How Long Does It Take To Become A Physical Therapist?

So you want to become a Physical therapist? But do you know that it takes a lot of years to become one? Basically PT is considered as a post graduate degree just like master's degree or a PhD. In order for you to be admitted in MSPT, or MPT you need to complete any four-year basic college education or perhaps general science courses. Unlike other bachelor degree, Physical Therapy requires longer years. You need to go on a basic four year bachelor degree and another two years for your proper Physical Therapy program.

Along with your four-year Bachelor Degree you may include Physical Therapy subjects that are prerequisite to your Physical Therapy program. More often than not your subjects will include general science subjects such as biology, physics, chemistry, psychology and other subjects which are prerequisite to PT program and training. The subjects you are going to take on your basic college education differ from each school offering physical therapy courses. Each school has its own curriculum thus subjects you are going to take in your four year BS course will vary.

Your four year Basic or general education course is important since it served as a preparation for your proper PT program. After your four year course you need to take another 2-3 years of PT lessons as well as training. Often times you will have little or perhaps no breaks at the end of each semesters. Some schools even require 9-36 months of clinical physical therapy practice and training. Therefore if you really want to become a Physical Therapist you need to fasten your belt tightly.

These 6-7 years you need to spend to become a physical therapist is just the minimum years. It all depends on your pacing as well as your acceleration. Some schools require PT students to have a grade of 3.0 on all subjects thus if you can not have it then you need to retake that particular subject. This is because PT schools want to make Physical therapist to become globally competitive. Therefore if you are not that smart enough, then you better start counting another years to be added to that 6-7 years minimum PT program.

Basically it's only you who can determine how long it takes to become a Therapist. Everything lies on the effort you exerted for your Physical Therapy studies and practice and training. If you do not have the patience as well as perseverance then definitely you will never succeed. On the contrary, if you have the desire, drive as well as aspiration to become a successful Physical Therapy then those 7 longer years will just be lightning speed.

The length of your studies, practice and training to become a professional Physical Therapy all lies on your hand. It entails sacrifices as well as hard work and focus. If you do not have these qualities, then you might as well find another course that will suit you better. Physical Therapy is only for hardworking and deserving people. Therefore if you want to become a professional physical therapist, pick up your pencils, books and papers and start to study your lessons now.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools, Colleges And Universities

By physical therapist assistant schools, we mean schools, colleges or universities that confer Associate's degrees to students and certify them as licensed assistants.

A PTA is someone who assists a therapist in providing treatment to patients suffering from fractures, cerebral palsy, injuries, arthritis due to accidents, developmental disorder, old age or any other condition that result in immobility. In this field, the practitioner tries to improve their condition and helps them recover by applying massage, exercise and other therapeutic procedures. He or she also educates patients and their loved ones on how to use various therapy equipment and medical devices such as wheelchairs, crutches etc. Hence, the students are trained on how to perform these duties in related schools.

These schools educate students with the required knowledge, skills and clinical training and prepare them to grab that perfect high paying profession. Those who successfully acquire the degree from a physical therapist assistant school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) will smoothly get the job with a starting salary of $31,000 up to $40,000 per annum. However, this will depend on a lot of factors, such as the industry you're in, your qualification and experience, state you're in and working schedules. For instance, home healthcare services are considered to be highest payers followed by nursing facilities and so on.

Most states will require you to acquire certification from accredited physical therapist assistant schools and they may also require the students to pass state exams to start working in any medical facility. These schools also offer advanced certifications and specialization in the field of interest, such as in pediatrics, aquatic, geriatrics etc. For people who are currently working can look for these schools online. A lot of accredited online programs are available which provide the ease and facility to obtain the required education and work in the field of physical therapy. However, one needs to be sure if it's accredited, has a good ranking among other online schools available and has a good employment reputation in the industry.

Those interested in pursuing this career, can find the complete list of accredited physical therapist assistant schools online. Programs carried out in vocational schools or community colleges as well as online accredited schools. Students should thoroughly research their rankings and check for all the available resources to make the best choice.

