Create Valuable Business Alliances in Your Physical Therapy Practice - Segment 2

Criteria for Choosing the Right Partners.
 
When you are thinking about who you might partner with to enhance your practice and the services you offer it is very important to choose the right people or partners. Read the list below for some of the things to consider when identifying the right partners for your practice.
 
There are several important criteria to consider in choosing the right partner.

1.  Approach prospective partners who target the same people that belong to your target market.


2. Each partner must feel as though she or he is getting the better part of the deal. I like to see that a partnership will help build my business as well as help my new partner.


3. One partner at least must have marketing ability or a way to reach the mutual target audience.


4. At least one party must have the expertise for the partnering "project". This is essential.


5. Your idea for a partnership must be highly targeted, that is, must be very specific to a particular group of people.


6. Stay within the criteria you established for a partnership or what you need from the partnership. Don't endorse a service or product if it doesn't fit your needs even if it is an excellent service or product.


7. Make sure you create high quality promotional materials for this new service or product you are jointly offering. An excellent product is not good enough without high quality promotional information.


8. When considering a prospective partner a good criterion is to help them fill a gap in their services and products, too. Ask: what are they missing? Offer them something they do not have.

Massage Therapy Benefits Acknowledged

In today's busy and stressful world, massage therapy has become an important portion of total health and fitness. Massage therapy has been used worldwide for thousands of years. In the United States, it is finally being recognized as the therapeutic treasure it really is.

Massage therapy greatly help to treat illness, chronic conditions, and injuries. Recent scientific studies are proving the natural benefits of body massage. Massage therapy increases circulation and oxygenation to the cells and helps to free lactic acid and other toxins from tired, sore, muscles and other tissue.

The benefits of massage therapy don't end there. As the body is rejuvenated and cleansed, massage therapy relieves physical and emotional stress. Stiffness, pain, and soreness are all reduced by massage therapy.

If you've ever visited a massage therapy professional, you know how great you feel after a massage. Daily tension and stress can be removed in just minutes. Back pain, stiff joints, and neck pain all are all soothed by a good massage. Unfortunately, for most of us, busy schedules just don't allow the luxury of visiting a professional massage therapist on a daily basis.

The good news is that you can still receive daily massage benefits even if you can't visit a professional therapist. Advances in technology, and design now gives you professional massage results right from the comfort of your home. From a full body massage to a more specific hand held massager, you can now get all the benefits of professional quality massage therapy at home.
Browse through specialty retail shops and you'll find many professional quality massage tools you can use right at home. One of the favorites is the massage chair. With the ability to provide a total body massage with a variety of movements and pressures, the iMedic 380 Massage Chair is a great example of what's available. This chair is able to tailor the massage to your specific body size and shape. You'll be relaxed and rejuvenated in no time.

If you spend all day on your feet then a foot massager might be just what you need. One favorite is the iSqueeze Calf and Foot Massager. Complete with all the benefits of a professional quality foot and calf massage your tired aching feet will feel rested and relaxed in no time.

For those spending long hours at a desk or in front of a computer, the shoulders and neck can be a source of tense, aching muscles on a regular basis. On great tool for at home massage therapy, is the Shiatsu Massage Pillow. Kneading Shiatsu nodes each reach deep into the knotted muscles in your neck, shoulders, and lower back to relieve tension and help you relax and relieve stress after a hard day.

Just a few uses of these great massage therapy tools and you'll be hooked forever on the benefits of great massages right at home.

A Bit About Different Massage Therapy Techniques

As you will soon discover there are number of different massage therapy techniques a person can avail of. Some will help a person to relax whilst others can help to improve a person's health or repair injured muscles etc., in the body. Below we will take a look at some of the different types of massage therapy now available and how they can help a person.

Ayurvedic Massage

Also known as Abhyanga Massage originates in India and has been used by this culture for more than 5,000 years. Generally this form of therapy will be carried out by 2 therapists who through the use of a blend of heated herbal oils will be aiming to establish a balance between a person's mind, body and their spirit once more.

Traditional Persian Massage

Also referred to as Cachunga (pronounced Ka Khn Ga) it was introduced to the Persians by Darius III. This particular type of massage works and focuses on the breasts of women. This is a deep tissue massage therapy and is performed to help improve circulation of the body.

