily for transportation from remote places?

So offering these benefits would be the next constituent of my SMS plan that would quench the need of minimal schooling in our country. For sure this would make much more sense among the rural communities in our country because these are basically the essential needs of students who cannot complete schooling due to lack of such facilities which they have to personally afford to do to take care of themselves. Also this would not mean lavish expenditure or spendthrift behavior on the part of government because as cited before the budget on education has to be more than 6% of GDP which India, as a developing country, can really afford to make. If India really has to emerge as a developed nation, the crux of achieving this lies in compulsory fulfillment of minimal education which in turn lies in the expenditure by government to meet the needs of the students with craving desire for education.

The one last feature of my SMS plan is to increase the Teacher-Student ratio per class. According to the data given by UNESCO, the ratio is 1:37 in lower-secondary classes and it is 1:40 in primary classes among the public schools. This ratio is much better in private schools where the ratio is 1:31. Also more teachers in private schools are females when compared to public schools. The attitude of a teacher, according to me, greatly influences the mindset of young students. It is at such an immature stage the students start learning and it is true that in most of the cases female teachers will be able to make a bias and recognize every individual student so as to nurture the concepts they teach with an emotional stability. Nevertheless, drop-outs are also attributed to the behavior of teacher towards the student and this is evident from the news and various forms of media in which we have witnessed such cases. With regard to this, my SMS scheme states that the ratio of Teacher to student in a class of a public school can, on an average, be 1:25 which is a very effective ratio according to researches. One may guess the obvious advantage that is concomitant with this ratio. Yes, the employment opportunity for trained teachers shoots up and it particularly enhances employment for women. Thus if this feature of SMS is incorporated, it would lead to more attention on an individual basis and can considerably lead to reduction in drop-out rates which forms the basis for minimal schooling.

To summarize, the SMS scheme covers three main features, removal of disparity between the SC/STs and non SC/STs by withdrawing the reservation policy, increment in government expenditure to meet all the needs of students attending public schools and increasing the Teacher-Student ratio with employment of more female teachers so as to bring down drop-out rates. I assure if the scheme is incorporated by the Government of India, it would be the key factor in contributing towards reduction in drop-out rates, ensure minimal schooling and make India emerge as a global leader in the field of education. Also the third feature of increasing the Teacher-Student ratio increases employment opportunities for teachers, so I believe there are no offsetting remarks that underweight the scheme in anyway. I assure the SMS scheme is formulated by taking into consideration the way Indian society accepts a scheme to be suitable for it and this, of course, will be relevant to our culture where we see unity in diversity.

Easy Sports Massage Therapy at Home

The first step in sports massage therapy is to recruit a friend or partner to give you this invigorating massage treatment or have it done for you which is particularly ideal when you are under a lot of stress. Begin the massage lying face down on a firm, comfortable surface and ask your friend to follow these four steps:

1) Warm some massage oil (see recipe below) between your palms and spread a light, even layer across your friend's back and sides. Starting at the waist, press your hands up along each side of the spine, gliding to the top. Fan your hands out across her shoulders, swing your fingers down along the ribs and sides, and pull your hands back to the waist. Keep your hands and fingers relaxed and molded to the contours of the body. Apply more pressure as you stroke up, less as you stroke down. Continue this sports massage therapy technique for several minutes.

2) With your friend face up or face down, spread massage oil evenly onto one leg. Using gliding motions, encircle as much of their leg as possible. Lead the stroke with the web of your hand (the skin between the thumb and index finger). Start at the ankle and move over the calf and thigh using firm pressure (use light pressure on the knee) then glide back towards the ankle with lighter pressure. Stroke slowly and then speed up for two minutes. Repeat the massage on the other leg.

3) Lift one of their hands and firmly glide your other hand from their wrist to elbow to arm socket and then glide lightly back to the wrist. Lead the stroke with the web of your cupped hand. Establish a brisk pattern for about one minute. Repeat the massage technique on the other arm.

4) Knead their back. Gently work the smaller muscles with your thumb and fingertips in a motion like a cat's paw opening and closing in contentment. Push and pull larger muscles with wider, deeper movements as if kneading dough. Continue for a few minutes.

Invigorating Sports Massage Therapy Oil Blend

60 ml carrier oil (such as grape seed, jojoba or sweet almond oil)
16 drops geranium essential oil
7 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
Glass or plastic mixing Bottle

Mix the following ingredients for the massage oil together in a mixing bottle. Add each item to the mixing bottle and shake vigorously to mix the oils together.

Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Massage Table

If you are a mobile massage therapist then there is one primary piece of equipment that is fundamental to your success - the portable massage table. There are several items you must consider when selecting a portable massage table in the areas of functionality, ergonomics, and comfort. This article will address several items in these areas and hopefully give some helpful tips on this important purchase.

1. Who is your client?
Are your client's women, men or children? What type of body style do your clients have - heavy set, tall, short etc. Are your clients athletes? Are your clients experiencing pain? Are they mostly pregnant women? Do they suffer from specific ailments? Or is your client base a mixture of all of these types? The answers to these questions are vital to the table you need to support your clients. There are specific massage table types and accessories that are designed for each of these clients. Heavy set clients require a table that has a weight rating typically over 500lbs. There are accessories made for women who are pregnant and for breast support. Athletes may be tall or large and require wider and longer tables.

2. What type of massage do you practice?
Do you practice deep tissue massage like Aston Patterning, Sport Massage, or Canadian Deep Muscle Massage? Do you practice a lighter technique like acupressure, hot stone massage or Reiki? Do you focus on a specific part of the body like Reflexology, Lymph System Massage, or Chi Nei Tsang? Or do you practice an integrative approach that incorporates different modalities depending on the client's needs? Modalities that are deep tissue oriented require a portable massage table to be very sturdy and strong because of the pushing and pulling techniques. Having a stable and strong headrest is needed for massage modalities that are focused on the head. Massage modalities that focus on the body core and organs require a reinforced center area, usually thicker plywood and truss supports.