What Is a Nursing Home Rehabilitation Center

Senior citizens often require specialized health services. When they undergo surgery, suffered an injury, or show signs of losing their memories, seniors may need the specialized services offered at a nursing home rehabilitation center. At this facility, seniors can regain their mobility, improve their memories, and overcome challenges to their health.

The staff at a nursing home rehabilitation center caters a patient's care according to the needs of that specific individual. A person who has had surgery on a knee or hip may need physical therapy to improve his or her balance and strength in that part of the body. Physical therapy often includes working out with weights, walking around an indoor track, or bending the affected part of the body in rhythmic exercise routines. Most patients work directly with a therapist as they build up their strength and resistance to the exercises.

On the other hand, a patient who is suffering from memory loss may benefit from occupational therapy. A therapist uses flash cards, puzzles, and games to assist that person in remembering basic skills, such as placing puzzle pieces together or pronouncing words. This therapy is most often used for patients who have suffered strokes or who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Staff at a nursing home rehabilitation center also assists people who suffer from physical conditions that interfere with basic daily activities. For example, dysphagia tends to be a common condition among the elderly; this condition makes it difficult for seniors to swallow food, water, and medication. People with this affliction feel that they are choking or unable to swallow these substances. In worst case scenarios, sufferers lose weight, choke on their food or medication, or develop pneumonia by aspirating substances into their lungs. Therapists assist these individuals by teaching techniques that make swallowing easier. They may also position patients differently in their beds or at their tables to facilitate eating and drinking. If all else fails, therapists can discuss remedies that include feeding tubes or intravenous hydration.

Patients at this facility may be surprised that their therapies are not dull and lack entertainment. In fact, a nursing home rehabilitation center may use a Wii game system as part of people's daily therapies. Playing a virtual game of bowling, tennis, baseball, basketball, and more lets people work out while having fun. Even more, playing video games has proven to be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety and depression. Patients often look forward to playing the Wii as part of their rehabilitation processes. This approach and others like it allow senior citizens to regain their mobility, improve their health, and overcome challenges to their wellbeing. They can benefit from staying at this facility.

Chiropractic Therapy And Its Benefits

Chiropractic therapy is an alternative of medicine. It deals with the spine and the central nervous system, which control the functioning of all organs and muscles of the human body and are related to the most vital part of the human body which is the brain. Hence chiropractic therapy actually aims at the well being of the entire human body.

Chiropractic therapy appears, to many as a massage by a qualified masseuse, indeed a Chiropractor is a certified medicine practitioner, who makes uses of his fingers to release blockage and enhance blood flow by manipulating several pressure points located on different areas of our face, neck, hands, legs and back. It may look as simple as that but actually Chiropractors receive college degrees and professional degrees and undergo intensive training, before they can start practice.

Chiropractors are trained to detect misalignment, tenderness and asymmetry; in joints, bones, muscles and spinal tendons. They are also trained to perform cardiovascular, orthopedic and neurological tests. They are trained to access range of motion, stability, muscle strength, muscle tone. They can diagnose X-ray, CT scans, laboratory tests like any other medical practitioner.

Chiropractic therapy helps relieve: headaches, muscular aches, back aches, aches and pains in limbs, arthritic pain, repetitive strain and the pain that is caused by the air pressure that fills up the thorax or the abdominal area. It is an effective treatment for scoliosis, vertigo and sciatica. It is also used to correct tissue inflammation, stiffness, bad postures and reflexes. It helps straighten nerves that are twisted and blocked, allowing blood and oxygen to flow freely, hence fulfilling the need of the human body. Nerves enable the brain to function and chiropractics allow the human body to maintain a healthy nervous system.

