What Are the Benefits of Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage?

As its name implies, barefoot deep tissue massage is a form of deep therapeutic massage where the therapist uses his or her feet instead of the hands. This type of technique uses several types of massage techniques to heal and relax the body. Among these techniques are acupressure, shiatsu and Swedish massage.

John Harris is a massage therapist who developed this newer form of massage therapy due to his desire to eliminate injuries after regular sessions of therapy by the therapists. The overuse of the hands during massage sessions usually results to the straining and spraining of the hands due to stress. Harris was successful in developing and improving this technique which yields satisfying and effective results right after each session.

This deep tissue therapy was designed for treating chronic muscle pain with the use of direct pressure on the different muscle groups of the body. The method is to give slow yet deep compressions on the various areas that have problems or injuries.

Barefoot deep tissue massage is a type of therapy that involves trigger point therapy as a part of its therapeutic massage treatment. This tender muscle tissue therapy is done by applying pressure in order to relieve body pain and treat dysfunction within the body of the patient. Myofascial release technique as well as the use of compressive strokes is performed by the massage therapist in a barefoot deep tissue massage. Benefits received from this therapy are:

• Overall body relaxation - The body enters the state of relaxation during and after the session. The various application of pressure through the different massage techniques are effective in soothing and calming the body both physically and mentally.

• Improves the immune system - Similar to all types of massage therapy, barefoot deep tissue massage boosts up the immunity of the client when done regularly. It helps in preventing disease as well as in improving the body's capability to recover from sickness.

• Improved Mobility - Produces flexibility on the different muscle groups by breaking down stiff muscles all over the body. The stretching of the muscle tissues result in the enhanced mobility of the various body parts.

• Muscle Pain Relief - The deep tissue therapy along with the soft strokes takes away any painful traumas from injuries and muscle pains. It acts very well in removing acute and chronic muscle pain and is a great type of therapy used for treating sports injury.

• Improve circulation - It greatly enhances the blood and oxygen circulation within the body which results to an improvement in the total health of the client.

All of these benefits can also be received through hand massage therapies, however Harris explained that the difference of his technique is that it is both beneficial to the patient and therapist as well. The comfort level of the therapist during the massage session plays an important role in his or her output as he or she conducts the various strokes. The use of the foot also has the advantage to apply more pressure than when using the hands.

Finding the Right School for Physical Therapy Education

Due to the continued increase in the number of accidents happening today, the need to have qualified physiotherapists has become extremely critical. People sustain serious injuries during sports, road accidents, and other emergencies that occur at home. If these injuries do not get the right form of treatment, they can easily develop to serious medical conditions that can in turn cause permanent deformity. It is therefore important for people to learn how they can handle such cases because you never know they will occur to you or the people close to you. To become a professional physiotherapist, you need to get the right training. Thus you need to look for the right school for your physical therapy education.

To tell you the truth, finding a credible institution that offers quality training in physical treatment is not an easy task. This is so because there have emerged a number of institutions that offer programs that are below the acceptable standards. If you are not careful, you will easily fall prey to these unscrupulous trainers. That is why you need to learn how to find reputable schools offering physical therapy education. The best way to achieve this is to understand the various important steps to finding the right institute for your training.

Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Physical Therapy Education
• Research: As you embark on the task of finding the right place to pursue your physiotherapy course, you need to do a thorough research on the various aspects of such training. For instance, you need to decide what specialization you are going to pursue. It is also important that you understand what your country or state provides on such training. You can also research on the accredited organizations that offer such courses. The good thing is that the internet provides a long list of such training centers.
• Specialization: Physiotherapy training is a bit diverse and it will take you a lot of time to cover the various fields of study. Therefore, you have to choose what specialization you are going to pursue. This will, in turn, simplify your search for the right training center since you will only focus on those that offer such programs.
• Read reviews: Before you make your final decision, you need to go through the reviews of the training center you wish to register with. The reviews will give you an idea of what to expect from the center.

Now that you understand what you should look out for in the school that you intend to join for your physical therapy education, it is important that you consider the online training centers because they are more convenient.

Contraindications of Hot Stone Massage

Everyday stress usually drains the life out of you and as a result, you get all kinds of physical manifestations of being so physically drained. Parts of your face and body tend to have shots of strains and pains from being so overly used in daily activities. When this happens, you cry out for immediate relief so that you may be able to get back to your life and go about things without muscular or skeletal discomfort.

You usually resort to body massage when muscular or skeletal pain is experienced. Many spas nowadays offer various types of body massages. Most of them utilize muscle and bone manipulation to relax and de-stress each part of the body. A variety of mineral oils come with these well-founded techniques to help facilitate relaxation. Although many people still seek the conventional whole body massage, others still opt for a more intense body massage experience.

Some people gain complete recuperation from stress with massages that utilize muscle and bone manipulation with the aid of therapeutic stones (basalt, marble, or chakra). Exposure to increased temperature of helps hasten tissue healing. Thus, recovery becomes faster by heating stones and by using them for massage. Most people prefer stone massage because of the interesting and strategic way it facilitates a deeper sense of relaxation in the client's whole body massage experience.

It should be noted that this type of massage service is not for everyone who frequents specialized spas. There are some contraindications to remember and these are as follows:

a.) Hypertension. People with high blood pressure should not undergo hot stone massage. Therapists heat the stones between 120 to 155 degrees for 15 to 55 minutes. Blood pressure rises when temperature rises. So, this massage can indeed be detrimental to hypertensive people.

b.) Inflamed Skin Conditions. Those who have skin inflammations should not be readily subjected to hot stone massage. Heat is a characteristic of inflammation. So, the heated stones will only worsen the skin inflammation. If the client or patient requires this massage, the skin condition has to be healed first.

c.) Diabetes. Stone massage is not advisable for a person who has diabetes. In this type of massage, the skin will be subjected to heat and friction brought about by the stones themselves and the manipulation of the massage therapist as well. This way, the skin is prone to bruises or mild burns from the hot stone massage, and the diabetic person will have a hard time healing.

d.) Open Wounds or Sores. Although an increase in temperature does hasten tissue healing, repetitive rubbing on these open wounds or sores with very hot stones is not advisable. Again, this only aggravates the condition by burning the wounded or affected area, therefore subjecting the client or patient to more pain.

e.) Pregnancy. Pregnant women should not undergo stone massage. During pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is increased. This helps shorten and soften the muscles in preparation for giving birth. The increased temperature and deep tissue work during the massage lengthens these tissues, which makes it difficult for the pregnant woman's body to prepare for birth.

These are only some of the common contraindications in hot stone massage. Feel free to read more about them so that you are well informed. In this light, you can be sure that your next hot stone massage will definitely be unforgettable.

Benefits of Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage works on both a physical and psychological level, the techniques used represent a de-stressing programme for the whole body. By massaging the head and shoulders, energies will become re-balanced and a general feeling of relaxation will be achieved. Indian Head Massage can improve blood flow to the head and neck, which increases the distribution of nutrients to encourage healing throughout the body.

Clients come away with a deep feeling of comfort and relaxation. Indian Head Massage works on areas affected by mental and emotional stress. We spend much of our trying to sort things out in our head which leads to enormous stress. Stress accumulates and one day leads to the next with no break from the tension that is building up in our neck and shoulders. The massage can really help to calm the mind and is deeply relaxing. We work with a firm and gentle rhythm to help relieve muscular discomfort and tension. People feel the tension release which calms the spirit and aids relaxation. The treatment also improves circulation in the head, enhances the senses and promotes clear thinking.

The massage usually begins with the upper back, where a combination of deep massage and pressure points help to relax the muscles and to loosen up tight knots. We can use our electrical massager at this point which will help relieve the deep-seated muscles and reduce trigger points. Moving through the shoulders and upper arms further releases the common spots for holding stress and tension.

We continue deeply into the neck where headaches and tension are reduced. Moving up to the scalp, techniques are used that stimulate, relax and revive the whole of the head, increasing circulation and promoting healthy hair. Finally the treatment may include a gentle face massage with techniques that help circulation, skin tone, and sinus problems.

Due to the fact that the positive benefits of the treatment are achieved in a relatively short space of time it is ideally suited to busy schedules. However, it can be of equal interest to anybody seeking an introduction to "hands on" therapy, or to those searching for an alternative to body massage.

The therapy is received in a seated position, which is especially beneficial for those who find lying prone on a couch uncomfortable. IHM can also serve as a comfortable aid to tension relief during pregnancy. Indian Head Massage is a complementary treatment which should not be viewed as an alternative to conventional medicine. IHM does not diagnose or cure, but promotes the mental and physical conditions necessary to foster positive good health and prevent ill-health.

Tips To Select the Best Massage Therapist

If you are looking for a masseur, it is essential to know the type of massage that the therapist provides as there are a variety of different massages that can be done. From deep-tissue massage to Swedish massage, when you are looking for an invigorating massage that is just pleasantly relaxing but not too intense, Swedish massage is the prefect choice but if you need the massage to be intense and roll out the pain from the aching limbs, deep-tissue massage fits the bill.

