Benefits of Lymph Drainage Therapy

Lymph Drainage Therapy is a popular and scientifically proven type of light massage therapy conducted on the superficial layers of tissues on the human body that are high in efficacy and are successfully done without any risks during the therapy session whatsoever. Due to its popularity and effectiveness in dealing with health issues pertaining to the lymphatic circulatory system, the therapy has been considered and used as a part of the professional medical care in most hospitals, health centers, and clinics in Europe and some places world-wide.

The therapy was designed to fit as a gentle, safe, and effective alternative medical treatment that was developed by Bruno Chikly. The French Physician was able to formulate and materialize a therapy that has been used and is still being used today in solving the health problems that are in connection with the flow, accumulation, and drainage system of lymph and other fluids of the body.

There are many health benefits and amazing physical, mental, and emotional effects received when using the Lymph Drainage Therapy. During the therapy session, the massage therapist triggers the body's ability to activate and improve self-healing that is essential for optimum functioning of the organs, cells, and tissues of the body. Among these benefits include:

• Relieves stress, chronic fatigue, and tension - the gentle and smooth massage strokes are perfect for de-stressing a worn-out physical body including the mind after a laborious day. The stimulation of the nerves and superficial tissues are great for releasing tensions and in sending good messages to the brain.

• Maintains the right lymphatic drainage - the stimulation done on the lymphatic pathways both on the superficial and deep levels of the human body are capable of doing the job perfectly as compared when no human intervention is conducted.

• Keeps the lymphatic flow in check - it helps regulate the flow of lymph and other fluids that can cause health problems such as edema when not kept in proper amount.

• Relieves chronic body pain - the massage strokes and techniques performed by the massage therapist are capable of providing such treatment to the physical body of the client regardless of the treatment being designed for addressing lymphatic issues.

• Helps in the regeneration process of wounds, scars, and inflammations - the recovery of cells and tissues provides such magical effects to the skin of the client in the form of healing and removing these physical conditions that are unpleasant to look upon.

• Has anti-aging effects - the stimulating and soothing effects of the therapy are also great for promoting a younger looking skin as well as an alert senses.

• Boosts the immune system - regular use of LDT (Lymph Drainage Therapy) can help improve the immunity of the patient by keeping the body healthy inside and outside.

The Training and Skills You Need to Become a Physical Therapist

A physical therapist is a much needed profession. When someone is in an accident, they need your expertise and guidance to help them get back on their feet. If they have a stroke, they need your skills and training to help them find the use of their arm or legs again. There are many reasons why people may need the help of a physical therapist.

You will need to be mentally prepared for the challenges ahead of you and understand the duties and responsibilities you will have. In the following article I will discuss the training and skills you will need to become a physical therapist.

Physical Therapist Training

To be a physical therapist, you must be familiar with medical terminology. You will be consulting with physicians and other medical professionals on a daily basis in order to be able to create a rehabilitation therapy program geared for each of your patients. You will then use this program to help your patient work daily, weekly or monthly until they have built up their body to a healthy form once again. For some patients, this could take years. Some of the aspects of therapy include deep tissue massage, exercise, and ultrasound treatments.

In school you will need to take numerous science courses, these include biology, chemistry, and physics. Most high schools have these as part of your mandatory list of courses. You then will need to go to University and graduate with a Bachelor or Master's degree in Physical Therapy.

Once you have graduated, you will still need to take and pass a licensure exam. Each state may have different laws, so you will want to check yours to make sure you understand what is needed. Once you have graduated and found a job, you may want to consider additional studies to become a specialist in a specific field such as sports medicine, pediatrics, or even neurology.

Physical Therapist Skills

You must be in good physical shape yourself to be this kind of therapist. You will need to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods of time. You may also need to move heavy equipment or patients who need the extra assistance when trying to stand, turn, or walk.

Other skills necessary for this therapist is that they need to communicate very well. They will often need to educate their patients about their situation. Without strong interpersonal and communication skills, this can become very difficult when dealing with emotions, language barriers, conversing with multiple people at the same time, or any other situations that may arise.

A physical therapist must also truly have the desire to want to help people. Patients will be able to tell when a physical therapist is just feigning compassion and this could delay or even deter any progress for the patient.

While being a physical therapist may be a demanding job sometimes, it can also be just as rewarding when you get to see those patients who you have worked so hard with finally find their success and get moving again. They will learn to trust you, build a relationship with you and come to know that they can rely on you to help them go the distance. This is one of the true benefits to being a therapist.

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Going to Massage Therapy School

If you want to become a professional massage therapist, you will most likely have to go to massage therapy school. What kind of school you go to, and how long you have to go for, depends on where you live. I graduated from a 720 hour massage program in Albuquerque, NM, though the minimum requirement for this state is 650 hours. New York has more strict requirements at 1000 hours. Check with the American Massage Therapy Association to find out what the licensing requirements are in your state or county. In very few states, licensing is not required.

A massage education usually involves a lot of time in the classroom, both in terms of academic classes and hands-on training. "Book" classes include anatomy and physiology, as well as ethics. Many schools nowadays also offer a business class so as to prepare students to be able to succeed as professional massage therapists upon completion of the program. In terms of the hands on portion, the foundation will most likely consist of Swedish oil massage. From there, you may have classes in shiatsu, deep tissue, craniosacral therapy, and polarity depending on the curriculum of your chosen school. The time you can devote to any one modality is limited, so this is more of a general introduction to many different modalities of bodywork which will give you a better idea of the kind of massage you like to do. You can always get more training in any modalities you are interested in after graduation. Of course, if you already know the type of bodywork you like to do, you can pick a program that is mostly or completely devoted to one modality of massage.

When choosing a school, it is important to consider the quality of instruction offered. Most massage schools will have a website and you can often learn about a school's instructors via online profiles. Check out what kind of work they do, how long they have been in the field, and what experiences they have both in terms of massage practice as well as in teaching massage. These are the people who you will be learning from, so you want to make sure the instructors are good at what they do and can impart their knowledge and know-how to you.

Make sure to visit the school before you decide, if possible. If the students and staff seem happy, and it feels good to you to be there, it could very well be a good fit. On the other hand, disgruntled students and staff are a big warning sign that something important is lacking in the school.

One important point which may sound obvious is that you should be pretty sure of your motivations for going to school. That motivation should be to help people heal by becoming a professional massage therapist. If you have many disparate goals such as healing yourself, or learning about the human body, don't just jump into school unless you have the resources to burn. Doing many massages a day to earn a living is a far cry from enjoying getting massages or giving them occasionally. Massage is demanding both physically and mentally, and a career as a professional therapist is not for everyone. Many people go through school, expending intense effort as well as a large sum of money, only to discover that a career in massage is not for them.

That said, massage can be a very rewarding career on many levels. It is a fast growing field as more and more people turn to alternative health care and discover the healing power of massage. As a massage therapist, you can have a real, positive effect on peoples' lives. If you do decide to go to massage therapy school, choose a good one and take advantage of what you can learn while there.

The Origins of Stone Massage Therapy

While stone massage therapy, be it hot or cold, has only surfaced in recent years as a popular form of massage, its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations. There are three main cultures that not only influenced the origins of stone massage therapy, but also influenced how this form of therapy has evolved in modern day. Hawaiians, the Native Americans, and Chinese all have histories of stone massage therapy in their culture.

One of the first ever formally documented uses of stones for healing and massage was found in the writings of Chinese medical practitioners. These ancient doctors used stones that were shaped and sharpened to treat disease. The effects of the healing powers of these stones were enhanced with various herbs that were rubbed on the stones.