3. Strength and Stability
Regardless of your client type and the type of massage you practice, having a strong and sturdy portable massage table is essential in making your clients feel comfortable and safe. If your clients are heavy set then you should consider a bariatric rated table which is reinforced to minimize the table's movement and swaying. You want your table to be stable during patient positioning and when your client is getting on and getting off the table. High quality strong and sturdy portable massage tables are made from aluminum and hardwoods, with the aluminum tables providing the best combination of strength and less weight.

4. Ergonomics for You the Practitioner
In massage school you learned the importance of self-care so that your career is long and fulfilling. Having the right portable massage table will give you comfortable access to your client without having to reach and strain. Having a table that is too wide can strain your body in positioning and working your client. A cheap portable massage table that does not support your clients will require you to do the supporting. The width of portable massage tables range from 27" to 32", and some tables have accessories which allow you to increase the width with side arm bolsters. Length can also be increased up to 10" to better support your client and provide you comfortable access. Portable massage tables typically have telescoping legs for height adjustment which will help preserve your back and neck. Having the ability to adjust the table's width will ensure you have comfortable relaxed access to your client.

5. Client Comfort
Client comfort is a necessity for your success as a massage therapist. Entry level portable massage tables have less foam and a lower quality of foam. High density foam is the right choice for your clients comfort and for the long-term use of your table since this type of foam holds up better. This is not an area to short-cut. Foam thickness ranges from 1 翻" to 3".

6. Accessories
Your portable massage table should have the ability to accommodate different clientele and different practice modalities. Many portable massage tables offer accessories to be added to the table like adjustable head rests, table extenders, and arm rests. For client comfort and positioning a variety of bolsters are available, along with carrying cases and carts.

These are a few items for your to consider when purchasing your portable massage table. Source 1 Medical is a leading supplier of massage therapy equipment and supplies. Source 1 Medical is a distributor of Oakworks portable massage tables and Oakworks medical products.

How to Get Started on Your Mobile Massage Business

Putting up a mobile massage business is definitely a great idea on so many different levels. First of all, we all know that the demand for massage service is extremely high everywhere these days so no matter where you go, you are bound to meet some individuals who are sorely in need of your services.

Second, being constantly on the road may be tiring at times but it can surely be very exciting at the same time. Not only will you be able to go to different places but you will also get to meet so many different clients along the way.

Third, there is no need to rent ridiculously high-priced spaces for setting up a massage parlor or spa. For one thing, looking for a great spa space to rent can be quite the challenge as most of the good ones are taken and the others are just not well-situated enough or are simply too expensive for you novice's budget.

The answer to this is to put up your own mobile massage business that you can operate from your own van or even a small car. All you have to do is advertise your services and drive to your clients' selected location and give them a massage right then and there.

Naturally, you would need a few other things besides a vehicle if you want to successfully launch your new mobile massage business. You will also need basic items such as a collection of massage oils and lotions, a convenient carrying case for all your massage supplies, and a lightweight but durable portable massage table that you can easily take along with you when you have an outcall.

Choosing the right kind of massage table is probably the most important step that you have to take when establishing a successful mobile massage business. There are quite a large number of options that you can choose from, which could make it rather confusing. However, you can simplify the task by focusing on the three most important criteria: durability, portability, and cost.

Durability

Stationary massage tables are usually considered to be much more durable compared to the smaller and usually more fragile portable massage tables but this doesn't necessarily mean that all portable massage tables can break easily. On the contrary, there are many portable massage tables that are very stable and durable these days.

Before you buy a massage table, it would be wise to test its strength by examining the joints of the frame and ensuring that there is adequate support in the hinges. You should also check the kind of material that was used to create the massage table. Plastic is a popular choice because of its extremely light weight and low cost but they are not the sturdiest option.

Portability

The idea of a portable massage table is that it could be carried around easily from place to place. However, not all of these tables are equal in terms of portability. For one thing, there are some that are quite large and heavy, although they do still fall under the category of portable massage tables. You shouldn't automatically go for the lightest ones either because as mentioned above, this may mean having to sacrifice durability and even the safety of your clients.

Weight is not the only factor that determines portability. You should also take into consideration the kind of carrying case that comes with the table. It is a good idea to pick a case that has wide, heavily padded shoulder straps so that you won't feel the strain of the weight too much.

Another option is to forget about the carrying case altogether and buy a table cart instead. Instead of carrying your table and other stuff around, you can simply place them into the cart and push the cart toward your client's place. This will not only save you from unnecessary exertion but also save your energy so that you can provide a more efficient massage for your client.

Cost

One of the reasons why aspiring massage therapists choose the mobile massage business instead of starting a traditional massage spa is because of the lower financial capital required. Indeed, you can save a considerable amount of money when you go down the mobile massage route and for sure, you can use this money that you have saved for buying a better and slightly costlier massage table. Or you can push your savings up even further by opting to buy a low-cost massage table instead of one of the more sophisticated ones.

In any case, you do have to determine your budget before you go out and shop for a massage table, and any other massage supplies for that matter. By handling your finances with care right from the beginning, there's a very good chance that you will enjoy immense success as your mobile massage business gets under way.

Hair Shampoo and Conditioners - Massage Therapy

Shampooing

Choose wisely, shampoo has to be mild. Harsh shampoos can damage hair follicles. It has to be ph balanced to ensure clean and healthy hair. Beware of the advertisements asking you apply daily and rinse and repeat instructions, its nothing but ploy to sell more products. Applying it twice will do the trick. First application will prepare scalp thoroughly and second round will get the things done.

Massage Therapy

Often skipped but important part of hair loss therapy. Gently massage your scalp with mild shampoo. Gently use fingertips the fingertips in a "spider doing push-ups" fashion. Hot oil massage helps toning and induces the scalp release natural oils from sebaceous glands.

Moisturizing hair & scalp

Moisturize your hair. Hair Conditioning is important aspect for healthy hair. Provided your hair is dry, one should avoid harsh chemicals on the hair. Herbal conditioner is better options since it doesn't contain any harsh chemical. Henna and aloe Vera could be good homemade conditioner, and if your stocky life doesn't permits anything homemade you could also buy good hair conditioning products available in the market.

Hair Styling

Style is fashion when comfort is ultimate effect of that action. Styling your hair on the cost of its health is not a good idea and of course, not advisable at all. Find a comfortable style.

