Reduce Stress With Massage Therapy

A professional massage helps you relax your mind, body, and rejuvenates your sense. No wonder, there is a huge demand for professional massage therapists, who charge a good amount of money to provide these services. A perfect massage makes you feel great and also has numerous health benefits which you might not be aware of.

The massage therapist works on your neck, arms, back, legs and head. Many studies prove that a proper massage eases your stress level and lowers blood pressure. An effective massage therapy also affects a person's heart rate, and thus safeguards from various critical health problems including cardiac diseases and strokes.

In fact, this therapy is believed to be a boon for people dealing with various types of mental health conditions. Often psychiatrists recommend massage to help their patients alleviate symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Though the mechanism with which massage therapy works is still unknown, but there is no doubt in its effectiveness. It helps you feel relaxed and stimulates various functions within your body including brain's production of endorphins and serotonin. While endorphins act as a natural pain killer, serotonin is a mood-enhancing substance.

It is a preferred by many professional and athletes and it helps them feel relaxed before they play. You can also enjoy the health benefits of massage therapy as it also minimizes the pain, inflammation, and problems related to osteoporosis, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes.

Massage therapy is good for almost everyone, and if taken from an expert massage therapist, it relieves you from day-to-day stress, eases pain and inflammation, and helps you live longer.

Detoxification Massage

Many are now realizing the important health benefits of massage therapy. Massage therapy is not just a session for relaxation; it can also aid your body in detoxifying. Detoxification massage helps your body get rid of dietary toxins.

Detoxification massage can greatly support any cleansing program you are in. The key behind detoxification massage is movement. Your massage therapist employs a series of rhythmic movements that stimulate your body. The massage movements include irregular and altering applications of pressure that gently compress and stretch your muscle tissues.

There are a number of detoxification massage therapies that you can undergo. One example is the lymphatic massage. The lymphatic system is one of the main elimination systems of the body that is integral in the detoxification process. It is responsible for the absorption of food nutrients and it also creates a waste disposal system in your body. With the series of strokes, detoxification massage aids your lymphatic system to clear dietary toxins and other unwanted substances. These body toxins are actually by-products of stress, dead cells, heavy metals and other excess debris from your cells.

You can also enhance your immune system, strengthen the muscles and toughen your connective tissue. The massage therapy session can remove blockages of the circulatory system. In addition, detoxification massage can also help prevent health conditions including fatigue, headaches, fibromyalgia, and other system dysfunctions that result from the presence of toxins in your body.

Some people also attest that massage therapy can help them in keeping their mental status at a normal level. If your muscles are relaxed, then your body is likely to detoxify much better.

If you have tried a Swedish massage, then it is pretty much the same thing as a detoxification massage. It normalizes oxygen levels and improves the function of your colon drainage and other organs involved in the detoxification process.

Online Associate's Degree in Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

The role of occupational therapists is to help those people with disabilities - physical, mental, or emotional to regain their mobility so as to carry out their day to day activities with ease. They work on enhancing their productivity, both at home and work by increasing the strength of their muscles and flexibility in physical movements. However occupational therapy is different from physical therapy in its aims. While physical therapy is generally focused on enhancing muscle movements, occupational therapy aims at dealing with the physical, physiological and to an extent their psychological aspects of the patient. In that sense it is more holistic in its approach and treatment.

Occupational therapists and assistants instruct and back patients as they work on learning fundamental skills required in daily life. This requires the therapists to make use a large variety of, equipment and tools which will assist the patients in becoming increasingly independent. It is the occupational therapist who is in charge of carving out a plan of treatment for every patient. The job of an occupational therapist can be extremely taxing. However the job satisfaction is even high as it is rewarding to see the improvement in the patient's abilities and independence.

Online Associate's Degree
It is necessary that the occupational therapists and their assistants be licensed. Those who intend to be occupational therapist assistants require an associate's degree from an accredited school offering an occupational therapy program. An amalgamation of theoretical studies and practice, occupational degree is most definitely a valuable degree if one intends to build a career in the field of health care. It is one of the most sought after occupations as occupational therapists are hired by not only hospitals and health care centres but also other institutions like special schools, foster care homes, and even those in sports to an extent. Given the wide job opportunities, you may take a first step towards their career by start with an online associate's degree.

Coursework
Apart from general education, in subjects like English and mathematics, the core of the curriculum is constituted by courses specific to occupational therapy like research methodology, occupational therapy management, and theoretical basis of this field.

Fieldwork and internships form an integral part of the learning process and to graduate from the degree program. Thus students are expected to complete an internship or a certain amount of fieldwork. To qualify for the associate program, you must hold a high school diploma.

An associate degree can be completed in a period of two years. Graduates also must be prepared to appear for the national exam which is required for licensure.

The Attributes of Online Courses
Online education is one of the most convenient formats to graduate in occupational therapy. It offers flexibility in schedules, facilitating interaction with co-students and instructors. Students not only save up on the travelling expense and time, but also save up on the course fees. Now that it is possible to complete an occupational therapy degree online, it makes it easier and convenient for students to pursue their careers within the area of healthcare. A number of institutions offer an occupational therapy degree program online. Universities like Keiser University, Brown Mackie College, Wallace State Community College, Herzing University, and New England Institute of Technology offer an online associate's degree in occupational therapy.

You may request more information on occupational therapy now.

Sports Medicine Physical Therapy Jobs

Sports medicine physical therapy jobs are an ideal choice for individuals who are interested in the physical therapy profession. With the increasing relevance and seriousness of sports and games, sports medicine has also gained a larger significance. To become a sports medicine physical therapist, you must have a graduate degree from a recognized physical therapy program and pass a licensure exam.

Sports medicine physical therapy jobs give qualified individuals an opportunity to work in an extensive range of settings including sports complexes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, long term care centers, employee health centers, research centers, doctors' offices, state and local health departments, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities. They also treat patients in hospital rooms, homes, and schools. These jobs are physically demanding because physical therapists often have to move heavy equipments and sometimes they have to lift patients or help them stand, walk or turn.

Sports medicine physical therapists on travel assignments get several benefits such as travel expenses, paid homes, medical and dental insurance, and completion bonuses. Foreign candidates are also given the required help regarding immigration processing, necessary licensing and more. Sports medicine physical therapy jobs are aimed at promoting the overall fitness of individuals who have injured themselves during sports and games.

Sports medicine physical therapy is indeed a boon to the healthcare industry. The main responsibility of a sports medicine physical therapist is to renovate function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from sports injuries. They have to provide treatment for orthopedic conditions, sports related injuries, and workplace injuries and also evaluate, treat, and provide help to prevent these disorders.

Sports medicine physical therapy jobs may include the following services:

o Examine and evaluate patients' medical histories.
o Determine appropriate evaluation procedures
o Test and evaluate the patient's range of motion, strength, balance and coordination, muscle performance, respiration, posture, and motor function
o Develop treatment plans recounting a treatment strategy, its anticipated outcome, and purpose
o Maintain records regarding each patient and concerning treatment
o Educating and instructing the patients and their family members

Individuals seeking a career in sports medicine physical therapy should have strong interpersonal skills, good manual observation, communication skills, integrity, problem solving capability and so on. Sports medicine physical therapy jobs are steadily on the increase, welcoming more and more professionals to this healthcare sector.

How to Become a Massage Therapist - Professional and Successful

Do you believe in or enjoy high level of personal interaction and helping people, while also gaining fantastic earning potential? This is the perfect article for all you folks who consider becoming a massage therapist.

The main aim of the professional therapist is to help people by relieving them from pain, stress and healing injuries. To gain an in-depth knowledge about various massages and the stress relievers, get yourself several massages done. You will have an opportunity to observe the best techniques used and its importance.

There are many things that you need to consider and study aspects of to become a professional massage therapist. Let us review them:

• First of all find out the reason out on why you want to become a massage therapist.
• Therapists need to be very patient and understand the concern of each person who chooses to get a massage done.
• Ethical physical and mental guidelines of the profession.
• Try and communicate with the massage therapists that you already know and get a mentor, who can help you in building the strong foundation
• Do several researches on massage and its therapies and various types of massage that are known
• Consider the specialty massage that interests and comforts you, be it relaxation massage, sports massage, Swedish massage or deep tissue massage

There are various schools that offer complete training program. Choose a suitable school that leads to certification and the one that abides by your jurisdiction's licensing requirements. Most of these professional schools also offer financial assistance like federal student loan. These schools require a minimum high school degree and also a personal interview before the selection.