Native Americans are also well known for their use of stones in their culture. Some of the first saunas can be traced back to the Native Americans, who firmly believed that the use of these heated stones was beneficial to everyone and not just those suffering from particular ailments. That being said, it was common for Native Americans to treat lower abdominal cramping with heated stones placed on the affected area.

While the Chinese and Native Americans used stones to treat ailments and promote better health, most would agree that it was the Hawaiians that played the most major role in promoting stone massage therapy as we know it today. Hahana Stone Massage, developed by the Hawaiians, is perhaps the earliest form of actual stone massage therapy. This form of therapy utilized hot stones wrapped in leaves that had certain therapeutic properties. These stones where then placed directly on sore muscles and were meant to help relieve inflammation and pain. The use of these stones was similar to how one might use a heating pack. If a practitioner wanted to ensure that the healing properties of these leaf-wrapped stones were more fully absorbed into the body, they had the patient lay directly on top of the stones for an extended period of time.

Hawaiians also had access to large numbers of volcanic stones, which they discovered worked great for exfoliation. These stones were massaged all over the body both for relaxation and the great skin benefits. Skin often looked healthier and was glowed more after a treatment, and of course; this ancient art is still practiced today.

Modern day massage has adopted several of these practices. Most spas not only offer extensive exfoliation treatments using ground up forms of pumice and volcanic stones but they also offer hot and cold stone massage therapy. While these forms of massage are different in both execution and practice, the basic concept of using stones to promote healing and relaxation remain the same. Modern massage therapists recognize what those in ancient civilizations first realized; that particular types and shapes of stones not only work well at effectively absorbing heat but also at promoting healing in a way that's more relaxing than just using the hands alone.

Mental Vacations - Easy Ways To Escape The Daily Grind

A mental vacation can mean different things to different people. Essentially, you can take a mental vacation in almost any place, and you can select the activity that is the most calming for you. Many people allow themselves ten minutes to close their eyes at their desk while others go for a long walk and still others escape into the tranquil environment offered by a professional massage therapist. Regardless of how you do it, the act of removing yourself from everyday stresses can rejuvenate you both mentally and physically. The following sections will explore three ways that you can take a mental vacation.

Massage Therapy

The physical benefits of massage therapy are well known to many people. A massage helps to improve your flexibility and range of motion. This is critical for athletes as well as for people with chronic pain issues. Because a massage improves blood flow, it can help to reduce your fatigue, and most people find massage to be a very effective way of reducing their stress levels.

When turning to massage therapy, you will have several different types of massage from which you can choose. Trigger Point massage relies on a cycle of pressure and release that helps to relieve the tight muscles that cause pain. Swedish massage is growing in popularity, and this type of massage is especially good for stress and chronic pain. It works by promoting circulation and working on the movement of your lymph nodes. Deep Tissue massage is perfect for loosening scar tissue, addressing pain, lengthening muscles, and releasing tension. Certain types of massage have been designed to give relief to certain groups of people. These types of massage include sports massage for athletes, prenatal massage for pregnant women, and geriatric massage for the elderly.

If you are not interested in a full body massage, you may enjoy the benefits of reflexology or cranial sacral therapy. Reflexology works on your whole body by massaging your feet in strategic places, and cranial sacral therapy deals with stress, headaches, and other issues through a specialized type of massage that focuses on the head.

Taking A Walk

It sounds almost too simple to work, but a short walk can be a wonderful mental vacation. Spending twenty minutes outside each day gives you the perfect amount of exposure to the sun. Twenty minutes in the sunshine can boost your mood and help to prevent the onset of depression, and it also can provide you with your daily dose of vitamin D.

Disconnect Yourself from Technology

Modern technology is supposed to make our lives easier, and it does to a certain extent. However, overexposure to TVs, computers, and mobile devices actually adds to the culture of anxiety. In fact, too much exposure to these forms of technology can overstimulate your eyes and brains. This makes it harder to shut down and relax. To help yourself relax, you should remove yourself from all technology at least once a day for at least thirty minutes.

Giving yourself a break does not have to be expensive or time consuming. If you are feeling overwhelmed with life, you may want to try one of the above techniques. You will love the new calmer you.

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.

Fight the Effects of Aging With Facial Massage Therapy

Your face is very similar to the rest of your body, but when most people consider massage therapy to improve their health and relaxation, they don't include facial massages in their plan. Facial massage therapy helps relieve tension and provide relaxation just as other techniques do to the rest of your body. You need to replenish energy to your face, just as you do to your body and massage therapy on the face accomplishes that by increasing your circulation. When you sleep, less blood flows to the face, which leaves your skin looking puffy and pale in the morning. A massage is the perfect solution to jump-start your blood flow and return your face to its healthy glow.

Facial massage therapy - if done on a regular basis - is touted by many for its effectiveness in reversing the effects of aging by tightening and lifting the muscles in your face, resulting in more youthful looking skin. It also helps to reduce the fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging, making it even more popular. Massage therapy for the face also helps to exfoliate the skin by removing the dead skin cells and dirt that give your face a dull appearance.

Facial massage sessions typically last no longer than 20 minutes. If it is administered for longer than that, the muscles can be stretched instead of tightened. Irritation can occur in people with sensitive skin, so your massage therapist will carefully inspect your face prior to beginning your massage in order to determine the proper pressure and technique to use. The use of massage oils or lotions helps to lubricate the face and reduce friction from the massage procedure, so your therapist will also need to determine whether your skin has the tendency to be oily or dry.

Massage therapy for the face is not only known for its circulatory and anti-aging benefits... it also moisturizes the skin, improves your skin's tone and texture, and lessens any redness or sensitivity you may be experiencing. Anyone who suffers from breakouts and blemishes can find relief with regular facial massage therapy as well.

When beginning your facial massage session, your therapist will scrub and cleanse the skin (which is called exfoliation) to insure a completely clean surface, free of makeup and contaminants. He/she will then continue the session by applying massage creams or lotions to reduce friction during the actual massage. When thoroughly lubricated, your therapist will complete your facial massage by the use of gentle, soothing strokes on various areas of your face to achieve the most benefit.

Let's talk about the various benefits that are provided by the different areas of the face during your facial massage.

• Reduction of the appearance of horizontal wrinkles and lines: forehead and nose.

• Unclogging of pores and reduction of blemishes: nostrils.

• Prevention of wrinkles and sagging muscles: mouth and cheeks.

• Reduction the appearance of bags under your eyes: the area around the eyes.

• Prevention of sagging skin and increased muscle tone: chin and neck

• Massaging to stimulate other body parts: ears.

So remember... whenever you feel a certain amount of stress from everyday life or your body starts to ache, and you feel like you could use a good massage, think about your face. Just like in your body, stress and fatigue can show up in your face; the best remedy is a facial massage to take the stress out of your face and make you feel like a brand new person.

The Use of Therapeutic Home Ultrasound to Treat Arthritis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Massage Therapy Technique - Using Your Hand to Glide Over Fascia

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

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

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

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

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

How Massage Therapy Can Help With Your Auto Accident Injury

You could wind up with injuries like whiplash. This is when the head is thrown forward and then back suddenly. This can injure the tissues of the neck. Many times people even have to wear neck braces. While it takes time to get over a whiplash massage can help alleviate the pain of it.

Your back can become stiff and sore from being tossed around in the car also. Getting a massage can help loosen it up. Once the muscles are relaxed the pain is over time relieved. Your body feels more pain when it is stiff.

