Massage Therapy

There are a wide variety of different massage styles available, including the widely known Swedish or Classic massage style, deep muscle therapy, and trigger point therapy, all of which are used therapeutically to promote circulation in the body, loosen tired and sore muscles, and to prevent or eliminate pain.

Often the terms "massage" and "massage therapy" are used interchangeably - however, the two are in fact somewhat different services according to practitioners of massage therapy. While "massage" may be aimed solely at relaxation, massage therapy tends to be approached from a more therapeutic position, as an augmentation or in some cases replacement for more invasive medical techniques in order to deal with chronic disorders or conditions of pain. There are a growing number of hospitals now either partnering with massage therapy centers or offering massage therapy directly within the facility - some sufferers from chronic pain feel that massage therapy is far more effective than therapeutic drug therapy.

Trigger point massage is used on very specific muscle groups which are believed to transmit pain to different areas, in some cases causing a misdiagnosed medical condition, or at least causing the sufferer to believe that the problem is located in a different area than is actually the case. In this type of massage, strong pressure is applied to specific areas, with many patients reporting excellent results up to and including immediate relief of back, neck, and joint pain.

Other types of massage include hot rock massages in which warmed stones are used to apply both heat and pressure a client's musculature as a way of dissolving muscular knots, providing relaxation, and promoting circulation which is known to have a variety of physiological benefits.

Over 50 million Americans will get at least one massage this year, with many companies now encouraging their employees to make use of massage therapy services as a way of boosting morale and improving productivity. Sufferers of chronic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome are increasingly encouraged by doctors and physiotherapists to explore the possibilities of massage therapy as a possible alternative to expensive surgery or prescription drug use. Massage therapy is a growing field with potential benefits for many people - if you experience back pain or headaches, massage may be great way to find relief and relaxation at the same time.

Health Contributions of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is another term for the more popular physical therapy, which is a health profession that is primarily concerned with the physical treatment and restoration of bodily movements to its maximum function. The scope of the work includes an individual's general wellbeing in the physical, psychological, emotional, and social aspect. A person specializing in the field of physiotherapy is known as a physical therapist or PT. The PT communicates and interacts directly with patients as well as other health professionals during the process of conducting a physical therapy where assessment and treatment of the patient is required. The treatment may need either habilitation or rehabilitation.

What can physiotherapy contribute to a person's health? It offers a lot of health benefits to our physical functionality and maximum movement to be able to enjoy life well.

Restoring a Level of Physical Function

Physiotherapy is very helpful for the disabled, the chronically ill, and even those who are aging. These patients go through a rehabilitation process that treats their physical conditions. With every physical therapy session, such individuals make progress in the area where movement is limited and eventually, they gain complete restoration of physical function. A good example for this is physically injured basketball players. Physiotherapy brings back maximum movement and function of the patient. Individuals who went through physical therapy can then perform an active and healthy manner of living.

Physiotherapy is Treatment to Body Illness

As a treatment to certain illnesses, this is what distinguishes physiotherapy from a regular massage. A massage therapy is temporary relief from muscle pains and spasms while physical therapy is a healing process. Aside from pain alleviation, it enhances cardio respiratory function and illnesses pertaining to the heart and lungs. Moreover, it serves as a remedy for arthritis, stroke, body injuries, and even fatal diseases such as cancer.

The physical therapists are trained to assess a patient's condition and apply physical therapy management plan usually through activities such as massage, rehabilitation, and the like. Considered as a touch therapy, the process helps eliminate a patient's condition and allows helps provide functionality in the life of an individual.

How to Become a High End Massage Therapist

It takes much more than a desire to make money to become monetarily successful in a Massage Therapy Career. Don't be afraid to develop your empathetic side, and care for your clients' well-being. To become a true healer, it will need to come from the inside, out. Bring true value to your practice and your will gain loyal clients and an excellent reputation.

There are many levels of possible income for a masseuse. Some work for corporations making very little money, others work independently and make six figures, picking and choosing their clients. Many are somewhere in between. Decide what your Massage Therapy Career will be. Make a plan. Choose a course of action, writing a clear and workable business plan.

Make the most of your education. Choose a good school with a good name. Take classes that interest you even if they seem to reflect alternative thinking. Your passion will be reflected in your practice. Continue your education once you have reached the required hours. Learn much and learn it well. Ask questions of successful masseuse practitioners.