The other advantage of these schools is that they organize internships with a local massage practice, so that you earn a valuable amount of practical experience. Depending on your choice of specialization study, the schools will also award a specialty certification or a degree. Once this is done, try and take this education to the next level by getting yourself enrolled into an Associate Degree of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Massage Therapy. This program will throw more light into the advanced concepts and techniques used in medical massage, energy healing and many more. This associate degree will qualify you to service in all areas of massage- both clinical and medical.

Additionally, there are several other ways to enhance professional growth of a massage therapist by researching and reading books on new techniques, types of body work and volunteer massage services to others. This is one of the great methods to initiate in building customers to get practical skills. Volunteer customers may include family, friends or even community organizations in your own area.

This is some of the basic information required to grow as a successful massage therapist. This profession takes the ability for working and interacting with people, however the end result is a rewarding career in a massage therapy. An acquaintance with professional, jurisdictional education or licensing requirements and the right guidance is the key to successful massage therapist. Continuous enhancement and improvement in terms of education, practice and structuring qualifications will not only uphold that success but will boost and amplify it. This career depends on your commitment and your obsession for massage, health and healing.

Deep Tissue Massage Provides Real Health Benefits

In the past, when the subject of massage would come up a person would automatically think about a day relaxing at a spa. This would be located in some fancy resort or maybe a health club. Today, all that has changed as deep tissue massage has now become a viable therapy.

There are various types of massage. The basic term means the rubbing and manipulation of the tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. Therapists typically use their fingers and hands to perform the massage, but some do add their forearms and elbows to create an effective outcome.

Deep tissue massage is employs more pressure than other approaches. This powerful, slow technique hones in on the deeper layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This method is typically used for relieving areas that are traumatized by injuries. The deep muscle massage concentrates on realigning the various layers deep within the muscles. Some of the techniques uses are similar to ones used in other types of massage, except the strokes are deeper and slower.

Even though massage has been used for healing for many years, there is an increased interest in it today especially with the professionals for relieving many bodily problems and conditions. The individuals who have had the deep muscle massage performed on them will tell you of the many benefits they received from it.

Deep tissue massage focuses on adhesions that occur with scars, which restores natural movement, along with relieving pain. During the process of massage, a client could experience a bit of discomfort because of the pressured that is applied. When this happens, the person should inform the therapist if the discomfort or pain is too much to bear.

Typically, the issues that are addressed with deep tissue massage include:

1. Mobility limited from either a disease or injury

2. Pain that is chronic

3. Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome that come on because of repetitive actions

4. Forms of arthritis

5. Falls, injuries from sports, or whiplash

6. Fibromyalgia and other similar conditions

7. Muscle spasms

The therapist may ask you to take deep breaths during specific points in the massage process. This is to release the metabolic waste products from your muscles. After a massage, you should drink a lot of water. This helps to flush the waste and toxins from your body.

With deep tissue massage, the therapist targets specific parts of your body. This type of massage can cause soreness at times either during or after the session because the muscles release their toxins and tension. However, in just a day or so you will feel much better. Since the muscles release so many toxins, it is vital that you drink enough water after a massage session to flush out these toxins out of your body.

You should eat light before going for a deep tissue massage. In addition, arrive about 5 minutes before your appointment, so you can relax and rest prior to the therapist performing the massage for you.

Massage Therapy - Online Courses and Degree Options

Massage therapy is a part of the alternative health care industry which has gained much popularity in the modern era. Therapists use different kind of massage techniques to heal various problems and also give the human body relaxation, stress relief and mental health release. There are many people around the world who opt for training in this profession. You can now seek complete massage therapy training through online education. Explore the different online courses and degree options available for you to get a massage therapy certification.

Overview of the Massage Therapy Online Courses and Certifications

Online courses offer people with flexible access to coursework enabling them to get their certification more quickly. These courses help the student get a lot of information about massaging techniques, human anatomy and pathology. These courses are sought by those who are stepping fresh into this profession and also by people who are already leading careers in this field but are looking to polish themselves up a little through each course. The online massage therapy courses you can pursue include:

• Physiology and Anatomy


• Aroma therapy: Facial Massage


• Various Massage Techniques


• Ayurvedic Massage Fundamentals


• Cardiopulmonary Health and Illness


• Sports Medicine


• Chair Massage Fundamentals


• Pathology of Disease


• Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis


• Medical Terminology


• Countering Occupational Posture Problems


• The Importance of Massage Procedure


• Physiology and Anatomy

Associate of Science in Massage Therapy Online

Many of question the need to pursue an associate online degree in massage therapy when we have the individual courses present. This degree program is important because it offers specialized courses to students which qualify them as licensed massage therapists; this licensure is something which you cannot get through individual courses. The program of study in this degree includes the following curriculum:

• Sports Medicine


• Hydrotherapy


• Physiology


• Medical Terminology


• Anatomy/Body Mechanics


• Pathology of Disease


• Massage Techniques (deep tissue, Swedish, etc.)

After you have completed this massage therapy online degree you will have ability in kinds of massage styles such as Aroma Therapy, Deep Tissue, and Shiatsu. The skills you will earn include the understanding of the human anatomy, communication, management and legal certification. As a graduate of the associate degree online you will be able to seek employment at hospitals, massage clinics and towards various other health care industry related careers.

Salary Outlook and Economic Growth

According to the US department of labor massage therapist held about 122,400 jobs around the years 2008; this number is more likely to increase as there are more people emerging who place their interest in this vocational field of learning. The hourly wages of a licensed massage therapist is about $16.00 and this amount increases with the place and environment, massage therapists also earn income through gratuities.

This field of study has a bright future as more and more people are opting for alternative ways to deal with health and physical problems. Massage Therapy degree online is pursued by a number of people all around the world this development has made many colleges and universities offer online courses, certificates and massage degrees online.

What to Expect at Your First Massage Appointment

What To Expect At Your First Massage Appointment

Do you have questions like: Do I have to undress completely? Does it hurt? Is there anything I should do to prepare? What will I feel like after? What is the process?

All those questions can be answered with the simple statement - It depends upon your goals and desired outcome. Some clients expect relaxation, some expect pain relief and others expect improved athletic performance.

There are, however, some elements common to all first massage appointments and to after care instructions.

Intake and Consultation

First, you are asked to complete a client intake form. This form alerts the therapist to any special needs, areas of focus or treatment contraindication. Be as thorough as possible and be prepared to briefly discuss any conditions that will impede or improve your massage.

This is a good time to discuss the techniques used and your comfort levels; tolerance to pressure, degree of undress.

Privacy and Comfort

Following a brief consultation in the massage room, the therapist leaves you in privacy to disrobe to your comfort level. There are some massage techniques that can be performed while fully clothed if you are uncomfortable disrobing at all; Shiatsu, for example.

Lie down on the table; usually face down, with your head supported by a padded face cradle. Cover yourself with the sheets provided. You are completely covered while lying on the massage table. Only the area being treated is uncovered.

Room temperature, heating pads and body position are all adjustable. Don't hesitate to ask for what you need for your comfort.

Massage Scope and Technique

A full body massage usually includes: the face and scalp, neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, arms, hands, gluts, legs, and feet. If there are any areas to avoid, let the therapist know in during the consultation.

Most massage therapist use a combination of techniques. Two therapists trained by the same school personalize the techniques and are never exactly the same. Therefore, choosing your therapist is an intensely personal decision. Communication and responsiveness are the keys to a successful relationship with a practitioner.

The techniques applied are determined through the consultation process and by conditions that present themselves during the massage.

The intensity of the work ranges from less physically demanding energy work, such as Reiki and relaxation techniques, to the more deep tissue and pressure point techniques such as shiatsu, Swedish, trigger point therapy, and assisted stretching. The deeper techniques are for injury rehabilitation, improved flexibility and athletic performance.

There should be no intolerable discomfort. The pressure used is to client tolerance, so speak-up if the pressure is too much. That said; there are benefits to tolerating some pain, depending on your desired outcome. If you are there for relaxation - no pain. If you are there for improved athletic performance - no pain/no gain.

Be aware; there is good pain and bad pain. Good pain is pain that is local to the pressure and might move SLOWLY. It is somewhat dull or achy. The best way to manage this type of pain is to breathe through it and let the therapist know if it becomes too much. Bad pain is sharp, shooting pain. This is never good. Stop the technique immediately. You might need treatment from a Chiropractor or physician.