Now if you have a broken bone in your leg or arm, because of the car wreck it takes putting the leg or arm in a cast usually to hold it still. This helps it grow back together once again. However the leg or arm will be stiff from not using it. It will need to be slowly limbered up again after the cast comes off. Special exercises and therapeutic massage will help accomplish this.

How Rigorous Does the Massage have to Be?

On a healthy body massage can even be done deeply without a problem. Uninjured tissues and muscles can take this kind of massage quite easily. It is different when there is trauma or injury to the body though. A more gentle massage should be used then especially around the injured areas. Some injuries like we said will have to heal before they can be massaged like broken bones. The rest of the body can be massaged though.

How Many Times a Week?

Most of the time you are sore enough from a car accident to need the massage every 3 days or so. Each session of massage does help relieve the pain for a few days. You could be temporarily stiff right after the massage, but it will result in more range of motion after the stiffness subsides. This results in you feeling much looser and more relaxed.

Massage can increase blood flow throughout the body too. This is good for healing your injuries. It is important to have good circulation to all parts of the body under normal conditions. After an auto accident where you have stiffness or injuries it is even more important to keep the circulation good.

So use massage after an auto accident to relieve stiffness, pain and keep your circulation good. This will help you get well faster and back to your normal routine. Just make sure you are only worked on by a highly qualified massage therapist. Check his or her references to make sure that he or she really knows how to massage correctly. Your body will thank you!

Physical Therapy Certification

A career in physical therapy requires you to undergo certification first before you are allowed to practice anywhere in the United States. This means that you need to graduate from a PT program that is approved by the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

There are currently more than 200 accredited programs in the country that offer PT certification in either a two-year master's degree program or a three-year doctoral degree program. Students must apply for and complete either one of these programs to qualify for certification.

Some of the coursework you need to master include biology, human growth and development, chemistry and other specialized courses that are part of the Physical Therapy program. In addition, students are required to volunteer in the Physical Therapy department of a hospital or clinic for a specified length of time before they become eligible for certification.

After completion of these programs and requirements, students are now eligible to sit for the national and state licensure exams. You need to pass these exams first before you can gain employment as a physical therapist in any setting, whether it be in a hospital, a private clinic, a school, nursing home, corporate facilities, etc.

The National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE) was developed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and all 50 states in the United States plus three additional jurisdictions use the NPTE as a factor for certification of both physical therapists and physical therapy assistants. The NPTE is computer-based and candidates for physical therapy are given five hours to write it while candidates for physical therapy assistants are given four hours to write it.

This exam can be taken in any of the 300 testing centers in the United States, US territories, and Canada. You need to pass the exam. After passing the exam, you now need to complete any other requirements your state licensing board may have before you are allowed to practice in that state.

Finally, when you have met all their requirements, you will then be given the designation of physical therapist and you are now officially qualified to help accident victims and other people suffering from head traumas, back pain, cerebral palsy and other debilitating diseases recover and help restore and maintain mobility in their bodies. You can now also measure a patient's range of motion, strength, motor function and muscle capacity, which will then be the basis for your preparation of the appropriate treatment protocol for the patients in question.

Physical therapists are certified to use ultrasound equipment, traction, electrical stimulation and cold and hot compresses. They can also instruct patients how to move independently of their wheelchairs and crutches through basic and complex exercise movements that strengthen, balance and help patients stay coordinated on their own.

Certification in PT need not be a complicated process. Just follow these guidelines and you will be well on your way to a rewarding career as a certified physical therapist.

Physical Therapy Schools

Physical therapists who treat and rehabilitate victims of debilitating disease are in great demand, and more and more people are opting to get the relevant training. Universities across the U.S. offer graduate programs in physical therapy, among them UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, Temple University, and the University of Connecticut.

Some schools offer an undergraduate program in physical therapy, which students can enter as freshmen or after completing two or three years of undergraduate training elsewhere. These students will receive a bachelor's degree in physical therapy on completion of the program. For entry into a two- to three-year graduate program in physical therapy, a student must first obtain a bachelor's degree in some other field. On completion of the graduate program, students will receive a master's degree in physical therapy.

Entry into physical therapy programs is very competitive, and most schools prefer grade point averages of between 3.5 and 4.0. Health-related volunteer work may earn a few points in your favor. Some schools require applicants to have engaged in volunteer or paid physical therapy work at hospitals, as it helps them understand the profession and decide whether they are really cut out for it. While different schools have different admission prerequisites, nearly all require at least a year of biology, at least one semester of chemistry and physics, and courses in other science-related fields.

Students seeking admission into a physical therapy program must find out which tests are required by schools of their choice. The General Record Examination (GRE) is a prerequisite for several schools offering the master's degree program. Others require the Allied Health Professions Aptitude Test (AHPAT) for admission. A student is advised to make early plans to complete required courses and tests.

The scope for employment for trained physical therapists is vast. They may be employed in hospitals, nursing homes, fitness centers, or rehabilitation homes, or they may provide private care. A physical therapist can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or sports medicine or work in related fields as occupational therapists, speech therapists, and recreational therapists, among others. Whatever field they pursue, they can be sure that their services are helping to improve someone else's life.

How a Massage Therapist Can Help?

Nowadays, massage therapy has become the fastest and the most reliable natural treatment technique in the field of health care. It offers psychological, emotional and physical benefits while effectively promoting overall health of the body. A professional and trained massage therapist is the right person who can provide you gentle and profound body massages to address any kinds of health complaints. In this article, I will describe the role of a massage therapist and will reveal how various body massages can promote a sense of well-being.

Offering the Right Type of a Massage Therapy

A licensed massage therapist is a professional in his field and offers numerous types of therapeutic massages to treat soft tissue, joint, tendon or muscle injuries. The ultimate goal of a massage therapist is to recommend a proper treatment plan after determining the current health status of a person and offer the right type of therapeutic massage to promote general health and wellness.

Promoting Overall Body Functions with Body Massages

Massage therapy offers a variety of health benefits including improving the range of motion, reducing nerve compression, increasing joint space and ultimately improving the overall body functions. A massage therapist provides hands-on techniques that work best for inducing a relaxation response, improving blood pressure, normalizing heart rate, boosting immunity and also playing a key role in stress management.

Providing an Effective Treatment for Pain Management

One of the best advantages of this holistic health approach is that it is very effective for pain management and has the ability to reduce any kind of pain. It activates the natural healing system of the body which improves blood circulation of the affected body areas and ultimately helps relive pain. A massage practitioner with his skilled hands provides gentle body massages that can reduce headaches, back, shoulder, neck or joint pain. Massage therapy will not only increase blood flow to minimize the intensity of pain in the affected areas but will also release muscle tension.

Strengthening the Immune System

Another featured benefit of massage therapy is that, it exhibits numerous positive effects on the immune system of the body. Regular massages can improve the function of white blood cells which will enhance the ability of the body to fight against infectious agents. It stimulates and strengthens the immune system and restores the nature balance of the body.

Improving Joint Function & Mobility

A Massage therapist usually uses the technique of gentle joint mobilization for releasing muscle tension of a number of body areas like spine, neck, wrist, ankles, head, ribs and pelvis. This technique also helps improve joint mobility and flexibility. When a massage therapist applies small gentle and passive body movements on immobilized and stiff joints, it will effectively increase the strength and mobility of the joints and assist you to achieve optimum health.

There are certain other massage techniques and therapies that a massage therapist can significantly offer to provide you a hale and hearty life. If truth be told, massage therapy is a holistic and whole-body systems approach that gives inexhaustible health benefits and helps maintain mental, physical and spiritual wellness of a person.