Basically it just depends upon what you need and that is why before you schedule an appointment with the therapist discuss about their experience, the type of massage that they provide and your expectations need to be made clear so that they are clear on your specific requirement or can advice you more about it. It is best to know in advance about the type of massage that the therapist provides.

The first question that you need to ask the massage therapist is whether they are certified as a federal board ensures that all massage therapists have proper credentials and licenses before they can practice. If you feel that you need to get a feedback about the service provided from past clients to know about the type of massage and service they received. It can help you check if the style of massage would suit you.

Another key factor that you need to consider is whether they are new in business or have been in the industry for a long time. It is better if they have years of experience as you'll have a better experience and enhance the results but if the massage therapist is new, ask them if they can provide a quality massage or question them before they begin. Most of the massage therapists that have experience working for over 12-18 months have more than basic practical experience. Most massages heal the pain or help you manage it better and that is why it is important to have a good therapist.

Take a look around, are there dirty towels lying around, opened bottles or crumpled tissues? Another factor to consider is the hygiene and sanitary methods that are used by the massage therapist. Make sure that the massage therapist is maintaining hygiene with fresh towels and other supplies kept in proper manner. The chances of catching infections is common if proper hygiene is not maintained and in case you feel that the cleanliness quotient is low, fix your appointment with another massage therapist.

If you consider all of these key points, you'll be able to get relaxing and revitalizing massage to take away the aches and pains while the skin feels supple again. Some of the benefits of invigorating massage include better blood circulation, toning of skin/tissue and healthy glowing skin. And that is why it is important to select the right therapist because that will ensure that you have an effective massage with all benefits. Start looking for the local therapist for massage at in your phonebook or look online.

Massage Therapy and the Female Athlete Triad

The needs of male and female athletes are very different, and these differences are apparent in all phases of athletic medical care -- from diagnosis, to treatment, to massage or physical therapy efforts.

An ailment exclusive to female athletes is the female athlete triad, a triumvirate of disorders that have a domino effect on one's overall health. The three components of this affliction are disordered eating, amenorrhea (or loss of menstrual periods for three consecutive months), and osteoporosis (or a thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density). Affected athletes are best helped when each component of the triad is addressed and treated separately - and massage and sports rehabilitation therapy are helpful treatment options for this condition.

Athletes of both genders must focus on developing many of the same attributes in their bodies: strength, balance, endurance, precision. However, women are more likely than men to participate in sports and athletic endeavors that focus on body weight, size, and appearance. Gymnastics, figure-skating, ballet, and cheer-leading/color guard are some examples of these image-focused sports. In ballet, for example, the pre-pubescent figure is regarded as ideal, and bodily markers of adult female estrogen levels, such as visible breasts and hips, are taboo at many dance schools.

Many adolescent girls and women become image-obsessed, focusing on cutting their caloric intakes as much as possible, while continuing to train at the same vigorous, competitive levels. Once a person begins a calorie-restricted diet, it can be difficult to stop - many dieters report starvation-induced euphoria and delight at their shrinking bodies. The starvation method of weight loss is detrimental to training athletes, who typically have lower-than-normal body fat levels to begin with. A girl or woman needs at least 18 percent body fat to menstruate, and once body fat drops below this level, menstruation can cease. In girls who have not yet begun their periods, the onset of menstrual bleeding (menarche) can be delayed for years.

The cessation of menstruation is problematic because it upsets the female body's natural estrogen levels. As estrogen levels drop, bone density loss and bone weakening can occur. Estrogen in women has a protective effect on the skeletal system, enabling bone development during adolescence, and halting bone loss throughout early- and mid-adulthood. Adolescent amenorrhea can prevent a female athlete from building peak bone mass; adult amenorrhea can speed up the process.

Even worse, weakened bones are susceptible to fractures and injuries. Coupled with inadequate nutrition from calorie-restrictive diets, female athletes might wind up injured and unable to train or compete. The more headstrong among these athletes continue to train despite multiple injuries and amenorrhea, setting themselves up for long bouts of poor health. Medical intervention is critical for these types of athletes.

Massage therapy can work in several ways to help individuals suffering from the female athlete triad get well. Some types of massage therapy are instrumental in helping athletes recover from injuries, including injuries sustained as a result of low body weight and over-exercising. Massage and sports rehabilitation therapy performed upon the recommendation of a sports physician can be helpful to recovery from physical symptoms of the female athlete triad.

It can also help female athletes relax. Lowering levels of physical and mental stress can assist female athlete triad patients in feeling better overall. Appetite recovery and sleep restoration can help these athletes to begin menstruating regularly again, and will assist in faster recovery from injuries. Some athletes will feel less of a compulsion to exercise to the point of exhaustion once their cortisol (stress hormone) levels are lowered.

Finally, massage therapy can help female athletes feel better about themselves. They might become more comfortable with their bodies, and learn to appreciate their strengths and athletic skills. Massage also releases endorphins, or feel-good hormones, that can replace the euphoria often caused by starving. Whole-body relaxation can also contribute to an improved sense of self - when the athlete feels her life is under control, she might no longer feel a drive to focus on controlling her weight and appearance.

As the athlete recovers, she often institutes a better diet, at the recommendation of a trained nutritionist. This improved diet provides enough nourishment for her athletic endeavors. Improved nutrition also helps her to recover faster from injuries sustained from amenorrhea and over-training. As her period returns, so, too, will her bone density, and finally, her strength and stamina.

Recovering from the female athlete triad can be difficult. However, with the aid of a professional team, including a sports physician, nutritionist, and massage or sports rehabilitation therapist, affected athletes do not have to suffer alone.

Are You Prepared to Become a Massage Therapist?

So, you've made the decision to go to Massage Therapy School, but you have no idea where to start. It's a good thing you're just a click away from some of the most valuable tools for determining the path your future will take! If you're at the point of actually choosing your education provider, you should have already assessed that you're:

1) Ready for schooling ~ financially, emotionally & mentally
2) Confident in your potential to work as a Professional Caregiver
3) Willing and determined to succeed at your new venture

If you're anything like me, you like to be prepared when entering into a new situation, and find comfort in knowing you can avoid unnecessary mistakes by learning from those who graciously share their valuable experiences.

To preface, I am a true believer that no one method works for everyone. Your formula for success will be to do what your inclination advises, guided by the wisdom and personal accounts from seasoned professionals. My first, and most frequent, suggestion is to listen to that intuition. Be attuned to your heart, but ~ don't take everything she has to say...to heart.

Remember that you're going to school to learn, and the skills you will need to become a skilled and successful Massage Therapist can indeed be taught and learned! You first have to ascertain, from past experience and self-assessment, what type of environment will most effectively meet your particular needs as a student.

Finding the opening of the path to your future is an exhilarating occasion, but it is not one to be wholly consumed by emotion and inspirational whimsy. The manner in which you select a school will, in itself, prepare you for your educational endeavor.

Massage Therapy school will require you to utilize your creative, nurturing heart, while demanding that your discerning and logical inner-scientist always be present. Your approach to these attributes within yourself can be a valuable gauge in choosing your institution. No one knows you better than you know yourself, and all the accreditation in the world is not going to make you comfortable in a prestigious and clinical school setting if your tendencies are to be a free-spirited and improvisational healer.

So...you're going to listen to that "little voice" inside your heart, fill up on brain juice, and plan your future, right? Easier said than done! Before you turn to the sage advice of your "elders," take some time to appraise yourself.

"What?" you say, "I know myself pretty darn well, thank you very much."

But do you really?

Do you know how you'd react to being required to learn an ancient Japanese energy therapy called Reiki? Will you be able to comply with state licensing conditions by participating in up to 12 hours of Continuing Education per year?

Would you find it difficult to refrain from pursuing a private practice while working in establishments that enforce non-compete agreements?

You won't need to answer these specific questions now, but you will need to know yourself well enough to know if you will be able to answer them when the time comes.

If you haven't already guessed, I am a huge fan of lists. Lists for grocery shopping, to-do lists, things I've already done, lists for things I'd like to accomplish tomorrow, this year, in the next decade...oh, the list goes on! Those of you who fear lists should probably either try it out, or develop a record-keeping technique that works best for you. All of your actions, decisions, needs ~ and even most of your thoughts! ~ will require your strict attention, and your stress levels will thank you for it in the end.

So, here is a list of some self-reflective inquiries for you ponder...

o Have you ever had a professional massage before?

o If yes, what did you remember about it?
- enjoy?
- dislike?
- have questions about?

o If no, go get one! *and then answer the above questions

o What interests you most about becoming a Massage Therapist, and why?

o What intimidates or concerns you about becoming a Massage Therapist?

o What method of learning is easiest for you?
- reading, lecturing, or hands-on ~ and in what order?

o What type of environment do you prefer to work in?
- with a large team?
- with a small group?
- as an individual?

o Why do you feel massage therapy is a beneficial service?

o What do you want to accomplish by becoming a Professional Massage Therapist?
- personally?
- professionally?

It may seem to some that these questions have little to nothing to do with choosing which school to attend, but they are likely more relevant than any other you may be asked to consider.