Post Massage Care

Drink plenty of water. A massage can dislodge toxins and waste products from your tissues. Your body uses water as a medium by which to flush them. Your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, your activity level and your environment. A general rule is 8 to 12 - 8 ounce cups per day. Healthy adult kidneys can process fifteen liters of water a day. You will not suffer from water intoxication if you drink a lot of water, provided that you drink it over a span of time. Do not drink large amounts all at once.

Activity level after a massage, again, depends on outcome goals. Plan to relax for the remainder of the day.

Do not plan a competitive athletic event for three days after a deep tissue massage. If that is unavoidable, it is recommended that you do a light workout (30 to 50% of normal workout intensity) before the event. This prevents the muscles and joints from being too lax and vulnerable to injury.

If you have residual pain from a deep massage, use ice to reduce any sore spots.

If you have a headache, it is most likely because you did not drink enough water.

Following these guidelines goes a long way to insuring a positive first massage experience. These processes and technique are employed in our clinic with much success.

Physical Therapy, Pain Medications or Surgery - What Would You Choose?

You have power. The power of choice. The power to heal.

No Prescription Necessary

Did you know that in most states, including North Carolina, you can see a physical therapist directly, with out a referral from a physician? Did you also know that physical therapy is a great alternative to pain medications?

Eliminating Pain without Medication

Many types of pain and inflammation can be reduced with the help of a physical therapist, including low back pain, neck pain, bursitis, sciatica, arthritis, tennis elbow, and knee pain.

If you are at risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association encourages seeing a physical therapist for the initial treatment of pain resulting from tendinitis/bursitis, degenerative joint problems (osteoarthritis), and inflammatory joint problems (rheumatoid arthritis), rather than prescription pain medication. Physical therapists are a great alternative to medication and surgery for musculoskeletal pain. Research shows individuals who receive active physical therapy experience greater improvements in function and decreased pain intensity.

Lower back pain affects up to 80 percent of Americans during their lifetime. Physical therapy that mobilizes the spine along with specific exercises can help alleviate the pain and can have long-lasting effects. In one study manual physical therapy helped 92% of patients with lower back pain. The best thing you can do if you have pain is to continue with all your normal daily activities, work and exercise.

Please be sure not to push or exercise through any sharp or shooting pain. I have posted some videos on YouTube that may help you, especially if you need relief from low back pain.

No matter what part of your body hurts, neck, back, knee, hip, shoulder, arms, hands or head, you can alleviate or manage pain without costly medication or other invasive methods such as surgery.

Finding a Physical Therapist

In many states, including North Carolina, you can see your physical therapist directly, without a referral from your physician. This is called Direct Access, and allows you to seek treatment for your condition today, get better faster, spend less money, feel great and return to the activities you enjoy.

Physical Therapists are licensed by the state in which they practice and have completed extensive and specialized, post graduate level, accredited physical therapist education programs. They are trained in identifying red flags (signs that your condition is not appropriate for physical therapy) and know when to refer you to the appropriate health care practitioner or physician. When you visit your physical therapist, you will experience the care of a trusted health professional that uses research and proven treatments to help you regain independence and a better quality of life.

For more information on how physical therapy can help you reduce pain, avoid surgery and feel great please visit our website. When you call the physical therapy practice of your choice, ask if they provide hands-on manual physical therapy.

Massage Therapy and Fibromyalgia

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, fatigue and pain are very familiar to you. Did you know that massage therapy may help with the pain associated with this syndrome? Fibro suffers have reported that massage therapy has not only helped to relieve some of their pain and stiffness, but has helped them to learn to relax more. Let's take a quick look at the benefits of massage therapy for fibro patients.

Contrary to popular belief, massage therapy has been around for quite some time. Ancient Egyptian pictures suggesting massages being given and received have been located in some tombs. It is even rumored that Cesar himself partook of massages daily for his neuralgia.

What is it and how does it work?

For many pain sufferers, along with fibro patients, massage therapy is becoming even more popular. With massage therapy, soft tissues and muscles are manipulated to help relieve pain and stress, and increase flexibility. There are many different techniques including the more common techniques done with the hands such as palpating, stroking, and kneading the muscles. Other therapies such as hot and cold therapy are sometimes used during the massage to help with muscle relaxation and increase circulation of the blood.

Massage therapy can also help in the reduction of tender point pain and overall stiffness in the body. It is believed that this type of therapy boosts the production of serotonin, endorphins, and norepinephrine. It seems that these pain blocking hormones work to hinder the pain signals sent out by the brain; this would help explain why massage therapy is becoming such a pain reliever amongst pain sufferers.

The Benefits

When it comes to fibro pain and fatigue, massage therapy is one of the more beneficial treatments according to patients. Its benefits include:

- increased circulation of the blood to muscles
- increased flexibility and range of motion
- less depression and stress
- reduced pain and stiffness
- better sleep

According to a study done in the late 90's amongst fibro sufferers, patients noted more than a 30% decrease in symptoms associated with pain after ten 30-minute massage treatment sessions. Patients also reported better sleeping habits, and less difficulty falling and staying asleep.

The Massage Therapist

It's important that you take the time to find the right therapist. And when it comes to fibro sufferers, it can be quite difficult locating a therapist with the right technique, compassion, and experience in dealing with fibromyalgia. It's okay if you have to visit several different therapists before you find the right one. Here are a few tips to help you in your search:

* Word of mouth holds the number one spot on many tip lists when it comes to locating everything from a real estate agent to a plumber. Massage treatment is no different. Friends and family are your best bet. Start with them.

* Fibro support groups are another resource. They may have a listing, or current members who receive massage therapy and can give you recommendations.

* Ask about licensing and experience. Don't be afraid to check up on their license and certification before making your appointment.

Student Minimal Schooling in India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 Primary Benefits Of Massage Therapy

The practice of massage therapy can be traced back almost 3000 years with it's many applications providing endless benefits. If you are not aware, getting a massage is so much more than relaxation and spa treatments, it's a vital part of today's health and wellness industry and being recommended every day. Explore the many uses and benefits of this amazing area of health care.

Here are just 5 of the primary benefits you can expect with regular therapeutic massage.

- Reduction of Stress and Anxiety - Massage is known to increase serotonin production, a natural aid to less anxiety and depression. Relax while you reduce your stress.

- Improvement of Mood and Mind - An overall feeling of well being is often accompanied by receiving massage, which can help you relax and feel better about life and your body as well. Improvement in this area can make a difference in overall quality of life and your relationships with those you care about.

- Increased Blood Circulation and Toxin Removal - Decrease soreness and both feed and flush tissues, increasing blood flow to the body. Through the increase inn overall circulation, the body is better able to repair tissues faster and remove wastes more efficiently.

- Improvement of Sleep Quality - Through stimulation of the nervous system, massage therapy may create natural and involuntary responses to allow better sleep and improve the body's ability to repair itself properly and naturally through getting proper rest.

- Lymphatic Circulation - Massage creates movement of lymph, circulating it through the body to help heal us from illness or injury. Edema may be prevented along with other pathologies with regular massage therapy.

If you haven't had a massage in awhile or maybe never, try this fantastic all natural way and rejuvenate your body as often as possible to enjoy all the benefits above and many more.

Cheap Online High School - Does It Still Exist?

The cost of getting a high school diploma from the traditional schools is very high. Besides semester fees and tutorial fees, there are many hidden costs involved. Travelling cost is one of them. During economy downturn, is it possible to obtain a diploma qualification at low cost? Yes, you can consider earning a legitimate diploma outside a typical on-site school. Online learning will be your choice. By having a computer and internet connection at home, you can start pursuing a diploma program.

Seriously speaking, there are many education providers offering online diploma courses in the market. You can pursue the program either from the public schools, charter schools, private schools or community colleges. If you have limited budget, you are recommended to look for public schools which offer online learning for free. You can also search for private schools which offer low tutorial fees. Some private institutions only charge $1000 for tutorial fee for the entire program. Since the market is competitive, some schools offer financial aid for their students. Besides study loan and scholarships, some education providers even offer laptop or desktop for their students to study at home.