Etiquette for the Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is somewhat intimate as far as natural healing modalities go. Unfortunately, there is no way around this fact. The environment may be professional, but because this is such a hands-on occupation, some uncomfortable or embarrassing situations may arise.

It is the job of the Massage Therapist to create a relaxing, safe environment and a gratifying experience for the client. It is up to the client to express their wants or needs in a professional manner so that the practitioner can provide their service in a comfortable manner.

Maintaining Boundaries

Clients have a multitude of reasons for getting a massage. Many are looking to relieve stress and relax. Others receive regular massages to keep their body healthy, improve their range of motion and enhance blood circulation. Regardless of their reasoning, a massage therapist must respect the client's boundaries. They must also make their own boundaries clear to the client.

While therapeutic massages are a naturally sensual experience, they are not meant to be sexual in any way. Whether the client is female or male, the therapist is required to address any sexually aggressive or suggestive comments in a professional way. The client must understand that such requests are inappropriate. At the same time, a practitioner cannot assume that certain body parts can be touched. They must be certain the client is comfortable throughout the massage.

It is absolutely inappropriate to touch the genital area during the massage session. Clients should not expect the therapist to touch them in a sexual manner and the therapist should not be touching the client in a sexual manner. Not only would this present ethical and legal issues, but it also destroys the trust between the client and therapist.

Seasoned massage therapists understand how to avert any uncomfortable sexual advances made by a client. A delicate warning is typically all that is needed to get the point across. However, the therapist should never be afraid to make the point known with a more aggressive warning or shutting down the session altogether. A client who is being inappropriately touched should also make their concerns known. Sometimes the contact is accidental. In this case, the therapist should apologize and acknowledge the client's discomfort.

Is Clothing Really Optional?

A client should feel comfortable during their massage. The amount of clothing worn is typically dependent upon the type of massage the client is getting. It is not uncommon for those receiving a full body massage to be completely undressed. However, this is not a requirement. Clients can certainly wear briefs or panties during the session. It is all about making the client feel at ease. Whether they choose to wear clothes or not, a massage therapist will cover the client so that only the areas being worked on are revealed.

The Relationship Between the Client and Massage Therapist

The very nature of a massage is intimate. The client will give permission for such an intimate experience should the therapist remain professional. However, the therapist also relies on the trust of the client. A relationship between two parties is formed, even if it is just a professional one. It is important that both parties respect each other's boundaries so that the session can be carried out in an appropriate and comfortable manner.

Remaining Professional

Providing others with the healing power of massage therapy is an ancient and respectable profession. As more benefits of massage therapy come to light, people are becoming more accepting of the practice as a way to maintain optimal health. Well-trained, experienced and ethical massage therapists will always provide their clients with a comfortable and professional experience they both can enjoy.

Physical Therapy Marketing Resources Part 1

Patient referrals are the best way to grow your physical therapy practice. Instead of worrying about fancy marketing schemes and expensive promotional campaign, you should just focus on your own patients.

It is widely known, that a patient that comes to you via a referral, is more likely to spend more often, buy more products, and is more likely to refer friends and family to your clinic.

A happy satisfied patient will tell their friends, family, colleagues and neighbors about you. Then when you do a good job with those referrals, the cycle will then repeat itself again. Happy, satisfied patients lead to more happy satisfied patients and so on.

Referrals come from patients that are happy and satisfied with the results they got from you and the services that your clinic provides. The patients were able to feel comfortable and recover from their injuries in an environment that was supportive by people who were sincere in helping them.

As a therapist, focus on going that extra mile for your patients. Be accommodating to the patients needs, whether it be scheduling or preferences during their treatment session. Make the patient feel comfortable and make sure to make that extra effort to get them better and always follow up with them, especially if they aren't feeling well. Make them feel that you sincerely care and this will result in more patient referrals.

Patient education is also very important in developing patient confidence in your therapeutic skills. By taking the time to explain to the patient what is happening and how the injury occurred, is a great way of making them understand what is going on in their body. It will provide them with a picture of how to move and what to do and what not to do.

Another great approach is to talk about various syndromes or ailments with patients and say how you were able to help people with that problem. For example, while talking to your patient, you can just make them aware that you treat migraine headaches and how you were able to good results with one of your other patients. This is a subtle but effective way to let them know that you are able to provide relief to a common ailment. So if they know of anyone who have migraine headaches, at least, they know they can refer them to you.

Patient referrals to your physical therapy practice should range between 70-80% of your practice. You can make promotional seasons by offering free services or discounted rates if you bring in or recommend friends and family. By planning periodic promotions, it will ensure that your physical therapy clinic will stay busy consistently and not have high and low periods.

The bottom line is keeping your patients satisfied. Everything from the friendly, warm clinic environment, professional staff, accommodating service and quick recovery from their ailments...all of these will lead to more patient referrals. Your physical therapy practice will gain a reputation of great results, in a comfortable environment by people who know what they are doing.

Great Surprise Date Ideas!

Spending time together as a couple does not have to be boring. In fact, with a few great ideas, you can turn your dates into something wonderfully different and fun. Surprise your date with one of these great ideas.

Get a Massage Together
Who doesn't enjoy a good massage? A couple's massage is a great way to relax together and can be done at a spa or in your own home. You will need to book ahead to be sure that you can both have your massage at the same time if you are going to the spa. An in home massage may be available for a higher fee, so ask when you are speaking with the spa management. Hotels may also offer couple's massages in your room.

See a Show
No matter where you live, there will be a show of some sort nearby. This can range from a play put on by the local high school or it could be a showing of Shakespeare in the park. A concert or musical is also fair game and a fun way to spend an evening. Shows can be a great alternative to the usual movie.

Hit the Amusement Park
A theme park or fair with rides can be an enjoyable way to get to know someone better. Sitting together on the rides gives good date vibes, too. Plus, the chance to be a kid again is never to be underestimated.

Take on a Volunteer Project
Giving back is the best way to get closer to that special someone and it can also give you a glimpse of the softer side of your date. There are a number of opportunities available to couples looking to spend some time volunteering. Ask local soup kitchens and homeless shelters if they need a hand if you want to work with people, or look to animal shelters and wildlife preserves if you prefer to help animals. Habitat for Humanity is another good choice for anyone interested in building projects.

Eat in the Dark
A hot new trend in Europe is blind dining. You have heard how other senses kick in to make up for a missing sense and this puts that to the test. Eat your meal in pitch black and you will find a whole new level of appreciation for the flavors and textures of what you put in your mouth. Just keep in mind that finger foods are best for this type of date, since you want to accidentally cut yourself or stab your date with a fork.

These date ideas are all great alternatives to the more standard date fare and can give you a better look at who you are going out with. They also work for married couples.

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.

Music Therapy Helps Patients With Recovery

Many people have been seeking relief for various ailments and conditions using music therapy. Professionals are starting to us different disciplines of music therapy often to help their patients and clients. It is now common for doctors, social therapists, psychologists, and even social workers to use this new age therapy.

Studies have theorized that in when music therapy is combined with other disciplines of therapy improvements in patient conditions happen more rapidly. It appears music influences different parts of the brain. It can be extremely powerful for stirring emotions and social interactions. Have you ever noticed how a piece of classical music can make you cry? Do you wonder why music is always played at social gatherings and parties? These are just common instances to show how strong music's influence on us can be. To a patient say suffering from stroke, music opens them up emotionally and helps to motivate them. Stroke victims are often depressed and unmotivated to work on their conditions. Music can get them out of their negative mood.