Develop relationships with fellow students who share your passion and high standards. Networking is key to marketing and beginning to develop your reputation. Fiercely guard your reputation. It is everything.

Treat every client and potential client as if they are very important to you. Your massage skill is only part of your healing potential. Your connection to them as people will serve you well in your career, as return clients and word of mouth are very important in your Massage Career. Maintain very high standards during each interaction with a client.

Develop a niche and become known for it. Refer people to friends in the field if they seek something you don't offer. It will come back to you in good ways. Target a particular clientele and find out how to access these people. Spend time marketing yourself. Athletes and celebrities are high paying gigs if you have confidence and a genuinely likable personality.

The Benefits of a Chocolate Massage

Have you tried going to spas and massage centers? Have you tried giving different parts of your body a chocolate massage? Massage is one way of alleviating pain, relaxing and rejuvenating ourselves after long hours of work at the office and at school. To know more about the benefits of chocolate massage, read the article below.

For years, men and women go to sauna and massage parlors to have massage treatment using oils, lotions, powder and other essences. Through the years, dermatologists and scientists have discovered new ingredients and formulations for use in massage parlors and spas like mud, gold, honey and oatmeal. Are you aware of the latest hype in sauna parlors and massage centers nowadays? Did you know that chocolate is not only used as comfort food but in massage parlors as well.

We already know that chocolate is one food that dieters should hinder from eating to prevent gaining additional pounds. We also know that chocolates have the ability to remove menstrual pain and to prevent drowsiness. Aside from preventing heart diseases, it is also a rich source of antioxidants needed in preventing chronic fatigue, cancer and hardening of the arteries.

Apart from these advantages to your health, dermatologists also discovered that chocolate is advantageous to use in massaging our body because of its high antioxidant levels, tryptophan, minerals and vitamins which are good to the skin. Studies show that the chemical substances found in chocolate lets you relax and feel good, comparable to eating chocolates.

Benefits of using chocolate on the skin include:

• Did you know that the theobromine content of chocolate helps burn fat and eliminate unwanted cellulite.


• Its polyphenol contains anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties.


• It contains glycerides which contain lipids and fats used to moisturize, to plump and to firm your skin.


• It contains calcium, potassium and magnesium needed for cell renewal and growth.


• It has a calming effect that reduces stress and makes your muscles feel relaxed and rejuvenated.


• It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and stretch marks.


• It improves the texture of your skin.


• It removes harmful radicals caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, dust, wind and other harmful substances found in the air.


• It leaves your skin glowing, fresh and younger looking.

How is chocolate massage done?

The first thing that masseurs do is they warm the chocolate before using it during the massage. Massage therapists sometimes incorporate warmed massage oil to thin the chocolate.

In massage parlors or spas, customers are given the option to choose which procedure they want to have, like chocolate facials, body wrap or complete chocolate massage package.

In the chocolate facials, masseurs place thin coat of chocolate on the face before massaging. This procedure is known to plump the skin, to erase lines in the skin and to make the skin look younger.

In chocolate body wrap, massage therapists use dark chocolate oil in massaging the body. They wrap the body with foil to allow the properties of chocolate to seep into the skin.

Online Physical Therapy Assistant Programs Things to Know

If you are looking into becoming a physical therapy assistant, there are certain educational requirements that you must meet in order to pass the necessary testing and obtain your state license to be employed as a PTA.

There are a number of ways in which to gain the appropriate training required to enter this type of career including numerous accredited online physical therapy assistant programs, though it is important to note that in the US, a college degree is also required.

In order to be able to sit for testing for employment as a PTA and get the required state license, prospective applicants must have earned an Associates Degree (AS), as well as obtained the more specific training for the job.

About Online Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

Today, it is possible to take many different kinds of training and coursework online. Not only can a student earn their actual Associates Degree online, but there are quite a few physical therapy assistant programs that can be taken online as well.

Some colleges offer an Associates Degree with emphasis on physical therapy assistant careers and it is just like attending a regular college. In other cases, such as for someone who already has an AS prior, they can enroll in a program tailored to just teaching the necessary education and skills for taking the licensure exams to become a PTA.

This can be especially useful for people wishing to study for a new career path while they are still employed.

In the UK and other countries, a college degree is not actually required in order to obtain employment as a physiotherapy assistant, though prospective employees are required to have a certain amount of on the job experience.