Hair care products

What comes expensive doesn't necessarily be great, but there is high possibility that cheap products won't do any good at all. Cheap ones will either dry out your hair or grease it up. Find the best possible combination of natural products, do some patch test before applying them on your scalp. Quality products may be a little expensive but the final result that counts not the price tag.

Hair Style

Keeping your hair short helps you managing & maintaining it regularly. Always go for regular hair cut. Short hairs need less care and they are less fragile and less prone to develop scalp infection than longer hair. Massage your hair & scalp regularly with your finger tips- not with your finger nails.

Final Tips

Get regular haircuts

Massage your scalp with your fingertips

Brush (natural bristles are best)

Comb - wide-toothed if you have curly hair.

Indications and Contraindications for Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy is a popular method of treatment for chiropractors, physical therapists, and other medical care providers. It involves transferring sound waves with frequencies greater than the human sound spectrum (above 20 kilohertz) into a patient. The energy that is transferred with the sound waves can be used to treat focused, isolated areas of tissue to help with relieving pain in affected areas of the body and to speed the recovery process for injured muscle or other tissues.

When to Use Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound can be used to create a deep heat effect for relief of pain, muscle spasms and in cases where joints have been tightened over a prolonged period of time - joint contracture - as in cases such as spastic cerebral palsy or in work-induced environments.

Some of the most common medical problems that warrant the use of ultrasound therapy are adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder", or pain and stiffness in the shoulder caused by inflammation), calcific bursitis (the calcification of bursa sacs due to prolonged inflammation, usually in the shoulder), inflammation of the skeletal muscles (myositis), and soft tissue injuries from sports or other causes. Ultrasound therapy is also used to treat tendons that have been shortened from untreated scar tissue or past injuries. Ultrasound can be used to overcome capsular tightness or scarring, which often result from surgeries such as breast augmentation.

Contraindications

There are many situations for which the typical ultrasound therapy treatment using equipment such as the Intelect Legend or TranSport series from Chattanooga is not recommended. Ultrasound should not be used to treat local pain without the patient first receiving a thorough diagnosis, and the cause of the pain has been confidently determined. It should not be used when there are cancerous lesions on or near area to be treated. If a patient shows symptoms of carrying serious infectious diseases or in cases where the patient should be avoiding excess heat or fevers, it is not advised to use therapeutic ultrasound.

Other conditions governing the use of ultrasound therapy include avoiding particular parts of the body that may be susceptible to negative side effects from the treatment. It should not be used in areas where bones are growing. If a patient uses a pacemaker, it is not recommended to use this kind of treatment in the thoracic part of the body, as the pacemaker may be affected in those cases. Ultrasound devices should not be used where a fracture is healing, it should not be applied close to a patient's eyes, and it should not be used over the uterus region of a pregnant woman. Therapists should be careful not to use ultrasound in patients who suffer from vascular disease and who have ischemic tissue. In this case, cells could die because of the blood supply's inability to keep pace with the increased metabolic demand from tissues affected by the treatment.

Other situations that prohibit the use of ultrasound therapy include the spine area of patients who have had spinal surgeries such as Laminectomy, anywhere on a patient where anesthetics are being used, or any kind of disposition to bleeding excessively.

Competent medical professionals should be well-informed of when ultrasound therapy should be used, and under what circumstances it should be avoided.

How To Crush Painful Knots From Playing Sports

Sports massage

Sports massage is a special kind of massage that is specially formulated for athletes of all walks of life. This includes marathon runners, weight lifters, sprinters and field athletes. There are different types of massage techniques and each particular sport will have its own requirements.

Aspects of sports massage therapy have recently been viewed as an important aspect of modern day training. Many also use massage as a pre-tournament and pre-event preparation strategy so that muscles are properly conditioned and toned. Exercise is very important because it promotes great health and also helps prevent diseases and chronic body conditions. Exercise is also great for aging people. It has been shown to increase bone density and reduce the rate of bone loss.

Sports massage

Today, sports massage therapy is highly considered as part of training regimes not just for professional athletes but basically any person who participates in any form of exercise, including regular joggers. Specially designed application of massage will help an individual athlete prevent injuries, be more flexible, improve endurance and basically keep the body conditioned and ready for some serious workouts and optimum performance in competitive athletic games and matches.

No Keyword - Sports massage

Basically, massage targets tendons. These are parts of the body that attach muscle to a joint such as the knee or shoulder. It is said that a 30 second massage does help improve hip flexibility and also helps decrease soreness in the muscle in the athletes or individuals who receive this massage after and before exercises. There is also a notable decreased muscle soreness for athletes and exercising individuals.

Any person who chooses to engage in regular exercise and other physical activity and exertion of body muscles should consider receiving a sports massage therapy from a qualified and experienced therapist. A proper exercise will basically include a warm up, the main exercise and then a warm down. The purpose of the warm is basically to open up the blood vessels for increased blood flow. This is very important as increased blood flow will deliver nutrients and oxygen to the parts of the body where it is needed the most, such as body muscles.

A cool down is also essential especially after physical and intense workouts. These exercises that help the body to cool down will enable the heart rate to go down and the blood pressure to return to normal rates. Athletes who do not cool down properly will basically have their hear rate go down and the blood pressure resume normal rates but they may suffer bouts of dizziness and light headedness. All these are important aspects of getting rid of knots and and tight muscles.

The Physical and Emotional Health Benefits of Massage

In a fast-paced world filled with deadlines and an overabundance of tasks, many seek the therapeutic benefits of massage to address the physical and emotional strains that sometimes accompany the resulting physical strains and mental overexertion. Massage is historically rooted in body care throughout all the countries of the world. It is increasingly being offered, along with standard treatment, for a wide range of medical conditions. Found in a variety of settings, massage therapy offers individual physical and emotional restorative care in an effort to maintain balance in daily living.