A patient's condition will often dictate the type of musical therapy they are involved with. Some might learn an instrument to receive positive benefits from the therapy. Others might just have specific music playing lightly in the background while they work on a physical therapy or other motor skill oriented therapy. Stroke patients who have lost the capacity to speak can be taught to speak again using a singing speech therapy. So the method of music therapy used is influenced by each patient's personal need.

Music is also influential on physical movement. The whole idea of dancing shows how strong this influence can be. This tie between emotion and physical influence is being used with great result while working with patients recovering for lost of motor skills. While working with a patient on a treadmill, music is played and stroke patients prove to be more motivated to move. Experiments have been done using regular treatment with no music and then using the same treatment with music. When the music was used, there was more improvement. Part of this improvement is believed to have happened because the music was synced "in time" to the patient's footfalls. The patients stayed in time to the rhythmic sounds and showed vast improvements in all aspects of their recovery. Traditional therapy by itself did not show the same level of improvement.

While music as therapy has shown to be effective in some cases, there is still much research to be done with it. Each patient has specific physical and previous psychological conditions that affect the result this therapy can have on their recovery. The timetable in which music therapy is used towards the start of the ailment can play in the therapy's effectiveness. For example if a person was socially more awkward before treatment began, that patient would see more positive results with the addition of music. Patients who had music therapy started immediately after injury or stroke also saw greater result. Therefore, further study is needed to pinpoint how effective musical therapy is.

Going forward music as therapy is a good tool. While illnesses and disabilities cannot be cured by it, for those willing to embrace its power, there can be benefit. It is frequently being used in recovery centers, hospitals, and retirement establishments. Children have seen benefit when music is used to improve social, motor, and relaxation skills. Music therapy is proving another important element in helping people cope with life.

Educational Opportunities for Careers in Massage Therapy

The benefits of receiving a massage can affect various areas of a person's health. Students can learn the therapy by completing programs offered by natural healing colleges. Educational opportunities for careers in massage therapy treatments are available through formal education.

Massage programs provide students with the educational training needed to use soft to hard touch techniques to manipulate muscles. Training prepares students to enter several career areas where massage therapy is used to improve the health and mobility of a patient. Common career areas include:

• Private Practices


• Rehabilitation Clinics


• Spas

Students that want to complete higher education and become massage therapists have various programs available to them. Programs can be completed at the certificate and associate's degree level. Students that are planning on opening their own businesses after graduation should consider obtaining associate's degrees. The in depth curriculum not only covers massage therapy practices but also business administration principles. Education trains students to target injured or overworked muscles in order to successfully relieve stress and alleviate pain. Different techniques can be used that pertain to the client's physical condition. For example, the techniques used on an injured athlete will be different than that of a pregnant woman.

Students can find programs that explore multiple techniques to give them a wider knowledge base or they can enter specific programs that train them in one specific area. A basic certificate program needs to be completed before students can transition into advanced certificate programs that explore one area of the industry. Inside certificate programs students explore structural bodywork and how the theories of massage therapy apply to the different modalities. Students explore modalities or techniques that include cranial sacral therapy, trigger point massage, shiatsu, and myotherapy. Other course topics explore pathology, physiology, and anatomy. Students can take their knowledge and work in health clubs and chiropractic care offices.

Inside advanced certificate programs students will focus on a particular area. Students can complete training in aromatherapy massage, medical massage, and sports massage. Education trains students to implement massage techniques using a holistic approach. Coursework explores several areas such as body mechanics, spa practices, and massage therapeutics. Students that obtain a more specialized education are able to work inside rehabilitation clinics, sports facilities, and pre-natal care offices.

The knowledge of anatomy, technique, and business administration are highly emphasized inside associate's degree programs. Students will work through courses in sport medicine, pathology of disease, and medical terminology. After students gain a solid base in physiology and anatomy training will focus on various types of massage therapy to prepare students for professional careers. Relaxation and deep tissue massage are some styles students learn.

Students should research their states requirement on licensure. The National Certification Examination of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork ( http://www.ncbtmb.org/ ) is one organization that provides licensure for aspiring professionals. Students should research the different educational training opportunities available through massage therapy schools and colleges and begin studying how to enter the lucrative industry.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

What Massage School Doesn't Teach You - Client Handling Skills Greatly Increase Client Retention

What is "client handling"

"Client handling" is a term to describe all your interactions with your clients that aren't the hands-on massage treatment itself. These interactions are mostly face-to-face during an appointment with a client, but also could be on the telephone, by email or text message.

Client handling includes elements of professionalism, clinical knowledge and customer service, and requires us to pay attention to a myriad of tiny details relating to how we run our practice. Individually, these details may seem trivial or unimportant, and for that reason it can so often be tempting to ignore them or just not bother. However, when added together, these details send the message loud and clear to your clients that you are an organised, dedicated professional, who has their interests and wellbeing at the centre of everything you do. Great client handling skills plus a fantastically effective hands-on treatment is definitely a recipe for success that guarantees you many clients who will be loyal for years to come, and who will also send you numerous word-of-mouth referrals too.

Why are client handling skills so important?

Customer (or client) service is an important feature of client handling; we are not just in the massage business, we are in the service industry too. As massage has become more mainstream over the last 5-10 years, and massage clients have become more sophisticated "consumers" of massage, they have come to expect excellent customer service as well as a great hands-on treatment. If clients don't like what we do, or how we do it, they will go elsewhere to find a therapist who does give them what they are looking for.

In a very competitive marketplace, the extra mile that you go to provide outstanding client service may well be the thing that sets you apart from other therapists - and be the deciding factor when it comes to clients rebooking with you.

Exemplary customer service is an attitude - it's not what we do, but how we do it; we can't just pretend to care, we genuinely have to care - both about our clients, and about our own standards of excellence. A genuinely caring attitude will make clients feel looked after, respected, and, above all, valued. A client who feels valued becomes a regular client.

Great client care is one of the easiest and cheapest of ways to build a devoted following of loyal clients. If you have worked hard on your marketing activities to get new clients it makes no sense whatsoever not to work equally hard to keep them.

What are the key client handling/client service skills?

A client-centred attitude: your clients should feel that they are getting 100% of your attention and interest, and are at the centre of everything you do, from the moment they walk in through the door, to the second they walk out again. To achieve this requires you:

• to be meticulously prepared and organised: yourself, your massage room and all your equipment should be prepared for your client's arrival, so that once they arrive all your attention will be on them and their treatment

• to find out exactly what the client needs/wants from the session

• to be attentive and tuned in to the clients body throughout the treatment

• to respect that this is the client's time, and not your own

Putting the client at the centre of everything we do makes them feel cared for and valued - and they will value us and what we do for them in return.

Client comfort: the client being comfortable in the massage environment generally, and on the massage couch in particular, is essential in order for them to relax, and for you to be able to give an effective treatment. Items for client comfort include: adequate towels/sheets/blankets for draping the client and keeping them warm; a face rest or padded face ring; bolsters and pillows for support of ankles/knees/neck and lower back; a choice of oils/lotion; a choice of relaxing music; drinking water and glasses; tissues; mirror; coat hangers/hooks for coats/clothes; a fan for hot weather, and a an extra heater for cold weather.

Some of these items are obviously of a more "clinical nature", to enable the client to be positioned comfortably and safely to receive their treatment. Others are more "luxurious" extra touches which send the message that we have anticipated - and made the effort to meet - our clients' needs.

Communication skills: excellent communication skills are at the heart of good client handling. They are involved at every stage of our client interactions: before meeting a client (this could be a telephone or email enquiry); meeting and greeting the client for the first time; during the massage session; during the post-treatment chat; when taking payment and rebooking; during follow-up contact by phone or email.

