5 Benefits of Hot Stone Therapy

Hot stone massage is an extremely relaxing and soothing technique of making the body stress free by placing heated stones on the body. The heat eases out the tension reducing the stress built up in the muscles and increases the blood flow which then results in the healing of the body. Hot stone massage does not only work on the physical body but also relaxes the nervous system and the mental parts thereby generating a general relief and wellness. Below are five benefits of hot stone therapy.

1. Promotes deep muscles and tissue relaxation.

Warm stone therapy relieves muscles aches. The heat from the smooth stone (heated by a roaster or in water together with tea tree oil) penetrates the muscles and relaxes it. This relaxation is known to relieve the pain associated with arthritis and other injuries or pains. In addition to that, the heat causes the widening of the circulatory vessels leading to a much fluent and easy flow of blood round the body which result in a better health all round.

2. Relives Nerves and Tension

One of the problems associated with modern life is stress. Most people are looking for different means of effectively relieving stress and few have proven as successful as warm stone therapy. As the flow of blood is improved, so is the flow of oxygen and nutrients in the body. These elements contribute to the detoxification and healing of your body. The overall effect is the feeling of calm as it generates a soothing effect on the nervous system leading to a higher vitality.

3. Efficient Relief of Pain

Hot stone therapy provides a soothing pain relief because of the heat that penetrates injured muscle and softens tensed muscles. As the therapist performs a deeper massage of the injured muscle or joints, it aids the process to results in a more effective massage giving an enhanced feeling of well being and relief to the areas of pain. For most people, a warm stone therapy leaves them in a physically better state than other types of massages that do not incorporate the use of heat.

4. Mental Serenity.

Smooth heated stone massage is perfect for achieving mental wellness. The strategically placed stones at pressure points of the body help melt away tension creating a calming atmosphere. Due to its effects, stress, anxiety and tension disappear long enough for your mind to truly relax at the deepest level. The heated stone therapy is usually used in the curing of insomnia and people suffering from depression have been known to gain significant relief when treated using hot stone therapy.

5. Spiritual Wellness

As the mental state of the body is appeased, retreating into a deep meditative state, your body becomes re-energized. The oil used along side with the stones contains sensory stimulants which help in the rejuvenation of your mind in the state of deep meditation. This also gives a sense of balance making you feel at peace both internally and externally.

Receiving a heated stone massage is a wonderful experience, where you will relax, revive, rejuvenate and reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.

Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs Are In Demand

Physical therapy assistant jobs can be very rewarding. The physical therapist is someone who works to alleviate distress as well as discomfort for people suffering from painful illnesses. This is done through initiating actions aimed at bringing about a significant improvement the life of such a person. The assistant offers invaluable assistance in this process.

Debilitating conditions such as arthritis, heart disease or cerebral palsy often leaves a person with depression and a feeling of being worthless. Massages, traction, electrical stimulation and paraffin baths as well as hot and cold packs can bring some relief.

Administering these treatments is but one of the tasks in which the assistants are involved. Patients must also be familiarized with exercise equipment and aids such as crutches. Developing an exercise program for the patient often falls on the shoulders of the assistant. He or she must know the job well enough to ensure that the exercises will benefit the patient to the fullest extent possible. They must also watch and record the progress of the patients and perform clerical duties when required.

To enroll in such a program, the individual will need a high school diploma. The length of the course is usually two years. Obtaining an associate degree opens up many possible opportunities for a student. There is a great demand for skilled people in this profession in US hospitals and other institutions for health care at the moment. People who choose this career can look forward to a bright future.

To be an accredited therapist assistant in this field, a person must hold an associate degree. This can be done through enrollment in a course that is recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association. Right throughout training a balance between theoretical study and practical work is maintained.

Subjects such as human anatomy are taught and a good understanding of algebra and chemistry is established. Human psychology CPR and first aid also receives a lot of attention in the course as well.

The jobs of a therapists, assistants and aides are quite different. The therapist plan treatment to try to achieve improvement in the condition of a patient. It is then left to the assistants to carry out the planning. The aid will not participate in the sessions must be on hand to help if the patient must move from one place to another. The aid must also keep the clinic clean and orderly as well as carry our clerical duties. The aid must have a high school diploma and the assistant an associate degree issued by an accredited institute.

The need for assistants in this field is ever-growing and it is a good career to choose as an increasing number of Physical therapy assistant jobs should be available in the decades to come. Physical therapist assistants generally get promoted by specializing in a particular area. A physical therapists may become an expert in geriatric care and share their experience and knowledge by become instructors. In due course of time, they may end up becoming directors of departments conducting research and further studies in their area of expertise.

Combining Guided Imagery With Massage Therapy

Various studies have shown that guided imagery and massage both help to boost our immune system as well as encourage relaxation and elevate our moods. Similar to yet different from meditation techniques, guided imagery is more of an illustrated journey that moves the body and mind to a place of serenity through the use of verbal pictures in a kind of narrative form. It can be either pre-recorded or improvised, and uses the spoken word presented in soothing tones to create a calming visualization. This is especially useful for people who feel stressed out most of the time or who may find it difficult to totally relax on their own.

One of the advantages in using guided imagery is that it can be designed differently for each person. Each massage therapist will have a manner or technique all his or her own, which when combined with imagery customized for each client creates a unique kind of inner voyage.

Putting together this relaxation technique with massage therapy helps reinforce the body, mind and spirit connection in several ways. Using touch, massage brings a physical awareness to the body, while the spoken word can encourage the client's thoughts to be quiet. Together they may assist in generating a deeper sense of internal spirituality.

Not every client will be open to guided imagery; some may actually find it more stressful, conflicting with their own efforts of relaxing during a massage. For some people, a quiet massage therapy session with gentle music is more soothing. But for those who find the inclusion of guided imagery a good thing, it can be an effective addition to their approach in maintaining good physical health and mental well-being.

Adding guided imagery to your massage practice can be a valuable tool in helping your clients receive the most therapeutic benefit from their session. Learn five tips for integrating guided imagery into your massage practice.

A Career In Physical Therapy Can Be A Demanding But Rewarding Option For The Right Person

If you are interested in entering the health care industry to help people gain body function after illnesses, injuries, or operations, perhaps you could consider a degree in Physical Therapy. Becoming a Physical Therapist requires years of intensive training, but the career is rewarding and the benefits are excellent. Look into some physical therapy degree programs in your area to see if a career as a physical therapist is a good choice for you.

If you wish to be a physical therapist, you will have to enter an accredited degree program. The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education, or CAPTE, accredits educational programs. There are over one hundred accredited physical therapy graduate programs in the United States. Around 12 of these programs awarded Master's degrees in Physical Therapy, while approximately 200 awarded doctoral degrees. Expect to spend at least two years on a Master's degree and three years on a doctoral degree to become a physical therapist.

As an alternative, you could become a physical therapy assistant. These assistants work with patients under a primary physical therapist's direction. In order to be a physical therapy assistant, you will be required to have an Associate's degree in the specialty, as well as undergo on-the-job training.

In a Physical Therapy program, you will focus on natural science and health science including but not limited to biology, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, anatomy, neuroscience, biomechanics, pathology, pharmacology, and radiology. You will also take courses related to clinical reasoning and practice, including screening, examination, diagnostic process, and therapeutic interventions. Students should receive clinical experience in a supervised setting in addition to their classroom and lab work.

The job of a physical therapist is to help patients recover from problems which may affect their functioning. These medical problems can be birth defects or the result of illness or injury. Some examples include back and neck injuries, sprains, fractures, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sports injuries. As a therapist, you will evaluate patients for programs of therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, movement training, physical aids, and other treatments.

Over fifty percent of physical therapists work in hospitals. Others have private practices or work in outpatient care facilities, nursing care homes, adult daycare facilities, and schools. Employment prospects are excellent in the field of this area, with a great deal of room for growth.

If you are interested in Physical Therapy, be aware that this work is physically demanding. You must be strong in order to assist patients who have limited functioning and need support to stand or walk. You will have a work day that includes frequent standing, bending, crouching, and lifting. You should also be a compassionate and sensitive individual, as you will be working with patients who may have experienced traumatic injuries or who have disfiguring illnesses. You should love working with people and helping them.

Rehabilitation Programs at Alcohol Treatment Centers Offer Extensive Holistic Therapies

Many of us think that alcoholism is untreatable, but this is wrong because alcohol rehab programs are designed to meet the needs of alcoholics who are devastating their lives under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol rehabilitation program offers you the hope to dream of a life free from alcoholism through its holistic therapies.

When you are overpowered by alcohol, you lose control over yourself, which even drags you toward crisis situations. It is better to throw alcohol out of your life so that you and your loved ones can lead a happy, prosperous life without any kind of fear. In this regard, you must seek counseling from a professional counselor, who would guide you through the entire process and show you the way toward a better life. Counselors at the alcohol treatment centers would also guide you to choose the program that would best suit your state of alcoholism.

Your enrolment into any of the alcohol treatment centers will ensure that you are on the right track of recovery. You will receive several holistic therapies, such as life skill training, wellness therapy, behavioral therapy, stress management therapy, psychotherapy, relapse prevention therapy, so that your recovery is complete and there is no room for relapse. Besides pastoral counseling and Christ teaching sessions will help you stay focused on the right track.