Physical Care

Massage therapy can be a powerful ally in individual health care regimen. Peer-reviewed medical research shows that the elements of massage promote overall healing of lymphatic, gastrointestinal, circulatory, and musculoskeletal systems. In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes occur in the body, with profound effects on physical functioning and well-being. The manipulation of various muscle layers can alleviate chronic pain, stimulate the immune system, aid in blood pressure control, promote infant growth, improve joint flexibility, increase circulation, enhance tissue regeneration, reduce spasms/cramping, and lessen post-surgical lesions and scar tissue. Additionally, massage therapy is often a supplemental protocol in the care and treatment of diseases such as cancer, arthritis and cerebral palsy. Currently, massage therapy is the most utilized form of complementary and alternative medicine in hospitals throughout the United States.

Emotional Wellness

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. Massage therapy continues to promote overall health and emotional well-being with its ability to reduce stress and lessen anxiety. In addition to promoting general relaxation and stress relief, massage can be used to stimulate the release of pain relieving neurotransmitters (endorphins and serotonin). There is an abundance of research confirming the benefits of human touch. Just as infants build security and attachment to their caregivers through touch, the adult body responds to human touch with increased levels of self-assurance, safety, and calmness. Massage therapy reduces anxiety and depression while enhancing energy levels and promoting quality sleep. The relaxation and rejuvenating properties of therapeutic massage greatly contribute to the promotion and ongoing support of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Penn Foster Career School - Online Learning Center

Penn Foster Career School is a privately owned distance learning vocational training institution. The school is based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It now offers over 80 accredited diploma and certificate programs.

The school currently has an annual enrollment of over 22,000 students. This institution is still actively pursuing the vision of its founding father: to increase the ability of everyone to gain access to the knowledge and skills they need to fulfill their life's goals.

History of the Institution

Penn Foster Career School was founded by Thomas J. Foster in the year 1890 to provide correspondence training courses to help coal miners gain access to engineering knowledge and skills.

This institution was originally known as ICS - "International Correspondence School". After 55 years of existence, the institution had enrolled over 5 million students in various courses.

The ownership of the school has changed hands over the years. It is presently owned by Princeton Review, the test preparation and review company.

Major Benefits of Enrolling at Penn Foster

1. Reputation. This is one of the largest globally acclaimed online learning institutions. Therefore, if you enroll in this institution, you are going to obtain an internationally appreciated qualification.
2. Career Focus. The programs offered at Penn Foster are job and career focused. The skills you will acquire are state-of-the-art skills which are sought after by many employers.
3. Flexible and Convenient Content Delivery. As a student, you are free to choose whether you want your study materials to be delivered in print, online or as a combination of both.
4. Self Paced Study. You can decide to study at any pace that allows you to fully understand and digest the materials you are learning.
5. Student-friendly Environment. You always have support staff and professional instructors to attend to you and provide appropriate answers to your enquiries.
6. Affordable Tuition. Penn Foster programs were designed to be pocket-friendly. The programs are very affordable. You are also offered interest free APR financing and flexible payment plans.
7. Student and Graduate-Friendly Career Services. As a student or graduate, you continually receive targeted notices about job openings that can advance your career. You can also receive professional assistance on how to write your resume and prepare for job interviews.

Accreditation

Penn Foster is accredited both regionally and nationally. They are also duly licensed by the state authorities in Pennsylvania.

Programs Offered

According to the official website of this school, these are the most popular courses that people are currently registering for:

* Veterinary Assistant
* Substance Abuse Counselor
* Residential Electrician
* Physical Therapy Aide
* Pharmacy Technician
* Medical Coding and Billing
* Medical Administrative Assistant
* HVAC Technician
* Gunsmith
* Dental Assistant
* Child Day Care
* Certified Wedding Planner
* Certified Personal Trainer
* Auto Repair Technician

The school offers courses in the broad areas of technology, business, healthcare and construction.

Some of the technology related courses offered include:

* Web page designer
* Telecommunications technician
* Small engine repair
* Residential electrician
* Plumber
* Motorcycle repair technician
* Microsoft Office 2010
* HVAC technician
* Gunsmith
* Electronics technician
* Diesel
* Computer support technician
* Computer programming language certificate
* Auto repair technician

General Information

No semester restrictions

Due to the fact that the programs are correspondence courses, there are no traditional semester restrictions. Therefore, the school is open for enrollment at all times. You can enroll at any time of the year that suits you.

No Geographic Restrictions

Penn Foster programs are not restricted to any section of the country. You are free to enroll for any course from any part of the country. However, since most courses are delivered online, some courses may have some PC specifications for certain specialized programs requiring special types of software.

Unique All Inclusive Tuition

At Penn Foster, you enjoy a unique billing system. Your tuition covers the cost of all the materials that you need including your study guides and textbooks.
That was a brief review of the Penn Foster Career School.

A brief historical background was given followed by an outline of the benefits you stand to gain if you enroll in any of the programs offered by this institution. You were also presented with the most popular courses offered along with those offered in the technology category.

If you are considering which online learning school to enroll in for effective career advancement, you should try Penn Foster. The institution has remained focused on its primary mission of making career advancement skills easily accessible to all that desire to acquire them.

Physical Therapy Treatments - The Advantages of Physiotherapy After Cardiac Surgery

After a cardiac surgery it is but natural to feel tired and in pain. Yet, beginning physiotherapy immediately after the surgery rather than allowing oneself a period of rest seems incredulous. But that is exactly what the doctor's order are.

A cardiac surgery can include one or more of several different procedures - bypass surgeries, placing stents, angioplasty, replacements of valves - or even a complete heart transplant. Cardiac patients can derive several benefits from physiotherapy, both after surgery and to alleviate symptoms of cardiac diseases like chest pains, cardiomyopathy, artery diseases, heart failures or cardiac arrests.

About a fortnight after you have the surgery, the physiotherapy program commences. Initially, a stress test is administered to determine the person's capacity for exercise. Generally, these tests include using the treadmill or a stationary bike while the doctor or nurse keeps a track of the person's vital signs.

This tracked data is collated and analyzed. Based on the results, a routine for physiotherapy is determined. The initial sessions are often conducted under the vigilance of hospital staff to ensure the medical safety of the patient.

Cardiac patients perform their initial exercises in the presence of horses and their physiotherapist. In case there is any discomfort to the patient while performing these exercises the medical personnel can immediately take over and manage the situation. Thee exercises involve similar cardiovascular exercises as the first test session, like walking the treadmill and stationary cycling.