The answers to introspective questions like the ones above can equip you with the information you need to make other critical choices as they arise, give you the confidence of knowing yourself, and provide you with the ability to instinctively make future decisions that will optimize your success and fulfillment.

Many who do not answer these questions before pursuing education options struggle to find those answers as they try to focus simultaneously on their schoolwork, or they find themselves in difficult and frustrating circumstances as a result of misguided judgment.

Being uncomfortable answering such intimate questions about yourself is in no way unusual or concerning. A profession in the healthcare field is destined to conjure up unpleasant feelings at some point along the way, and your inclination and aptitude for processing those experiences are what will determine the course of your career.

However, being unwilling to answer or approach them should give you pause to reconsider your occupational direction and evaluation.

Maybe you need more time to consider your choices?
Maybe you should consider resolving some of your own personal challenges before committing to resolving others'?
Maybe you've never had to consider how well you know yourself, and the concept is a bit overwhelming?

Remember that life is not a contest, but if you try to cheat some of the answers you will only hinder your development, both personally and professionally. Take the time to get to know yourself, becoming a proficient interpreter of your inner language, in order to be able to answer any question of self-reflection.

Whatever your results are, take those answers to heart...and the rest of you will follow.

The Average Salary for Physical Therapist Professionals

The salary for physical therapist professionals can vary greatly depending on numerous factors. Therefore, those who choose to pursue such a career will likely have questions regarding the average salary that is associated with the position.

Physical Therapist Salary

The Average

As of 2010, licensed physical therapists, regardless of their level of experience, earned an average hourly wage of $37.78,according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics-USBLS. Therefore, the annual salary for such professionals is approximately $78,000 per year. As one would expect, the salary for physical therapist professionals in certain areas of the country may be a bit higher than the figure previously mentioned. One may also find that the average salary in his or her state is a bit lower than the national average.

Those employed in regions or at facilities where top salaries are offered will earn approximately $94,000 per year, while those at the lower end of the salary range can expect to earn about $60,000 annually. Those whose salaries fall within the average of this range will earn approximately $74,000 each year.

The Correlation Between Experience and Salary

Experience is a factor that has a direct influence on the salary of physical therapist professionals. As one's clinical experience increases, the professional can expect his or her salary to increase as well. This is because advanced positions typically require that one perform additional duties and complicated therapies. Therefore, those who are able to offer such services to a prospective employer will be rewarded financially.

According to the USBLS, physical therapists with ten years experience in their chosen profession earn approximately $15,000 more per year than those who have only three years experience.

Employment options

There is a wide selection of positions from which one can choose from when he or she has acquired the appropriate education and is ready to seek employment. The majority of physical therapists are employed by doctor's offices, rehabilitation facilities or hospitals. Following closely in second place are nursing homes. The professional may also choose to work in a private practice. However, the salary for physical therapist professionals who choose this option may be at the lower end of the spectrum until they have obtained a couple of years experience in the health care field.

Before a final decision is made regarding the kind of facility in which one chooses to work in, it is wise for those planning to work in this field to explore all their options. In addition, the salary for physical therapist entry-level positions will vary significantly, depending on the level of demand. For instance, facilities with several openings for which there is an urgent need to fill may offer a much higher starting salary than those who are well staffed. For this reason, it is wise to obtain specific salary information from each employer one is considering working for and compare them against each other before making a final decision. In this way, one can be sure that the most appropriate employer is selected, with whom a rewarding and lucrative career can be expected.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has many health benefits. It can help you support mental, emotional and physical well-being if you make it part of your regular wellness routine. It is generally considered part of alternative and complementary medicine. Whether you receive a Swedish massage, a deep-tissue massage, a sports massage or a trigger point massage, the health benefits are about the same.

Some of the benefits of getting a massage include:

-Massage Therapy improves circulation.

These services stimulates your tissues hence improving your blood flow. Improved blood circulation means that nutrients and oxygen will be delivered to your cells and waste material will be removed more effectively. This improved nourishment results to a better health. Improved blood circulation results to a well nourished skin hence improving its condition.

-Massage reduces stress.

A massage can free your mind from difficult emotions. It relaxes the tight muscles that are usually associated with tension headaches.

-Massage relieves pain

Massage is sometimes used in conjunction with hydrotherapy, physical therapy and medication in injury-related pain management. It is also used for pain management in patients suffering from arthritis, muscle spasms and sciatica. It is also known to reduce low-back pain and improves your back's range of motion. This pain relief effect occurs because massage releases the body's natural painkillers, the endorphins.

-Massage eases tension

Muscle tensions that may originate from either your regular job or workout program can be easily relieved by a massage.

-Massage therapy improves your immunity

A massage stimulates your lymph flow which is the body's natural defense system hence improving your immunity. It is also believed that it can increase your white blood cells count.

-Massage has a sedative or stimulating effect on the nervous system

A massage can either calm your nervous system promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation or stimulate your nervous system. The effect depends on the type of massage, the duration of the massage and the current state of your nervous system. A proper massage can therefore calm aggressive behavior.

-Massage improves muscle tone

Therapy mechanically stimulates inherent reflexes that are in your muscle fibers hence improving your muscle tone. This is especially useful to people who do not receive enough daily exercise because of sedentary lifestyle.

-Massage is rejuvenating

These services will leave you feeling revitalized, connected, energized and balanced. A massage stimulates your brain, rids your body of distractions and connects you with good emotional and physical feelings that gives you high energy.

-Massage increases flexibility

A massage increases the range of motion of your joints making you more flexible. It also stretches the connective tissues that support your musculature hence increasing your flexibility. Transverse massage strokes prevent your muscle fibers from adhering to each other ensuring that the full range of motion of your muscles is maintained.

-Massage relaxes inflamed muscles

If you are a sportsman and you happen to pull a muscle that had not been warmed up properly or you overexertion, a massage can ease the resulting soreness. It also reduces recovery time, helps you prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates any future pains.

Martial Arts and Massage Therapy

Chi Kung, which is also sometimes written Qigong, is an ancient Chinese practice for harmonizing the subtle energies through balancing the breath within the body. Chi means breath and/or energy, and Kung means ability or process of development. So Chi Kung can be loosely translated as "breath and/or energy development". And, though there are countless styles and variations of Chi Kung practices, the main categories are lying, sitting, standing or moving Chi Kung. The practices vary from very passive and internal meditative styles in a lying or sitting position, to very dynamic and active movement.

Martial Arts and Massage?

Tai Chi Chuan is one of the most well known styles of moving Chi Kung. The word "chuan" denotes a fighting art and Tai Chi Chuan is a martial style where the principles of Chi Kung have been applied to martial movements and the developing of fighting ability.

However, there is much Chi Kung that is not connected to martial arts. In Buddhist and Taoist circles Chi Kung was used to help attune the adept to the subtle energies, and thus support their spiritual development.

Chi Kung was also used by traditional Chinese doctors for healing and rehabilitation. And this is what Chi Kung is mostly known for today.

Some of China's most ancient medical texts refer to breath and movement exercises. And, in recent times, studies have been done in universities and hospitals, as well as by independent doctors, validating and exploring the healing qualities of various Chi Kung principles. These studies have documented the profound effects that Chi Kung can have on balancing, harmonizing, and energizing every system of the body: the circulatory system, endocrine system, immune system, and so on.

The Chi Kung that I study comes from a traditional martial arts context, with a strong emphasis on building bodily health and vitality as the foundation for further practice. The classes that I teach are based on a process of structural rebalancing. Using various exercises, from lying down to moving, students learn to soften the tissues and loosen the joints, freeing up the breath wave. Through an increasing proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness one becomes more conscious of what is going on in ones own body. This is a powerful neuromuscular reeducation. And when a person gets the "knack", it becomes an ongoing activity. Going through this process while standing and moving within the gravitational field makes it a very real experience that is directly applicable to everything one does.

Another aspect of the structural rebalancing is based on "softening the tissue". With a focus on relaxation and rhythmic movement, the student is able to release tensions and restrictions within the soft tissues. This helps to develop a fluid quality to ones movements, which literally "flushes" the tissue, having a profound effect on the immune system.

I feel that this is the basis for the healing qualities of Chi Kung. This flushing process can affect the entire body, all the organs and tissues, with a profound physiological effect. And, when the body is vitalized, the subtle energies become free flowing, allowing the whole body-mind being to experience a sense of freedom and harmony.

10 Tips For A Successful Physical Therapy Job Interview

So you've got an interview scheduled for a Physical Therapy job, or you're still searching but you're coming close? Congratulations! The chances are you won't be the only candidate, so you need something to set you apart. Just follow these 10 Tips For Nailing A Physical Therapy Job Interview and you'll have a great advantage over your competitors who won't be as prepared as you are.

1. Get your sales pitch ready.

Do you think you're not a "salesperson?" You are when you're on a job interview. Your job is to sell the interviewer into thinking that you are the best Physical Therapist that he or she could ever hire. So, in order to do that, plan on being able to talk for about 5 minutes about your background, education, experience and why you're the best candidate for the job. A five minute monologue is around 50 sentences. Prepare those 50 sentences in advance and practice, practice, practice.