Chiropractic therapy has proved to lessen pressure on expecting mother. During pregnancy the therapy helps reduce backaches, soreness and other discomforts that come with pregnancy. It also induces labor, hence the expecting mother does not have to put up with long hours of labor before giving birth, not to mention it makes it relatively easier for the mother to deliver if she chooses to give birth to the baby naturally. The Chiropractic therapy helps unwind tense pelvic muscles that allow the baby to sink lower into the pelvis, thus stimulating contractions and causing dilation.

Chiropractic therapy excludes the use of medicine and surgery, this saves the patient a lot of time, he does not have to take time off from work, and he does not have to get hospitalized. He does not even have to get himself injected; no drips and no drowsiness or side effects of drugs. And it does not take days for him to recover, in many cases a session is enough for the patient to feel relieved of his agony although a proper treatment may require and few additional visits.

Chiropractic therapy rates best after medicine and surgery. Many who rely on alternative medicine choose chiropractic therapy to revive their health. It not only is a treatment for curing bodily aches and pains, but is a good remedy to treat health problems after an accident or a bad fall. The therapy not only kills pain but helps to flex muscles, hence keeping the body in motion and going. Like all stress relieving therapies chiropractic rejuvenates the body and mind enabling to function at its full capacity.

Indian Head Massage Courses - The Pros and Cons You Will Face When Choosing Between Them

Indian head massages have been around for over a 1000 years. It seemingly grew up in Asia and was used by women to groom each other's hair and has matured and grown into an extremely popular form of therapy that alleviates tension/stress and improves circulation in the upper back, neck, scalp and face - fantastic for combating the stresses and strains of the modern lifestyle - not a limit of potential clients! It is convenient for the client also, as they don't even have to undress. So if you want to learn this therapy by undertaking one of the many Indian head massage courses, how might you go about it? What entrance requirements do you need to meet? What could the course involve?

Not sure if Indian head massage courses are for you? - well you could take an introductory course. There are a number of beauty and massage therapy schools that cater for this need. Normally if you can stand and use your hands there are not any other entry requirements to get on one of these therapy courses. Typically you attend over a few weeks in the evenings and by the end can answer simple questions about the anatomy of the skull, show a level of competence when massaging a subjects head, use all the basic therapeutic strokes and explain the origins of the therapy. These are not tough courses that result in any form of accreditation and to actually go into practise you would need to undergo further courses.

This massage therapy can be learned around your life with both in house massage therapy schools and distance learning schools providing courses. Indian head massage courses are usually directed to the already qualified therapist who wants to add more strings to his/her bow. However don't let that frighten you off if you are only starting out, because you might be able to do other courses alongside (see later).

Distance learning is typically studied through videos, text books and practicing on relatives/friends whereas in house school training involves practical demonstrations and frequent practice with fellow students along with lectures and self centred learning. Because the in depth courses challenge you more, you will have to prove you are capable by meeting certain entrance criteria, so what are they likely to be?

Because you will need to study things like anatomy, physiology, psychological etc you will be expected to show you can cope with the level of academia, but occasionally you will need to prove at least you already have a qualification in this area. You might also have to have a completed course on health and safety under your belt for example. To get on Indian head massage courses, you will need to be extremely well presented and possess great communication skills. Often you will find that the Indian head massage courses will be targeted at post graduates of hairdressing, beauty or holistic therapy but if you are not, then you might be able to still attend the course if you undertake another related qualification at the same time.

The examining at the end of Indian head massage courses is likely to come in various forms from written papers and assessments to formal practical exams when you might have to prepare and perform a massage on a paying client who helps rate you. You will need to demonstrate understanding also of the types of oils/lubricants you use and how you would adapt techniques depending on the condition an individuals hair and skin. Also you are likely to be tested on your aftercare advice and might need to produce a portfolio. Finally additional expense over and above the cost of the course could be the textbooks and a uniform for practical sessions.

Replacing Your Massage Therapist With an Automated Massager

If you want a good massage, you don't have to go to a massage therapist all the time to get a good back rub. While there is nothing compared to a professional massage therapist, it can cause you a bomb to be going to your masseuse all the time.