Rehabilitation Programs

To begin with, you will undergo detoxification, which is the complete elimination of alcoholic traces from your body and mind. This will ensure that no chemical trace is left inside your body, which might produce cravings later. As withdrawal might result in pain, forcing you to relapse, holistic approach will ensure that your mental and physical dependence on chemical substances is ended and the recovery from alcoholism is complete.

Counseling is a great approach to cleanse the mind of the addict so that chemical dependency is ended and no room is left for relapse. Therapists will ensure that you undergo various physical therapies so that your body becomes accustomed to practicing restraint from alcohol and that you have all the skills in your kitty to doing so. Cognitive behavioral therapy will focus on your mental and psychological wellbeing so that you can easily mingle with the society at large and that it does not result in triggers. You would also learn how to manage stress and anxiety and keep their levels down. Slowly, you will realize that these have no place in your life.

Inter-socialization skills will ensure that you are a changed human being, with better socialization skills, showing responsibility toward society. As a changed human being, you can become a brand ambassador of the alcohol rehab program, guiding other struggling alcoholics to walk on the path of sobriety by quitting alcohol.

Your nutritionist will help you realize the role a proper diet in enhancing your fitness levels and keeping you away from addictive substances. You would learn to depend on a balanced diet. It is a known fact that a physically weak body craves for other supplements, suppressants, and depressants, such as alcohol or intoxicants. Contrarily, a physically stronger body is less likely to yearn for intoxicants. If the need arises, you can always bank on nutritional supplements to back up your diet program. These therapies, including yoga, meditation, massage, will also ensure that there is no place for relapse in your life.

Alcohol treatment centers are a true friend to an addicted individual. Choose any of the treatment centers if you, too, want to join the list of individuals who have recovered completely from the clutches of alcohol addiction.

Massage Therapy and Its Various Types

San Francisco may be one of the busiest and most urban cities in the world, but it is also one of the best places where you can get good massages and spa treatments. Getting different types of San Francisco massage therapy and spa treatments is one way for the people in the big city to de-stress and cope with the hustle bustle of everyday life.

If you're planning on getting a massage while you're in SF, you may want to know what your options are to see which specific massage treatment would suit you most. Certain massage techniques are designed to alleviate specific body and muscle ailments, so it would be best if you at least had an idea of which kind of massage you should get. Below are two of the more popular types of massage therapy you can choose from:

Swedish Massage Therapy

This is one of the most popular types of massage therapy not only in California, but also in the rest of the United States. Swedish massage was developed by Pehr Henrik Ling, and is designed to ease muscle tension and stress. This type of massage is also known to treat sore muscles and improve circulation. Swedish massage also involves the application of gentle pressure to relax tense muscles and lessen the occurrence of cramping.

As mentioned, Swedish massage is very popular San Francisco massage therapy. In fact, the majority of those who practice massage therapy and the rest of the US are primarily trained in Swedish massage before any other type of massage technique. Keep in mind however, that you shouldn't expect all your muscle pain and tension to completely disappear after just one session of Swedish massage therapy. This massage technique is most effective if you have it done at least once a month - much better if you get it every two weeks.

Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Hot stone massage therapy, as the name implies, involves placing hot stones on certain areas of the body to warm and relax the muscles. This type of massage technique is good, especially if you need work done on certain muscle points only. And not only does hot stone massage improve circulation and relax the muscles, it also calms the nervous system.

The hot stones used in this type of massage are made of basalt, an iron-rich type of rock which allows the stones to retain heat. These smooth stones are placed in an electric heating device until they reach a specific temperature before they are strategically placed on certain muscle points. Once the heat from the stone penetrates the body and places the muscles in a relaxed state, the massage therapist can then apply more pressure in carrying out the massage.

As mentioned, these are just two of the more popular types of available San Francisco massage therapy. If you're in the city and want to explore more massage therapy options offered in spa centers (like Shiatsu, Ayurveda, Thai, etc.) you can just go online and check out different spas and the services they offer.

Slap Lesion Physical Therapy Treatment Before and After Surgery

SLAP is short for Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior, or from front to back. The labrum is the rim of cartilage found in the shoulder socket. An injury or tear to this part of the body is a SLAP lesion, which typically results from overuse, trauma and accidents such as falling onto your outstretched hand.

What are the symptoms of a SLAP lesion?

A person with a SLAP lesion or injury has shoulder pain, which becomes worse with throwing activities or when reaching overhead. The person may also experience some pain and soreness in the shoulder front when bending the elbow or turning the wrist. The person's shoulder may also click or snap with movement and may feel like being dislocated. Diagnosis of this injury involves a physical examination of the shoulder and a contrast MRI scan.

What are the treatments for SLAP lesion?

Most cases of SLAP injuries respond well to non-invasive or non-surgical treatment so this would be the first option for any patient. After your injury, your doctor would first recommend some rest to help ease symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to alleviate inflammation and pain.

Next, you will have to undergo a SLAP lesion physical therapy, which mostly involves stretching and muscle strengthening exercises targeting the muscles around the rotator cuff and scapula. It is also important at this point to limit or make adjustments in the activity that caused the injury, which could be a sport or work-related activity.

Cold therapy is also a part of SLAP lesion physical therapy. Therapists make use of ice packs or ice massage to reduce pain and swelling by applying these agents four to six times in an hour for three hours. Therapists may also apply ice if pain or any other symptoms worsen after an activity.

Certain patients, especially athletes, who play sports or do activities that involve a lot of throwing may continue to experience pain despite undergoing proper SLAP lesion physical therapy program. When symptoms do not go away after 6 weeks of conservative treatment or SLAP lesion physical therapy, your doctor will then recommend surgery to treat your shoulder. In surgery, the doctor may remove torn cartilages or attach them back in place.

After surgery, you will need complete bed rest and you must avoid activities involving the treated area. After a period of rest, your doctor may then recommend SLAP lesion physical therapy to help you restore your shoulder's strength and full range of motion.

The Money Diet Part II - How to Enjoy Life While Paying Off Your Debt

Just as starvation diets are doomed to fail, cutting your expenses to the bare bones in order to pay off your debt will ultimately boomerang on you.

You've got to get real. How long do you think you're going to stay on a budget where everything except the basics - you know - food, car payments, your mortgage or rent, insurance, etc. - is going to pay down your debt?

You've got about as much chance of staying on that type of a regimen as you do eating only celery sticks and lettuce for the next five years.  Do you really think you could live with that?

Here's a better plan:

Take a piece of paper and fold it in half. On the left hand side write down every luxury  or near luxury that you've been spending your money on. Check through your receipts, your check book, and you credit card bills. Make sure you put down everything.

You might have things like the theater or the movies, vacations, cable TV, stuff like that. Even go so far as to put down Christmas gifts and birthday presents.

I know, I know. They don't look like luxuries. But even if they are near-luxuries, such as going to a restaurant, getting gourmet coffee, and paying for an ongoing gym membership, write them down on the left side of the paper.

Now, on the other side of the fold write down alternatives to the "expensive spread".

For example, if you go get a massage regularly you could check out a massage school. Student rates are about half of what a regular masseuse charges.

Same goes for beauty schools instead of beauty salons.

Instead of going to the movies in the evening you can catch a matinée. Or just make a movie night at home with the whole family. Pop some popcorn, get big bags of candy. You get the drift.

Follow through with this plan and you will still enjoy life and you can use the money you save to pay down your debt.  It might hurt a little, but don't you think this approach is something you can live with?  It certainly beats celery and lettuce.

Massage Therapy Certification - A Millennial Career for the 21st Century

A significant amount of news coverage has been given to "Generation Y," or "The Millennial Generation" - most often considered to be individuals born between 1980 and 1994. Growing up in the 21st century entails greater privilege and greater hardship than previous generations have faced. One thing's for sure - members of this generation are needed to fill critical healthcare job gaps, one of which just might be massage therapy.

Massage therapy is recognized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as a growing career, and one with benefits beyond the immediately obvious. The massage therapy education trains students to have a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology, which is essential for effective massage treatment. The scientific background of the massage therapy certification program allows students of massage to understand how different body parts and systems work together - and how, if one system is out of whack, a massage client can feel ill or out-of-sorts all over.

Schools such as the Certified Careers Institute, with campus locations in Clearfield and Salt Lake City, Utah, offer massage therapy education that prepares students to sit for a massage therapy certification. This education is popular with the younger generation, because it leads to a career with worker-defined office conditions. Young workers can choose what type of massage therapy they will specialize in, decorate their offices however they choose, and determine what kinds of massage oils, wraps, and techniques they will use on their clients. This generation of young adults, who grew up with technology, views "cool" careers like massage therapy in a positive light.

It's a good thing, too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that as Gen Y's parents - the Baby Boomer generation - age, there will be an increased need for professional massage therapists to administer their services as supplementary medical therapies. Generations X and Y enjoy massage therapy at work or after-hours. Today's jobs can demand long hours, and some people must work two jobs to be able to meet their bills; so, massage therapy is a helpful accessory to a demanding career. It can also become a great career for a Gen Y student. This generation, more so than older counterparts, places emphasis on work-life balance, and many enjoy more flexible working arrangements, including flex time and telecommuting. Some massage therapists can set their own hours and delineate their own working conditions, making massage therapy certification an appealing career choice for the under-30 set.