However, it is recommended that those interested in a career as a physiotherapy assistant do enroll in educational or vocational courses in order to learn the full scope of the job. Doing so will enable them to get the most out of their work experience training so that they may fully obtain the title of Physiotherapy Assistant.

National Health Service (NHS) approved programs are available both online and offline. Additionally, once employed as a physiotherapy assistant, candidates may obtain extended training in specialized areas, which do require continued education.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Online Physical Therapy Assistant Program

Even though it is possible to take college degree courses and vocational courses online however, students are still required to perform a required amount of externship hours, which of course cannot be done online.

Colleges and schools normally assist students in setting up their externships, which are extremely important, especially if classes are done online.

Getting to see the way the job actually happens in a real work setting is essential before any student can consider themselves prepared to take their licensure exams and be able to pass them easily.

Another important point of note - especially with regard to online PTA programs - is that prospective students ensure they enroll in an approved, accredited educational program. Since educational requirements are monitored closely,

only those online physical therapy programs that are recognized and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which is the only accrediting bureau in the US for physical therapy and assistant programs.

Students who complete courses that are CAPTE approved can at least feel confident that they are being offered the proper and most current information online or offline, so they will be well prepared for testing.

With these many choices in approved and accredited schools in which to study to become a physical therapy assistant or physiotherapy assistant, now is the best time to do this.

Colleges and online physical therapy programs will be able to prepare students for any licensure and work experience that they require in order to reach their highest potential in this challenging, yet rewarding healthcare field.

Also, the convenience in being able to study online - either for initial vocational and technical training or continued education to obtain further qualifications - allows for much more in the way of opportunity, enabling PTAs and equivalents to study while also working in their job.

For some people, online physical therapy assistant courses are a great option enabling them to achieve their goals of employment in a medical field more easily.

Setting Massage Goals

"How often should I receive massage?" This is one question I hear regularly at the studio that leaves me feeling out of breath and out of time when I answer it. Now I could just answer "whenever you want it" or "whenever you feel you need it", but that doesn't completely answer the question. If I say once a week, or twice a week, or even once a month, that still doesn't mean much because you don't understand why. I think everyone who has had a massage before understands that it is capable of relaxing the mind and body and reducing pain caused by tense muscles (stress). This goal can be accomplished with random sessions of massage plugged into your schedule when it fits OR solidified into an overall health and wellness routine to produce and maintain more lasting results.

According to leading massage author Sandy Fritz there are three primary reasons why people seek massage and bodywork services. Once this reason is determined it is easier to set goals and treatment protocols for current and future sessions. The three primary reasons people seek massage and bodywork services are

Palliative Care

Condition Management

Therapeutic Change

Palliative Care

The term palliative massage can actually have two very different meanings. On one hand it is interchangeable with "pampering" massage while on the other it refers to massage treatments for those in hospice or suffering with a chronic debilitating disease. Although these are two very different circumstances, the approach to setting goals for the massage are much the same.

The verb "to palliate" means to reduce suffering. In the case of a pampering massage the goal might be to temporarily relieve stress and tension associated with a particular situation or event in one's life, such as getting married or having a birthday. A person may visit a massage therapist to be pampered once a year because they are on vacation or have received the massage as a gift. In the case of persons in hospice and those experiencing a chronic debilitating disease, palliative massage care provides the same temporary relief from the stresses and tensions that accompany these experiences. Massage does not provide a cure for the condition and is not able to slow the condition down. Care is provided to reduce suffering and make the person as comfortable as possible.

It is difficult to produce any temporary or permanent changes in a person's condition through the application of a single massage session (such as with those seeking massage as a yearly luxury). It is equally as impossible to reverse the progression of chronic debilitating diseases. Therefore the goal for this type of massage session is to create an overall sense of wholeness and wellbeing and reduce the intensity of associated pains and stresses.

Condition Management

Condition management is the most common approach to massage therapy; the primary condition being managed is stress. Let's say, for example, that you work a full time job, have a family and have recently started taking classes at the local community college. Although finding time for a weekly massage might be difficult, you still manage to visit your massage therapist every few months to help you stay relaxed and focused. Your stressful conditions in life are not changing; however a massage every 1-2 months keeps things from getting worse. Think of condition management like a maintenance program on your car. You change the oil every few months and it keeps things running as they should. Don't change the oil (or take a break from stress) and other parts of the car start breaking down.