First - and last - impressions are critical to the client forming a favourable opinion of you, so make sure you give these interactions the attention they merit. Once the treatment session is under way, explaining what you are doing and why, and letting clients know in advance how the session will proceed will put clients at their ease, build their confidence and trust in your expertise and abilities, and generally ensure that they have the best possible massage experience.

Attention to detail: there is no one big "secret", no "one" thing that will guarantee success. A great client experience relies, rather, on you paying attention to numerous tiny details; fantastic customer service is unobtrusive and unfussy, but makes the client feel that their needs have been anticipated and effortlessly met.

Paying attention to these details will establish your reputation for quality and excellence. Once established, it's important to work hard to maintain these standards, and demonstrate your commitment to the highest levels of service.

Individualise your service: one way to make good service great is to treat your clients as the unique people that they are, and to make sure that you are doing all that you can to tailor your time with them to their own individual requirements. Making notes of their preferences regarding things like room temperature, music, oils, areas to be avoided etc will enable you to give them personalised service which they will truly appreciate and value.

Things like making sure they get their favourite appointment time, or sending them an article that will be of interest/benefit to them, are also examples of how we can demonstrate to our clients that we see them as individuals, and value them as clients.

Go the extra mile: always under-promise and over-deliver. Don't just meet expectations - always strive to exceed them; surprise and delight clients with extra touches that cost no more than a little time and effort, but demonstrate your commitment to quality and excellence.

Put things right quickly and gracefully: "A criticism is a gift" (although it seldom feels that way at the time!). If a session hasn't gone well for some reason, then offer some recompense. You could always ignore the problem and take the money and run, but that would result in an unhappy, dissatisfied client who probably won't come back, and will tell all their friends about their experience into the bargain. If you offer to waive the treatment fee, or offer a discounted or free treatment next time, they will feel that they have been heard, and their views respected, and you (very probably) will have kept a valuable client. Things always go wrong from time to time - it's how we deal with these situations that's important.

That said, there will always be people whom we can never please, regardless of what we do, and also do bear in mind that good customer service doesn't mean ignoring professional boundaries. Unreasonable and inappropriate behaviour has no part in a healthy therapist-client relationship and should be addressed accordingly.

To sum up

Good client handling costs you nothing except a little time, effort and energy. Exemplary customer service is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to differentiate yourself from other therapists. Making the effort to pay attention to the details, and continually and consistently apply the highest standards to all aspects of your client care will reward you with satisfied clients and many repeat bookings.

Massage Therapy Courses in Ontario

The only way to legally practice massage therapy in the province of Ontario is to become a RMT (Registered Massage Therapist). To do this one does what most do. That is head off to school! But unlike other medical professions, there are two separate routes that one can take when looking for massage therapy courses in Ontario, although both will ultimately take you were you want to go.

The first path is to attend a governmentally funded Ontario College. This would be your typical college, such as a Humber College. Courses are broken into two distinct styles, with the first being a two-year accelerated course load that includes classes in the summer and the second being a regular duration three year course. Since these colleges are registered with the government they are OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) eligible. Currently there are only six english speaking colleges (Algonquin, Centennial, Fleming, Georgian, Humber & Lambton) and one french language (College Boreal) within the province that offer massage therapy as a course.

The second path to becoming an RMT is to visit a private school that is recognized by the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario). These schools also offer two and three year courses. An example of these schools would be the Devry Institute (now Everest College) & Trillium College. Many of these schools however are not OSAP eligible, so funding can become an issue for students.

Upon courses completion at either of these two types of colleges you will be allowed to take the CMTO massage therapy test in Toronto. Upon successful completion of this test you will then become a full fledged Registered Massage Therapist.

Before choosing a massage therapy school in Ontario you will need to way your overall needs. These can include but are not limited to financing, course length and school location.

Homeschooling Abroad

I have been a "homeschool mom" for nigh unto 25 years now. My oldest son is 29 years old and my youngest daughter is four. We will be homeschooling for another few years it looks like. We have used many different methods, as well as non methods. The best method we have found is the one we are using right now. We are living in Costa Rica and loving it.

Two years ago we sold everything and moved here to Costa Rica for a five year adventure. When we made the move we were concerned about our two youngest daughters who would be moving here with us. I researched private schools and decided on one my older daughter would attend here. She attended school for two months at the private school, after which time we pulled her out and proceeded to homeschool, again.

One of the reasons we had put her into the school was so that she could make friends and work on her Spanish. After a few days we saw this was not going to happen. All of the girls were afraid to talk to her because they were self conscious about their English and felt that it was not good enough. She did make friends with some of the braver boys, but she was not happy there with the situation.

Fot the past year and a half she has been homeschooling. When we agreed to her pleas for homeschooling we put some stipulations on it. We were both tired of homeschooling and had finally decided it was time to send the kids to school. For this reason she agreed she would be responsible for getting all of her work done, exercise everyday, and get out and make some friends so that she could polish up her Spanish.

It has proven very effective. I do have to preface this by saying that there were others of our children that it would not have worked with. Every child is different and has different outlooks and needs. For my daughter the "unschooling" has worked great and we are very happy with it. What does one of her days look like?

She gets up at 8:30 every morning during the school week. I will not even say when she gets up on the weekends! She gets up, drinks a glass of juice and packs up her swimming gear. She gets her 300 colones from her Dad for bus fare and walks the block down to catch the 9:15 city bus. She goes downtown to Heredia for her swim workout at the city pool. It is $20.00 for a one month pass. It is a beautiful 50 meter outdoor pool with all the lanelines etc. She gets her workout from a free online swimming class she is enrolled in through BYU Independent Studies Program. She walks over to the store and catches the bus home, arriving by 11:30.

When she gets home we all have lunch together and she gets started on her school work. The one rule we do enforce with her is no laptop until the school work is done. That is the only motivation she needs to get her school work done in a hurry. Her curriculum consits of a program we ordered online for $400.00, entire year included. It includes all of the basics and she seems to be progressing well. She is very conscientious about completing her school work as she plans to return to the States to attend college.

After her school work is completed my daughter spends part of her afternoon on-line keeping up with all of her high-5 friends from Costa Rica. For the first year she kept up with all of her myspace friends from the states. In the afternoons her school friends come by to pick her up. The walk to the park down the street or to town to look at the pet store, or buy food. Sometimes they will take a picnic to the park. In the evening she helps with dinner and clean up and has her chores to do.

Her friends all speak Spanish and her Spanish is very fluent at this point. We are very happy with the progress she has made and wonder about all the time we spent forcing out other children to get their school work done! She has gained so much more from this experience than she would have ever received from attending a regular high school. Yes she will miss prom, oh well maybe we will go spend a week at the beach for her graduation!

What Is Watsu Massage Therapy?

During a massage, it can sometimes feel like you are floating on a cloud. But imagine the sensation of having a massage in water. The weightlessness that the buoyancy of the water gives you can be accompanied by a trained practitioner who guides you into deep stretches in a shallow pool of warm water. It sounds nice, doesn't it? It's called Watsu massage therapy, a type of underwater massage that lets you dive right in.

This type of massage therapy was developed by Harold Dull in 1980 and since that time its popularity has grown. Dull, who had studied Zen Shiatsu in Japan, brought the principles of his Asian education back to North America where he was a massage therapist. Dull coined the idea of using the buoyancy of water to stretch his patients' bodies, improving the flow of their vital energy throughout their bodies and inducing a profound state of relaxation. To date, Dull has trained thousands of Watsu practitioners at his school, The Watsu Institute located in Northern California.