Once this initial monitored phase passes, cardiac patients can continue their exercise sin the privacy of their homes. Before they are permitted to do that, however, they are instructed on various exercises, for warming up and stretching, and taught when it is ideal for them to stop. Unless they are acing severe complications, they are advised to exercise a minimum of three and a maximum of five times a week.

After cardiac surgery, swimming is also advisable. As a cardiovascular exercise it is effective without straining a patients joints, and can be continued for longer durations. The one thing that must be kept in mind before commencing swimmingis that all open wounds on the body must have healed completely.

Physiotherapy staff are not always required to instruct a patient on exercises. Hospital staff are also trained to rehabilitate cardiac surgery patients. The principles of therapy remain the same and physiotherapy staff can be involved if so required.

The physiotherapist sketches out the routine for physical therapy. In the first 6 weeks after surgery, few activities are allowed, including, but not limited to light housework and occasional excursions to movie theatres. On till the third month after surgery, other activities are included in the person's routine. It is possible for a patient to return to full-time or part-time work, and begin driving again. After the third month, gradually all normal activities can be resumed.

Without physiotherapy, a patient will remain weak, and may even grow weaker. Physiotherapy is a routine that allows a person to go back to their original lifestyle as early as is possible. With the correct exercises, a patient will become healthier than they were before they underwent cardiac surgery.

Massage Marketing Ideas For Building a Solid Massage Therapy Practice

Venturing out on your own with a new massage business, or hoping to breathe new life into your established massage business? Whether you have a faithful client base or are still waiting for your first client, these tips will help you form a solid massage marketing plan for your business.

Of all the massage marketing ideas you may hear about, word of mouth is by far a massage therapist's strongest asset. Clients who have personally benefited from your healing touch are a natural advocate for your massage therapy practice.
 
People tend to accept opinions based on personal experience, particularly when those opinions are offered freely, with no underlying motives. Personal referrals from friends or family members-or even casual acquaintances-are more likely to generate a response than traditional advertising venues such as newspaper ads or flyers.

Loyal clients raving about your massage skills to their friends and family, resulting in an endless chain of referrals and new clients, is an inspiring vision, but in the meantime, what can you do to light the spark?

One way to spark referrals is to offer a special deal for clients who refer your massage services to a friend or family member. How does this work? Here's an example. If a new client books (and keeps) an appointment as the result of a referral, the client who made the referral receives a free massage session. If the new client rebooks at the end of their first appointment, your regular client gets another incentive, such as hot stone massage.

Other rewards for referrals could include free add-on treatments such as foot massage, spa treatments, or aromatherapy. These add-ons encourage the client to sample other services you have to offer. If they enjoy it, they may even consider adding it to their regular massage sessions.

Another source of potential referrals is community involvement. Network with community members and local business owners, especially those who work with clients and customers that would benefit from therapeutic massage. Individuals who are prominent in the community can effectively market your business through word of mouth.

Chiropractors, fitness trainers, and physical therapists are key individuals to include in your network, but don't limit yourself to the obvious. Be creative. Include health food stores, specialty gift shops, bridal shops, and counseling centers. Focus on the type of clients you hope to attract. Do you specialize in pregnancy massage? Network with family planning centers and local health clinics. Sports massage? Partner with local gyms, yoga centers, and sports chiropractors. Massage for the elderly? Connect with home health care workers, senior centers, and nursing homes.

On the flip side, word of mouth can also work against you if your massage practice offers less than clients expect. The foundation of any massage business plan must include a professional atmosphere and relaxing environment. If you try to scrape by with threadbare sheets and oil-dotted walls or neglect to clean the restrooms, your clients will notice and tell their friends. Clients are more likely to become regulars if they perceive that you care about their health, their time, and their comfort.

While word of mouth is your core strategy for long-term clients, there are plenty of other massage marketing ideas that can give your appointment schedule a boost. Chair massage is one of the most effective. It's also an excellent introduction to massage therapy for potential clients. Chair massage allows clients to sample the power of healing touch before experimenting with the deeper benefits of full body massage.

Offer chair massage sessions at community and social events, health fairs, business expos, farmers markets, athletic events, country clubs, coffee houses, bookstores, or universities. Bring your appointment book to schedule office sessions on the spot for interested clients.

Some therapists offer chair massage for free as a marketing promotion, but clients looking for a handout are less likely to become regular clients. Most massage therapists charge one dollar per minute for seated massage. Individuals who are willing to pay for seated massage will be more willing to invest in your services for full body massage.

Business cards should also be an important part of your massage therapy business plan. Give extra business cards to friends and family members who are willing to refer your services. Keep a stack of business cards at the appointment desk, where clients can pick up a few on their way out if they know of people who may be interested in your services. Don't hesitate to pass out business cards on your own as well.

Building up your massage business takes planning and hard work, but the results are worth the effort. Your business and your clients will benefit from your efforts to reach individuals who can find hope and healing through massage therapy.

Is Your Massage Therapist Inviting Spirits Upon You?

I had a counseling client in our Tampa office recently (let's call her "Jill", not her real name) who was a beautiful young woman of Go. Jill had spent her life in the church and had recently graduated from Massage Therapy School. I listened intently as she spoke of the doors for demonic oppression she believed she had opened while she was in school.

Jill recounted how she became aware of the New Age infiltration into the school on the day they had Reiki Training. Reiki (pronounced Ray-kee) is a spiritual healing practice invented in Japan in the 1920's that claims that healing can come by laying hands on or above a sick or injured person. They believe that a Reiki master can draw universal healing energy into the person. Some of the Reiki practitioners are expected to seek a spirit guide as a spiritual master. As Christians, we need to understand that walking down this road will not lead us closer to Jesus!

During the class Jill was part of, they asked for volunteers who would like to have this healing energy channeled into them. She told me half the class was jumping out of their seats because of the descriptions used in reference to the process were calming, healing, peaceful oneness.
As my client described it, the volunteer ended up in a fetal position rocking in the corner of the room sobbing without consolation. At that point the Reiki instructor admitted that many times you will see that sort of manifestation after the energy is channeled in. Some people vomit, have types of seizures or start crying as this girl was doing. No one else volunteered after that!