This kind of treatment can also be beneficial to individuals who suffer from depression, isolation, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (side effects, after all, of our highly interactive -but ultimately, human-contact deprived - wired society). Many people eschew drug therapies for mental health issues - after all, modern antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have gotten negative press because of certain deleterious side effects. Massage therapy enables total body relaxation, which can effectively boost a person's mood. In fact, certified massage therapists themselves can benefit from the health-conscious outlook their career field demands. Individuals who sell health services can market their services more credibly if they are actually healthy individuals, themselves - meaning, for example, that they eat a healthy diet, follow an exercise regimen, and refrain from using drugs or alcohol.

Millennials' Boomer parents can benefit from massage therapy. Adult-onset (Type II) diabetes and heart disease are two major killers of older Americans - and the Boomer generation is aging and quickly closing in on their retirement years. The massage therapy education, such as that provided by the Certified Careers Institute's Clearfield and Salt Lake City, Utah schools, teaches students massage techniques that can be beneficial in treating conditions affecting older adults: diabetes, arthritis, gout, and even cancer. Boomers, too, face career stress - after all, their generation was strongly affected by corporate mergers and downsizing. Massage therapy can help them shed the health-negative stresses of the modern workplace.

Finally - and perhaps most importantly - massage therapy education and certification addresses some of the commonest woes of 21st century higher learning and job market conditions. College tuition has soared over the past decade, necessitating that some Millennials take out substantial private loans to pay for their educations, and that others forgo college altogether. And, the modern job market is a volatile entity, with technological advances, outsourcing, and downsizing threatening every industry from computer sciences to journalism. Students today must make difficult choices when deciding upon careers - and, many of those choices come with sacrifices.

The massage therapy education, by contrast, is a relatively simple process - programs like Certified Careers Institute's can take just weeks - and has fewer course requirements than a traditional four-year degree does. Therefore, acquiring a massage therapy certification is cheaper than getting a college degree. And, this particular career is expected to grow as it is increasingly recognized in the allied health field - making it a smart choice for people who want job security.

It's no wonder, with all of these positives - cool job description, health-positive benefits, job stability, and a low-cost education - that Generation Y is turning massage therapy into a career of the future.

What Is a Ball Chair?

A Ball Chair is actually a fitness ball used as your primary seating device. The thought behind the Ball Chair is to accomplish a couple things:

1. Comfortable seating to alleviate lumbar pain or discomfort.


2. Stimulate and possibly strengthen your core.


3. Allow you to move around and not be stagnant for extended amounts of time.

There have been many recent developments with creating complementary hardware or bases to place the fitness ball in, that give it the appearance and feel of the standard office chair. Some of them happen to be carefully engineered to look like a normal office chair.

Evolution and History of the Fitness Balls

• 1963 - The initial fitness ball or "Swiss-Balls" was made by Aquilino Cosani. He was able to build a process for making puncture resistant balls. Those balls were then generally known as "Pezzi balls".


• The Pezzi balls were first used in various programs for newborns and infants by a British physiotherapist employed in Switzerland named Mary Quinton.


• Thereafter, Dr. Susanne Klein-Vogelbach, the director from the Physical Therapy School in Basel, Switzerland used the ball for physical therapy for neuro-developmental treatment. The balls were used to help remedy adults with orthopedic or medical problems.


• 1980's - The Pezzi ball technology was introduced to America and referred to the ball as the "Swiss Balls", put to use in rehabilitation for the people with spinal injuries.


• 1990's - The fitness balls was moved into the athletic paradigm and is now quite popular in the fitness world. The fitness ball is used commonly in athletic training, fitness routines, aerobic classes, yoga sessions, physical therapy, pregnancy, gardening, offices as well as in classrooms. It would appear that functions for the balls are nevertheless developing.

Precisely what are Fitness Balls composed of?

Exercise balls are constructed of plastic vinyl or PVC (plastic vinyl, however some are burst-resistant while others usually are not. Fitness balls usually have a diameter of 35 - 85 centimeters (14 - 34 inches). Some will be more durable, created to hold more weight and in most cases will cost you a little more. It is suggested that the exercise balls are inflated to the appropriate level, and also the valve stem is used to seal air inside. Some exercise balls have "stayball technology" engineered inside, with a substance that's added inside to keep it in position.

Physical Therapy School Accreditation

Physical therapy school accreditation is perhaps the most important aspect to consider when you are choosing which programs to apply to. There are many different aspects of a good school, including the curriculum, reputation, classroom and lab technology, location, budget friendliness and success of former students. If the school isn't accredited, though, none of those things will even matter. The only degree that can hold up to a high level of scrutiny is one that comes from an accredited school; this applies to physical therapist schools or any other field.

The Importance of Physical Therapy School Accreditation

There are several accrediting agencies that evaluate physical therapy schools based on a serious set of professional standards. An accrediting agency must also be accepted by the United States Department of Education to be trustworthy as an evaluator of these schools, which ads a further complication to your research on various programs. Some of the most reputable organizations that accredit physical therapist schools include the following:

- American Physical Therapy Association

- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

- Regional Accrediting Bodies (i.e., Physical Therapy Board of California, etc.)

The basic fact that you need to understand is that physical therapist schools that are not accredited are probably little more than diploma mills that do not offer an acceptable education. Even if they do offer a good education, though, employers will not take your degree seriously if it is not from an accredited school. You also need to have a degree from an accredited school to sit for the certification or licensing exams in your state. And if that isn't enough, the credits will also not transfer to other schools if you should decide to switch programs or return to school later for a higher level of education.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Physical Therapist School

Accreditation is the most important factor, but you must also consider whether this specific program is right for you. Think about whether the location, cost, availability of classes and scheduling work for your budget and lifestyle. See what kind of experience the faculty has and how esteemed they are in the professional field. Also, look into where some of the school's graduates are practicing now, and see if any of them have careers like you've imagined for yourself. The school you choose is important, so make sure it's a high quality program before applying.

How to Spot a Good Ashiatsu Massage Spa

Ashiatsu is a popular form of massage therapy that uses a combination of shiatsu, Swedish massage and acupressure while using the foot instead of the hands. The therapy though famous for its foot pressure, still includes hand techniques as well as the use of the knees and elbows. This technique is focused in giving complete body rest and enlightenment on the emotional state of the patient.

The key to having a good ashiatsu massage therapy and in order to receive the best result is by searching for a good massage spa that offers quality services. There are many spas that have this in their list of offered types of therapeutic massage. The hunt for a good massage spa though is quite simple and can be done by following these simple guidelines on how to spot the best massage spa for you.

You can find below a list of what you must be looking for when searching for a public massage parlor and spa:

• Environment - for a relaxing experience, the environment of the massage spa should be pleasing and quiet in order for the body and soul to respond properly to the therapy. Choose a spa that offers serenity, peacefulness, and comfort for that soothing feeling during and after the massage therapy session.

• Massage Therapist - prior to the scheduling of any therapeutic massage type, the client should evaluate the experience, skill and check for the license of the massage therapists working in the massage spa. This not only ensures the quality of the service, but it also reduces the risks of miscalculations and accidents during the therapy. Well trained therapists are also prepared and more cautious during the massage sessions to avoid any problems. The client should feel security, trust, and confidence while the massage therapist performs her massage techniques.

• Facility - the client should be comfortable with the massage bed or floor mat. The bar suspended from the ceiling should be properly fixed to avoid accidents. It should not detach from the ceiling during the duration of the massage therapy and should be able to fully support the weight of the massage therapist.

• Honest Evaluation - Honest opinions and evaluation should be done prior to scheduling of the massage therapy. The therapist should be concerned of the patient and should never allow patients that have conditions with contradictions to the ashiatsu therapy for their safety.

• Quality Service - you can ask for the opinions and experiences of the other clients in the massage spa that are regular customers. Their experiences can give you information whether the service is satisfying or average.

If you spot a massage spa that has passed all these lists, then its time for scheduling your massage therapy session. Make sure that you avoid heavy meals an hour before your scheduled therapy. Arriving early at the massage spa can help you get comfortable with the environment and will give you enough time to be examined before starting your massage therapy session. You can expect great relaxing results right after your therapy session.

Massage Therapy Information - Get The Latest Facts Now

For a very long time, massage therapy has been around. Ancient cultures in China, Egypt, India, Greece and Rome used massage as part of their medical and health procedures.

Massage has been used to treat all kinds of medical conditions and disorders. Massage can be used to treat stress and can help you relax. Most of the time it gives a feeling of well being. Massage therapy works to help different aspects of the physical system - the muscular, nervous, circulatory and immune systems.

Quite apart from the undoubted physical benefits of massage therapy, much of the benefit is psychological; it has to do with the feel-good factor of intimate contact with another human being.

One of the ultimate forms of stress relief is a full body massage. A lot of persons who had a full body massage cannot stop telling people how amazing they felt afterwards. Booking another full body massage is the first thing that someone usually does after experiencing his or her first full body massage. People who've experienced a full body massage all agree that they feel they've managed to attain total relaxation for the first time in their lives.