Practitioners, known as watsuers, guide a client's body through a series of stretches. Watsuers cradle their clients, rocking them, twisting them, pulling and pushing their limbs through the weightlessness environment provided by the water. He or she may also apply pressure to specific touch points along the body; however, the stretching part is emphasized as the main part of this massage therapy. A watsuer uses his or her own body to enhance the series of stretches that are being performed on the client by bracing certain positions or wrapping the client's body around his or her own.

Watsu is a great form of physical therapy for children, adults and seniors alike. It is also an excellent form of physical therapy for people with physical disabilities, such as arthritis, lower back pain, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida or paralysis. While for many people it takes as few as one Watsu session to become a believer, it may not be the right kind of massage therapy for everyone. That's because it requires an enormous amount of trust because, after all, you are putting yourself literally in the hands of another person for a full hour and you are both in the water. And, your eyes are closed.

Study after study documents the healing powers associated with water, which is backing the desire and demand for aquatic-based therapies such as Watsu. Moreover, the fact that many of these therapies are performed in warm water serves to assist the muscles into entering into a state of relaxation, increased flexibility and soothing warmth that can alleviate some forms of pain or discomfort.

The interesting thing about Watsu massage therapy is that it also has a very profound spiritual aspect to it. Clients that have entrusted themselves completely to their watsuer during a session can allow themselves to enter into a profound state of meditation. The tranquil environment that exudes silence and trust makes it an ideal place for people to reflect on their inner selves.

Mobile Massage Services Offer Therapy Anytime, Anywhere

For much of the past, getting a massage meant visiting a therapist at an office equipped with a massage table, oils and other specialized equipment. These days, mobile massage tables and other accessories have enabled massage therapists to perform their services at clients' homes and offices. Here's a look at the biggest advantages of mobile massage services for clients and therapists.

Lower Operating Costs

With the high rates involved in standard massage therapy, many clients are unable to spend as much time being massaged as they'd prefer. Overhead costs at an office can be tremendous, forcing massage therapists to charge higher rates in order to make a profit. Mobile massage reduces overhead costs dramatically, letting massage therapists perform their services for less and making massage affordable for more people than ever before.

Public Events

Since many mobile massage therapists are experienced at serving clients who are fully clothed, they're able to provide their services at public events, such as industry conventions. Business conventions leave many professionals tired and stressed, eventually destroying their morale and productivity. With the services of a mobile massage therapist, the entire atmosphere of the convention can enhance with the individual improvements in mood and energy. In many cases, simply knowing that there will be massage offered at an event is added incentive for professionals to attend.

Less Time Involved

Receiving a massage at a therapist's office involves making an appointment, driving to and from the office and waiting in a waiting room. Mobile massage eliminates this inconvenience, letting clients call massage therapists to their homes or offices and continue working in the meantime. As soon as the appointment is over, work or recreation can continue again without further interruption.

Workplace Productivity

Stressed employees can bring everybody down at work, resulting in the office getting less done as a team. Mobile message offers a simple, effective solution for this. By investing in a visit from a mobile massage service, employers can boost employee morale and enhance workflow at the office. This can also reduce stress for the manager, who can more easily concentrate on the big picture instead of handling issues among individual workers.

Reduce Worker Absenteeism

In recent years, preventative medical care such as massage has become more popular for improving immunity and reducing the risk of heart problems. Regular visits from mobile message services are very effective at reducing stress, which is a huge contributor to poor health. This way, workplaces can reduce absenteeism and frequent tardiness and postpone having to hire new workers due to disability among existing employees.

Many people find that the greatest benefit from message comes with regular treatments. With this in mind, many mobile massage services offer scheduling plans for regular therapy. Sometimes, discounts are available with these plans. Even single visits, however, are well worth the cost for preventative health care and peace of mind. Reduced pain, deeper sleep and better quality of life are all available from the comfort of home or the office with mobile massage services.

How to Become a Certified Pilates Instructor

There are several different schools that are recognized for providing intense, quality training to people who are interested in becoming Pilates instructors at a studio or gym. Some of the major schools include Peak Pilates, Physical Mind Institute, Romana's, Pole Star and Stott. There are also two different types of certification; one for mat Pilates and one for training on a Pilates machine. You should be certified in both if you instruct students in both forms.

While each school teaches a slightly different method of Pilates and may have differing philosophies, each one offers an intensive training course for people wanting to become certified and knowledgeable instructors. No matter what the style of exercise or philosophy taught in these courses, the idea is the same: to become completely educated on the exercise method and learn how to adjust each exercise for people of differing fitness levels and physical ability.

Take the next few minutes to learn about the different schools and see how they differ.

Peak Pilates offers a three-level course that is taken over a period of 452 hours split up over a year or more. They focus on a contemporary Pilates method and covers mat and machine Pilates from beginner to advanced intensity levels. You must already have a basic mat certification to begin the 452 hour program.

The Physical Mind Institute offers contemporary Pilates with a focus on the mental aspects and has three separate courses: standing Pilates, mat Pilates and comprehensive Pilates.

Romana's Pilates, designed by Romana Kryzanowska who actually studied under Joseph Pilates, the father of Pilates, offers a 600 hour course series focusing on the classic Pilates method.

Stott Pilates trains instructors in contemporary Pilates and offers an intensive 310 hour mat instruction course as well as an additional 165 hour Pilates machine instruction course.

Pole Star Pilates offers a 240 hour contemporary Pilates method instruction program that focuses on physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The certification courses offered by each school are generally done in one or two intensive weekend sessions. The basic mat certification exam usually requires students of the course to be able to demonstrate each Pilates exercise and explain how it is done and what muscles it works and what the result will be after doing the exercise routinely for weeks or months. They will also need to be able to explain and show alternative methods to each exercise to accommodate for different students they might have.

There are more comprehensive Pilates certifications that may be required by certain Pilates studios or gyms if you want to work for one and should also be obtained if starting your own Pilates studio where you might eventually be training other teachers. This certification will give you a much better edge against other Pilates instructors who only have the basic mat certification. The schools that offer this training and examination require when the course is completed that the student will have an in depth understanding of the human body and its muscle groups work and change over the course of a Pilates regimen. These programs generally also include intense training on the use of the reformer or other Pilates machine equipment. These more advanced certification courses are usually taken in different series over the course of a year and some require that you complete an apprenticeship at a Pilates studio in your area.

So whether you are interested in joining an instruction team at a gym or small fitness or Pilates studio or opening your own Pilates studio, having a certification from one of the many Pilates schools will make you a much more desirable instructor. The cost for the certification class generally varies from $250 to $5,000 depending on how advanced the course is and if it is just basic mat or the comprehensive certification that includes both mat and machine work.

Massage Stone Therapy - The Start Up Tips

Wikipedia mentions a simple explanation of this title and goes thus: A stone massage is a massage that uses smooth, flat, and heated rocks placed at key points on the body.

This is one of the least detailed explanations on the Massage Stone Therapy as one can find amongst hundreds of articles on the internet. Stone therapy has increasingly become popular among the alternate therapy fraternity. It is even said that the massage stone used serves as an energy reservoir which contains the healing energy of the therapist.

These iron rich stones can be heated in a stone warmer equipment and contain the heat which helps in warming and relaxing the muscle and thus allowing the therapist to work deeper if required. The stone therapy is considered to be useful for a variety of symptoms like back pains, osteoarthritis and arthritis pain, insomnia and other stress related modern uneasiness.

Basalt stones are used in the process which is heated under water to about 125 簞F (52 簞C). These are then placed on some specific points on the body, especially on the back, shoulders, in between toes, sometimes on the palms and even on the face. All this depends on the style offered by the massage therapist and the requirement of the client.