2. Arrive 15 minutes early for the interview.

That way you'll have time to compose yourself, review your notes, and fill out any paperwork that may be required before your interview. Take advantage of the extra time to go to the restroom and check your appearance in the mirror. Don't forget to check your teeth for bits of leftover lunch. Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste and give your teeth a quick brushing to freshen your breath.

3. Listen carefully to each question that you are asked and then answer those questions thoroughly.

Watch out for stumbling words like "um's" and "ah's" and conversational slang that doesn't belong in a business conversation when you give your answers. Be sure that you sound confident when you reply. PT Managers look for people who know what they are talking about and have the confidence to answer questions thoroughly. Don't ramble and don't wander off track. Answer the question and then wait for the interviewer's response.

4. What the question "tell me a little bit about you?" really means.

The answer doesn't start with "I like long walks on the beach and quiet evenings at home." The interviewer is looking for personality traits and background information that establishes your qualifications for the position. Tell him or her about your work ethic, your love for the PT profession and your desire for ongoing education to stay current in the field.

5. What the question "tell me about your strengths and weaknesses?" really means.

This isn't the time to do a character assassination on yourself by telling the interviewer how hard it is for you to get up in the morning and that you and Chocolate Martinis are well acquainted. You probably will have no problem responding with 3-4 positive things about yourself, but how do you answer the weakness question? Mention a quality or two that is really a quasi-strength in disguise. For example, "I tend to spend more hours at work than most of my co-workers because I don't feel comfortable going home until I have wrapped up all my paperwork for the day."

6. What the question "what do you see yourself doing in 5 years?" really means.

This is a probing question designed to determine how long you might stick around. While honesty is usually the best policy, there's no law that says you have to work in the same place forever. If your goal is to attend college at night so you can switch careers and become a lawyer in 5 years, don't bring it up. State goals that are in line with your PT career and that show you are a good candidate for long-term employment. Something like "I'd like to be your Senior Therapist," is a good response.

7. Have specific examples of work successes ready.

You can expect to be asked questions about your current position. Interviewers love to find out how you faced a particular challenge and to get insight into your day-to-day work experiences. Be ready with some specific examples of your more challenging cases. Also, provide some examples of how you were able to get a particular task accomplished under unusual pressure, or a short deadline, if you have those types of examples. Don't make anything up though. It's also a good idea to provide examples of your teamwork skills and how well you communicate ideas with co-workers and supervisors.

8. Show Enthusiasm, Friendliness and PMA.

PMA means Positive Mental Attitude, and you want to bring plenty of it to the interview. You send subliminal signals to the interviewer with your body language, tone of voice and attitude. Make sure that all of those signals are positive by acting bright, energetic and cheerful. Pay attention to your body language. Sit up straight, don't tap your feet or drum your fingers. Make sincere eye contact with the interviewer. If it comes down to a tie between you and another candidate with equal experience and skills, your enthusiasm could swing the job your way.

9. Don't be shocked by a confrontational interview.

Some interviews use a measured confrontational approach to weed out candidates who do not react well to pressure or confrontation. Don't be drawn in. Maintain your professional demeanor and act as if your interviewer is doing nothing unusual. Remember, you're not always going to be treating clients who are happy to see you, and some that are in intense pain may not be the friendliest people you'll ever encounter. Your interviewer knows this, and he or she is just trying to find out how you will be treating the clients when those situations arise.

10. Make sure that you ask for the job twice.

Don't assume that the interviewer knows that you want the PT job just because you showed up for the interview. Ask for it at the end of the interview by saying something like "I enjoyed meeting with you today, and I would enjoy working here very much. Can we take this to the next step? It might sound a bit assertive, but at least you're letting the interviewer know that he or she has a hot prospect on their hands. If you don't get a PT job offer on the spot, follow up with a short Thank-You note and ask for the job again. Don't use e-mail. Handwrite a note on a generic Thank-You card and drop it into the mail. Trust me, hardly anyone does that anymore. You will stand out from the crowd.

Summary

There's a lot of competition in the Physical Therapy job market today. It's important that you handle yourself professionally and that you give the interviewer the ability to judge how you are going to perform once the clinic extends you a job offer.

It's expensive and disruptive to have a lot of staff turnover, so your interviewer is going to make sure that the right person is hired the first time. You're that person and it's up to you to let the interviewer know it. Follow these 10 tips and you'll look like the shining star that you really are!

Chocolate Massage and Chocolate Body Wraps

Chocolate has many positive health benefits, both when it is eaten and also for the skin.

When it is eaten it has large amounts of potassium zinc, magnesium and iron. Magnesium is known to be highly beneficial to muscles and is one vitamin that is regularly recommended by massage therapists to their clients. A deficiency in magnesium is thought to be one of the reasons why pre menstrual women crave chocolate.

Chocolate has also been shown to low cholesterol levels and the vitamin e and vitamin b are also thought to prevent memory loss.

The cacao bean and chocolate have also been noted to be mood enhancers, with the phenylethylamine in chocolate raising seratonin levels (those feel good chemicals in the brain.) Serotonin is known to reduce depression. These chemicals are also knows to reduce hunger and increase libido. It is also known to stimulate endorphins another feel good chemical.

Chocolate has also been discovered to have a relaxing effect on blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow because of the flavanoids. This type of antioxidant acts as a blood thinner and can also stimulate insulin production. Anti oxidants are also thought to reduce the incidence of free radicals in the blood stream, one of the main causes of ageing.

For the skin, it has long been thought that chocolate has beneficial qualities in nourishing the skin from the outside as well as from the inside. Some beauty therapists will use chocolate facials and chocolate body wraps in their treatments not only because of the luxurious nature of the smell and feel of chocolate but also because of these properties.

Chocolate massage is a rare style of massage, mostly found in Europe. Here the therapists warms chocolate and uses it during the massage, sometimes thinned with warmed massage oil. A chocolate massage is sometimes combined with a chocolate body wrap and chocolate facial for a complete package.

With a chocolate body wrap, the client is massage with a dark chocolate oil and then wrapped in foil or other material to allow the health properties of the chocolate to seep into the skin. Chocolate facials are also popular as they plump out the lines in the skin making it appear more youthful.

Chocolate massage and chocolate body wrap couple all the benefits of using chocolate on the skin with other health benefits of massage, such as relaxation, increased blood flow, stimulation of the lymphatic system and digestive system. Using both together increases the effectiveness of the massage, as well as being a luxurious experience.

5 Top Reasons to Become a Physical Therapist

Healthcare service is an industry that is now exploding with opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the field of physical therapy alone is about to grow 30% within the next few years. This development is attributed to the fact that there is a continuous growth in Medicare based population. Having said that, is physical therapy a really good career to pursue? Here are some of the best reasons you should choose to become a physical therapist.

Potential for a Huge Salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salary range for physiotherapists in the US is $55,050 to $70,099. It is important to know, though, that there are certain factors that may affect a physical therapist's ability to earn money, one of which is experience. On average, a therapist's salary increases by 10% almost every three to four years. So the longer your practice in this field is, the higher pay you can receive.

More and Better Job Opportunities Await Physical Therapists

According to statistics, there is a sure growth in the number of job openings for physiotherapists in the next few years. As the Baby Boomers get older, the need for better and more personalized healthcare services also increases. And with the increase in demand, employers are competing for the most qualified candidates. Employers are very likely to offer much higher salaries for PTs. The places that are expected to have really huge demand for PTs are hospitals, nursing homes, and orthopedic centers, particularly in the rural areas.

Favorable Work Environment

A physical therapist typically works for a total of 40 hours a week, which is usually in a common 8 to 5 setting. Nevertheless, a PT may choose to work on weekends and evenings, depending on the client's availability. Another advantage of becoming a PT is that you can work part time even as a free lancer. This means that you get to choose your work hours, location and clients.

Physical Therapy Is a Very Flexible Career

We are all looking for a job that may easily adjust with the changes in our lives. As a physiotherapist, you won't need to follow very rigid work schedules. And so, boredom is not a likely issue you have to deal with. Your deep knowledge in how the body moves and functions also gives you a chance to cross into other fields, such as biomechanics, ergonomics, strength training and athletic training. You can even establish your own business offering various physical conditioning services.

Priceless Career Satisfaction

No matter how much you can earn from your job or profession, one thing will really matter-your satisfaction with your job. Physical therapists are said to be among the most satisfied professionals, primarily because of the kind of services they offer. The fact that they deal with their patients directly and that they are a huge part of how patients get their lives back to normal are great reasons to feel that internal satisfaction among physiotherapists.

Massage Therapy in Stoney Creek Ontario

Stoney Creek may not be the biggest city or even known by many outside of southern Ontario. Yet with two schools and a number of practicing therapists, massage therapy in Stoney Creek Ontario is quickly gaining a strong reputation within the massage therapy community.

Stoney Creek is a community of the city of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is located within the Golden Horseshoe, which is attached to Lake Ontario. Stoney Creek is also considered a part of the Niagara Escarpment. The population of the community is approximately 60,000. Stoney Creek is considered by some to be a commuter town, as it is close to downtown Hamilton and within forty-five minutes to downtown Toronto.