Chinese Tui Na Massage

This particular form of massage therapy from China will push, stretch and knead the muscles in the body. It has been seen to be effective in helping to treat such disorders to a person's digestive, respiratory or reproductive system. Plus helps to treat many kinds of musculoskeletal problems as well.

Deep Tissue Massage

This type of massage therapy will be used to work on specific joints, muscles or muscle groups in the body. Often the therapist will start with the higher levels of softer muscle tissue before working there way down into the depth of the muscle that is causing the problem. This in turns much more freedom of movement after the therapy session has taken place. It is important however that the therapist does not rush the treatment by applying pressure too quickly or deeply as this in turn can cause the muscle to tighten in order to protect the area it covers. This in turn can cause damage or inflammation to the area that is being treated. Little if any massage oil is used during this therapy as the pressure being applied should not travel too far over the person's skin.

Shiatsu

This form of massage therapy originates from Japan and uses the thumbs to apply pressure to a person's body. Often a person remains fully clothed whilst they are laying flat on a mat on the floor.

Stone Massage

Usually with this form of massage therapy the therapist will place hot or cold stones on to particular parts of the body. Often it is hot stones that will be placed on the body and these help the muscles to relax more easily. Which in turn allows the therapist to actually work deeper in to the person's muscles but will not feel as uncomfortable as if you were having a deep tissue massage carried out.

Above we have looked at a few of the different types of massage methods a person can now use to help treat them. But there are plenty of others available also and these you can easily learn about on the internet today.

Why 5-Star Hotel Spa Massages Are So Bad

What would you say if I told you that these 5-star Hotels put this poor quality out on purpose, would you be shocked? I was.

Oh don't get me wrong, these Hotels are first rate as far as their non-spa services, ambiance and amenities, so why do they go out of their way to hire fresh-just-out-of-school massage therapist?

• Profit margins




• Easily trainable for their "Spa Culture"

I'm positive that they have more reason for this other than what I listed, for instances, I know that these 5 star hotels impress upon newly graduated massage therapist, the allure at working such a prestige luxury spa. Once this is accomplished, they throw in a bunch of fluff "employee benefits" to make their massage therapist think, "wow" I am special.

By design someone needs to pay for that terry robe.

These 5 star hotels are very smart they know their industry. They purposely avoid hiring massage therapist with experience as they know most likely this massage therapist is "set in his ways" and will not work for such low wages. These Hotels lose a lot of money for instance if they hire a veteran massage therapist, who specializes in deep tissue and delivers that massage to all guest. Advance massage therapist may also find a problem and spend more time there, which the guest did not pay for.

Let me explain have you ever noticed how much they charge just for a 50 minute Swedish Spa massage and have you noticed how much that price jumps when you get anything extra (i.e. aromatherapy, reflexology, deep tissue or scalp massage), I don't need to tell you folks. If you had gone to a hotel to a massage then you know what I am talking about it. A 50 minute deep tissue massage with aromatherapy and tip will be over $200 easily, and all that goes to your hotel. Your massage therapist might be lucky to make 15-18% of that total.

Your veteran massage therapist on the other hand may find a problem that needs that extra attention and not care if their customer only paid for a Hotel Signature Spa massage. The massage therapist with experience often will know that in this spa business, your tips may be well over what you get hourly from the Hotel. Your veteran massage therapist will be more customer service orientated than your newly graduated massage therapist will be more likely to do what is required no more no less, until they become smart.

All fluff and no substance, 5-star ambiance, 2-star massage service

Even with their reputation at stake here, I am amazed that these 5-star Hotels would not want to put the best quality experienced massage therapist on their payroll. I cannot tell you how many times customers of certain Hotels have come to me and express their disappointments. Do these spa's think that they can win you as a repeat customer, just on fluff alone, but hey if fluff is what you like, I can give the names of many places to check out.

Shiatsu Massage Therapy - How is Shiatsu Different from Modern Western Massage?