Massage can also be used on specific or individual parts of the body. The foot is one of the main individual body parts that can be obtained through a specialist form of massages. Foot massage is generally referred to as reflexology.

For a long time, massage therapy was on the fringes of conventional medicine, but the efficacity of massage is generally accepted by modern medical experts. In fact, more than 70% of American hospitals now offer massage therapy as a part of their treatments.

What do hospitals use massage therapy for? They use it in the treatment of chronic pain symptoms, in cancer cases, pregnancy, infant care, joint and muscle mobility, stress management and many other symptoms and disorders.

According to new research massage therapy helps to boost the immune system, manage pain and lower blood pressure.

Massage therapies can be used to aid people who are going through drug and alcohol withdrawal cure. Massage therapy can also be associated to other therapies to strengthen their effects - e.g. aromatherapy, reflexology, acupressure and reiki.

To see massage therapy going from the alternative medicine field to the mainstream means that a lot of persons can now experience the benefits of this very versatile form of treatment and therapy. So if you want to get the benefits of massage therapy you have to do the first step. Get in touch with someone that does massages and find out first hand all the advantages.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy on Your Health

For those of you who have not tried massage therapy then this article might be a good way to convince you to indulge in this relaxing experience that will take all the stress and tension that are eating you up. In this modern world where everything comes in instant people are also trying to keep with this kind of busy lifestyle. Furthermore, our body needs some for of relaxation so that we can maintain the equilibrium deep within us. A massage therapy is a good form of treatment that can soothe your body aches and so many other benefits that you will surely enjoy.

Personally, I live a busy life and I am always bombarded with a lot of stress from work and relationships. It is not possible for me to eat healthy foods all the time or exercise regularly. Sometimes I feel like I want to explode especially if I have got too much already. If I do not listen to what my body is telling me, I just suddenly shut down inside. My immune system starts to weaken and diseases show up. That is why I make it to a point that I indulge myself in a massage therapy once in while. It may cost you a little but the experience is truly worth it especially if you have a good therapist.

Moreover, you should know that massage therapy is not purely relaxation because there are certainly other benefits that you can gain from the experience particularly in your health. It is a good for your overall health and wellness that is why the spa industry is making a good fortune in this business because more and more people are hooked to this. You should know that one can alleviate stress as well as anxiety by getting this massage. It can also improve one's mood so you can function well in a social group. The mind can also be freed from negative thoughts thus making you think clearly.

I addition those who have problems sleeping may also benefit greatly from massage as this promotes good circulation and stimulates the nervous system thereby allowing you to have a relaxing sleep and feeling adequately rested the next day. Lastly, it also promotes the lymph to move making it possible for the body to heal from injuries and diseases. These are the benefits that one can get from getting massage therapy so you might want to try it for yourself and see the difference in you.

Massage Therapy In Your Own Home: Environment, Dress, And Massage Medium

Environment

You will need to make sure that there is enough space in your home for your therapist to set up the massage couch and be able to walk around it.

To make sure that your experience is as relaxing as possible, please make sure that you will not be disturbed during your massage.

Your Massage Therapist will recommend that you switch off your television or radio during your massage so that she can completely focus on your treatment and you can completely focus on your relaxation.

Music may be played during your massage as this can help to aid relaxation. Your Massage Therapist will be happy for you to listen to the music of your choice if there is a particular piece of music that you find relaxing. Alternatively, you can choose from a selection of music which your Massage Therapist will have on CD. Choices include; classical , trip hop or new age music.

Please let your Massage Therapist know in advance if she will need to bring a portable CD player.

Dress

If you are having a full body massage, you will need to prepare for your massage by removing all clothing, apart from underwear on the lower body. You will need to wear a bath robe/dressing gown. (Your Massage Therapist will provide a gown, but you may wear your own if you wish).

If you are having a back, neck and shoulder massage, you will need to be undressed from the waist upwards.

It is easier and more comfortable for your massage to be carried out if you are not wearing a bra as this allows easy access to the back and shoulders. If you feel uncomfortable with this, please discuss this with your Massage Therapist.

Your massage will be delivered whilst you lie on the massage couch. Your body will be covered with towels. Your Massage Therapist will systematically uncover each part of the body to be massaged and replace the towels before moving on to the next part of the body.

Massage Medium

Your massage will be delivered using sweet almond oil. This oil is suitable for all skin types. It protects, nourishes and moisturises the skin, without making it too greasy. However, if you have a nut allergy, please advise your Massage Therapist who may be able to arrange for your massage to be delivered using an alternative medium.

Reach Out And Touch Someone Close To You - It's Psychologically And Physiologically Healthy

What is the value of a good massage? For the surgeonfish, even a fake massage will do! Marta Soares of Portugal's ISPA University Institute recently concluded a study using surgeonfish and fake cleaner fish, that mimicked the movements of real cleaner fish, to see if the draw of the cleaners was their scouring function, or the stimulation that the nibbling action provided to the bigger surgeonfish.

It is well known that many larger fish, including massive sharks, not only allow but encourage small sucker fish to "ride along" and nibble at parasites on the scales of the big fish. It is a symbiotic relationship, in that the small fish gain protection, while the bigger fish get a good cleaning. But seeking out these little stimulators for the sake of a good massage seems hard to understand.

However, the Soares experiment leaves little room for doubt. First, Soares exposed the surgeon fish to all kinds of stressors, similar to what they would experience in the wild, then they were put in a tank with the cleaner wrasse. The surgeonfish immediately sought out the cleaners, and positioned themselves in such a way that the wrasses' fins provided the massaging action.

So how does this extrapolate to us humans?

Psychology Today reports that, when used to treat eating disorders, massage therapy had some unexpected benefits. As expected, it boosted dopamine and serotonin levels, resulting a calming effect. But it also decreased the patients' dissatisfaction with their bodies and raised their self esteem. This is the simple and powerful value of touch, as assessed by the University of Michigan Medical School. They showed that there is a strong correlation between being touch-deprived and having an eating disorder.

Developmental psychologist Tiffany Field, Ph.D., claims that massage, for premature babies, helps them gain weight and improve health. She also claims that touch-deprived babies grow up to be more aggressive than those that receive tactile interaction.

Diane Zeitlin, of the New Jersey Medical School discovered that touch therapy revved up the immune system in students at exam time, who were experiencing fatigue and anxiety.

And cancer patients under the care of Pauline King and Richard Jost, of Ohio's James Cancer Hospital reported less pain and anxiety as a result of receiving massage therapy.

More than just sometimes, it seems, the power of touch is all we need to improve our attitudes and responses, our day, and our lives. Whether human or animal, massage and tactile stimulation are essential to our emotional, and physical health.

How Deep Breathing Can Support Massage Therapy

Breathing is something we all do every minute and every day of our lives. Such a vital process, breathing helps us sustain life, yet we do it almost subconsciously, without even realizing it. Surely, no one thinks about every breath they take, to make sure they're maximizing their inhalation and exhalation potential. But how can you tell if the way you breathe is affecting your health in a negative way? And how can massage therapy have a positive impact on your breathing techniques?

There are two types of breathing, one that uses the chest muscles to inhale and exhale, and another that utilizes the abdominal and back muscles to fill the lungs with air. Chest breathing is characterized by quick, short breaths, almost resembling hyperventilation. This type of breathing simply doesn't provide enough air to the lungs, and is often the result of stress. Alternately, abdominal breathing makes the most out of every breath you take, filling the lungs to capacity each and every time.

Proper breathing has a direct effect on other aspects of the body and your health, such as blood circulation, and can also be affected by certain types of behaviors. If you're like most people, you've likely been told as a child not to slouch, and to stand up straight. Although it may have seemed like it at the time, this wasn't just nagging from a grown-up; these orders were for good reason. Good posture not only helps your body distribute your weight evenly, which keeps stress off your bones, but it also assists with proper breathing, and demands less energy from your relaxed body to take a simple breath.

So how does massage therapy fit into conscious breathing? As a massage therapist, you have a prime opportunity to instruct your clients on the techniques they can use to begin learning abdominal breathing, which will alleviate stress on their muscles and ribs, and can also promote whole-body relaxation.

Learn more about certain behaviors that can lead to chest breathing, and how you can suggest simple exercises to encourage healthy breathing using the abdominal muscles.

Swedish Massage Is Not Swedish

So you've heard of Swedish Massage, but what does that mean - is it a type of massage that originated in Sweden? Have you ever enjoyed the benefits of one, and know what the techniques are used for? Let's explore this wonderful healing modality and how it can be customized to a body's specific needs, while on the road to relaxation for the entire mind, body and spirit.

Where did it Originate?

Swedish Massage was not created by a Swede, nor did it originate in Sweden. In fact, in Sweden, there is no such thing as "Swedish massage;" instead, massage is referred to as "classic massage." In the U.S. however, the term "classic massage" is used very little, while "Swedish Massage" is considered the 'classic' and most basic of all massage methods.