The condition management approach also works well in musculoskeletal conditions such as scoliosis, in which massage has been shown to effectively manage the pain and inflexibility that results from an abnormal curvature in the spine. Massage provides temporary relief to overworked muscles that are consistently strained by the misaligned bones. Scoliosis is a condition that can be treated through various forms of medical care. Massage manages the pains and stresses of this condition throughout the course of that care. The condition is treatable and massage is likely to help it get better before it gets worse.

Therapeutic Change

This approach to massage treatment is designed to improve the condition of the body as a whole or any of its parts. Sessions designed to produce therapeutic change require the most resource expenditure (i.e. time, money, and lifestyle changes) because they require frequent sessions performed closer together. 1-4 sessions a week for several months may be needed for chronic conditions before a lasting change is experienced. A good example of this is a person who has experienced mild to moderate low back pain on a regular basis for over 6 months. The longer the condition has been occurring, the more likely regular massage treatments will be needed. Massage produces a change in the amount of pain experienced and increases flexibility. If, however, the person doesn't change the other perpetuating factors that contribute to their back pain, such as how they lift boxes at work, then the therapeutic change produced by massage may only be temporary. The person may then move back into utilizing massage for condition management after significant improvement in the condition or the inability to improve the condition any more through massage.

Be sure to discuss these approaches to treatment with your therapist. Receiving a great massage isn't just about how good your therapist is at applying massage techniques. It's also about good communication between the therapist and the client. So be sure to answer any questions on the intake form honestly and take time to write something for each questions. Your expectations are more easily met when goals are set for the session before hand.

Resources

Sandy Fritz. Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 3rd edition.

Improper Massages Can Injure Muscles

A massage performed by an experienced and licensed massage therapist is a therapeutic technique that helps the muscles relax so that tension and soreness can be alleviated and healing of an injured area can begin. The goal of a therapeutic massage is to improve and enhance the healing process. An injured or torn muscle can be so sore that it prevents one from engaging in their normal activities. Massage therapy promotes muscle healing by increasing blood circulation to the injured area, reducing tension, reducing stress, and draining lymph nodes. If one is not experienced and educated in the art of massage and its therapeutic methods, the injured area can receive further damage thereby delaying the healing process.

A massage therapist will be able to identify which muscle is injured and know which type of technique and oils are best to treat the injured area. An improper massage can further injure a torn muscle, so it is important to use the services of a licensed massage therapist. For instance, deep tissue massage is a preferred massage technique to help people with lower back pain. The therapeutic movement and motions of massage therapy will loosen tight muscles to increase flexibility and reduce stiff and sore muscles. The improved circulation brings much needed oxygen and nutrients to the injured area which enhances the healing process. As well, a professional massage will decrease muscle spasms, decrease pain and soreness, relieve tension, improve range of motion and muscle and joint flexibility, and drains fluids so swelling is minimized. The over all result is reduced discomfort and quicker recovery time.

A massage therapist is a trained and educated professional who knows exactly how to apply the proper massage techniques to a particular injured area. They will attend a special school where they will acquire a certificate. To work as a massage therapist, they will have to be licensed. As well, a massage therapist can even specialize in areas such as Swedish massage, sports massage, and clinical massage. To become a licensed massage therapist, most states require national certification. Training, education, and certification highlight the importance of not having an inexperienced person who tries to massage an injured muscle or tissue.

There have been very little risks associated with engaging in massage therapy. There have been a few noted injuries, but it was normally the result of an inexperienced and unqualified person giving the massage. Before you decide to have massage therapy, ask the therapist about his or her training, experience, and any licenses or credentials acquired. As well, make sure you tell the massage therapist about any medical conditions you have and ask whether he or she has had any specialized training or experience with the particular condition, and ask about the number of treatments that will be needed.

Massage therapy is an ancient practice with proven results. There are many types of massage therapy that involve working the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. In the United States, massage therapy is often part of traditional medicine. As well, it is part of complementary and alternative medicine. When engaging in a massage session, it is important that you use the services of a licensed massage therapist.

Hospital Physical Therapy Assistants

At present, highly efficient and skilled physical therapy assistants are in high demand in hospitals and other healthcare facilities in both rural and urban areas in the United States. Suitably qualified professionals can apply for permanent or temporary physical therapy jobs in hospitals and look forward to a bright and secure future.