The city itself has a number of massage therapists due to its influx of graduated students and the communities large number of commuters. The local phone book contains over fifty results for spas and massage businesses, along with a number of at home services.

Surprisingly for a town of its small size Stoney Creek has two different massage therapy schools. This is interesting since the province on Ontario and the CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario) have only certified approximately twenty-five schools throughout the entire province for massage therapy training. The two schools that offer the course consist of Mohawk College, which is a more tradition governmental aided college. The second is the Ontario College of Health and Technology, which is a private school. Think of the Devry commercials, that is the type of school that the Ontario College of Health and Technology is.

Both of the these schools will take you to the same place however, which is a three part test that is held at different times of the year in the capital of Ontario, which is Toronto. Students need to complete a CMTO outlined course, which is what both of these schools teach.

Traveling Physical Therapist Nurse Jobs

The eventual goal of physical therapy is to promote the overall fitness and health of disabled individuals. Traveling physical therapist nurse jobs involve treating disabling conditions such as head injuries, fractures, arthritis, low-back pain, and cerebral palsy. Professionals in this field work with physical therapists in improving the patient's mobility, relieving pain and preventing or limiting permanent physical disabilities and birth defects.

To apply for a job as a physical therapist nurse, candidates need to pass a physical therapist nursing program after completing their school or equivalent graduation program. The program should be a recognized course by the American physical therapy association. The applicants also need to have a license for practicing as a nurse. Traveling physical therapist nurse jobs carry good emoluments and ensure an exciting, dynamic lifestyle. As a traveling physical therapist nurse, you can travel to new places and get the opportunity to work in different locations throughout the country. Traveling physical therapist nurse jobs allow you to go on a working vacation in the winter to hot sunny places.

Traveling physical therapist nursing professionals are always in demand. One can choose assignments in smaller healthcare facilities or major hospitals in rural towns, big cities and mountain resorts. You can work in a wide range of healthcare centers such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long term care centers, nursing homes, sports complexes, research centers, employee health centers, community health centers, and many other public and private healthcare facilities. Salary packages may vary depending upon the place of employment, education and years of experience.

To apply for a traveling physical therapist nurse job, it is best to approach a recruiting agency, which can find you suitable positions. Since there are many experienced staffing professionals working in these recruitment/staffing firms, candidates are given proper guidance regarding their job description and the nature of work. They are also given assistance for preparing good looking resumes as well as tips to tackle interview sessions successfully.

With the increasing requirements for traveling physical therapist nurses in the healthcare industry, getting a job through these recruitment firms is now easy. As most recruitment firms are offering their candidates jobs that are flexible and suitable to their professional qualification and expertise, candidates are able to carry out their assignments with full satisfaction.

Individuals seeking traveling physical therapist nurse jobs should have strong communication skills and interpersonal skills. They must also be willing to take up the various challenges that are part of the profession.

Massage Therapy Provides Stress-Relieving Health Benefits

Everyone knows that getting a massage can feel great, but did you know that it's also a smart choice for your short- and long-term health? That's because therapeutic massage has been shown to decrease stress levels. And the lower your stress, the healthier you'll be both today and tomorrow.

That massage therapy is relaxing pretty much goes without saying. Unless you're seeking treatment for a sports injury or needing deep-tissue massage to address a particular issue, most people approach massage treatment specifically for the purpose of relaxation. Tight muscles will be loosened up, and you'll have the hour or so of massage treatment to just enjoy having your muscles worked, rather than obsessing over your to-do list or worrying about work projects. In short, having a full-body massage can provide relaxation from head to toe.

However, massages offer more than just general relaxation. They're also a powerful tool in your fight against stress and its negative health effects. Recent studies have shown that stress levels as a whole are rising across all of American society, up some 18% for women since 1983 (as reported on Time.com June 14, 2012). And because stress can make you feel anxious, unhappy, and all-around unwell, it's important to deal with stress before it snowballs.

Mayoclinic.com catalogs a veritable laundry list of symptoms caused by stress, including: headaches, fatigue, stomach upset, sleeping difficulties, and more. These are all immediate ill-effects that you may be experiencing right now. Additionally, Mayoclinic.com also lists stress as a contributor to major health concerns from high blood pressure and heart disease to obesity and diabetes. These are all chronic conditions that can negatively impact your life as they develop, but these can also be largely staved off by addressing major risk factors--like stress.

These facts about stress and your body's health show that massage therapy is not just a convenient way to relax, but also a powerful tool for being happier and healthier today and down the line. Full-body massages have been shown to increase serotonin production and decrease cortisol production, resulting in less stress. And less stress means reduced risk factors for chronic conditions like heart disease and overall better health in the short term, too.

So if you're having trouble justifying the splurge of a massage, it's time to rethink your attitude. Swedish massage isn't a luxurious indulgence; it's a wise investment in your health. Reduce your stress levels today by booking a session with your massage therapist ASAP.

Massage Therapy for Dementia

Massage Therapy can be used to help with the discomfort and symptoms of dementia. Dementia is a term meaning loss of memory and loss of cognitive function, as well as affective and behavioral disturbances. Irritability, hostility and agitation may occur in response to loss of control and memory. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects language, attention, memory, emotions and problem-solving capabilities. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.

Massage can assist in soothing and comforting a patient under distress. Current research is showing that touch and massage have a positive influence on people with dementia. Simple hand massage can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of agitated behaviors. Light, soothing massage or other non-invasive methods such as Reiki, Aromatherapy, Polarity Therapy and Therapeutic Touch can calm agitated behaviors.

Withdrawal and isolation is also common in people with dementia because of the patients inability to communicate and get along in social settings. As the distress is soothed with massage, people have more of a chance in being social.

Other problems associated with dementia are insomnia, depression, anxiety and grief may also be helped with short intervals of massage to help bring a sense of peace to the patient.

Since each person is different and will have different responses, it is important to start with short sessions of light touch a few times a week and progress as suggested by the physician and massage therapist.

Caregivers can also benefit from getting regular massage to help them deal with the long hours of rigorous care that is needed. Often lack of sleep adds to the physical demands of lifting and helping a family member with dementia. Taking care of the caregiver first can help the patient more in the long run - like the directions on the airplane to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.

(Check with the patients physician before starting with a regimen of massage!)

How to Choose a Massage Therapist

Finding the right massage therapist can be a daunting endeavor, especially if you're new to massage. However, it doesn't have to be intimidating. There are two important aspects to evaluate--qualifications and comfort level. When you keep these elements in mind, you'll soon be on your way to blissful relaxation through the power of massage.

Qualifications

There's a lot more to being a massage therapist than just knowing how to give a nice back rub. To make sure you have an enjoyable, safe experience, you should only receive massage therapy from certified, licensed professionals. This ensures that the massage therapist who is handling your treatment knows how to safely manipulate your muscles without harming you as well as making certain that the facility is clean and run in accordance with state regulations.

There are a variety of different massage techniques, so make certain that the professional you choose is qualified to provide the type of massage you're looking for. Most relaxation and de-stressing treatments fall under the category of Swedish massage, which involves a combination of kneading, tapping, stroking, and otherwise manipulating your muscles to relieve tension. However, there are other types of massage that can be used to treat aches and pains, athletic injuries and more. If you're interested in specialized sports massage, pregnancy massage, or deep-tissue massage, make sure you ask about relevant certifications before you decide on a massage therapist.

Comfort

While certifications and licensing are vital to finding a good masseuse, they aren't everything. Just because a massage therapist is qualified to provide you with the deep-tissue massage you need, doesn't mean that they're necessarily the right person for the job. To fully enjoy your massage experience, you also need to find a massage therapist that you're personally and physically comfortable with. Obviously, you're not going to be able to relax and enjoy the treatment if you're uncomfortable with the individual who is providing it, so shop around! If you're a woman who prefers a female massage therapist for your personal comfort, don't be afraid to speak up. Your comfort is of the utmost importance so be certain to evaluate the more subjective realm of personal comfort as well as qualifications before you select your massage professional.

The best way to find a great massage therapy center in your area is to ask your friends. Most will be more than willing to make a recommendation about a positive massage experience they've had in the past. If you're looking for sports massage or deep-tissue massage to help an injury heal, inquire at your doctor's office. They may frequently work with a particular massage therapist or center. If you're unable to get a recommendation, don't sweat it: the Internet can provide numerous listings for reputable massage therapists in your area.

Physical Therapy Pictures

For a physical therapy website and newsletter to be successful and visited often, they must include pictures. Aside from making the website and newsletter more interesting, pictures can help illustrate what you are all about and add credibility to your practice/business. Pictures help attract visitors to your site, which is a great way to funnel potential patients into your clinic.

The following are three sources you can check out and possibly use in your sites. These three sources lets you browse through a great variety of pictures in different genres, including pictures of physical therapy clinics, patients using different machines, and patients doing various exercises.

The first service you can check out is iStockphoto. This company is one of the pioneers in the member-generated image and design community. It is also the world leader in its category and offers its images royalty-free. There are over 4 million pictures, video footage, vector illustrations, audio tracks and Flash files that you can browse from.