There is common ground between Shiatsu and Western massage. Both systems are wonderful ways of relieving stress and promoting health and they focus on the body of the person to be treated. Further, neither system uses any sophisticated electronic or mechanical machinery in the diagnosis or implementation of treatment. The third common ground is that both Shiatsu and massage are classified in most of the Western World to remain outside the bastion of Western medicine, which is based on current Western mainstream scientific tradition. Outside Japan both Shiatsu and Western massage share the outfields of non-traditional treatment or alternative medicine with Healing, Reiki, Hypnosis or Crystal Healing.

Shiatsu practitioners tend to distance themselves from the bandwagon of alternative treatment approaches like Reiki or faith healing by demonstrating their usage of anatomy, physiology and pathology in the same vein as Western medicine. This could be one of the explanations for the great popularity of Shiatsu in the West as it bridges the West and the East.

When we explore the differences between Shiatsu and Western massage, we notice four main differences.

1. The historical evolution of the treatments.


2. Technique used and ingredients in treatment.


3. The philosophy behind the approach and the essence, which every practitioner attempts to capture.


4. The nature of derivative systems that have emerged.

Body massage might be one of the oldest forms of medical care known to man. Though we may not know what the ancient Egyptian practitioners actually believed in, Egyptian tomb paintings show people being massaged. A Chinese book from 2,700 B.C., The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, recommends massage of skin and flesh as the appropriate treatment for many ailments. Ayurveda, the 5000-year old traditional Indian system of medicine, greatly stresses the therapeutic benefits of massage with aromatic oils and spices. Writing in the 8th century BC, Homer of Greece mentions massage being used commonly also for Olympic athletes in the same way as it is used today.

1. The History and Evolution of Shiatsu

Though the earliest modern reference to the term Shiatsu in a publication might be the 1915 Japanese book, Shiatsu Ry繹h繹 written by Tenpaku Tamai, Tokujiro Namikoshi's (1905-2000) followers consider him to be the founder of Shiatsu. His approach was entirely different from the Chinese meridian or Qi-based therapies. Namikoshi at age seven in 1912 independently developed a technique of pressing with his thumbs and palms as he tried to nurse his mother who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Namikoshi's influence on Shiatsu can be compared to the role of Picasso in art because he not only created an important genre, but also became an inspiration for many other creators of derivative therapies.

Tokujiro Namikoshi opened his first clinic for Shiatsu Therapy in 1925 in Hokkaido using the system that he perfected. In addition to founding in 1940 the first school of Shiatsu Therapy in Tokyo (Now known as the Japan Shiatsu College), Namikoshi was involved with the legal recognition of Shiatsu in Japan, which may account for his emphasis on Western medical theories. Namikoshi achieved fame and successfully treated many high-ranking persons such as the former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida. As his fame spread foreign celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali sought his treatment. Currently in Japan, Namikoshi's system enjoys special legal status. Starting from 1947, after an eight-year clinical investigation period to ascertain which of 300 treatments could be legalised, the Ministry of Health of Japan acknowledged Shiatsu Therapy, as it proved effective. Shiatsu was placed in the same category with Anma and Western Massage in 1955.

In 1964 Shiatsu was acknowledged as a separate therapy on its own in Japan. Everyone practising Shiatsu in Japan should obtain a licence from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Licensing also requires that Shiatsu practitioners study a 2,500-hour educational program of Shiatsu therapy lasting about three years in the universities or colleges authorized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and pass the national exam.

2. Technique used and ingredients in treatment

The second difference between Shiatsu and Western massage is in technique and in the use of ingredients like oils and spices. Shiatsu technique relies on finger and palm pressure, while western massage uses a rubbing motion. Since shiatsu does not involve rubbing, no oil or lotion is ever used during a treatment.

3. Philosophy of Western Massage and Shiatsu

The third and main difference comes from the philosophy behind Western Massage and Shiatsu.

The principal difference between Shiatsu and other modern Western forms of bodywork, e.g., Swedish massage, is that Shiatsu is a form of holistic healing while modern Western massage is based on conventional Western views of wellness and healing. Western massage usually considers the human body the domain of the masseur while the mind is the domain of psychology and psychiatry. Adapting a holistic approach, Shiatsu regulates the nervous system and promotes natural healing by stimulating chemical responses in the body.

Western massage is based on the idea that muscle tension and improper alignment may cause or worsen physical, mental and internal imbalances. Massage techniques attempt to reduce tension within the body to facilitate the free flow of blood and energy. This in turn makes the major systems of the body (immune, circulatory, nervous, etc.) to be better able to naturally heal disease and promote health and well-being.