You need to be smart in comparing the course fees and tutorial fees among different schools. Don't forget to check other related fees as there are hidden costs involved. Some schools offer skill-based programs while others offer knowledge-based programs. You need to evaluate the courses carefully. It is important for you to find out whether it is worthwhile for you to enroll yourself to the particular school or not.

You are reminded not to be too happy if you manage to find cheap online high schools. You need to do some study. Don't make your decision in a rush. You have to bear in mind that not all virtual or online programs are accredited. Some online schools are scams. Their programs are not recognized at all. To play safe, before you register, you must make sure that the programs offered by the schools are fully accredited by either the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. There is no point for you to enroll yourself to a school which is not recognized by employers although its fee is extremely cheap. If you intend to attend a specific university or college, it will be good if you can contact your state board of education to check the background of the school. Besides, you can search online to look for comments and feedback from the graduates.

In order to save some money, you need to put in your effort to look for education providers who can provide cheap online diploma. There are many affordable diploma programs available for public but please bear in mind that you need to evaluate the online schools carefully before you make your final decision. Don't be trapped by unethical schools.

Automated Personal Massage Therapy With Homedics

Massage chairs have been around for more than thirty years. The designers have been seeking from the start to capture the techniques of a masseuse and package them for use in your own living room. Personal Massage Therapy with your own chair can provide virtually all the benefits of a top-level resort masseuse. Chairs from Japan have always combined the art of massage with the latest robotic technologies and research to produce what are truly considered to be the best massage chairs in the world.

For someone who wants the touch of a therapist in their own living room, Homedics massage chair becomes the best ally that assists the sore and tense muscles of a very tired person. Without breaking the purse strings of users, and with a wide variety, Homedics massage chairs offer the best of personal therapy. Whether you plan for a little relaxation at your office or at home, there is a Homedics massage chair waiting in the wings to serve your purposes fully.

Handpicking the right chair:

Homedics massage chairs are designed to help users reap rich rewards out of massage therapy. The wide variety of selections fulfills the demands of the most discriminating customers. The transportable massage chairs also provide the user with instant access to relief from stiff neck or back muscle tissues at home as well as at the office.

With a two year guarantee, and with the many models from which to choose, Homedics chairs meet the expectations and budget constraints of a variety of customers.

Homedics MCS-400H Shiatsu Massage Cushion is built to offer extreme comfort, made possible by the Extended Track Shiatsu Massaging Cushion, which runs on a long track to reach the shoulders of the user. This Massage Cushion is special in the way that it suits the shortest as well as the tallest family member. With it, the massage area can be customized to fit virtually anyone.

There is no dearth of features, where the moving dual massage mechanism provides the best massage for the back by offering vertical travel. More features in the form of quick heat to afford a relaxing massage, extra vibration massage option, width control to fit the body of the user, programmable control and carry bags that afford storage convert the cushion into an ideal massage chair.

For an individual who wants to relax after a hectic day, this Swedish Massaging Cushion offers the best traveling pressure point massage. This massage chair from Homedics allows the user to make use of the optional heat feature, and the mechanism is included to move up and down the back portion of the user.

In the case of the Swedish massage cushion, there are 4 massage nodes that move from the top portion to the bottom portion of the user's back. Also, this fits into most of the chairs, as it never fails to offer soothing heat to pave way for a relaxing massage. The user can make use of the programmable remote control, where the customizable programs are intended for lower back, full back and upper back massage.

The OCTS-200 Traveling Shiatsu Office Chair is another good option. The shiatsu massage feature attends to the entire length of the user's back. The optional heat serves to pave the way for a particularly relaxing massage. The user can choose among the three programs designed for upper back, full back and lower back massage. Also, the comfort flap can be folded when the massage function is not in use. Advanced comfort features take the form of adjustable seat height, lush padding, and tilt lock.

For a massage aficionado who is looking out for a cost-effective way to get rid of the muscle pains, The Homedics family provides a good starting point if you seek a wide variety of options.

To your good health! Pharmacist, Brandon Fields

Physical Therapy Treatment For Sports Injuries

Physical therapy treatments help in preventing injuries associated with sports. Sports injuries affect a number of athletes, both men and women alike. Pain is involved in all injuries that occur while playing games. Studies at the U.S Naval Academy have revealed that sports injuries most commonly occur due to repetitive and excessive use of muscles and bones.

An athlete who is suffering from a sports injury can be effectively treated using physical therapy one of the effective methods that facilitate speedy recovery and helps athletes to quickly return to sports. Activities like football, baseball, tennis, swimming, and weight training are likely to cause an injury. With physical therapy, various sports physical damages including rotator cuff tendonitis, injuries to the shoulder, head, neck and more can be treated.

Physical therapy is a hands-on treatment procedure used for treating musculoskeletal dysfunction. This effective treatment plan works well to maintain and enhance fitness, health and quality of life. The physical therapy treatment program makes the body strong and increases the blood flow to the affected areas. This is ideal to promote your healing process.

Physical therapy treatment in sports includes a variety of modalities such as hot packs, cold packs, electrical stimulation and ultrasound to heal the injured tissue. In addition, medical massage is incorporated in the therapy treatment plan to increase overall circulation and achieve the best possible health. In a healthy lifestyle, the treatment administered for a sports injury helps to

o Decrease pain
o Increase function by restoring your physical abilities
o Prevent further injuries

Specialist therapists and health care professionals who know to manage pain through physical therapy sessions will treat the patients for about 30 minutes. Depending on the severity of the injury, the treatment program varies. Physical therapy treatment for sports injuries is the best option for athletes who wish to return to their normal sports activities soon. Therapists can also give tips on preventing further injuries.

How to Turn Your Physical Therapy and Fitness Instruction Skills Into a Profitable Business

Most individuals who invest in certification in the physical training and fitness industries do so because they are passionately invested in helping other achieve increased strength, flexibility, energy and satisfaction. In short they are enthusiastic about giving clients the gift of optimal health. Yet for the thousands who pursue a career of this sort, the question remains: how do I gain sufficient credibility to build a large client base without owning my own expensive gym, books or workout videos like the fitness juggernauts we see out there in the media? Below, we provide the top two fears for fitness entrepreneurs and the facts to supersede them to get your career booming!

FEAR: "What if I can't get clients in this economy to invest in big-ticket training packages?"

FACT: Taking care of one's physical health is not just a pampering treat but an indispensable investment. New clients, on the other hand, might need to see some stone cold facts to convince them. So educate clients on the importance of your services and use these little gems in your next business brochure or newsletter:

• More than 85% of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight

• Physically inactive people are twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease as routinely active people

• Approximately 20% of cancer in women and 15% in men are attributable to obesity

• Annually, there are 300,000 U.S. deaths due to obesity-related complications; one out of every eight deaths is caused by an illness directly related to being overweight or obese

• Forty-five states allow health insurers to use health status and obesity as a factor to deny coverage or raise premiums

• Severely overweight and obese children often suffer from depression, low self-esteem and isolation from peers

• Overweight people earn 1-6% less than non-overweight in comparable positions

Finally, remind potential clients that the MORE they invest in preventative care such as a fitness regimen, the MORE they will save on medications and in hospitals! Holistic business focuses on supporting individuals to achieve optimal health and well-being. Holistic business is a billion dollar industry, and fitness comprises a massive portion of this booming industry.

FEAR: "I'm worried that I won't be able to make a name for myself in the fitness industry without the credibility of a million dollar facility!"

FACT: It is hugely possible to carve out a profitable stake in the industry and go up against the gym giants! Use the following tips and data to motivate you to create the fitness business of your dreams:

With an estimated 84% of Americans not belonging to a gym, there remains a huge opportunity to attract and gain new members to creative fitness clubs.

Currently the largest sector of growth in the fitness industry is the 'small gym' category, notably '24-hour key-card' gyms that can be accessed by patrons at any time. These 'express' gyms are usually between 2,500-5,000 square feet, near office spaces, or in smaller communities. Since patrons and trainers can access these gyms personally (similar to a gym in a residence), the low overhead often means lower membership costs and franchise opportunities. Not only do 'turn-key' gyms offer convenience, they also provide a low cost location for professionals to train their clients.

Another important trend in gyms is the increase in 'niche fitness centers' that target very specific populations that aren't attracted by larger companies (the most notable example being Curves). The plus side to these environments is their intimate and non-threatening nature; and because they attract a demographic that has been generally ignored by the industry at large, there is an enthusiastic, built in audience.