The second service you can check out is Fotosearch. This company is a provider of royalty-free and rights-managed stock photography, maps, illustrations, video, and audio, which are collected from various stock agencies all over to offer a wide variety of media in just one site.

The media on offer in Fotosearch can be licensed and downloaded easily for your company's use in promoting your business via ads, promotional materials and websites. The license you purchase to use a video and audio clip or an image is based on the license agreement of the publisher of that particular content. This license agreement will then be presented to you before your purchase confirmation.

Finally, you can also try Fotolia, which is the first worldwide social marketplace for royalty-free stock images. This means, they allow people to legally purchase and share stock images and illustrations. Fotolia has the largest image bank out there that offers free and affordable, royalty-free photos and images that are applicable for any medium, web or print.

There are numerous designers and photographers, who constantly update Fotolia with literally thousands of new illustrations and photos everyday. These designers and photographers do receive some commission from each photo sold, as well as, some revenue from their advertising on the free section of this site.

This assures you of high quality images at all times that you can, in turn, apply to your physical therapy business to help promote your practice. Image banks, therefore, are a wise use of your practice's advertising dollars. Remember that a picture does, indeed, paint a thousand words.

Choosing the Best Physical Therapy Schools

Physical therapy is growing rapidly these days and many people are joining this career. It deals with helping patients who want to recover from physical body damage. If you want to help these patients, you need to enroll into the best physical therapy schools in your state or online. To succeed in your endeavors you need to start by choosing the best schools and also decide to study for a masters or doctorate degree. This is because physical treatment is not an easy career to pursue, but it can also be fulfilling and interesting. There are several things that you should think about before you contemplate which physical therapy schools that will mold you for a better chance to succeed in the industry.

First and foremost, to get to the best therapy institution you need to research painstakingly. Through thorough research, you will be able to know the specialization that you should pursue as a physical therapist. This search will also help you know what the state requires and what the market has for you. It will also guide you to a list of the available schools that you should join and the requirements of each and the schools training background and much more. You can get this information from websites or get referrals from family members, friends or students who have been to these schools.

Secondly, you need to decide on whether to join accredited or unaccredited schools. It is advisable for one to study in accredited schools. This is because a diploma or degree from unaccredited institutions will not open great employment opportunities. Location of the institution is also imperative. You need to join an institution that is close to you as you will have enough time and energy to reach the schools and also have time to study but not spend it commuting. Alternatively, you can enroll to online schools and start studying physical treatment from the comfort of home, office or when traveling.

Additionally, you should also know the available physical therapy courses that are available for you. You should make sure that you specialize in a course that will make it easier for you to get employment. Some of the physical therapy programs to join are orthopedic, pediatric, geriatric therapy and more. Lastly, you should not fail to look at the cost of studying. You should thus join physical therapy schools that offer their courses at affordable prices although they vary from one school to another.

Immune System Response and Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy

The techniques of therapeutic massage and bodywork as we know them today have been practiced for over 120 years and widely accepted as the most effective alternative medical treatment in the last several decades. This is because the treatment of stress requires the trained hands of a Registered Massage Therapist to attack the root of the problem, namely the muscles and connective tissue that store the stress when signals from nervous system tighten the body and hamper the natural flow of life energy (known as "Chi" in Asian medicine and martial arts). Like most medical treatments the Chinese were doing it in 3000 BC but the Western world developed massage techniques in Sweden in 1813 where massage movements were studied and systematized into what we now call "Swedish massage". Massage therapy is defined as the application of physical touch to affect the systems of the body and the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body with the hands for therapeutic, relaxation, and pleasurable effects.

Stress is a killer and weakens the immune system; it also can lead to depression, impotence, drug dependence, alcoholism, and violence. When tension mounts and is stored in the body tissue a chronic problem develops and nothing seems to go right in the person's life. The fast pace of modern living requires accelerated activity and a higher-than-normal load of problem-solving to be carried out and deadlines to meet. We are faced each day with frustrations in traffic, on transit lines, at the office, and with family members at home. Fortunately those of us who are health conscious can get relaxation massage treatments on a regular basis so that life can be easier to deal with and overall health can be improved.

Massage therapy has helped those with arthritis, eating disorders, depression, and back pain. The RMT will target tissues like muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, and other connective tissue underneath the top layer of muscles. The elderly are finding that regular massage treatments allows them more freedom of movement and some relief from the constant pain of arthritis that is so hard to escape. Treatments can alleviate some of the side effects of cancer and post-operative pain. Massage can reduce anxiety; it can lower the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome and treat migraines.

Posture becomes worse as a person gets older and massage therapists work to take away the lower back pain that can cause a person to over-compensate and put the spine out of alignment even further in an attempt to avoid painful positions. Injury rehabilitation is another area where bodywork can speed healing. The Olympic Games has used massage since 1996 as an official core therapy for the athletes competing. It has been shown that those competing after a massage are able to run faster, jump higher, and show increased performance. In fact every system of the body is improved with treatment.

The future of alternative medical treatment through massage therapy will see an even greater increase in popularity as patients become more disillusioned with dependence on pharmaceuticals and surgical operations for certain conditions. There is the appeal of having someone else do the work; most people don't have the time or determination to take up Tai Chi or other exercises to ease some of the body's problems as it grows older.

The Difference Between a Physiotherapist and a Doctor

With the development of new medical techniques and the continuous influx of research, the quality of health services has indeed improved drastically. Working in public and private health fields, doctors and physiotherapists employ the latest in medical science. However, some people still confuse the roles that a physician and a physiotherapy doctor has in providing health care to patients.

The biggest difference between these two health care providers lies in their education and training. It is significant that this difference is noted so that you will know which health professional is best qualified to handle your condition.

Who is a Physiotherapist?

Essentially, a physiotherapist is someone who practices the principles of physical therapy. Alternatively, Physiotherapy is a health field which focuses on patients who have functional deficiencies, impairments, or other conditions that restrict normal functions and prevent the achievement of the patient's full physical potentials.

A physiotherapist is a primary health care provider who helps a patient cope with his or her condition by devising, applying, and modifying therapeutic interventions in order to alleviate the existing condition. Most of these interventions employ physical means of treatment, such as manual therapy, prescription exercise and various modalities.

Physiotherapy students complete a 4 year undergraduate study program, and then a 3 or 4 year honours degree in physical therapy. Education involved includes both a solid background in theory as well as spending a good number of hours in clinical experience working with patients as part of the degree program. A few of the subject matters covered by the course are anatomy, physiology, pathology, and even some psychology. Practicum also introduces the physiotherapy student to other medical students from other disciplines. This interaction is crucial in helping foster inter-professional team building relationships in health care.

Who is a Physician?

There are two types of physicians, the Medical Doctor, or M.D., and the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or D. O. Both physicians almost have the same education and training background except for the fact that Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine have more weight on diagnosing musculo-skeletal conditions for the patient.

Given the fact that dealing with the health and welfare of the public is no easy matter, physicians undergo a long formal education as well as take part in rigorous hands-on training. A person who wants to be a doctor will spend several years in school and in the hospital. He or she will pursue a four year undergraduate study; go on to pursue four more years of medical school, and another three to five years of residency. There are others who want to specialize will have to sign up for a fellowship which takes one to three years to complete.

What's the Difference Between the Two?

You may have heard about physiotherapy once or twice, and seeing the overlapping roles these health care providers sometimes exhibit, it is quite easy to confuse them with doctors. Aside from the level of education and training, there is another aspect of health care that differentiate a physician from a physiotherapist.

A medical doctor is legally qualified to issue medical prescriptions while a physiotherapist lacks this eligibility. Different from the main function of a physician which is to prescribe medications, a physiotherapist is more inclined into providing a targeted treatment program to restore the patient's functional capacity.

How Does a Physiotherapist and a Physician Work Together?

In some cases, a physician's referral is needed to be able to utilize the services of a physiotherapist but this is mostly in instances wherein insurance coverage is needed. Physicians are also known to refer patients to physiotherapists when the health condition merits the need for physical therapy treatment.

However, you can directly contact a local physiotherapist should a need arise. You can simply walk in to a physio clinic and talk with a physiotherapy doctor about your health problems. This direct practice is supported by physiotherapist throughout Canada since it can benefit the patient by doing away with referrals which are otherwise unnecessary. It also saves a lot of time and boost the outcome of the treatment.

If you are seeking medical help, it is easy to be confused with the term physiotherapy & doctors. You have to be aware of the difference between a physiotherapist and a physician when it comes to MSK injuries, since they provide slightly different approaches.

Acute and chronic health problems are better communicated with a physician whereas pain and mobility issues can be addressed.

Chinese Medicine Training Today

Find Chinese medicine training in the United States and Canada. Today, Chinese medicine training is readily available in America. Students drawn to the healing arts will find that several acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools offer a variety of Chinese medicine training programs.

While a number of these academic courses include practical Chinese medicine training in Qi gong, Tai Chi and Tuina, there are a great many alternative medicine and conventional medicine schools that have been or have begun offering extensive Chinese medicine training in acupuncture and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).