In Shiatsu, there are 838 basic shiatsu pressure points, or Atten in Japanese, located on the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels, bones and endocrine glands. Depending on the condition of the body, the therapist applies proper types of pressure. The tighter the muscles are, the lighter the pressure. As the muscles relax, the pressure becomes deeper but is always firm and steady. This triggers the release of hormones and body chemicals necessary to heal, to soothe and to make you mind and body perform optimally. This method of triggering the own healing system of the body does not produce side effects or toxins and is thus a totally healthy way of getting relief from ailments.

Looked at casually from far Shiatsu whole-body charts can be confused with Qi or meridian charts used in Chinese medicine. But Namikoshi Shiatsu practitioners are quick to point out that Namikoshi's style of Shiatsu places emphasis only on regions based on anatomy and physiology rather than on energy channels/pathways/meridians. Shiatsu works the whole body (including doing stretches).

4. Derivative treatments

The last area of difference between Shiatsu and Western massage is that of derivatives. Derivative Shiatsu usually refers to the other current styles of Shiatsu, which have evolved after Namikoshi Shiatsu, such as Meridian Shiatsu, Zen Shiatsu, Tao Shiatsu, Tsubo Shiatsu, Ohashiatsu and Quantum Shiatsu. None of these derivative styles are recognised by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Within Western massage there are many styles and techniques, which focus on particular areas of the body (e.g., deep tissue massage, tendo-muscular massage, scalp massage, etc.). However, Western Massage can be broadly grouped into three camps, sports massage, well-being massage and erotic massage. Sports massage aims to get the athlete in fit shape and ensure superior performance. Creating a certain type of ambience with candles, colours, incense or music is very important to well-being and erotic massage but almost totally absent in sports massage. The camp of well-being massage displays the widest divergence in different types of derivative forms like aromatherapy, reflexology or deep tissue massage.

Sensuous massage or erotic massage has been a derivative of traditional massage for centuries in all parts of the world but to date there is no sensuous or erotic Shiatsu therapy.

Shiatsu and Western massage do have common ground but differ much in theory, philosophy and practice. However, in spite of the differences, the aim of both systems is the same - a balanced, healthy and happy individual.

References:

• Tokujiro Namikoshi, Japanese Finger-Pressure Therapy Shiatsu. Japan Publishing - (1974)


• Tokujiro Namikoshi, SHIATSU; HEALTH AND VITALITY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Japan Publishing - (1971)


• The Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy


• The Shiatsupractor Association of Canada

Some Benefits of Massage - The Power of Touch

Massage can be used for relaxation, stimulation or rehabilitation of the whole body, or just part of it. Although all too often we only ever treat ourselves to a massage therapy when our bodies are exhausted and we have over exerted ourselves and we are feeling a bit burnt out...

Massage is a technique derived from many cultures, used for various reasons; comfort, touch, communication and a safe non threatening natural therapy, whatever the power of touch is of real benefit and can heal the mind body and soul... So treating ourselves to regular massage therapies and experiencing all the various types of treatments available is of real benefit to our well being.

There are so many benefits to a good massage treatment, and if added to our routine of body maintenance it can help us in so many ways, the real pick you up treatment, the buzz and the healing and nurturing effects of a good massage are so beneficial...experience it for yourself.

Soothing- for most of us we hold and retain all the everyday stress we encounter and the soothing touch of massage when applied to the body can reduce stress and improve our general well being. A massage therapy that combines a soothing touch when applied with oils and creams can simply smooth away all our stress and lift our mood.

Comforting - the power of touch is so comforting, from all ages we all appreciate the comfort gained from touch, as children when we fell and hurt ourselves the gentle touch from our parents comforted us and " massaged " away the pain and discomfort... even animals licking their wounds and healing the pain... never under estimate the comfort of touch. When we are upset and anxious, following bereavement or relationship stress and anxiety, massage therapies can comfort us and leave us feeling safe and secure. It's a natural therapy and the power of touch can be the strongest non-invasive therapy.