Jill was well versed in demonic oppression and she knew this volunteer opened a huge door and there was no telling how many demons found a new home in her. As a believer of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, her concern of course was, "How do you know what kind of energy is flowing out of the Reiki master". " Where do they get there energy from? " As a Christian counselor and deliverance minister, I would certainly say that the healing power was not from the God of the bible!

I was a volunteer at a Nursing Home here in town, and Reiki therapy is very prevalent there. They hold classes every month to teach the volunteers how to administer Reiki. One of the elderly volunteers told me that the next time I was there she would channel the "Healing Touch" into me. My spirit recoiled and I told her, "Oh that's okay, I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit for healing." She blurted out innocently, "Oh, this has nothing to do with that!" I heard the Holy Spirit speak loudly, "My people are dying for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6).

I asked one of the patients I sat with weekly if they had prayed Reiki over her. She sat straight up in bed and said, "Yes, and I will never allow that again!" I asked her what happened. She told me that she indeed received an immediate peace and freedom from pain, but within hours it was back and seven times worse that it was to begin with!

I read an article recently in The Healing Line, written by Francis MacNutt of Christian Healing Ministries that the practice has been so embraced by many nuns in the Catholic Retreat centers that the Bishops released a statement criticizing and warning against its use as a spiritual healing technique.

The bottom line is this: if you are a Christian and receiving massage therapy, just be careful who lays hands on you. Ask your massage therapist lots of questions and always cover yourself with the blood of Jesus before allowing anyone to massage you. As Francis MacNutt so eloquently stated in his article, "We have to be very careful not to mingle the healing that we have in Jesus with any other healing powers." Amen!

Physical Therapy Has One of the Highest Levels of Job Satisfaction

When we're kids thinking about what we want to be when we're older, we don't really think about job satisfaction. Anything we want to be will of course be satisfying - a fireman! a baseball player! But as we become adults, we know that many people end up in careers and lines of work where they simply aren't happy. Physical therapy though isn't like that, and in fact, it has one of the highest overall ratings for job satisfaction for any line of work or career out there.

So, just how many physical therapists are happy with their jobs? In a very important 2007 study, it was found that more than three quarters of physical therapists aren't only satisfied, they are "very satisfied" with their careers. That's above 75% of people in the field, and it means that entering this profession could be your ticket to a lifetime of happiness and success.

But to put that number into better perspective, don't just take our word that it's very high. Consider that in the same survey, it was the number 2 ranked career that was listed. The only thing higher than it is something completely different - being a part of the clergy! After that, physical therapy was next on the list, which is pretty spectacular.

There are other recent studies, surveys and reports which rank physical therapy very highly on their list of careers and lines of work. For example, a 2010 report by CNNMoney.com put physical therapists number 4 overall of the top 100 careers in the United States, and in 2009, the US News and World Report included physical therapists on their best list as well.

Clearly, physical therapy is very enjoyable, and people end up really taking pride in their careers in this field. But why exactly is that the case? One reason for this is because you get to help people each and every day, improving their lives, minimizing or getting rid of their pain, solving their problems, and more. That's something that can give anybody a boost, and will ensure you feel good about what you do when you get up in the morning.

But any satisfying career needs more than that to make it one of the best careers in the country. Physical therapy stands apart therefore because it also is a very rapidly growing field, and there are lots of jobs to be had, which is extremely important. From there, physical therapists also earn a very high salary, which means you'll get paid handsomely and enjoy a better lifestyle.

While it's easy to be a kid and dream big about our lives, it's even easier to be an adult and be stuck in a dead end job that we hate. Luckily, it's never too late to consider a field like physical therapy, where 75% of practicing professionals are very satisfied with their line of work. From helping people firsthand, to being paid well to do so and having wonderful job opportunities, physical therapy has all that you can ask for and more.

What to Expect From Physical Therapy

Walking into a complex offering physical therapy can be somewhat daunting. ?You can see a lot of unusual items set around the treatment room, along with more familiar exercise equipment. ?If you are in pain from in illness or injury, some of the things you see may make you just a bit nervous. ?If the therapists in this room are properly trained, you don't need to be nervous at all.

The first thing that will be done after an assessment and before PT starts will be something to warm up the area to be worked on. ?Heating pads are a good start, and they actually feel pretty good. ?This warm up will help make your muscles and joints work better and less likely to be painful. ?After your session, you may also have an ice pack, in order to reduce any inflammation the workout caused. ?That, too, feels pretty good.

When the areas that need therapy are load bearing, aquatic therapy may be recommended. ?This makes it a "no impact" session and provides resistance to help build up muscles faster. ?This can also be done for problems in non-load bearing joints, if that is what the doctor thinks is best for you. ?(Don't worry if you can't swim, most of these exercises are done in the shallow end of the pool, and they understand those of us who are afraid of large amounts of water.)

You can expect some sort of monitoring during PT. ?If you are in it as part of cardiac rehab, this monitoring is especially important and may include leads that will show any rhythm problems and other abnormalities. ?For injury related PT, it will probably be just watching and listening so as to avoid further damage.

If you feel pain, stop and tell the therapist. ?You have probably been told to take something for pain half an hour before your session. ?If not, ask. ?The therapist may know it will be painful, so you may be given advance warning and other instructions. ?Otherwise, it may be a sign that your body is not yet ready for the exercise given it. ?

There are usually two main goals of this sort of exercise. ?One is to relieve pain and the other is to improve range of motion. ?Both of these are done by a series of exercises that gradually build up stretch muscles, tendons and ligaments back close to their original length and to train the muscles to help the joints do the job.

You may notice some stiffness, both when doing the exercises and afterward. ?This is normal at the beginning, but should improve as you go through the sessions your doctor ordered. ?If not enough improvement is seen, you may be given a different type of PT.

Do expect your muscles to be tired. ?If you have not exercised the muscles for any stretch of time prior to beginning, it will take time before they can handle the extra requirements being made of them. ?This is different from muscle pain, which is also a possibility.