As both a complementary and alternative healing treatment, Chinese medicine training is critical to potential healers seeking to become certified and/or licensed practitioners of the art. In modern academic institutions, Chinese medicine training curriculums encompass a wide array of health classes, including but not limited to studies in shiatsu, acupressure, acupuncture, Chinese medicine philosophies and theories, herbal medicine, moxibustion (cupping), Asian bodywork therapies, meridian therapy and other related instruction.

In addition to standard curriculum, students participating in one of a number of Chinese medicine training programs will find that some of the more advanced subjects of study (i.e.., Master's and/or Doctorate programs) will include lessons in Chinese medical terminology (often in Mandarin), pathology, physiology, anatomy, chemistry and pharmacology.

Students, who desire to enroll in degreed courses (such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine degrees) will discover that many Chinese medicine colleges and schools often require standard prerequisites prior to enrollment. Requirements may include formal education and training at a conventional college, university or technical school. It is always wise to carefully examine all academic requirements prior to applying for any number of Chinese medicine training programs; as schools may vary in this aspect, as well as tuition, program lengths, accreditation, etc.

Other Chinese medicine training programs commonly include certificate programs in Chinese herbal medicine, Tai Chi, Tuina and acupressure - to name a few. Students choosing Chinese medicine training in a variety of massage therapies may qualify to sit for the national certification exam to become certified massage therapists (again, this depends on course curriculum and whether school meets state and/or national educational requirements).

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate Chinese medicine training to help attain your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

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Physical Therapy Education

Most people talk about keeping fit and undergoing therapy of different types but no one talks about giving therapy education. If the thought has ever crossed your mind, let's look at some of the things that can help you make up your mind fully about it. We will look at what it really means to be a physical therapist.

Physical therapy varies the world over, in great proportions too especially in the conditions treated and the level of independence in practice. You just have to see the variation across the world from the name only. Some refer to it as physical therapy, other like physiotherapy. These are the people who deal in areas such as wound care, geriatrics, respiratory, orthopedics, home care, neurology, pediatrics, sports and more.

People undertaking physical therapy educations are educated in comprehending the interaction of your body parts. The hands on approach that they are taken through start with examining, diagnosis and treatment of the current problem. You are then taught how to take care of yourself through exercises and using your body appropriately to acquire strength and motion while you avoid injury.

Modern physical therapists offer aid to everyone from infants to elderly on every part of the body. They are also advising on the appropriate posture and motion of the body in our work places, treating injuries, consulting on fitness and administering physical therapy even in the homes. There are no limitations. Once you complete your education, you can practice anywhere, anyhow.

A career in therapy can be very rewarding. According to trusted sources on salary reviews the average salary to be expected by a typical physiotherapist in the United States is $75,000. It is now common to find therapists able to command salaries in six figures especially by individuals who are involved in other activities bar the patient treatment. These activities could be teaching or owning a clinic.

There are too may good schools offering physical therapy degrees but the most important thing is to ascertain that the school you are considering to join is accredited in your region. Entrance into a physical therapy program is very competitive and in some instances demands a mark higher than one required to join a medical school though every application process is different in different regions.

Job description includes helping rehabilitate patients such as the accidents victims and people with disabling ailments such as low back pain and heart disease, fractures, head injury and cerebral palsy.

6 Reasons a Massage Therapist Career Could Be for You

Imagine making money from doing something you love. Imagine never having to work in a low paid boring job again. With a change in career, that could just be what the doctor ordered.

If you love massage and love helping people, possible a career in massage is something you should consider. Starting a massage therapist career is something that you should look into for a number of different reasons. The reasons for starting this career can range from simply wanting to do something new to wanting to do something that will help people. Of course you will need to be aware that training is essential in order for people to trust you.

1. A change of scenery

One of the many driving reasons for people to start a new career is a change in their life. There are a lot of people who are not happy with their current job. Going into massage therapy is something that you should consider if you are one of these people. Of course before you can start your new career you will need to go for massage courses to learn what to do.

2. The human aspect

Do you ever feel that your job is just about the bottom line? The corporate world is really all about making money with little regard for the human aspect. Massage therapy is all about the human aspect as you are help alleviate pain and relax people.

3. Setting your own schedule

When you work as a massage therapist it is possible to set your own working hours. If you want to work overtime you can and if you don't then no-one can tell you that you have to. The number of clients you see each day is entirely up to you. Additionally, if you want to have a longer lunch hour all you have to do is say that you are not seeing clients at that time.

4. How much you can make

Another reason for why people will go into massage therapy is that they find the money is quite good. If you are well trained then you can make more than you would in a normal job. The amount of money you make will depend wholly on how many hours you are willing to work. Of course you can also decide what you charge people but you should look at keeping your rate competitive.

5. Own your life

One reason that many people start a massage therapist career is to have more control over their life. It is possible to start your own business when you enter this career. Of course you will need to keep in mind that you will have to work hard to get your business off the ground. Once you do you will be able to dictate all aspects of your life from when you work and how much you can make.

6. You are helping people

When you go into massage therapy you will need to do a course to train. Physical therapy training will include massage therapy in their curriculum. By doing physical therapy courses you will be allowed to help alleviate pain from people who are suffering. Many people find that they like the fact that they can help people who are in pain.

There are many reasons for why people decide to start a massage therapist career. These reasons will range from wanting to deal more with people to helping people cope with pain to simply wanting more control over your own life. No matter what the reason is you will need to do a course in massage therapy before you can take on clients.

What's The Difference Between Swedish Massage And Deep Tissue Massage?

A massage is not just a luxury! Whither you choose a Swedish massage or a deep tissue massage, you will discover many health benefits.

A Swedish massage can be defined by the type of strokes the massage therapist uses. With the aid of oils and lotions, a long sliding stroke is made over the body. By adjusting the pressures between light and firm sliding stroke, the massage therapist can create very different sensations. Another stroke type is a slow and rhythmical kneading movement. It will also coordinate the massaging strokes with gentle stretching and bending of the joints.

Among the many benefits of it is improved blood circulation. This means your body is better able to transfer nutrients and oxygen to all areas in your body. In addition, drains toxins from your body. This is particularly beneficial for the lymphatic system because it is better fulfill its function of destroying pathogens, removing waste and delivering nutrients throughout your body.

The risks associated with it are low making it appropriate for most everyone. If you have any cardiovascular problems however, be sure to talk to your massage therapist and medical doctor about any risks associated with. Otherwise, it is gentle enough for everyone including prenatal massage as well as geriatric massage.

On the other hand, a deep tissue massage presses into the deepest layers of the muscles. The massage therapist will apply greater pressure in a deep tissue massage in order to achieve beneficial change to the muscle fibers and organs. Unlike the Swedish massage, no special oils are used which enable the massage therapist to better take hold of and elongate the muscles.

As it goes deeper into the muscles, your flexibility will increase. Routine stretching between massages will further increase this benefit. It can also help repair muscle damage caused by poor posture, repetitive movements or sports injury.

There are a few disadvantages of a deep tissue massage. Because the massage therapist is applying more pressure, bruising is a possibility. The increased pressure may also be uncomfortable for some individuals. While a Swedish massage can help control blood sugar levels, a deep tissue massage can possibly lower blood sugar level. For this reason, diabetic patients are urged to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels.

A deep tissue massage is a great choice for athletes who engage in lengthy workouts. If you job requires strenuous or repeated movements, a deep tissue massage will offer you several benefits as well. Even if your job has you in a chair all day, it also can help alleviate bad posture pain. In fact, anyone with chronic pain or injury can find relief.

It is good to consider the differences when deciding which massage is best for you. A Swedish massage will offer a general relaxing while the deep tissue massage will give the muscles a workout to relieve pain or injury. While there may be a price difference between to two styles, the one you choose should the massage which will offer the best benefits for your body and your health.

Benefits of Russian Massage

Russian massage is a therapeutic massage which focuses on using the basic elements such as effleurage, petrissage, friction and vibration to treat various problems of the body. Most of these are injuries that affect the mobility, flexibility, growth, and health of any specific parts of the body.

In Russia, massage therapy was not used as a common medical care among the people not until the Second World War. Since then, the importance of this alternative treatment in healing, repairing and conditioning the body was regarded as helpful especially to doctors and medical practitioners. Russian doctors usually write prescription of Russian massage therapy to their patients to help the healing process and recovery rate to speed up.

Although massage therapy became associated with the treatment of doctors in Russia, the type of therapy never made mark in the other countries in terms of popularity. However, the therapy is somehow compared with Swedish massage due to the manipulation of the basic strokes and techniques used in the therapy. Both uses the four abovementioned hand strokes used in massage sessions. They also share the same pressure used which is gentle and slow to promote a relaxing experience for the client during the therapy.

In a Russian massage therapy, you can expect a calming sensation from the slow movement of the hands and their light pressure while you comfortably rest on a massage table. The slow movement of the hands stimulates the muscles which in return aids in the relaxing of any stiff muscle. However, the therapy involves firm touch from the therapist which is as an aggressive form of therapy.