Physiological - In addition to all the psychological benefits of massage there are all the true physical benefits... massage can improve the circulation, remove dead skin cells, remove toxins improving the lymphatic system, and encourage better breathing and all of these benefits can be achieved through regular body massage treatments.

Clients all enjoy different types of massage, with so many to choose from and all of these treatments offering their own benefit, do some research and book a few types of massage to see which type works best for you.

Some of the more gentle therapies such as aromatherapy massage, or lymphatic drainage massage can improve the circulation, remove toxins and combined with the power of aromatic essential oils can soothe, uplift, energise, relax or stimulate.

Stronger massage therapies like deep tissue massage or sport massage is beneficial for releasing the tension in the muscle and for restoring the balance. After any sports injury the massage therapy will improve the muscle flexibility and reduce swelling and assist the body to recover and repair the injury that has been sustained.

So there are real benefits to massage treatments, and more and more clients are seeing the improvement in their well being, the improved sleep patterns, reduction in stress, and better muscular structure.

If you have never experienced massage it's not too late...

There are many therapists that can visit your home; there are therapists that work from health clubs, spas or home studio. Whatever type of massage treatment you want, if you feel more comfortable with a male or a female therapist, even speak to your friends, often first timers feel more comfortable with a therapist that has been recommended to them.

Go on book yourself a massage and experience the benefits for yourself.

Basic Massage Therapy Techniques As a Natural Medical Remedy

Massage therapy is a natural medical remedy for many ailments like chronic headaches, insomnia, constipation, joint pains, and many more. According to a trusted massage spa is Sarasota, FL, regular sessions of therapeutic massage can help increase your chances of avoiding colds and muscle fatigue by 4 times.

Different massage techniques can target different conditions. Dr. Annie Bond of Sarasota explained some of the common massage techniques that help improve certain physical conditions.

SWEDISH MASSAGE uses soothing, tapping and kneading strokes to work the entire body, relieving muscle tension and loosening sore joints. Swedish massage therapists use five basic strokes for the treatment. They are effleurage-stroking; petrissage-muscles are lightly grabbed and lifted; friction-thumbs and fingertips work in deep circles into the thickest part of muscles; tapotement-chopping beating, and tapping strokes; and vibration-fingers are pressed or flattened firmly on a muscle, then the area is shaken rapidly for a few seconds. A According to a Venice, FL massage therapist, Swedish massage is ideal for people experiencing insomnia and muscle fatigue.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE targets chronic tension in muscles that lie far below the surface of your body. You have five layers of muscle in your back, and most massages like the Swedish massage, can only reach the first two layers. A deep tissue massage uses slow strokes, direct pressure or friction movements that go across the grain of the muscles. Massage therapists will use their fingers, thumbs or occasionally even elbows to apply the needed pressure. According to one massage spa in Sarasota, many patients feel sore after a deep tissue treatment, but this is just a natural reaction of the body to the heavy and slow strokes.

SPORTS MASSAGES are designed to help athletes train and perform better. The techniques are similar to those in Swedish and deep tissue massage, but a Sarasota therapist says a sports massage has been adapted to meet the athlete's special needs. Pre-competition massage can help warm up muscles and improve circulation before competition, but it can also energize or relax an athlete and help him focus on the competition. Post-competition sports massage can detoxify the body of waste products and hasten recovery.

REFLEXOLOGY is a bit different from most massages because it focuses on vital points on our hands and feet. This massage technique works with the idea that there are specific points on our hands and feet, directly connected to our organs like the liver, heart, lungs, etc. Reflexology manipulates these points in order to improve the functions of our organs or even treat it from its dysfunction. However, a Sarasota massage spa suggests that pregnant women avoid this massage because it could induce labor.

PREGNANCY MASSAGE is designed, strictly for the pregnant woman. This massage is also known as a prenatal massage. A Venice, FL massage therapist says the technique help pregnant women get through the common pains of pregnancy like back ache, leg cramps, headaches, and anxiety. Using a special massage table that can accommodate the growing belly, the therapist then targets the lower back, the legs, and neck, and the head. One Sarasota therapist reiterates the importance of avoiding the hands and feet during a pregnancy massage because it can cause premature labor.

Getting a therapeutic massage one a month can sometimes make all the difference. Make sure you subscribe the help of a professional Sarasota massage therapist before you set an appointment.