I've been there and done that. There was a season of my life when I was aching so badly in my body that I would go for a massage at my local spa at least once a week so that I can sleep better at night. That really burned a big hole in my wallet, I kid you not.

Realising after sometime that wasn't really that financially sustainable for the long term, I turned to automated options. I discovered that there is a huge range of products in the market that help to relieve you of your body pains and muscle aches.

So I started going around testing some of these gadgets. I must say that many of them really work. They do relieve you of body tensions and muscle stiffness. In fact by now, I do own a couple of these devices as well.

Personally, I like devices that have a variety of massage functions coupled with heat therapy function. It's really neat when you have a electronic massager that can do different stuff like kneading, pounding, rolling, and vibrating. The variety really makes the massage experience a whole lot enjoyable.

If you are looking for an automated massager, do find out what are the different functions. A good automated massager will allow you to customise your massage experience with a fair number of distinct options.

I like massagers with heat therapy function as it really helps with my blood circulation. While the massage functions help to relieve momentary aches and stiffness, it is really the heat therapy that promotes long term well being in you body. A good massager will actually allow you adjust the degree of heat radiated.

Being able to customise that would be ideal. I once tried out a massage cushion with heat therapy at a local shopping mall. While the heat felt really comfortable during the ten minutes that I tried the device, I was in pain for a few days after that because the heat acutally burned some of my acne infected skin at my lower back.

Therefore, from my experience, it is important that if you want to invest in an automated massager that you get one that is allows you to customise all its functions.

How Massage Therapy Can Make Your Skin Look Younger

Massage therapy is a "hands-on" treatment that has been practiced in healing sessions for thousands of years by a lot of cultures all over the world. It affects the body as a whole in that it helps relax the muscles, reduce stress, and produce feelings of calm.

There are many types of massage therapy, choose any one of those and you'd still get the same benefits. In the context of body organs a good massage affects the muscular, circulatory, nervous, and lymphatic systems.

In fact the improved circulation of blood benefits not only the internal organs but the largest organ of the body, the skin. Regular massages removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin making way for new skin cells which leaves your skin glowing and relaxed.

Using the right mix of essential oils or lotion in your massage therapy allows the skin to absorb the nutrients from massage oil or lotion. This is an effective way to nourish and rehydrate your skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

When you go for a massage it is important that you use the right mix of essential oils that contain ingredients that have been proven to benefit our skin. Examples of these ingredients are: Vitamin E, Almond, Sesame, and Jojoba.

Just like any other massage modality, a facial massage relieves tension and relaxes facial muscles through the increased blood flow a good massage gives. This is great news since we all want to look 10 years younger than our age.

Who has not noticed upon waking up after a fitful sleep that their faces are all pale and puffy which happens because of a decrease in blood circulation to the face as we sleep? No problem, to return the healthy glow to your face, just give yourself a facial massage therapy and you'll get the circulation going in no time.

In fact regularly giving yourself facial massage works at relieving your face from tension, tightens facial muscles, normalizes the moisture balance of facial skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. All of these contribute to giving you young looking, firmer, and smoother facial skin.

If you are on a budget and you can't afford to have your facial massages done at spas or salons, you can choose to do it at home. First thing's first you have to determine your skin type to be able to buy the right type of massage oil for your face.

Those who have normal skin will benefit greatly from sesame, sunflower, or almond oil. For those who have dry skin, apricot, wheatgerm, and avocado is better and if you have oily skin buy thistle, hazelnut or peach oil.

In giving yourself a facial massage, always start with clean hands and a clean face, a face that is devoid of makeup. Apply a small amount of massage lotion or oil to your face in firm upward strokes.

There are proper strokes for massaging the face and you are advised to search for those on sites that have video tutorials on how this can be done. The facial massage therapy should not last for more than 20 minutes as this will actually stretch the skin and do more harm than good. Be extra careful too to avoid getting oil into your eyes as this will cause irritation.