After the gentle massage techniques, the body is opened up, conditioned and ready for the deep therapy on the muscles. The therapist then begins to manually manipulate the muscles and work on the repairing damaged tissues that were injured. Slight pain can be experienced by the patient for a short period of time due to the treatment of injuries in their specific spot. However, there's no need to worry as the pain will soon settle down.

Russian massage was developed mainly for treating and correcting injuries. That is why most of the patients are athletes or at least active individuals who are always on the go. Most of them take the therapy as a healing therapy, while others are enrolling in Russian massage therapy sessions as preventive measures against injuries. Although some sessions last only for 15 minutes, the result is still the same as with the other types of massage therapies.

The therapy is very good in treating specific areas of the body that have conditions such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders, gynecological problems, gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal issues and many more. Regular session of this massage therapy provides significant improvements in the recovery and healing of a patient. Like all other types of treatment, it would be best if the patient stick to the prescribed therapy program for his or her benefits. Unlike other types of therapeutic massage, a consultation with the doctor or physician is not needed as the doctors themselves are recommending every patient to undergo in this type of treatment, especially in Russia.

Using Massage Therapy Equipment While Pregnant - Are There Restrictions?

Pregnancy is both a joyous time and a time of misery. There is a lot of back pain and pains that a woman never thought she could ever have. Many times, something as simple as a massage can make a huge difference, but not every woman can utilize the services of a massage therapist. Sometimes this has something to do with cost because there is a baby on the way and money is a little tight. However, this may entice her to buy massage therapy equipment in order to feel better. As for this being a good idea, it is certainly something that is not recommended.

Amongst those massage therapy devices that should not be used is anything with an implanted electrode. These can offer a bit of a shock and can be potentially harmful to the baby. Magnets should not be used either. Also, anything that requires the back to arch is something that a pregnant woman should not do. With all of this said, it may seem like she can't do anything because it is also suggested that she stay away from anything with heavy vibrations. Basically, keep anything electronic away from the vicinity of the baby because it is sometimes hard to tell what is harmful and what is not, but it is important to keep anything magnetic away and anything that produces any sort of electronic shock like an electronic muscle stimulator.

Now a small handheld massager that can be used around the neck and in the upper back area but it should not be used in the lower back or in the stomach area. All of these devices should be kept away from the baby. Other devices that are safe are foot massagers that use heat and vibration. Pregnancy can be tough on an expectant mothers feet, so these can be really great, but these devices are pretty much all mommy can use. Even those wrap around neck pillows that massage are not out of the question.

There is, however, a piece of massage equipment that a pregnant woman should buy and that is a prenatal massage table. These tables are specifically designed for expectant mothers. What it does is relieve aches in the back and improves circulation by reducing stress. Mothers to be find it difficult to lie down flat due to tenderness of the breasts and a growing belly, so the prenatal massage table has what resemble cutouts that can be taken out of the table for her belly and her breasts to go through. By simply placing the plugs back into the table, the table becomes perfectly flat so she can lay on her side or on her back if she has to.

With such a table, prenatal massage techniques can be used to make the expectant mother feel better. There are such techniques as the labor massage in which the mother to be lies on her side and is in a reclined position. This is when a pregnancy pillow can really come in handy. There are also post-pregnancy massages in which this special technique can rebalance the mother's body, which can also improve the elasticity of the skin.

So if the expectant mother gets the urge to buy massage therapy equipment, the prenatal massage table is going to be her best bet and then she can also buy small massagers for areas of her body that will not administer any electric shock, contain magnets, or cause any trauma to the baby. It is true that a mother to be will do all that she can to make herself feel better, but she also knows there are restrictions and obeys those restrictions.

Types of Knee Pain and What You Should Do

In today's article we're going to discuss types of knee pain.

So, what if you have knee pain?

The first thing that you need to pay attention to is to get an accurate diagnosis of your knee pain. You can get that by visiting a physical therapist or a specialist doctor or your general physician.

A specialist or physical therapist can make a diagnosis with manual testing. In other words, the specific health care practitioner can do some specific movements on your knee to assess the ligaments, to assess the joint integrity, and make a determination on the possible cause of your knee pain.

Most common, you will have an X-ray, and if a follow-up study is needed, you might go for an MRI to diagnose if you have a tear to your ligaments or cartilage. If you have severe arthritis, that will show up on an X-ray as well.

After an accurate diagnosis is made, it is important that the correct plan of treatment is prescribed for you.

Now, there are different types of knee pain. And depending on the type of knee pain that you have, based on the diagnosis, the correct plan of treatment will be made.

So, if you have patellar tendonitis for example, this might simply be cured by working to restore your muscle imbalance, working with a physical therapist on strengthening the muscles surrounding your joint and restoring flexibility. You might even need to have some taping to your patella to improve the tracking of your patella and engage the correct muscles to restore proper tracking.

A second type of cause for knee pain would be a tear of some sort.

Now, if you've got a tear in a meniscus or cruciate ligament, mostly you're going to have to have some sort of invasive procedure. Whether it be an arthroscopic procedure, or a more severe where a cruciate or a posterior cruciate ligament might be damaged. The surgeon might need to attach that and anchor it to the bone.

A third type of knee pain is attributed to muscle imbalances like patella tracking issues.

This plus other inflammatory conditions of the knee like tendonitis of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments are very common and a common cause of knee pain. By restoring your muscle imbalance this can be corrected.

For me, one of the main root causes of joint damage as well as joint pain is muscle imbalance.

At http://www.PhysicalTherapyTV.com we have a special report that show you how to deal with muscle imbalance and avoid common knee injuries.

In conclusion, it is important that you get an accurate diagnosis first before attempting and procedure or exercise since it could lead to more damage to your knee.

Physical Therapy and Massage For Horses

Horses are companion animals, workers and athletes. As such, they suffer from many of the same soft tissue damage afflicting humans. When disaster strikes, people call the Veterinarian. In some instances, in addition to conventional treatment, a vet may recommend therapeutic massage.

Veterinary Massage is a form of physical therapy and massage. In application to horse, it may be called Equine Massage. It is a relatively new field of massage therapy. There are now various types and schools. You can visit such sites on Equitouch, Tellington Touch, Equinergy, In Hand Equine Massage and Total Equine Massage.

There are now schools that only teach Equine Massage. There is also the Equine Sports Massage Association.

There are various approaches to Equine Massage Therapy. Many base themselves on various techniques derived from Classic or Swedish Massage Therapy. Some combine the 5-basic techniques of Swedish Massage Therapy with other New Age or modern innovations. As a result, Equine Massage Therapy is a hybrid.

The most basic type of Equine Massage Therapy is Equine Sports Massage. Sports Massage is a variation and expansion of Swedish Massage. It include the 5 techniques of Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Frictions and Vibration. The addition to Sports Massage is Stretching and Range of Motion, and 2 unique techniques. These are Rhythmic Compressions and Active Assistive Release.

Equine Sports Massage is for racehorses and other high performance equine. It is non-invasive. It uses massage as a technique and a tool to help with the overall performance and maintenance of the animal. The techniques include specific categories. You have pre-race and post-race massage. A massage practitioner also employs Equine Massage for treatment, training and maintenance practices. This is the same for Sports Massage for human athletes.

As with Human Sports Massage, Equine Sports Massage utilizes specific techniques for the different settings and times of massage. A practitioner massages the horse on a regular basis to maintain the health of the animal. At the same time, therapeutic massage acts as a diagnostic or warning system. It detects various changes in the muscles, tendons and skeletal structure. A massage can note possible problems and take preventative measures. It is the reason why many trainers arrange for a horse massage before and after a training exercise.

Massage can also act as a measure to enhance performance before the race. A massage prior to a racing event can help stimulate the horse to maximize its physical and mental performance. A massage following the event detects any possible problems, relieves tension and prevents muscle fatigue.

Treatment Massage is a way to help speed up the healing process. Combining massage with medical treatment helps to decease recovery time from injury. It relaxes the horse, eases spasm, reduces pain and increases the flow of blood and lymph circulation.

There are other forms of Equine Massage besides Equine Sport Massage. Some are holistic; others are not. Some achieve the same effects as Equine Sports Massage but focus on achieving a bonding between rider and horse. On one hand, the purpose is to help heal, relax and improve the overall well being of the animal. On the other hand, it is to increase or improve the rapport between a horse and its rider, a horse and its companion.

Some practitioners use other forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) with or on a horse. These include a form of non-touching massage. Reiki healing is a type of massage some therapists employ to help balance the energy flowing through a person's channels. If the channels or meridians become blocked, the energy decreases. A person becomes unbalanced. This results in illness and disease. Reiki realigns and balances the energy to begin the healing process. It does so without physically touching the body.

Some people do perform Reiki on animals. Practitioners on horses need to consider any possible variables. Size does matter if you are a small therapist dealing with a large animal. Some props, such as a stool, may be necessary. Props and other forms of massage tools are easily available from supply stores. You can purchase various tools and pieces of equipment to make your job simpler. You can also ignore the extras and work with your hands. By the way, massaging a horse can take an hour.