Duties of Physical Therapy Assistants

Hospital based physical therapy assistants assist physical therapists to provide inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation service. They

o Help physical therapists to develop and implement treatment plans for patients
o Assist patients with rehabilitative activities and exercises
o Teach patients to use the equipment in the right way
o Monitor and record patients' progress
o Assist therapists to modify the treatment program for better results
o Do clerical duties including document billing

Must Complete PTA Requirements

To embark on a PTA career, one must hold a state-issued license and an associate degree in physical therapy assistant program from a recognized university or college. The PTA program prepares candidates to provide the best rehabilitation services in association with physical therapists. In addition to academic qualification, the therapy assistant must have practical skills, good communication, patience and compassion to perform this job. After years of experience and training in the PT assistant program, the licensed physical therapy assistant can become a registered therapist.

Exciting and Rewarding Career Opportunity

With the right certification, you can get the right type of physical therapy assistant job you are looking for in an established hospital. This rewarding career promises numerous benefits such as immigration processing for trained foreign candidates, additional state license, paid housing, medical and dental insurance, relocation expenses, travel expenses, earn bonus package, professional liability insurance, Section 125 cafeteria plan, continuing education program and 401(k) retirement plan.

Find a Job through a Placement Service Provider

Experienced recruitment service providers can help you locate the best jobs available. They can find you well-paid jobs in top class facilities and in locations of your preference. You will have to register at their websites and apply online.

Total Knee Replacement Goals To Achieve During Rehabilitation

After you have undergone knee replacement surgery you are started on a rehabilitation program almost immediately while in the hospital. After hospital discharge, you either will be sent home for physical therapy or to a rehabilitation center. Wherever you end up, you and your physical therapist should have outlined goals you will want to achieve during the rehabilitation process. Following are three goal that everyone should be working on and included in their physical therapy plan of care.

1. Increase Your Knees Range Of Motion. This is done in a several ways however, once your physical therapist has explained to you and demonstrated the method on how to increase both your knee flexion and extension mobility, it will up to you to get the results.

I find sitting in a straight back chair and placing the stronger opposite legs heel over the surgical leg and gently pulling back holding your knee in flexion for a slow count of five. This works great in producing results you need when it comes to bending your knee. When it comes to extending the knee, you have to position your leg where you can stretch your hamstring muscles. This also can be done sitting in a chair and placing your operated leg on to a chair placed in front of you and placing gentle pressure on top of your knee and hold that position for a five count. Also ask your therapist to show you the long sitting position, this is where you sit up in bed with your legs out in front of you and slowly lean forward until you feel a slight stretch, hold this position for a slow count of 10.

You are looking to get at least 110 degrees of flexion and 0 degrees of extension for your knee to be functional however, you will be encouraged and generally expected to get anywhere from 115 to 125 degrees of flexion in time.

2. Reduce Your Pain and Swelling As Soon As Possible. This is a must to be effective in your rehabilitation. The increased swelling is just a part of the natural healing process, so that will always accompany the procedure. It will be your job to keep the swelling at a minimum through proper foot elevation, using ice as needed during the day and evening and after each rehabilitation session. If you cannot keep the swelling down to an acceptable level, that will hinder both you and your therapist from obtaining proper mobility with your knee. One of the biggest problems I find with patients is that they do not ice and elevate their knees enough after surgery and during the rehabilitation process.

3. Strengthen Your Quadriceps, Hamstrings and Calf Muscles. This believe it or not is generally the easier of the three goals to work on and achieve after surgery. I find that in most cases, your strength will come back rather quickly. Your muscle has memory so it will bounce back during the rehab process within 3-5 weeks. The important part that you and your physical therapist will need to discuss is the muscle imbalances that have developed long before you decided to have the knee replaced.

Your quadriceps will weaken over time and are considered to be the most important predictor to possible disability. You will spend considerable amount of time getting your quadriceps strength back to help you with your ability to walk again and also to help with any balance problems you may have had before or after surgery. Hamstring and calf strengthening will be a major part of the rehab program as well. Getting these muscle groups strong again will help you with your daily activities and help in supporting the prosthesis properly.

Once you have achieved these goals you will be on your way to living your life pain-free again along and being able to walk unlimited distances and stand for unlimited amounts of time along with getting a good nights sleep again.

9 Benefits of Getting a Massage With Herbal Oil

It has been hotly debated whether or not the massage therapist should use herbal oil as part of the general massage of the entire body. As a recipient of regular massage, I find that the oil benefits me greatly by reducing the friction between me and the therapist's hands.

Whether or not the massage therapist uses oil, there are health benefits to getting a massage.