Consider researching the niche gyms in your area. Look at the clients they serve (such as seniors, pregnant women, etc.) and consider creating a service package around that profile. What if you offered to bundle your services with a local niche gym, so that every one of their members received a discount off of a personal training package with you (such as "Augment your fitness! Add a personal training session to your membership at half off!") These gyms don't typically have in house trainers, so you are providing a service to them that doesn't already exist.

Prostate Massage Benefits - Learn How Powerful This Therapy Is

The benefits from prostate massage are so powerful it is a wonder why all men are not doing it. For centuries men around the world have been taking part in this all natural therapy for the health and pleasure it provides when it is done correctly.

Medically speaking, the massage can help identify the presence of any cancerous growth or any sort of infection in the prostate gland. Secondly, it helps drain all the seminal fluids that have collected and are creating pressure and in many cases, inflammation. Thirdly, it helps relax the tension in the muscles and nerve endings of the prostate area. Some people feel relaxed even by just getting the muscles of this gland massaged and not the gland itself.

The procedure of the prostate massage is very easy. It can be performed with fingers or any other medical instruments. Even though this massage is also performed to attain sexual pleasure, it is recommended that people with experience should only do it as an inappropriate massage can have consequences. For medical purposes, the massage of the prostate is performed by a urologist or a therapist as part of the rectal examination. The urologist can then drain the seminal fluids and also detect any kinds of abnormalities.

There a number of hazards involved in this natural massage therapy.. If the patient is suffering from unidentified prostate cancer, then there is huge risk of the cancer metastasizing after the massage. The cells might break up and spread to other parts of the body. Also, a patient of acute prostatitis can become prone to blood poisoning because of an aggressive gland massage. Another health risk attached to the prostate massage is the perforation of the lining of the gland itself. This can be caused by tiny stones present in the prostate will rupture the lining due to a vigorous massage.

For some men, fear of trying this could be enough to stop them from exploring it further. All men can experience good success with the right techniques which are quite easy to learn. Some men might prefer to do a self massage by themselves, or involve the help of a partner that is willing to perform the massage for them. Another option would include a massager or stimulator designed specifically for this purpose.

So as you see, the health benefits are so many that more and more men should consider this form of therapy as a natural way to improve their health and well being.

About Play Therapists

They do not have a state license from the government. They are not affiliated with psychiatric or hospital services. The profession requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree. It is rare to find a therapist who has a Master's degree, let alone additional certification that ranges from a certified teaching degree to specializing in specific types of therapeutic interventions and strategies.

This profession carries many titles and names, yet they all provide the same service. They have been named rehabilitation, play, community based rehabilitation servicers (CBRS), developmental, and outpatient - therapists. The therapy they provide is not considered investigational, homeopathic or provisional. Providing CBRS typically occurs with the birth to 3 populations that work through the government's Early Intervention program. The Children's Developmental Services Agency is the umbrella for all Early Intervention services here in North Carolina. A portion of rehabilitative therapists serves children over the age of 3 on a contractual basis to augment the child's current therapy through the school system. Therapists can perform in many capacities depending on their experience.

Rehabilitative and play therapists typically have a number of strategies and interventions that are employed, depending on the child's ability and disability. A Master's in Education and certification in Early Intervention will teach these types of strategies, but the how-to and step-by-step process will become second nature during an Early Intervention internship.

Play therapists teach children how to play with age appropriate toys. When they teach children skills, the play skills are universal to other activities. For example, pushing, pulling, twisting and turning are motions used to turn on dials, twist a doorknob, open a book, pull on a shirt, push a hand through a sleeve, and press buttons on a microwave. Learning what it means to go up and down, go left and right, teaching children to follow directions, and understanding differences and similarities can be some of the child's goals.

Teaching children the how-to's of various abilities, such as fine and gross motor, cognition, communication, social, and emotional skills are essential to retraining the brain that once knew how to do these skills or never learned them. Retraining the brain means creating new pathways to problem solve, prioritize, think, understand and do activities and participate in everyday routines. Fine motor skills are the skills used to button buttons, write, pick up raisins and nails, while gross motor skills are used when to run, jump, walk up hills or stairs and swing a baseball bat. Communication, social and emotional skills are intertwined. They teach children to understand what sad means, by showing pictures depicting the emotion, what it feels like to be sad, making a sad face or communicating that they feel sad. All these skills are taught using sign language, pictures, voice programs, pointing, and touching, to name a few methods.

The industry for play therapists has high turnover and burnout. Several years ago, the average length of service for a play therapist was 1.5 years. Some of these play therapists have gone back to school to attain additional credentialing as a speech or physical therapist.

Many families are turning to play therapists, as they are not able to afford the high cost of specifically trained certified therapists (Applied Behavior Analyst or Relationship Development Intervention therapists). Due to insurance coverage changing and diagnostic criteria being altered, the decisions to cut services by reducing costs have led many families to seek private therapy.

Physical Therapy Salary - The Best in the Field of Medicine

An accident, injury, surgery and even age, can cause depletion of strength in a human being. At this stage, you need the active help from a well-trained physical therapist to assist you in doing the various exercises and movements, necessary to put you back on a healthy track. A physical therapist will work inclusively with the patients and assist them in all their routines with concern, patience and dedication.

An aspiring physical therapist must have inbuilt emotions of compassion and helpfulness to make a success of this career. However, he or she would also expect to earn a good salary for this difficult and tireless job, as they would have already spent a fortune in going school and college and in further specialization in the subject. Most people would venture into this line only if they know the monitory prospects that lay in wait for them. Estimates of physical therapy salary are looking bright, and those who want to pursue this career, have taken the right decision.

Due to the sharp increase in patients who require therapy, the demand for physical therapist jobs is rapidly on the rise. Statistics of 2011-2012 indicate that physical therapists are normally within a salary range of $53,000 to $107,000 per annum at the top and lower levels. With the business of health care poised for rapid growth; can physical therapists be far behind? In general, the ailment percentages are also growing quickly, leading to a surge in the hurried requirement of therapists in the four corners of the world.

The demand always drives the market wages in any field, and the situation for therapist jobs is following the rising market trend. However, please note that most American companies today, insist on postgraduates in physical therapy and therefore, you would do well to qualify yourself in the subject and to take away jobs from your peers in the field. Largely, the job location and the eminent reputation of the organization that proposes to employ you will decide the size of your pay packet. A physical therapist can easily find a job with a private clinic or in outpatient centers or in small or large hospitals. For example, figures in 2008 indicate that physical therapists in the health and nursing care facilities drew salaries of around $76,000 per annum while those in general hospitals and attached to privately practicing doctors drew around $72,000 per annum.

When you think of a future as a physical therapist, you must target both your preferred location and the salary you are looking for. The bonuses in this occupation are the relationships you build with your patients, and flexible working hours you can obtain by a direct adjustment with the patients. However, if you want to advance in this line, you have to continue your education, which many institutions make obligatory when they employ you.

The History of Scalp Massage

Scalp massage is an Indian treatment as old as the hills. So ancient is it and so positive its results, that it's been exalted to the status of a tradition in most households. Still done on a weekly basis, it is part of many sacred rituals and the way in which a festival day is begun almost in every home across the subcontinent.

This massage is proven for its goodness in improving blood circulation and relieving stress in adults, while enabling concentration and enhancing memory power in school-going children. It is also especially recommended for hair re-growth in the case of cancer patients.

In the first text on Ayurveda written over 2,000 years ago, Ayurvedic physician Charaka wrote, "One who applies oil on his head regularly does not suffer from headaches, baldness, graying of hair, nor does his hair fall. Strength of his head and forehead is especially enhanced; his hair becomes black, long and deep-rooted; his sense organs work properly; the skin of his face becomes brightened; applying oil on the head produces sound sleep and happiness."

Scalp massage has been a part of Indian culture since ancient times. There has been much research as to the history of this treatment. In addition to being a historical part of Indian culture, it has become a staple around the world as well. Not long ago, it was adopted as part of a luxurious hair treatment in hair salons and spas all over the United States, as well as most other countries.

In ancient days, Indian mothers would engage in weekly scalp massage for their children and other members of the family. The belief was that this practice could help improve memory and concentration, which, in turn, could make a more productive child in school and at home. Indian mothers would often strategically perform this treatment every Sunday, hoping that their children would be able to focus better on their studies during the school week to come. Improvement of memory power was one of the most important and obvious reasons for Indian mothers to engage in this weekly routine.