According to massagemag.com: "Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger (1838-1909) is generally credited (by physicians such as Emil Kleen and Richard Hael, who researched the origins of massage and gymnastics) as the man who adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes under which he systemized massage as we know it today, as Swedish or classic massage. Somehow, the term Swedish Movement System was transposed to Swedish Massage System sometime during the second half of the 19th century. Ling's system was the Swedish Movement System or Swedish Gymnastic Movement System. This may be how he has become incorrectly associated for so long with Swedish massage. When the first books were written about Ling's Swedish Gymnastic System, the writers used the French terms so prevalent since Mezger's use of them. Later writers evidently attributed the French terms to Ling because of this."

What is Swedish Massage?

This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

What is a typical Massage Therapy session like?

A typical session is between 40 and 90 minutes. Your massage will begin with a brief consultation and review of symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. You will be asked to undress (many people keep their underwear on) while therapist is out of the room, and lie face down under a sheet on a padded massage table.

Key principles:

A sequence of Swedish massage usually starts with stroking, followed by kneading, friction, vibrations, percussion, stroking again, and then passive movements. It traditionally takes place on a massage chair, since it is essential for the masseur to keep a straight back. The massage usually begins on the legs and feet, followed by the hands and arms, then the abdomen and chest, and finally the back.

Techniques include: long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions. The usually sequence of techniques are:

Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching

Tools for the massage:

Create an environment for the recipient to be comfortable. Since clothing for this massage is optional, be sure the room is slightly warmer than normal.

- A massage table
- Towel
- Blanket and/or sheets
- Lotion or oil - Choose a lotion or oil that enables your hands to reduce friction across the skin.
- Candles or incense
- Soft Music

A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.

The overall, common benefits of a Swedish Massage are that it feels good, it's relaxing and very invigorating! Learn how to give relaxing, professional Swedish Massage yourself, at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona. This gives the body-worker a framework onto which he/she can add many other modalities or use as a complete massage in itself.

Sports Massage Courses - How Can You Become a Pro in Sports Massage?

Have you ever wanted to get into sports massage? Does the idea of helping athletes maintain their fitness appeal to you? If you answer yes then you may want to consider doing some sports massage courses. If you decide to do this then you should find out what training you need, where and when you can do the training and what the training needs to cover.

What sports massage training do you need?

In order to become a licensed sports massage therapist you will need to complete training. This training comes in the form of certificates and diplomas. If you are already a trained massage therapist then you will simply need to do some courses in sports massage as you get credit for what you have already studied. In order to be a pro in this field you will also need to get some experience. To be the best you should also invest in continued learning in order to keep up to date with new therapies and treatments.

When and where you can go for sports massage courses

There are many institutes and schools that offer sports massage courses. You should read up on each of these places and see who offers the type of training that you want. As to the when of your training, it will depend on the school you are studying through. Some schools will offer evening classes for people who work during the day. Others will have the option of studying part-time or by distance learning. Of course the options will also depend on the course you take. Diploma and degree courses will differ as the difficulty and duration of these courses differ. If you have previously completed any training you should look at getting credit for it if possible. The reason for this is that the credit can decrease the amount of time you will have to study for. You should also know that many schools will need you to complete a practical section in order to assess your hands on technique.

What needs to be covered in the course?

When you look into a course you should have some idea as to what it should cover. Of course the higher level courses will cover more than lower level ones but there are some things that all should cover.

• The skeletal system - this should be covered as massage works with the body's structure. In sports massage it is particularly important that you know the skeletal system.
• The muscular system - knowing all the muscles and what they do is important as in sports they can pull or tear.
• The laws governing neuromuscular therapy - you have to know what the laws that regulate this therapy are. This will ensure that you work within legal boundaries.
• Injury scenarios and differential diagnosis - by covering this you will be prepared for on field injuries and be able to make a diagnosis when needed.

There is a lot of training that needs to be done before you can be a sports massage therapist. Courses should cover certain aspects like laws, techniques and practical training. There are many options in study method and time that you should know about.

Starting a Dog Massage Business - What You Need to Know

The age of unconventional business ventures has arrived. All kinds of services are available to enhance the wellness of human beings, and now those services are being extended to our pets. After all, they are an important part of our lives and enrich it in so many different ways. So while people have been enjoying massage for thousands of years, pets are now getting their turn. Dog massage businesses and schools are popping up across the country to teach people the art of the therapeutic rub-down.

Dogs are perhaps the most preferred pets because of their loyalty, exuberance and how useful they can be. If you love animals and are constantly seeking ways to improve their lives -- and you give a good back rub -- a dog massage business may be right up your alley.

Don't fret if you've never massaged a pet in your life. There are pet massage training centers that give you step-by-step lessons on how to massage dogs or cats, or even horses. In fact, these schools conduct live pet massage training sessions where you are taught exactly how to do your job. Dog massage courses also give you an edge as far as dealing with vets and customers is concerned. Being able to work well and coordinate with veterinarians is key to your success, as many of your new clients will have been referred to you by a vet.

Even if you can't attend dog massage classes in person, there are home training courses that you can study and complete at your leisure. Most of these schools even give you a certification on the successful completion of your course. This will place you in a better position when it comes to finding potential clients.

Good massage schools give you practical experience on how to deal with different breeds. They go one step further to teach you different massage styles like a general holistic massage, healing massage for an injured dog, athlete massage and more.

Do you know that pet massage therapists on an average earn up to $40 and more per hour? That's how lucrative a dog massage business can be. The best part about this business is that you can be as flexible as you want to be. You can decide to be a sole pet massage provider or you may employ a team of people. If you have enough space, you can even start your own massage school. And if you already own a pet care facility, you may use this as an add-on to your existing business. Many dog groomers are signing up for massage classes because the two services are so complimentary. Another option you have is starting out as a single provider and then employing others and adding on more services as your business grows.

Advertising is very important. Use the internet and local newspapers to advertise your services. Get a business card printed and hand it out to pet owners. You may also need a license to operate. So make arrangements to get one. Price your services reasonably to attract customers.

Before opening your business, prepare a complete business strategy that covers your initial investment, costs and takings. Be realistic. You certainly won't become a millionaire overnight, but if you keep at it, this can fetch you some substantial revenues.

Creative Tourism Experiences in Thailand

Enrich your life through experiential activities, arts, and crafts. Make your vacation a life-enriching experience.

There is a part of you that you have yet to discover.

Most of the time, you travel to discover new places. What if you could discover another side of you during your journey? Through creative tourism experiences, visitors to Thailand can expect life-enriching lessons that reveal undiscovered parts of themselves. From craft making to Thai boxing, agriculture, like rice farming, to traditional massage and preparing our renowned cuisine, local experts are eager to share their knowledge.

Learning opportunities in Thailand abound, in a wide range of school settings, be that a kitchen, boxing ring or mat on a floor.

Thai cuisine is world renowned. Thai massage is appreciated around the globe, and Thailand's national sport, Muay Thai, leaves spectators in awe and practitioners more confident. All are available for study, and you can increase your immersion in Thailand through a homestay that lets you gain a new appreciation for Thai culture.

THAI COOKING

Thai cooking is within the grasp of anyone with chefs welcoming visitors into their kitchens to learn the secrets that make Thai cuisine so delicious and healthy. As you well know, it tops the lists of the world's favorite foods, and visitors can learn how to prepare an array of dishes and take this skill home.

There are courses for all tastes, from one-day classes to weeklong courses. Most have only a handful of students, and with each receiving personal instruction from the chefs, you'll appreciate you're new and practical skills as will your family and friends.

THAI MASSAGE

Thai massage is another valued skill family and friends will appreciate. Learn about energy meridians and techniques to open up sen lines, the invisible energy channels that flow through the body. Studying Thai massage is a holistic journey that undeniably leads to greater wellness and longevity. After receiving a Thai massage, people have increased energy as well as decreased stress and muscle tension. And the person giving the massage also gains from the experience, including the pride that can only be felt by a healer. Those feelings of compassion and giving kindness are invaluable.

MUAY THAI

Another study possibility is Muay Thai, often called Thai Boxing or Kick Boxing by foreigners. It is Thailand's national sport and very prestigious. Dating back centuries, today, an increasing number of people have learned to appreciate it for staying in shape and building self-confidence.

Fast paced and exciting bouts are fought in stadiums throughout the country. Fighters strike their opponent with their hands, feet, knees and elbows at lightening speed.

It's a demanding sport that takes a lot of training, both mental and physical, to reach fighting condition. But the benefits of that training start right away and more and more men and women, Thai and foreign alike, are starting to study Muay Thai for the conditioning.

RICE FARMING

Thailand feeds the world as the top rice exporting country, and you can learn what it takes to harvest the crop as well as gain a deep appreciation for tilling the soil and caring for the land that sustains us.

As the country' staple food, rice is at the heart of Thai culture. Farmers have passed on their rice growing skills for generations, since they first began planting rice more than 5,500 years ago. Thai life revolves around the rice seasons. Planting in May through July when the rains start signaling the end of the dry season, the rice is ready for harvest in October or November.

The Land of Smiles offers numerous places to learn about rice farming and even work with farmers. Such a learning experience can bring knowledge along with fun when you are on holiday in Thailand.