A good massage:

1. Relieves high blood pressures and promotes normal blood pressure.
   


2. Relieves stress-related disorders associated with sleeplessness and headaches.
   


3. Relieves many kinds of aches and pains especially in the joints.
   


4. Promotes normal heart rhythm and increases the efficiency of the heart.
   


5. Enhances skin tone and increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs.
   


6. Relieves depression and anxiety.
   


7. Improves muscle tone and increases mobility and flexibility.
   


8. Relieves indigestion and constipation and helps to remove gastrointestinal gases associated with bloating and flatulence.
   


9. Stimulates the lymphatic system by promoting the elimination of waste products, such as lactic acid, from your cells and tissues. This lactic acid can contribute to joint and muscle stiffness.

Keep in mind that a good massage is not the answer to cure or treat any disorder. It is simply a procedure to rejuvenate, repair wasted tissues, promote energy, and enhance function in the bodily organs. It is natural to feel relaxed and energized when the body has received a proper massage especially when more fatigued or ailing body parts receive a good massage.

It is incorrect to assume that a good massage is possible through the use of oils on the body. Each client is different and will have his/her preferences. The use of oils is only one aspect of massage therapy. There are other techniques within the profession of massage therapy that are practiced regularly. They include but are not limited to reflexology, shiatsu, panchakarma, Swedish/Western massage, Thai massage, and myofascial release.

Massage therapy is not an absolute way to obtaining optimal health. It does not replace traditional medicine. Massage therapy helps to relax your muscles, remove mental and physical fatigue, improve circulation, improve digestion, and give you an increased sense of well-being

Aromatherapy An Essential Tool For Massage Therapist

Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years and using aromatherapy along with massage techniques has always been popular in Asian countries. It is now finding much success in the west as well. More massage therapists are incorporating this ancient healing art into their therapy techniques.

By using essential oils that are derived from plants, flowers and other natural products, the massage therapist can not only treat a client with massage techniques, but because the oils contain healing powers, they are absorbed into the skin giving additional relief.

There are many reasons why people enjoy getting a massage. Many seek out a massage for relaxation. A relaxing massage will ease away all of the stress and tension not only in your body but your mind. There are many different techniques that massage therapist practice to relax clients in this manner. Combining them with aromatherapy only makes the experience more pleasurable or helpful.

Essential oils are very concentrated and should never be used directly on the skin. They are usually mixed with a carrier of oil for dilution. There are many different types of essential oils and all have different uses. These oils have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years and are quite effective. Many people are finding that a massage with aromatherapy can relieve such things as stress, depression, anxiety, symptoms from respiratory colds and many other conditions.

Another way a massage therapist can incorporate the use of aromatherapy into the massage is by using an infuser in the room where the massage is being performed. The infuser heats the oil and the client breathes the fragrance, which is usually pleasant, into his or her lungs. This enters the blood stream and goes right to work on the process of healing. In the meantime, the massage therapist is also working on the muscles and other parts of the body that need tending.

If you are going to practice a Thai massage, you will most likely incorporate aromatherapy into your treatment. Prior to using aromatherapy massage, a massage therapist should be quite familiar with all of the essential oils and for what they are used. They should understand how to dilute the oils using carrier oil or know how to heat them with a diffuser. It is very important that a massage therapist be knowledgeable in all aspects of aromatherapy before practicing upon a client. Some essential oils that are very popular to use include lavender and rose as well as tee tree extracts. Lavender is actually one of the few essential oils that is safe to put directly upon the skin, but this should only be done by a licensed massage therapist [http://think-diagonal.com/category/massage-therapy-bodywork/].

By using aromatherapy along with massage a massage therapist will be doing double duty for his or her client. This is essentially like getting two treatments at the same time. Many people who suffer from migraine headaches can find instant relief by this type of therapy treatment. Massage therapists who have not yet practiced this ancient art of aromatherapy should seek to further their education into this area so that they can provide additional benefits for their clients.

Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs And Employment Outlook

Physical therapy assistants or work under the direction of physical therapists to provide rehabilitative services to patients who are suffering from disabling diseases, injuries and those who are recovering from surgeries.

They main duties involve helping relieve the patients' pain as well as helping them restore their physical functions.

Some of the assistant duties include: observation of patients before and during the therapy sessions to gauge their improvement assisting the patients to do different therapy exercises, give them massages etc, to make a report on the responses made by the patients after treatments and to submit reports of patients to the physical therapist.