In more recent times, new advantages of scalp massage have been discovered. In addition to the hopes of improving memory, theories of benefits to general health and wellness have emerged. These medical advantages include reliving migraines, sleeping disorders, stress and stress-related symptoms. While not completely proven to be true for everyone, some cancer patients and medical professional believe that scalp massage helps with hair re-growth after chemotherapy-related hair loss.

Hair stylists, hair care professionals and salons worldwide also believe that scalp massage has its advantages. They believe that by offering theses relaxing and enjoyable massages to clients, their clients' hair will be more nourished and conditioned. Like some medical professionals, hair care professionals also believe that scalp massages can stimulate hair growth. Most people will admit to a scalp massage being their favorite part of the hair treatment, as they find it to be relaxing, soothing and calming. Regardless of your belief in the ancient theories behind scalp massage, it may still be a good practice to employ, if only to de-stress after a tough day at work!

The Benefits of Massage Chairs For The Body

Most of us can appreciate the health benefits provided by massage techniques. The facts are that many of us have never personally received a massage because paying a professional masseur for a 30-minute service can be very expensive. Many of us just do not have the time to go and visit the private clubs where massage services are available because of busy work or social schedules. Some of us prefer to keep our bodies private and feel uncomfortable and vulnerable in front of strangers wearing nothing but a towel.

The advantages of a massage have escaped many of us but now thanks to modern technology there is an ideal solution available. Massage chairs enable anyone, no matter how busy they are and how tight their financial budget is to receive the benefits of muscle and stress manipulation in the comfort of their own home. Massage chairs have bridged the gap and now all of us can enjoy the ultimate in relaxation and muscle free pain.

One of the most popular forms of massage is Shiatsu. This form of massage typically uses the parts of the hand such as palms, fingers, thumbs and knuckles to rub, knead, press and pat the body to encourage the natural fluids to aid recovery. This same type of treatment is available in massage chairs because they use a mixture of rollers, probes, heat and vibration in the same manner as the effective Shiatsu methods.

We use many muscles in our everyday lives and sometimes when we stretch we find that we use other muscles that are being worked in a stressful, unnatural position. This is where muscle strains are most common. It could be a simple leg stretch or reaching out with the arms or an unexpected accident. When they happen they can be very painful and this uncomfortable feeling can last for many days and sometimes weeks in more severe strains. Although massaging the area and maybe adding some gel or ointment can relieve some of the pain it can be tiring if you have to do it yourself or maybe the area that needs attention is in an awkward place such as the lower back or shoulder.

Massage chairs are the ideal solution in circumstances such as these. They can target any area immediately by providing probing massage, vibration, air-controlled manipulation and heat if needed. The massage will relieve the area of stress and will generate inner body fluids that encourage nutrients to feed the tissue and muscle. Massage will also aid the circulation of the blood that will increase the recovery period and decrease high blood pressure. The natural fluids in our body need to be able to flow freely and massage is the perfect manipulation to encourage this. Natural fluid help us fight disease and will ensure that our body functions like clockwork and our metabolism remains regular making us more comfortable and relaxed.

Massage chairs are also perfect for seniors who unfortunately have more accidents due to lack of balance as the years take their toll. A soothing chair massage can soothe those aching muscles in no time at all. While you receive the ultimate in body manipulation you can be watching your favourite television program, talk to friends on the telephone, read a book or just sitting back and relax while the massage chair does the work.

When the massage is over and you feel completely relaxed and pain free you may be wondering why you did not invest in a massage chair earlier. Massage chairs are ideal for any home. You never know when you may want to call upon your own private masseur that is available to use at a moments notice 24-hours a day.

Concerns About The Physical Therapist Assistant Salary

If you are planning a career in physical therapy and concerned about the physical therapist assistant salary, then don't be! For years, the medical profession has been the most looked upon and wanted career. With the emerging health concerns, the demand for health care professionals continues to increase. Those who want to pursue this career without getting involved in intricate procedures opt for the physical therapy field. There has been high demand of physical therapists and their assistants and ultimately, has resulted in continuous increase in their salaries.

As a physical therapist assistant, you have the possibility to work either full time or part time. Whichever you choose, it offers quite a competitive package. However, various factors affect what you can make per year. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage in this field was $51,110 for May 2011 with $24.57 as the mean hourly wage. These average figures are only for guidance, as the actual physical therapist assistant salary you may draw at the yearend may be somewhat different.

Time spent on the job, performance, skills, qualification, the state you're practicing in and type of facility; all have a lot of influence on your compensation package.

• Like all occupations, amount paid at the entry level is lower, but then you work to move your scale up. Here, performance plays a major role on how quickly you can attract higher income figures after probation period.


• Type of facility, i.e. whether you're working for a hospital, with a sports team, at a private clinic, homecare services or nursing care facilities; affect the amount of salary. Nursing and homecare facilities are considered to be the highest paying. The annual mean wage was $60,090 for home health care facilities in May 2011. Surgical units and general medical care are also amongst other high paying institutions.


• A physical therapist assistant salary also varies state to state. Low income states, offer lower compensation as compared to high income. For instance, Texas is considered to be the highest paying, around $62,000 per annum as compared to South Dakota with $33,000 per year as the lowest.

What you're earning today, you will not be earning tomorrow. Because you'll be making higher than what you are today! This law generally applies to most of us. But, to get that, requires hard work and dedication. The job of a PTA is challenging as well as very demanding. It not only requires to have the basic education and training but in order to be at par with the new techniques and procedures, it is important to keep oneself updated. Also one way of increasing income is by acquiring additional certifications and trainings, such as, athletes training certification, life support certifications etc. This not only gives you better and more specialized skills but also makes you an imperative part of your team.

Hence, the physical therapist assistant salary has been growing at an above average rate, despite hard economic times. And it's positive employment outlook is expected to have an upbeat impact on the salaries too.

Physical Therapy Continuing Education: Movement Impairment Syndromes of the Hip

We recently got to interviewer a very popular Physical Therapy continuing education Associate Professor on movement system impairments of the hip. Here is what she had to say:

Interviewer: If we start off just a little general before we go specific, for those not familiar with movement system impairment syndromes could you just give us a brief description?

Hip Movement Expert: Sure. I think our approach to all of this is the belief that as physical therapists - and I think this is true for the national organization - that movement is the system that we as physical therapists are the experts in understanding and in treating.

So, really the whole concepts that we started out with have really stayed the same only been maybe embellished a bit. In general, looking at movement in terms of the components of movement, whether they are the foundation components, such as your bone and muscle, or the nervous system components, or the cardiovascular-pulmonary support to the system of movement, we kind of look at it as what are all the pieces that fit together to allow us to move precisely?

Then with that as our level of expertise or our area of expertise, then we start to try to find movement syndromes. So, collections of impairments that together sort of focus us in on what is the primary movement dysfunction or impairment that this person has? Then that directs our treatment.

So, I think movement system is just sort of the system in which we're experts in, and over the last several years we've been working hard to kind of collectively describe syndromes in different body regions.

Interviewer: Fantastic. If we talk a little more specifically about the hip, can you describe one of these syndromes?

Hip Movement Expert: OK then, let's talk about hip adduction with medial rotation. As you can imagine if somebody has hip adduction medial rotation the primary muscles that aren't performing are the hip abductors and the lateral rotators.

The pain problems that typically go with it are bursitis, trochanteric bursitis, ITB friction syndrome (more proximal), snapping hip, ITB fascititis, etc. You could have just buttock pain from the lateral rotators or gluteals being too long. You could have sciatica from the piriformis being overstretched and impinging on the sciatic nerve. So, you can get a lot of pain problems with adduction medial rotation.

I just had a student talking with me last week about her patient that she saw during her clinical who had lateral hip pain. The clinical instructor was looking at some asymmetries in her pelvis and was doing some muscle energy techniques on her sacroiliac joint.

Anyway, in the long run the patient got worse. The problem was that nobody was really watching the way she moved. The pain was lateral. This person was going into adduction and medial rotation and so once that was beginning to be addressed then the patient started to make some changes.

So, really with adduction and medial rotation you correct their movement.

When they're going from sit to stand it's "don't squeeze your knees together." "When you're walking and you load your legs contract your gluteals or your lateral rotators. Keep your knee over your foot."