PT is an important tool that can help you recover from serious problems and get back to your normal routines. ?It's a good idea to talk to your doctor before, during and after going through the process. The doctor can then fine tune what you are doing so that you achieve that laudable goal.

A Therapist's Guide To Massage and Spa Etiquette

1. Can I fart during treatments? My initial understanding of this question was yes. After all there is a lot going on during a massage treatment with pressure being applied in all directions so breaking wind can be a natural bodily expression. Silent would be nice but loud can be quite frequent. So I would have said yes. Unfortunately my clients find me farting during an appointment very inappropriate no matter how hard I am working. So if I can't fart, neither can you.

2. Is there sex available during my spa visit? The answer should be categorically NO but the truth is a little more complex. Understand this - you will never get sex with the therapist. Stopping couples having sex is a little more difficult. Our spa says inappropriate action will cause expulsion yet the loud moaning coming from the dual hydro spa is not the sounds usually representative of a welcome jet of water massaging the feet or back. Even worse they never pull the plug out afterwards and some poor schmuck has to put their hand in there and pull it out. I have even had a couple doing a knee-trembler against the door blocking me from re-entering the treatment room. Once again if I can't have sex during treatments, neither can you.

3. If I am late can you move the appointment time for me? Simple answer is No. You have made an appointment time well in advance knowing to arrive 15 minutes before the booking but because of your tardiness I have to work free overtime and every client after you will have to wait making me look tardy instead. I respect my clients far too much to start late for them so if you don't respect me enough to arrive on time that is your choice. "But it wasn't my fault!" No matter what the reason, you have booked for a particular time and are responsible for it. If you arrive late at a movie would you expect them to restart it or would you expect a plane to return for you because you had a bad day. Of course not so enjoy what time you have left of your appointment and be happy you got there at all. If I have to be there, so do you.

4. Is nudity appropriate during a treatment? Although it can get very hot during a treatment causing discomfort, sweating and deep breathing I find as a therapist it is more appropriate to keep my clothes on. Whether male or female, your dangly bits are sure to make contact with the client at some point and this is only going to cause embarrassment and grief. As far as the clients go briefs should be the minimum requirement. You might think you have a lovely crotch but I probably won't and furthermore I don't need the distraction during a treatment. So if I can't get naked, neither can you.

It doesn't take a genius to see running a spa is a complicated business but experience has shown me the stricter the rules the better it runs. Make no exceptions to your rules and life in a spa is easy.

Aging Population Driving Physical Therapy Jobs

In San Benito, California a developer is currently poised to spend millions of dollars to purchase a fan abandoned hospital and completely renovate the building into a new medical facility geared toward the aging population in that area. In Rochester New York, two hospitals have constructed assisted living facilities specifically for the elderly within the last several years; a couple of more are in the works as well. It is a story that is being played out in both large and small cities around the country as our population continues to age.

With the aging population and industry adaptations designed to accommodate it, physical-therapist jobs are becoming more and more plentiful. While the aging population certainly needs all types of medical professionals, physical therapists are a vital part in helping our seniors live as normal and productive a life as possible. The result is a long list of nursing homes, assisted living centers, and even private practices searching to fill vacant physiotherapy jobs.

Physical Therapy Makes a Better Life

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that physical therapy makes a better life for those who need it. One example is a St. Louis area mail carrier who suffered two strokes in a very short amount of time. After receiving the proper medical care, this dynamic middle-aged mother was sent to a nursing facility in order to begin her physical therapy. After what seemed like an eternity to her, she walked out of that facility and back to her mail route.

There are other stories, too. Stories of car accident victims who underwent physiotherapy to regain use of damaged limbs. Others who needed help recovering from surgery or a debilitating illness. Still others who were born with physical deformities that could only be overcome with the help of physical-therapies. The point is that although an aging population is certainly contributing to an increased need for physical therapists, the need still exists among all ages and demographic groups.

A Bright Future

Statistics regarding the medical field, and physiotherapist jobs specifically, show a bright future for those who are employed in this field. Among all medical workers, physical therapists routinely report some of the highest levels of job satisfaction and career fulfillment. More than just the financial rewards, physical therapists note a real and tangible method of their own success by how well their patients respond to treatment. At the end of the day having helped someone make a better life through physical therapy is the greatest reward the job can offer.

Statistics also indicate that physical-therapy-jobs will be plentiful at least for the next several years. And with a population that continues to live longer with each passing year, it doesn't appear as though the demand will be slowing down anytime soon. Jobs will be available in hospitals, public clinics, nursing homes, assisted living communities, schools, private practices, and so on. And they will be available in major cities and rural areas - and everywhere in between.

Why Should You Join Accredited Physical Therapy Schools?

Research has indicated that most of the deaths occurring today especially among young people are as a result of unhealthy lifestyles. People are no longer active in terms of physical exercises. This has in turn led to the emergence of serious medical conditions that continue to take a toll on people's lives. Experts argue that, unless people adapt to new, healthy lifestyles, this toll is definitely going to rise. The demand for more qualified physical therapists has also hit a top notch. You can actually achieve a lot by becoming a professional physical therapist. But how do you succeed in that? There is only one option; to join one of the best physical therapy schools.

For your information, there are very few accredited schools that offer training in corporeal treatment. This means that you have to be very careful about the kind of institutions you join. Some of these institutions are only interested in making a buck. They careless about the kind of training they offer to their students. To be sure, if you ever join these institutions, then you can count yourself a second class therapist. It is also worthwhile for you to learn about the benefits of joining accredited physical therapy schools so that you can make a well informed decision.

Importance of Recognized Physical Therapy Schools

• Quality training: There are many institutions offering courses in corporeal treatment. However, not all of them are reliable. To be on the safe side, therefore, you should join only the accredited institutions since you will be assured of quality training. Many people fail to join the well established institutions for fear of being overcharged. Though the amount of money you pay for training is a major factor, it should not hinder you from getting quality training that is likely to change your life forever.

• Learn from experts: Like in any other career field, physiotherapy requires special skills as well as enough experience to be able to perform ultimately. You can only achieve this by learning from experienced individuals who have worked in the same field for a considerably long period of time. In most cases, these individuals are only found in well established institutions. Thus, you have to be willing to make some financial sacrifices in order to get the right kind of training. It will pay in the end. The good thing about learning from professionals is that they will be in a position to break everything down professionally for easier comprehension.