Qualities of good assistants

Compassion: most of the people having therapy will probably be in a lot of pain. The physical therapist is expected to understand this and show compassion to the patients.

Good interpersonal skills: this quality is important because you will be spending a lot of time with the patients and he/she should be able to interact with the patients in a friendly manner.

Attention to detail: when it comes to any kind of healthcare, the healthcare workers must be very keen on detail because sometimes that is what makes the difference between someone dying or living.

Assistants should be able to identify when the patient is overworking themselves and recommend rest to avoid further physical damage.

Physical fitness: the duties of a physical therapy assistant require them to almost always be on their fit. If you are not physically fit you may not be able to keep up with the duties that are required.

Jobs And Employment Outlook

The demand is expected to grow by 46% from 2010 to 2020. This makes it one of fastest growing jobs. This is huge growth means that there will be a demand for physical therapists and it is a good career to join.

This huge growth is brought about by the large number of retiring people, especially from the baby boom generation.

Most retired people will be joining retirement homes and nursing homes are one of the highest employers.One is assured to get a soft landing if he/she has had good training.

The growth will also be accelerated by the advancements in medical and technological advancements. Medical advancements will mean that the number of people surviving from accidents will increase and this means that more people who survive will be in need of physical therapy to get them back into their normal lives.

Some of the top employers include: hospitals (both private and state), ambulatory health care services and nursing homes.

Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant

To become a assistant, you must attend accredited physical therapy assistant programs from a university or a community college. This program usually takes two years and one is issued with an associate degree upon graduation.

The program usually includes both formal class work as well as clinical experience. Physical therapy assistant schools class work will include learning about physiology, psychology and anatomy of the human body.

The clinical experience will involve learning first aid procedures like CPR as well as hands on training to give the student some experience.

After acquiring an associate degree, you must then be certified.To get the license, one must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam.

Some states may also require further exams before getting your license so it is important to check whether your state has any other exams or requirements apart from the national exam.

Specializing in certain practices means that the physical therapist assistant concentrates on gaining better knowledge on one particular area of practice.

Choosing to be a specialist gives individual better job placement opportunities. Some of the specializations include: orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics, pediatrics among others. Specialization requires further certification from the American physical therapy association.

Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs Salary

The salary will vary depending on a number of things for example: experience, employment facility, specialization as well as the number of hours of work that the assistant works, for full information on physical therapy assistant salary

For those who are full time physiotherapist assistants, the median salary is around $50,000 annually. The highest paid physical therapist will receive amounts above $68,000 while those in the lower bracket will earn around $31,000 highly paid physical therapy assistant jobs are available while training be sure to look into this.

Physical Therapy Exercise Software and Cloud Computing Myths

There are several myths about cloud computing as it relates to physical therapy assessment software that deserve to be busted. Some physiotherapists have busted five of those myths.

Myth #1- Lack of compatibility.
Fact- Some of the rehab exercise software providers run in a Web browser, so there are few hardware constraints in using it. With this physical therapy software, clinics can use desktop computers, laptops, Apple iPads and even smart phones to access it.

Myth #2- Cloud computing poses security risks.
Fact- Some of the makers of rehabilitation exercises software employ the following security measures:

• Every user account is password protected, which means that only authorized people have access to patient records.


• Every user account must change their password every 30 days.


• Every logged in user will be automatically logged out after a period of inactivity to ensure that unauthorized users will not have access to patient records.


• Physical therapy exercise software producers employ daily backups, which can easily be restored in the case of disaster recovery.


• Some of the rehabilitation exercise software companies encrypt all data during transmission and at rest, as specified by numerous regulations.

Myth #3- Cloud Computing isn't reliable.
Fact- Having its physical therapy documentation software in the cloud provides with multiple redundant instances of it available for use. If an error occurs with one instance, such as a power outage, all network traffic would be immediately diverted to another instance without interruption.

In today's world, there are many portals to the Internet, so if a main connection such as DSL over the phone line goes down, rehab software users can connect to the Web by plugging their smart phone into their computer, using their smart phone itself, or using a USB stick that gives them wireless access to the net.
Cloud computing simply offers way more redundant systems then an in-office system.

Myth #4- Cloud computing has network and storage constraints.
Fact- The whole goal of cloud computing that many people don't yet realize is to provide seemingly infinite resources. The same idea applies for storage, because its storage also occurs in the cloud.