Basic Exercises for Back Pain and Therapeutic Treatment

Patients suffering from low back pain secondary to muscle weakness, postural problems, muscle spasm or other causes can benefit from basic exercises for back pain that can be done at home. These exercises are usually a part of a therapeutic regimen that is designed to strengthen the trunk muscles and promote proper posture.?

They are introduced and initially performed during physical therapy sessions which are facilitated by trained physical therapists, doctors or other health professionals. Even individuals who do not have back problems can perform these exercises to strengthen and stretch the trunk muscles as well as to facilitate postural training.

Some basic exercises for back pain that can be done at home include wall slides, pelvic tilting, lifting both legs while lying on the back, bent leg sit ups and partial sit ups. These are exercises which can be done during your spare time and do not require any exercise equipment. You can further research online for other exercises which can be highly beneficial for patients who want strengthen their trunk muscles and relieve pain associated with low back problems.

If you have low back problems associated with slipped disc, degenerative joint disease or muscular dysfunction, it is best to see a doctor prior to initiating any form of exercises for back pain. There are certain trunk movements which may be prohibited in order to prevent worsening of your condition. The best thing you can do is to have your case assessed by a doctor and determine the cause of your back problem.?

Appropriate management will be done depending upon the severity of your back problem. Some cases may require physical therapy sessions, exercise training program or even certain PT modalities that can help relieve the tension on your back. Such modalities can help in preparing you for the next phase of your therapy which includes strengthening exercises and postural training.

The most common modalities and PT equipments used in the treatment of low back problems include superficial and deep heating modalities such as ultrasound, infrared radiation and hot moist packs. Other equipments used in the therapy include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS and the traction table which is used primarily to apply a traction force to relieve the tension in between the vertebral bodies. Physical therapists also facilitate and introduce exercises for back pain.?

The patients are advised to perform these exercises for back pain during therapy sessions as well as at home or during spare time. There are some cases that require restrictions in certain movements such as trunk twisting motion. Patients are taught how to compensate for such limitation in movement through proper postural training (examples; during lifting, sitting down, picking up objects from the floor, etc.). Exercises are usually a part of every therapeutic program for patients suffering from low back problems.

Best Physical Therapy Schools Overview

Physical therapy is what allows us to quickly recover from trauma or surgery. Sometimes proper therapy is more important and effective than a surgery! Path to becoming a physical therapist is not an easy one. Practitioners in this field must get profound knowledge and undergo an extensive training. How to do it in the best possible way?

Here are the physical therapy schools that are considered to be the best by the US News & World Report, 2011. According to the website, rankings are based on the results of peer assessments of faculty staff and administrators. The quality of programs should have been rated on a scale from 1 to 5. 201 physical therapy schools were surveyed.

University of Southern California

According to the official website, the University of Southern California is one of the best research institutions in the country. Choosing therapy school of this university you will be able to pursue one of the following degrees:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy


• Ph.D. in Biokinesiology


• M.S. In Biokinesiology

This school includes a number of laboratories and research centers. It means that in addition to theory, you will also acquire a valuable practical knowledge of physical therapist work. You will be able to master your skills in the school's hospital. Choosing this school you will surely get you one of the best quality learning experiences in the country!

University of Pittsburgh

Physical therapy school of this university is ranked second by the US News & World Report. If you already possess a Bachelor's degree, don't hesitate applying to this school. The Department of Physical Therapy offers a 3-year program leading to DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy). Your curriculum will include the following therapy courses:

• musculoskeletal


• neuromuscular


• integumentary


• cardiopulmonary


• geriatric


• pediatric

What specialty to pursue? Have you determined what interests you the most? Well, the experienced faculty of this school will help you to make the right choice. You can be also sure of getting a valuable practical experience during your studying. According to the university's website, clinical education program is integrated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and its partner, the Centers for Rehab Services.

Washington University - St. Louis

WU School of Medicine has two teaching hospitals. Here you can work towards the following degrees:

• DPT - the professional clinical doctorate degree


• PP-DPT - the post-professional clinical doctorate degree


• PhD - the doctor of philosophy in movement science

Why should you consider entering this educational institution? Well, since the establishment of WU School of Medicine 16 Nobel laureates have been associated with it! Weighty argument, isn't it?

These are the best US physical therapy schools according to the US News & World Report ranking. All of them offer excellent education to those who dream of a career in this field. However, always remember that it is the individual, not the school that makes difference. No matter what school you choose, it's up to you!

Massage Therapy Bodywork & Stress Relief Massage - Providing Long Term Benefits to Health and Beauty

In an attempt to get relief naturally, many individuals are turning to massage therapy bodywork to relieve the stresses of life. That is likely the main reason why people seek the help of a massage therapist. Stress relief massage helps bring the body into harmony. When the body stresses, the brain signals for the release of hormones designed to cope with stressors. That revs the body's engine into overdrive. After a time, the body cannot come down from that stress level. In the long run, that level of stressing causes long-term health issues. It makes total sense to bring stress down naturally when possible.

Massage therapy bodywork involves working muscles in such a way that muscle tension reduces. The brain and body begins to relax. Some therapies work the upper muscles while others work deeper. Just about any form of massage therapy will have positive affects however. Stress relief massage helps bring stress under control and gives the client more relaxation in a few minutes than they have in an entire week without massage. For the busy person, even a 15-minute chair massage will give them much relief.

There are many forms of massage therapy bodywork available. Swedish massage involves long smooth strokes combined with muscle kneading. It gets more oxygen into the muscles. Other forms of massage therapy include shiatsu, Thai, hot stone, and aromatherapy. Shiatsu involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to get blood moving. Thai works on stretching muscles and applying pressure in areas. Hot stone involves placing heated rocks on portions of the body. Aromatherapy involves adding scented oils and candles to the session. Stress relief massage often involves one or more of these techniques.

Massage therapy bodywork should be as common as going to the hairdresser or visiting the doctor. Why do we put so much work and effort into our outward appearance and neglect our inner? With tense muscles and high stress levels, no amount of makeup or hair styling products will help us get through the day. Stress relief massage should be part of many people's weekly or monthly health and beauty regimen. It would give them long-term benefits by reducing wrinkles and worry lines. It also helps move blood around the body to reduce toxins in the muscles. All of this helps them live a healthier longer life. Now that is a good investment of time and money towards long-term results.

Acupuncture Schools - What You Should Know About Acupuncture Training

If you're thinking about a career in acupuncture you'll want to learn how and where you can earn a certificate or degree in acupuncture. Perhaps you're already familiar with the field of acupuncture but if not you'll want to find out all you can both online and offline. It's thought that acupuncture has been practiced in China for at least 2,000 years and some think it's probably been practiced at least 3,000 years or so.

First of all you'll want to choose an acupuncture school that offers consultation services for its graduates. The schools that do, allow graduates after graduation, to consult with instructors regarding care of their patients. You'll also want to check to see if your state is on the national list of about 49 acupuncture schools with accredited programs and you'll want to find an acupuncture school that offers smaller classes.

Acupuncture schools that offer courses in traditional Chinese medicine often include related training or courses in traditional medicine, such as anatomy and physiology, body therapy, massage therapy, and other sciences. For naturopathy schools that offer acupuncture programs there is a list called the: List of Accredited Natural Medicine Colleges in North America. Check with the school you're considering making sure they have a wide selection of study resources available so you can have all the essential acupuncture materials for a broad learning experience.

You'll also want to find out what the acupuncture training, school and program options are in your home area. Try to find a school whose program emphasizes courses in traditional Chinese medicine because acupuncture is just one element of traditional Chinese medicine. There are a few acupuncture schools that teach acupuncture practitioners the five-element Oriental medicine approach to acupuncture, which is often used in conjunction with the traditional Western medical practices.

Acupuncture is used for: arthritis, headaches, migraines, to quit smoking, to lose weight , fertility, fibromyalgia, depression, insomnia, face lifts as in facial acupuncture, back pain, high blood pressure, pregnancy, cosmetic purposes, anxiety, panic attacks, Crohn's disease, asthma and on dogs and other pets or animals as in veterinary acupuncture.

If you haven't experienced acupuncture make to visit an acupuncture clinic to learn more about acupuncture. You might want to talk to an acupuncture specialist or naturopath about a possible acupuncture career also. Talk to the financial aid counselors at the acupuncture school or college you're considering to see if they have any ideas or suggestions for scholarships, grants or education loans if you need to finance your training.

Before you commit to any acupuncture school or to any acupuncture training you can check out the "Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture" by Ellis, Wiseman, and Bosson. This excellent textbook is used in many acupuncture schools and acupuncture training programs and will give you a better idea if you'd like to pursue acupuncture as a career.
If you haven't checked already may sure to check and see if you need a license to practice acupuncture in your state. You may not need a license. Get the facts first on which states require licensing. Note that each state and each discipline has its own criteria about how alternative medicine practitioners are to be professionally licensed, if at all.

Acupuncture programs in acupuncture schools can be expensive and usually require three years or so of classes and sometimes up to five years. If you have a naturopathic school in your area, email or give them a call to find out the licensing requirements in your state. If you do get financing help or aid in the form of federal assistance be sure to have selected a school that's accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

An acupuncture career has great career growth potential. Just be sure to find out the length of the coursework and the expense upfront and know how you plan to handle it. Many have done it before you. If possible, intern in an acupuncture clinic in your neighborhood to get first hand experience before you decide. But make sure to learn about the licensing requirements for acupuncturists for your state before you do anything else.