Do things in sidelying to get the gluteus medius better. Do things sitting, lateral rotation, get the lateral rotators better. And then functionally - making them use those muscles in their functional activities.

Beating School Stress With Positive Thinking

Let's face it, school is stressful. There is just no way to study and prepare and do all the things you need to do, and not feel it sometimes. Students of every age, all the way from little kids in kindergarten to middle-aged folks getting Masters Degrees suffer from some stress.

We can't eliminate school stress, but we can do a lot to minimize its impact on us. After all, even if we get stressed-out, we still need to do our best and get our work done. The key to dealing with school stress is to understand what causes it.

What Stresses You Out

Deadlines are a major school stressor. Everything is due at a certain time, and this causes us to worry whether we'll get it done. You've got a test tomorrow, and wondering whether you're prepared for it keeps you from preparing for it!

Most of us are natural procrastinators. Leaving everything until the last minute puts tons of pressure on us. Bad time management and procrastination make that deadline seem deadly! Bad time management is a symptom of a bigger problem - disorganization. If you are 100% organized in everything you do, your school life will be a breeze. But, how many of us can say that we are?

Finally, a major stressor for students is the simple fear that we won't make it. With deadlines, tests, things to do, our own messy disorganization, and a whole wide array of expectations on us from teachers, we simply worry whether we'll pass or not.

Look On The Bright Side

You can't get completely organized and do everything the day it's assigned. But, you can eliminate your fear of not making the grade. This is the number one stressor that hinders top school performance, and it can be overcome very simply.

The reason you're afraid of not passing is because it's what you're telling yourself everyday. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. This means that if you are chanting to yourself over and over, "I'll fail," then you WILL fail. There's no doubt about it. These self-defeating attitudes can be crippling for people.

What if, instead of saying "I'll fail. I'll fail," you started telling yourself everyday, "I'll pass with flying colors!"?

This is called a "positive affirmation" and it is a tool used by psychiatrists to treat major emotional disorders. However, anybody can do it. It clears the mind of negative thoughts and instills positive ones instead. It's your key to success in beating school stress.

Simply identify your negative thoughts. What are you telling yourself everyday that is tearing you down? Now, turn them in a positive direction. Choose a few key phrases, and repeat them to yourself at various times throughout the day. Whenever you feel that negative, self-defeating thought creeping up on you, fight back with your positive affirmation.

It sounds too easy to work, but it works wonders. Your self-defeating attitude can defeat you, so replace it with a positive one instead.

Underwater Massage - A Winning Combination of Massage Therapy and Hydrotherapy

More and more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of massage. A good massage can reduce stress and sooth aches and pains, making you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. Another form of therapy that can provide great relaxation and healing is hydrotherapy, which uses water to relieve pain and treat illnesses. It is now possible for you to reap the benefits of these two kinds of therapy at the same time, and that is to go for an underwater massage.

It refers to a therapeutic treatment that uses a stream of water to massage the body. To receive this kind of massage, you have to lie in a bathtub, submerged in water that is 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. The stream of water comes from a nozzle, and it is applied at a pressure of 100 to 300 kPa. The nozzle is placed about two or three inches from the part of the body that is being massaged. The direction of the stream of water is changed according to the rules of massage, and the massage is performed in the same way as a manual massage, with rubbing stroking, and vibration. The therapist will move the nozzle in circular clockwise motions, working from the periphery to the center. The water from the nozzle may be enhanced with substances that are beneficial to your health, such as radon and sulphur. For the best effect, some spas may use mineral water to fill up the tub. Depending on which spa or massage center you go to, an underwater massage session can last between 15 to 30 minutes.

This therapy is very beneficial, and it can restore balance and harmony to your body. The warm water that is used in the therapy makes your body feel less tensed and stressed. Performed with varying pressure, the massage can enhance the health of your skin as well as the deeper layers of your muscles, joints, and internal organs. As such, it can increase muscle elasticity and joint mobility. It is also effective in improving your blood and lymph circulation, making the tissues and organs in your body healthier. Additionally, underwater massage can be performed to treat minor aches, pains, and injuries. Athletes who are suffering from injuries can be treated with low pressure underwater massage. However, it is not a good idea to use this method to treat recent wounds and injuries. After you have received an underwater massage, you will immediately feel calmer, healthier, and cleaner. Underwater massage can be a wonderful treat if you are feeling really stressed and fatigued.

Nowadays, there are many spas and massage centers that offer underwater massage, and you can just call one of these places to find out about their packages or services. It is important that you make sure that the spa you choose has a qualified underwater massage therapist. The effectiveness of the therapy is largely dependent on the skills and experience of the therapist. If you manage to find a good therapist, you can rest assured that you will have a most pleasurable and invigorating underwater massage session.

Expanding Services As A Massage Therapist By Offering Spa Treatments

Scrubs, masks, cocoons, wraps, fango packs, glows and polishes, to name a few, are all services that are typically offered at day and resort spas in addition to and in conjunction with massage therapy.

All spa treatments have therapeutic qualities, address issues and concerns from sunburn to stress. Many utilize natural ingredients and an application that focuses more on the therapeutic qualities of the product(s) used, rather than the physical aspect of massage modalities. Two main components of spa treatments are exfoliating (scrubs) and moisturizing to maintain a healthy skin. In between there are a myriad of possibilities ranging from invigorating to relaxing and from detoxifying to nourishing.

As a massage therapist faced with the reality of injury and burnout related to the physical challenges of doing deep-tissue like massages or manipulations, the question arises what other forms of revenue can be generated using licensure, training and equipment.

Developing a menu of spa treatments is one great way to not only distinguish oneself from the competition, but also to perform additional sessions without taxing the body.

Many spa treatments can be performed without needing to have a shower available. They can utilize products that can stay on the body or the therapist can use moist towels to remove the product before proceeding to the next step of the treatment. In fact I even have a selection of spa treatments I offer for out-call massages.

If a shower is available, there are virtually no limitations to the kinds of treatments one can offer. For some clients who receive treatments at home and have a shower, I offer full spa treatment experiences that include a massage.

Many spa treatments can be offered as an upgrade to a massage or be specifically designed for a body part such as a moisturizing foot and hand masque or a calming décolleté treatment.

Full spa treatments can take the usual 60 minutes and include foot, hand and scalp massage while the client is taken through a number of steps that feature resting times during which a specific product unfolds its therapeutic qualities.

A simple wrap for a sunburned client, who comes in wanting a massage, could be using propolis and aloe vera to heal, lavender lotion to cool and calm and coconut milk to seal in the effects and moisturize the skin. Apply the products, wrap the clients in a sheet and proceed with a gentle scalp massage. Half an hour later, the products will have been absorbed and the client can take home a bottle of lavender lotion (and some sunscreen).

You can charge a premium for product use and as you see, retailing products will become a natural extension of your care for your client.

The products needed for spa treatments can be purchased from a vendor who wholesales to the spa industry or even more fun, put together from natural, organic ingredients you can often buy at the local health food store. Salt and sugar scrubs are a great example, honey. A little study and you can assemble simple treatments on your own.

There are also other options such as Spa College. They have designed classes specifically for therapists to learn all they need to know about putting together a spa treatment menu.

The Difference Between Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists, the Athletic Therapist, and Their Differences

In the healthcare profession, there are many specialties and expertise. In the field of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular science, physiotherapists are considered as one of the highly skilled technicians in this area. Physiotherapy, otherwise known as physical therapy, specializes in the study of the musculoskeletal system. Disorders found in the muscles, bones, joints, and other parts of the body that causes physical disabilities and movements are the main focus of physiotherapy.

There are many types of physical therapy, and athletic therapy is definitely one of them. While most physiotherapists focus on a wide variety of clients, from post-surgery patients to individuals with lifelong disabilities, athletic therapists mainly specialize in the evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of people who suffer from sports related injuries. The bulk of an athletic therapist's list of clients is mostly individuals with a rather active lifestyle, as well as professional athletes.

Unlike physiotherapists that employ a wide range of treatments depending on what is appropriate for their patients, athletic physical therapists normally have targeted treatment programs specially developed for specific types of injuries that were sustained from various activities, whether it's sports related, occupation related, injuries incurred in an accident, while doing recreational activities, or even injuries acquired while doing day-to-day stuff.