These days most of the modern spas and massage centers offer Hot Stone Massage or Stone Therapy. The number of different styles however, is almost as varied as the stones themselves and thus it is imperative to have a brief study of the kind suitable before making a decision to buy them.

There are varied suppliers of the right kind of stones searchable on the internet. One of best products available in this category is the Hand-Shaped Massage Stones and Naturally-Shaped Massage Stones.

Hand-Shaped Massage Stones are derived from the black volcanic rock and are carefully cut to the same shape in various sizes. The end product is a skillfully polished perfect massage stone for the stone therapy. These come as a 20, 30 or 50 Pcs-Basalt set of stones and include varied shapes and sizes for relevant therapy.

Naturally-Shaped Massage Stones as the name implies are provided as found in the Mother Nature and most of them come from Peru. Peruvian massage stones are known to retain the heat much better than other stone types. These come as a 38, 50 or 66 - Pcs Peruvian Basalt and include every almost every stone a massage therapist would need to treat the entire body. It includes large and heavy belly stones as well as those needed for a delicate work on the neck, feet and hands.

Combine the above with a hot stone warmer with a preset temperature setting and what you have is a ready to heal stone massage set.

One can say that if you are a body worker, a massage therapist or an owner/manager of a spa and are interested in providing a good stone massage therapy to your clients, you can begin with procuring the right material from the right supplier who takes care of your budget and the essential quality. The steps, if taken in the right way would reduce your time in dealing with the practices and reserve the energy to heal the client. Happy healing!

Preparing for The Physical Therapy Assistant License

For a student studying a career as a physical therapy assistant, graduation approaches at a rapid pace, the realization that you will complete your associates degree as a physical therapy assistant is soon to become a reality. Completing the degree is a huge relief for any student, but there is a test to prepare for after graduation that can leave a PTA student feeling a little bit nervous. Will you pass the state license exam to work as a PTA in your state?

Luckily for you, almost all PTA schools offer prep courses for the state exam, which will increase your chances of obtaining a license. To write the test, States will generally need proof of graduation from an educational institute that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program in which you study must be recognized by the states board of physical therapy. You will have already completed this though by doing your research and choosing an accredited physical therapy assistant school to obtain your associates degree in the first place.

To give you an idea of what the structure of the exam will look like, and what is required to pass a state exam, below we have listed some of the common elements that are seen nation wide with regards to PTA testing. All physical therapy assistant schools will teach the program and prep you slightly differently, but still trying to follow the guidelines set out by the state. While license fees and other administrative requirements may change state to state, the core of the exam does not change that much from state to state. Each state wants a minimum competency for the PTA to be licensed to work.

* The exam will likely have at or around 200 questions
* The examination may be completely computer based
* Questions will be in multiple choice format
* The score of the exam is on a scale of 200-800, 600 is considered the passing grade.
* The exam is administered throughout the year at locations across the Nation
* You are generally given 4 hours to complete the exam
* Topics covered on the exam may include Standards of Care, Intervention, codes and ethics.

There are many study guides available for prep for the state license test. If you have been out of school for a long time and are thinking about relocating to another state, it is advisable to contact the given state before hand. They often offer a prep manual or prep courses for those wishing to take the state PTA license exam.

Be confident that you have chosen the right school, and that you are a diligent hard worker who pays attention and pays attention to detail on the job. The license exam should not mean stress for a well prepared physical therapy assistant program graduate

Rotator Cuff Physical Therapy Exercises - The Building Blocks of Recovery

Rotator cuff physical therapy exercises are the first phase in recovery from any of the rotator cuff disorders. If you have a tear, tendonitis, impingement or have had surgery; physical therapy will be the starting point of your recovery.

So, what happens next? As an example, rotator cuff tear therapy will be followed by a rehabilitation phase and then finally strengthening. No matter what condition it is you have developed this is the basic progress map.

Rotator cuff rehabilitation starts, pretty much, as soon after injury or surgery as possible. If it is after surgery then you should be given a rehabilitation protocol to work through. If it's a fresh injury then a physical therapist will likely be involved. The key message is the sooner the better.

What is involved?

These are very simple exercises that are completed passively, isometrically or supported in some way. Little or no stress is put on the healing joint and absolutely no additional weight is used.

These exercises should be repeated in sets of up to 10. They should be done 2 or 3 times per day. Remember to warm up before and ice afterwards. A little discomfort is to be expected but if it is painful you are pushing too hard so STOP.

It is important to exercises in a range of ways, or planes of movement, to ensure the whole of the cuff is exercised equally. This is to ensure muscle balance; a key to regaining strength and especially stability in the joint.

Rotator cuff physical therapy exercises

Isometric - Isometric exercises are designed to contract muscles without any actual movement. They maintain and build muscle strength without risking joint damage as you heal.

Passively - You, or probably someone, else moves the arm for you. Initially this will most certainly be a Physical Therapist. During passive exercises, your shoulder joint is moved, but your muscles stay relaxed. Your therapist gently moves your joint and gradually stretches your arm. You should be taught how to do passive exercises at home.

Supported - A variation on a theme. Similar to assisted but using a table or similar rather than another person for support.

A variation is the pendulum swing. Although not classically passive or assisted it is another of those rotator cuff exercises that allow motion without strain.

The benefits

• Begin to immediately restore range of motion.


• Increases strength and stability


• Increase blood flow to the affected area.


• Prevent scarring.


• Builds confidence.


• Speeds recovery

The types of exercise outlined above form the basis of any rehabilitation protocol. There is a wide range of rotator cuff physical therapy exercises available, join me to learn more.

Have You Found The Right Massage Therapist?

Regarded as one of the most popular and sought after complementary and alternative medicine service all over the world, the aromatherapy massage remains to be an effective and beneficial type of therapeutic massage. Since its early practice in the ancient times, it has continued to gain popularity and draw interest among the public due to many scientific reports of positive and beneficial healing properties. This is because of its combined aromatherapy and massage techniques for a better medical care.

If you are one of the many individuals who want to add aromatherapy massage to their regular medical care at the spa, then you need to know what exactly you need to do before and during the massage therapy session. Like any other medical care, you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally in order to gain a better result afterwards. The first thing in your list should be a visit to professional medical personnel such as your doctor which can give you the good pros and cons of an aromatherapy massage.

In case you got a good feedback from your doctor, perhaps the next thing on your list would be to find a good and affordable spa with highly skilled and trained, certified and licensed massage therapists. Checking the medical track records of the personnel at the spa would be a good idea as you wouldn't want to be serviced by an unlicensed individual. When you have found the right spa for you, ask your massage therapist for advices on how to prepare yourself for your coming massage therapy session. He or she will most likely tell you to avoid getting a full stomach or having a heavy meal prior to your session. You will also be told to arrive early at the spa as well as be informed that you will be half-naked during the massage therapy session.

When you are in the massage therapy room, your massage therapist will then politely requires you to remove your clothes after he or she gets out of the room. Take note that this is the normal and standard procedure on any massage spa and any type of massage method all over the world. If you are uncomfortable with it, you can always tell the massage therapist so that he or she will know and be able to tell you what to do. Most spas have loose towel for their patients to use as cover for their private parts during the massage therapy session. You will then be asked to lie down on the padded massage bed with your face on the hole so that your massage therapist can prepare for your therapy. Your chosen essential oils will then be prepared and poured on your skin as you are massaged. Your therapist will use different massage strokes on the different areas of your body starting at your back.

Make sure that you listen to your massage therapist and follow what he or she says especially during the session to have a wonderful aromatherapy massage experience at the spa.