Taking a Hands On Approach Will Help You Choose the Right Massage School

The process of choosing a massage school is not dramatically different than selecting any other education program. The most important preliminary decision is to determine what exactly you want to do with your training. Are you interested in offering massage to help clients alleviate stress or alleviate pain? Would you like to work with medical patients, athletes or a variety of clients? By yourself or with a team?

You should also explore the various massage techniques to see if a particular approach or philosophy appeals to you more than others. Swedish, Reiki, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Deep Muscle, etc. Each approach presents a specific benefit and you may find that massage schools offer training in multiple techniques or specialize in one discipline.

After narrowing your focus, you can begin evaluating massage schools in your area to determine which schools offer programs that are compatible with your interests. You should then contact each school to obtain any written information that identifies details, costs and requirements for the programs available at the school.

Make certain that you become familiar with the licensing requirements for the state in which you expect to practice. Pay specific attention to the number of education hours and the required exams. As you investigate your potential schools you will need to make sure that you will have the ability to meet all licensing mandates by matching them up with the programs offered by each massage school.

Take the time to visit each massage school on your list. Discuss your plans with the admissions staff and take note of the level of professionalism. Do they answer all of your questions convincingly? Do they make you feel comfortable or do you feel like you are receiving a sales pitch?

Tour the school and examine the classroom and training facilities. Is the school clean and sanitary? Is the equipment modern and well maintained? Does the facility feel like it will be comfortable environment for learning?

Find out whether the schools have received any accreditation. There are a number of organizations approved by the United States Department of Education to provide accreditation to massage schools. Some of these groups focus on broad educational standards while others use occupational training standards. Still other have an even narrower focus on health and even, very specifically, massage credentials.

The cost of a massage school education will be directly related to what you want to accomplish and the type of institution that you choose. If you plan to practice massage therapy in a state that does not have licensing requirements then you can may be able to become certified for as little as $1,000. But if you aspire to a career as a respected massage professional, and intend to meet or exceed all licensing requirements, programs may require 600-900 hours of training. Your total investment could range from $5,000-$10,000.

Financial aid is available for a massage therapy education. Federal loans and grants are available for federally accredited schools. Low interest education loans are also available and the school should be able to direct you to appropriate lending agencies.

You may find it extremely helpful to speak with alumni from the massage schools that you are considering. Ask them about their experience while attending the school and their contact with the school after graduation. You will want to know whether the school was helpful in providing career guidance and in finding employment. The feedback that you receive from alumni will be an indication of the support you should expect.

The more information that you acquire and the more questions that you ask, the better equipped you will be to make a sound decision. Massage therapy is a career that offers the potential for immense personal and professional satisfaction. With the proper training and guidance you will literally have in your hands the power to positively alter the physical and mental well-being of many appreciative individuals. The time you take to give thoughtful consideration about your choice of a massage school will pay dividends for many years to come.

Cash Practice Physical Therapy - Marketing - The Measurable Value of Giving Congratulations and How

As physical therapists we can either take the time to do warm fuzzy "paperwork" that will make our patients love, remember, and reimburse us directly or we can do the onerous paperwork required by third "party" payers. We can invest time congratulating our patients on birthdays and wishing them well on holidays or spend our holidays checking how much of our hard-earned money is in the "60-90" day "bucket". I have done both and know which I prefer.

Cash practice physical therapist Linda, of Spokane Valley, WA, says, "I could not stand to do the kind of paperwork that involves working with insurance companies. I'm not sure that I'm smart enough [She is very smart!] to read all those manuals and do all that kind of work. I would much rather write birthday cards and Christmas cards than deal with the insurance companies. I don't know how therapists stand to do that... I am booked out in my office for three months." She accepts no third party payments. She has no accounts receivable. Besides a tiny yellow pages ad that's all the "marketing" she does.

The first time I gave a graduation "Certificate of Appreciation" to a patient I couldn't believe the results. The family of the patient framed it and hung it on her wall! To do this I found a Microsoft Word(TM) template, typed in her name, printed it in color on card stock on our inkjet printer. I then signed it and presented it to her on the last day of therapy. Of course my contact information was on the front.

Here are the steps to help you get started:

Create a birthday and address list from your patients of the last couple of years. If you are just starting out use prospective patients, their families, or those who MAY refer to you. Start with those who know you best and work out from there.

If you are just starting out:

Get simple business cards printed stating your contact information and at least one benefit of your services. Next go to the "49 cent factory card outlet" and buy enough cool looking blank cards to get you through your first month. You can use these for both birthdays and holidays. I highly suggest sending cards at Thanksgiving time. Tell your patients how thankful you are for them. You can also send email Yahoo(TM) and other free greetings if you get your customers' permission. These have the advantage of going out on schedule. Just enter their electronic birthday card as you input their information after you evaluate them. Don't settle for just electronic cards though as they don't have quite the "warm fuzzy" appeal. Send both.

If you have a substantial list of customers:

Order pre-printed birthday and holiday cards. Make a list and send them out on schedule. To save postage costs and processing time you can get postcard style cards. If you want to know exactly what to say on the cards Linda's birthday cards read, "Wishing you the happiest of birthdays...and a year of good health". She gets them from Health-Prose at 800-541-3382. Customer appreciation is just like a home exercise program. It only works if you do it. If you do it IT WILL WORK.

The best advertising is word of mouth. Writing birthday cards can leverage your word of mouth marketing. When one of your birthday card recipients gets called by a good friend it is quite possible that he or she will tell that friend that he or she got a card from you. They likely will leave the card from you up on their counter for a few days thereby deepening their warm and fuzzy feelings toward you and or your practice. There are ways to get the warm fuzzies going where you want them whether it be to you directly or to your practice that you are growing.

You became a therapist because you wanted to help others. Following these simple steps will extend your ability to continue helping others - with a SMILE!

What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

Neuromuscular Therapy is a form of Physical Therapy. It is drug-free and predominantly hands on non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on the effective treatment of pain and changes in sensations treating not only the musculoskeletal systems but also with a unique focus on treating fascia and myofascial trigger points.

Neuromuscular Physical Therapy offers a unique holistic (whole body) approach to health care. Neuromuscular Physical Therapists do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use various manual soft tissue manipulation techniques to bring balance to all the systems of the body, through neuromuscular and fascial interventions in an effort to provide a foundation that encourages a return to or maintenance of good health and wellbeing.

The philosophy of European Neuromuscular Physical Therapy is what sets it apart from other complementary medical disciplines. The key principles are based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is restricted or experiencing pain, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. Neuromuscular Physical Therapy takes account of the dynamic contractile ability of human fascia and the formation, etiology and treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points.

Neuromuscular Physical Therapy is the ideal complement to primary health care professionals and General Practitioners (i.e Medical Doctors) work. Treatment of pain and injury is one aspect of Neuromuscular Physical Therapy, however, a preventative role is also evident as when the body is free of restrictions in movement, Neuromuscular Physical Therapy treatment assists the body with pain minimisation, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself thereby avoiding knock-on negative effects.

Exercise and Nutrition expert John Sharkey MSc is the director and founder of European Neuromuscular Physical Therapy. Neuromuscular Therapy is also established in North America (i.e American Version) but differs significantly from the European style. There are several training centres in Ireland offering professional training in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy up to Higher Diploma level. With the best ones, students enjoy the fact that they have access to some of the world's leading authorities in the area including eminent lecturers such as Leon Chaitow and Judith DeLany.

So what can students learn during such a course:

There are CCME course as an advanced Complementary Medical Educational (CME) programme involving Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Manipulation techniques including:
o Primary and Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
o Exercise Physiology
o Neuro Physiology
o Cadaver Studies
o Myology
o Soft Tissue Release
o Muscle Energy Techniques
o Trigger Point Techniques
o Neuromuscular Techniques
o Positional and Myofascial Release

What is most important, is that graduates can start a successful career in physical therapy provided they meet general requirements.
In addition to following a strict code of ethics, all licensed Neuromuscular and Physical Therapists must be a member of a recognised professional body such as the Association of Neuromuscular Therapists. Membership of this Association allows a therapists patients to benefit from health insurance payments.

The combination of continuing education and professional status will offer the reassurance which the public demand before a course of treatment commences. Patients will be able to verify the professional status of therapists using an on-line licensing register.

Physical Therapy Colleges - What You Need to Know

Due to the vast array of physical therapy colleges from which one can choose from, choosing the right one may appear to be a daunting task. However, there are ways to narrow down one's choices and make the selection process a bit easier.

Certain aspects such as the area of the country where one lives will certainly factor into the decision, as will the amount of money a person can set aside for their education. Initially, however, one must understand the educational requirements associated with the profession before beginning to review the various physical therapy schools to choose from.

Physical Therapy Colleges

Requirements

The minimum education required for a person who wishes to become a licensed physical therapist is a Master's degree in physical therapy; however, some students choose to pursue a doctorate. Most colleges that offer Master's degree programs require a bachelor's degree in neuroscience, athletic training, biology or a similar subject. These requirements will vary from one learning institution to the next, but almost all schools require a bachelor's degree in one of the above subjects.