Even if it's just an ankle sprain that has rendered you unable to walk properly, an athletic physiotherapist can make you an accurate treatment program to help your ankle recover quickly and healthily. He may even provide you with some tips to minimize the risk of that injury from happening again. But don't get me wrong, general physical therapists can treat such types of injuries as well. It's just that these types of injuries are the main cuisine of sports therapists, so to speak.

One major difference between a physiotherapist and an athletic therapist is the fact that sports therapy is mainly based on a sports medicine standard of treatment and rehabilitation, unlike physiotherapy where the study of neurological and cardiovascular rehabilitation are key factors. However, physiotherapists and athletic therapists often work hand in hand, along with other healthcare professionals, to achieve a mutual goal, which is to get the best results and the speedy and healthy recovery of the patient, or client.

As far as education is concerned, physiotherapy is normally a general practice as it covers a variety of healthcare aspects such as geriatrics, pediatrics, cardiac and respiratory care, as well as musculoskeletal and neurological injuries. It is upon graduation that most physiotherapists tend to go on their separate ways as they pick and choose the specialties they one to focus on. Only then will they be able to develop their sports therapy skills through various professional development courses and experiences.

If you were to venture into the field of athletic therapy, the scope of your practice would include the immediate care, rehabilitation and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. But you don't just treat injuries; you are responsible as well for the prevention of such injuries, especially when it comes to your highly active clients. Keep in mind that a person does not have to be a professional athlete to incur sports related injuries.

Whether you are a general physiotherapy practitioner or one of the hardworking sports or athletic physiotherapists, what's important is that you do your work and you do it well in order to help others get back to their old selves, or in order to inspire them to restore confidence in themselves.

Deep Tissue Massage Therapy - Is It For Meatheads?

Everyone loves a good massage. Some people feel that if it isn't deep, then it is not a massage - that could be you - well BALONEY to that thought.

Let's revisit the scope of practice of massage therapy according the CMTO for you:

"Massage Therapy practice is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain." (Massage Therapy Act, 1991).

One of the main themes that runs rampant for massage therapists when treating is - "DO NO HARM". So with that in mind how beneficial is deep tissue massage for you if your massage therapist is standing on you with their knee digging into your back?

Let's face it, the perfect massage is different for everyone.

Tolerance for Deep Tissue Massage

One of my favorite lines is "I have a high tolerance for pain" - well... get underneath my hands and let me decide...

Let me give you an example of a client of mine that I treat. This individual is about six foot four and weighs 290lbs. He is probably the biggest client I have ever treated before. The work I do on him is all done without oil. It is primarily a form of direct myofascial release.

You would figure for a guy that size he would be able to handle my deepest deep tissue massage techniques - like my elbow or forearm running up and down his back or stripping through and separating his hamstring muscles from one another.

While he can tolerate a fair bit of pressure, he still cannot handle my deepest deep tissue massage. I have to ease up on the pressure I use with him from time to time.

Compare that to a female client I have that is about five foot two and probably about 100lbs soaking wet who gives me permission for deep tissue massage.

Many people like to believe that they have a high tolerance to pain. Of course you can take more pressure than the person before you; however is it possible that person after you can handle more?

Deep Tissue Massage Is Relative

Deep tissue massage is relative to the person giving it and the person receiving it. Since each of us carries our own pain threshold it is very subjective. I have had only one client in the ten plus years of treating who has been able to handle deep tissue massage in its purest sense. This one man I treated fell asleep while my reinforced elbow continued to get deeper and deeper on his back until I decided to hold off on any more pressure.

Then there is the other side to massage. Some people go for a massage because they like the "caring intimate" professional touch in a safe environment. it gives them the opportunity to speak their mind and share their "darkest" secrets without any repercussions.

Deep tissue massage is not for everyone and not all massage therapists provide deep treatments. The key here is to find what works for you and to stick with that massage therapist.

Cassia Beauty College Information

Cassia Beauty College is located in the sprawling city of New Orleans at 6960 Martin Dr Ste 120, New Orleans, Louisiana. The institution is famous for its programs in beauty and cosmetology.

Students: Each batch has only limited students, which ensures personal attention and perfect hands on training. The college also has a popular job placement service for successful candidates.

Enrollment: It has a total student population of 18 undergraduate students

* Undergraduate Degrees Offered:

* Less-than-1-year certificate program in Personal and Culinary Services, which imparts training in massage and treatments of face, scalp and neck using chemical and make- up preparations. This course helps students in securing jobs as licensed facial specialists in expert and full service salons.

* Less-than-2-year certificate in personal and Culinary Services, which makes the students experts in cutting and styling hair, facial and body hair, pedicures, manicures, head massage etc.

* Less than 1 year Degrees offered by this school

o Nail Technician + Specialist and Manicurist: This less-than-1-year certificate program trains students in shaping the finger and toe nails, removing dead skin an blemishes and applying nail polish. They can function as licensed manicurists or nail technicians/specialists.

o Facial Treatment Specialist + Facialist: It imparts training to students on massage and treatments of face, neck, and scalp with chemical and cosmetic preparations. Successful students can function as licensed facial specialists in specialized and full service salons.

o Cosmetology, Barber + Styling, and Nail Instructor: It is a program that molds cosmetologists, nail technicians, barbers and other grooming specialists. They can function as instructors in their specialized subject in licensed and accredited schools of cosmetology.

o Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other: It comprises of instructional programs in cosmetology and personal grooming services that are not included in the general category of this subject.

* Certificates/Less-than-2-year certificate

o Cosmetology + Cosmetologist, General: It is a study program that trains students to cut and style scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; manicures and pedicures; massage etc

It offers distance education program also.

* Tuition: The average tuition for undergraduates is approximately $6,899 and it is exclusive of books, fees and supplies. The fees might vary; however the average costs of books is around $800 Room & Board $9,600.

* Admissions: It has an open admission policy for undergraduates. An application fee of 10$ is required.

* Special features: Cassia Beauty College is a private for profit school and it extends Pell Grants and other federal aid to entitled students as it enjoys a Program Participation Agreement with the US Department of Education. It has a library facility and on campus day care. Career placement for successful candidates. Student Services It is a 6 day college that offers Career Placement for successful students on completion of the program, On-Campus Day Care and Library Facility. The mission of Cassia Beauty College is to prepare the students into successful career in Cosmetology, and to lead them to the mainstream of American society as successful citizens.

Directions: From New Orleans Turn left at Tulane Ave, Take exit 241 toward Morrison Rd, then turn right and proceed on to I-10 Service Rd 0.2; turn left at Martin Dr 377.

Massage Training Online

To make massage therapy your career, attending a massage school and receiving certification is necessary. On the other hand, if you just want to learn to practice on friends and family, there are many massage training videos available online. These can also be excellent for helping you to decide if a career in massage therapy is for you. Explore the different styles and have fun discovering the ones that you most resonate with.

There is an abundance of different styles of massage therapy to chose from these days. Sports massage, Swedish, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Thai Massage are some of the more common ones. The form that I personally find the most relaxing is a combination referred to as Swedish/Esalen. Using this combination of forms has been the main focus of my 20 year career as a massage therapist. This form of massage therapy is a blend of the more specific kneading and stroking of the muscles typical of Swedish Massage, and the more deeply relaxing long strokes of Esalen Massage. By sensitively combining these two approaches, you can both address specific needs, muscle tension and pain, while at the same time, ease your friend on the table into a deep state of relaxation. Done well, a gentle unraveling will begin of tension and stress, muscles will relax even more, bringing on still deeper relaxation.

Here are several tips on how to give a massage that is both therapeutic and deeply relaxing:

Take time for yourself to become relaxed and quiet before you begin. Take a few deep breaths and practice "grounding" or feeling you connection to the earth under you feet.

Practice being fully present to what's feeling right, both for your body as well as theirs. Use good body mechanics, keeping your back straight, bending from the hips etc. (This is where a good massage table helps!)

Create a warm, quiet space, where your friend on the table knows they won't be disturbed. Try lighting a few candles, dim the lights and put on some soothing soft music.

Work slowly...and keep your transitions from one move to the next smooth. Keep this in mind as you shift the draping and when you need them to turn over.

When you find an area that needs deeper work, ask them (quietly) for feedback on the pressure. You want to go just deep enough to be effective, but not to the point of pain.

Keep talking to a minimum. Encourage your friend to just let go into the relaxation.

Remember to breath...periodically take some long deep breaths and let go of any tension your holding, relax and enjoy!