7 Ways to Pamper Yourself For Pennies

Here are just a few pampering ideas for you. Some of these may "speak to you" and others may not. The purpose of this list is really just to get you to think outside the box about the "cost" of self care.

SLEEP - There is no more important element to self care than getting good quality adequate sleep. Learn how to turn off your brain so that it will let your body and mind get the rest is needs. Develop a "going to bed" ritual that will let your mind know that now is the time to sleep. It is especially helpful if you go to bed at the same time every evening.

GOOD NUTRITION - Eat real food...fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, nothing from a box. Drink plenty of water. If you eat real food you do not have to worry about the ingredients list. Eating a carrot is much more likely to be beneficial than popping a pill full of beta carotene. Who knows what other beneficial micronutrients there are in carrots.

DAILY EXERCISE - I am not talking about going to a gym and working out for an hour every day...a walk around the block with friends is a great way to fill your soul. The real key is getting up and moving-one step in front of the other, repeatedly.

MASSAGE - When I die and go to heaven, my own personal masseuse will meet me at the pearly gates and be my angel for eternity. Does that give you any idea how much I enjoy a massage?

There are ways to get good massages at bargain rates...or better yet, for free. Check your area for massage programs at a local technical/community college and local massage schools. Periodically, many of these schools/programs offer massages at significantly reduced rates. The last massage I received at a massage school cost me $20 for a one hour massage. If you are worried about the quality of the massage, don't be...give it a try at least once. If you are not satisfied you don't have to go back.

Also, think about bartering with your favorite massage therapist for services. There are probably all sorts of things you can offer in exchange for a free or reduced cost massage. Don't be shy...ask for 100% of what you want and be ready to negotiate.

READING - Remember the public library? There are thousands of books just waiting to be read. If, like me, you really enjoy getting lost in a good book, think about a trip to a library in your area. Some libraries even have contemporary paper backs to check out. When I actually buy the latest and greatest paperback book, I always donate it to the library for their paperback collection once I have finished it. Re-cycling paperback books is just one way to use the library to promote your self care.

MEDITATION - It's free. You may want to join a group or class to learn the ins and outs of the meditation process. Once you have the basics down, all it takes is time and a commitment on your part.

BUBBLE BATH - This, like meditation, takes a bit of planning so you will not be disturbed. The results can be amazing.

There are lots of other free/cheap ways to pamper yourself. Stretch yourself, think outside your box and find your own bliss on a budget.

Massage Offers Therapeutic Benefits to Hospice Patients

Massage can provide comfort and relaxation at the end of life, which can be a time of increased anxiety and fear for those making the transition as well as for their families. Hospice is a term that refers to the palliative care of patients who are nearing death. Palliative care does not attempt to cure a condition, rather, it strives to provide comfort and support to the dying, and treatments such as massage are focused on making the transition more comfortable for the individual. 

Limited research has been conducted on the benefits of therapeutic massage for the dying, but the available data points to a quantifiable improvement in several important areas. Many recipients of end of life massage have demonstrated a positive response to the therapy, such as a decrease in emotional distress, anxiety, physical discomfort, pain and nausea. Although more research is necessary to establish the advantage of providing massage therapy at the end of life, informal discussions with practitioners support the opinion that therapeutic massage provides increased relaxation and comforts the recipient both physically and emotionally.

Physical benefits of therapeutic massage for those at the end of life include the easing of muscle tension and improved circulation. Improved circulation has secondary benefits, such as aiding with digestion, promoting easier breathing, providing a temporary enhancement of mental clarity and encouraging a more restful sleep. Pain management is also an important benefit of massage, especially for those with a terminal illness. Massage's proven effectiveness for the reduction or mitigation of pain can even diminish the need for prescription painkillers.

Emotional comfort also extends to the family members, as they are aware that someone is providing a gentle and compassionate method of care to their dying loved one. Isolation is a common factor that hospice patients experience, and the gentle, caring touch of a massage can convey a sense of physical connectedness that helps the individual to know that they are not alone.  Massage can reestablish positive self-esteem and promote self-acceptance to a person whose body has been tormented by disease. This can have a positive impact on the quality of life, and can also spur a release of emotions. 

5 Steps to Become a Physical Therapist in Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is a perfect work setting for physical therapists! Just think, every professional sportsman, be it a dancer, boxer or football player, sometimes needs the help of physical therapist! Injuries and traumas in athletes' lives go together with success! So physical therapists' services are essential for them.

What it takes to become a physical therapist in sports medicine? Here are some steps you have to overcome on your way to becoming a physical therapist. Follow them and you will get a prosperous career in no time!

1. To become a therapist in any field you have to acquire at least a Master's degree. If your interest is sports medicine, get enrolled into the graduate school that focuses on orthopedic or sports therapy. To check the accreditation of physical therapy school visit American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website. To become a physical therapist in sports medicine you will have to study for 2 years. Think also about getting a Doctoral degree in the field. It will take you 3 more years.

2. During your studying in physical therapy school try to find a volunteer or paid work in the field. Where can you look for the practical experience? Well, you may be assisting a school's team therapist, or find a job in rehabilitation center. Every bit of experience can benefit you in future!

3. Find out about requirements for licensing in your state. In general, you will need a Master's degree from accredited physical therapy school and good scores on National Physical Therapy Examination. Still, your state may have some additional requirements for becoming a therapist in sports medicine. Contact your state licensing department and find out about the procedure in your area.

4. After becoming a therapist in sports medicine join the APTA. Why should you do this? Well, it will give you access to the various seminars, conferences and continuing education courses. You will always be aware of all the new foundings and techniques in the area. Therefore, you will be able to constantly improve your knowledge and professional skills.

5. Always remain in good physical shape! Becoming a physical therapist in sports medicine requires strong and fit body. You will have to use your muscles on the daily basis! How do you imagine this being weak? So improve not only your professional skills, but also your overall fitness.

Follow these steps and your way to becoming a physical therapist in sports medicine will be fast and easy. So what are you waiting for? Start working for your future success right now!