From the time one first enters college, it will take the student six to seven years to complete their education in order to work as a physical therapist. Those who choose to pursue a doctor in physical therapy can anticipate approximately eight years of schooling. Certain colleges also require that one have a grade point average of 3.0 or greater to be considered for admission.

Accreditation

Almost all physical therapy colleges are accredited, but one should still inquire about this aspect during the research process. Accredited colleges offer programs that have undergone extensive evaluation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy or the United States Department of Higher Education. Such accreditation ensures that a student will receive a high quality education from qualified instructors. In addition, to be deemed eligible to sit for the national licensing exam, one must have graduated from an accredited college.

Popular Choices

Although there is a vast array of schools from which one can choose from in the United States, some top choices according to educational experts include: the University of California and the University of Pittsburgh.

Those who are interested in undergraduate programs should consider colleges such as Connecticut's University of Hartford or the University of Evansville, which is located in the state of Illinois. These two schools offer combined bachelor of health science and doctor of physical therapy programs.

The American Physical Therapy Association offers up-to-date information with regard to the accreditation status and entrance requirements of various physical therapy colleges. The Association can also assist potential students with selecting the school that is most appropriate for their needs and budget. As the field is predicted to grow at an impressive rate, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, those pursuing an education with the intention of joining this field are making a wise investment in their future.

The High School Dropout, An Ongoing North American Crisis

Imagine you are a time traveler. You get into a time machine to go all the way back to the 1950s. Elvis blasts non stop on the radio, lots of cool Cadillacs and Corvettes on the road, everyone wanting to just skip school to live life and rock and roll. After all, in those days you didn't really have to finish school to make a living, things were cheap and we were riding high on the post world war era of good economic times.

But now is a different story. These are hardly good economic times. We're all feeling the pinch of recession. Our credit is bust and our lives are hanging over the edge as we never know whether we'll keep our jobs or not, if we are lucky to have one. And then there are those who don't have a job, dropped out of high school and now have to compete with many educated and qualified people who will take any job just to make ends meet.

The number of high school dropouts in North America is the highest in the developed world. Fortunately however, online education is becoming more and more popular as a more affordable option to finish school or choose a career. If you are in the group of those who quit school for whatever reason, it's never too late to regain control of your life and prepare your future.

The only way to end the high school drop out crisis in North America is by making education affordable and necessary. Online education is the most affordable and efficient way to go.

With online education becoming so popular, now is the time for those who dropped out to rethink what they should do with their lives. Many colleges across north America, including Canada, are offering online accredited programs where you can enroll and get your GED or your high school general diploma from the comfort of your home.

You have to realize that everything in life is a matter of choice. We choose, for the most part, to be who we are and except for exceptional circumstances we are in control of our future. If you quit school some time ago and like to stay the way you are, we really hope that you wake up sooner rather than later and realize the opportunities that you are missing. If on the other hand, you are ready to move on, congratulations. You have taken a very important step in your life that will take you to a brighter professional future and on the path to self fulfillment.

Deciding to go finish high school takes courage and may feel like something easy for some people. Step by step, one at a time, someday we'll help North America get out of the high school drop out crisis for good.

Clarifying Massage Coverage and Insurance Benefits

It has come to my attention the need for more education about massage therapy benefits and there coverage under insurance.

First, providership is essential for the practitioner, whom is qualified by credentialing and training.

Second, is the need to look at the individual (patient's) plan, provision and policy of the insured, whether it be an individual or group plan. Just because a provider is listed as preferred on your insurance plan does not mean you have benefits covering the provider's service. I have seen this provision be overlooked by the patient not knowing they have a deductible, co pay or co insurance. In most cases the deductible has to be meet prior to the insurance company paying out any claims. Co pays are typically a set amount per visit but can change under different provisions such as listing visit under rehabilitation and not under an office visit. Co insurance is the percentage that patients pays in addition or instead of a co pay. For example the insurance may only pay a portion say, 80 percent of the allowed amount, making 20 percent unpaid balance for the patient to be responsible for. To avoid confusion in benefits,eligibility needs to be authorized prior to starting care whether by the patient, provider or both.

Third, is the requirement of seeking out care. Most massage therapy coverage is under the rehabilitation out patient services, which combines with other services such as physical, speech and occupational therapy. This again is a combined benefit restricted to a dollar amount or sometime an actual set number of treatments typically per calender year. A patient can seek out combined care as long as a treatment plan is in place. Deductibles, co insurance and co pays need to be satisfied prior to the insurance paying for therapy. A treatment plan (a prescription) needs to be in place to create medical need; hence a diagnosis and frequency of care.

Massage Therapy benefits are not to be used for stress, maintenance or chronic pain management unless specifically indicated otherwise under a plan. Never is a full body relaxation massage recognized as medical treatment.

I agree, that the standard of practice in the medical field is focused on what is not functioning verses maintaining and preventing health as a holistic model. But this as of current, is the model the insurance company follows. Rehabilitation is defined as the recovery from an injury, trauma or disease processes to restore what was once normal to a returned state of functionality. Anything short of these provisions, unless stated otherwise is not a covered benefit.

The Benefits of Choosing a Registered Massage Therapist

Pop into any day spa or salon in your neighbourhood and you've probably noticed a number of different massages as part of their offerings. Relaxing massages, hot stone massages, Thai massage... the list is endless. But if you're thinking of massage therapy, take note: These spa-style massages aren't what you need.

Yes, indulging in a luxurious massage at a spa is indeed a wonderful thing. It's a great way to relax and unwind from our hectic lifestyles. Massage therapy, on the other hand, is just that: Therapy. It is designed to help alleviate pain, treat health conditions and ailments and is part of a good, overall health management plan.

That's why you need to ensure you see a registered massage therapist, or RMT. If you're suffering from neck pain, back pain, knee pain or a whole host of other conditions, an RMT is the person who can help. Unlike getting a "relaxation" massage at a spa, seeing an RMT means you are seeing someone who is trained in more than just massage techniques. An RMT can help you identify the cause of an injury and take an active role in your treatment and recovery.

An RMT is trained in a number of different areas, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology and much more. In fact, in Ontario, an RMT must complete a minimum of 150 clinical hours and successfully completed examinations in accordance with the law. Other provinces have similar requirements, which means when you see an RMT, you know you're seeing someone with the experience and education to help treat your particular health issue.

Most extended health care benefits plans cover the cost of massage therapy, although some plans may require you obtain a doctor's note. Be sure to check with the massage therapist to ensure he or she is registered and you can submit the invoices to your benefits provider.

Want to know how to find a good RMT? Start by searching for one on the Internet. The massage therapist's website will have information to help you determine if that person meets your requirements.

Of course, that's not to say you can't ever go for a relaxing spa treatment massage. It's simply that if you're looking for relief from a health condition, an RMT is definitely the way to go.

Becoming An Effective Massage Therapist

Our body needs to be pampered right after a long and tiring day at work. You have to free your mind from several stress stimuli and be comforted by a therapeutic massage that promotes utmost rest and relaxation period. Pressures, tension and anxiety can be present anywhere. Therefore, you have to counter it with a touch of comfort in order to bring balance.

Being a therapist has a lot of things to consider. She must have the desire and willingness to do the job with a whole heart since kneading could greatly affect a client's mood and general health condition. Body massage could be that simple but its health benefits are tremendous. Every pressure point has a definite equivalent to the body. Therefore, rubdown must be performed with care and delicacy. Once you've decided to become a therapist, an extensive training must be acquired. As mentioned earlier, each pressure point has an equivalent effect to the human body. That's why it is very important to learn the dos and don'ts of this therapy. By undergoing necessary trainings, you will definitely improve your skills in rendering therapeutic care, eventually.

There are different courses being offered in order to become a credible therapist. You can even choose a modality as to which area you want to specialize. The modality you're going to use in rendering a therapeutic care would always depend on the physical condition and health needs of the patient. There are some techniques intended for relaxation while others are used for aiding body impurities and impairments. Keep in mind that the main goal of your job is to rejuvenate the body and be able to attain freedom from pain and stresses. For this reason alone, a therapist must really take necessary measures with enough knowledge in order to satisfy the needs of the client.

In using special techniques to delicate patients such as pregnant mothers, infants and stroke patients, adequate knowledge and skill is also a requirement. You cannot just give anything to the mentioned clients above. Remember that circulation and nerve endings are greatly affected in every pressure that is being introduced to the body. You have to make certain that acupuncture or other stroke movement is not contraindicated to your client so that complications will be avoided.

Health clubs and spa clinics require highly qualified personnel so that the treatment they would render to the clients are surely comforting. Be aware that a therapist who does not obtain enough skill could actually add to the stress that the patient feels. Therefore, as personnel who provide therapeutic care, be very sure to give comfort and alleviate the patient's suffering and not to aggravate his condition. Ensure patient's safety too and always aim for a good feedback.

Do not confuse yourself to physical therapists and massage therapists because they have different job descriptions. Physical therapists are more focused on previously injured or disabled patients. It requires thorough knowledge and a college degree in order to complete the course. You must also obtain the license to practice.