Myth #5- The software isn't useful if users can't move everything at once into the cloud.
Fact- This isn't an issue because moving information to the cloud is not really much different from moving information to non-cloud software.

In fact the new users begin using the system by entering new patients. This eliminates the need to scan in charts, etc.

In a typical physiotherapy practice, treatment times for most problems are less than six months. That means within a short period of time, all of a clinic's active patients will be "in the cloud."

Some potential users are concerned with being able to integrate software with their existing software that isn't cloud based, and it isn't a problem. The software can export and import data from any system.

The bottom line is that for physical therapy clinics seeking to automate the way they prescribe physiotherapy exercises and other processes, cloud computing software is not only safe, it is safer than paper chart systems or in-office servers. In-office data is available to anyone who breaks into the office, and it could be destroyed by fire, etc. Maintaining data in the cloud protects it from these potential dangers.

9 Things Your Massage Therapist Should Know to Give a Good Massage - And Why Only 2 Are Important

There are many things that an MT must learn to pass the various state licensing exams, but only 2 are absolutely necessary to do a good massage. In fact they are so important that if your Massage Therapis does not poses them, no matter how many years they have practiced, no matter how many classes they have taken, no matter what school they graduated from nor if they had the highest grades in their class, if they do not posses the knowledge that I will tell you shortly, then you should run, not walk as fast as you can, from them. Do not give them a chance for you will surely be disappointed in what you have just spent your hard earned money for. Before I tell you what those 2 things are, let me tell you why the others are not as important.  

Is Knowledge of Anatomy Important?  

You might have thought that anatomy would be important. After all, they are working on your body. They should know where the muscles are, what they do and how their technique can help you. However, the study of anatomy has only been required for MTs for only the past 40 of our 3,000 year old history. It may help us do our job better but it isn't absolutely necessary to give a good massage.

How About Physiology?  

You probably think that Physiology is important also. This is the study of the body's systems and how they work. Although it helps us to be a better health care professional, it is totally unnecessary for the practice of massage.

Is My Therapist Ethical?

Ethics are pretty important, and although this will help you to ensure that your therapist acts in the highest regards to your well being, it has nothing to do with giving a good massage. A definition of ethics can also be variable. For one person a Therapist who advertises a certain way is unethical, to another it's just good business practice.

How my Muscles Work

How about Kinesiology? The study of the function of muscles seems mighty important. How would a Massage Therapist know how to work on a muscle group if they didn't now how they work? The fact is, kinesiology is an even more recent study that Massage Therapists take. If it was all that necessary then we would have been studying it for the past 3,000 years also. But we haven't.      

Is That Contraindicated?

Contraindications are pretty important, right? After all, you wouldn't want your Therapist doing something that might harm you. If you had a blood clot in your leg, you may not want a Massage Therapist to work it loose and send it to your heart, do you? Or how about causing a miscarriage if you are pregnant during your fist trimester? Fact is, neither of these conditions can be caused by massage. In fact, the American Pregnancy Association and the Birthing Doula Association both recommend massage during all trimesters as it helps to ease the discomfort caused by tight muscles. 

Not only that but, there has never been any evidence that massage can cause serious harm. You can get temporary bruising if the therapist is not careful enough, but the proper application of massage can not cause you to seek medical treatment. If you must seek treatment from the effects of massage...well then, it wasn't a massage, it was an assault. Over all, massage is considered so safe that the premiums for liability insurance for Massage Therapists have actually gone down, instead of up like other Health Professions. Our rate of injury is so low that it's expressed in millionths, that's right, 0.000025 %

All Those Germs

That's the study of Pathology. Germs or bacteria and viruses can be dangerous. And there certainly are many of them to consider. But to engage in the study of them is totally unnecessary and is overkill. As long as your Therapist is practicing good hygiene, there is no likelihood that you will contract anything worth worrying about.

Ahh, Technique - That has to be The One!  

This must be the one, right? After all, what's a massage if the Therapist doesn't know the proper strokes and right kind of pressure applied to the correct location? Yes, this is important, but the present system of massage instruction does a very poor job of teaching us. In fact, we usually learn more after we graduate than we did in school, from other Massage Therapists and our clients.  

The 2 Most Important Things Your Massage Therapist Needs to know

The 2 things that are absolutely necessary a Massage Therapist needs to know to give a good massage are good hands and a good heart. The good hands come from intent, not necessarily from technique. Some training helps to do that, but it's that unspoken desire to help coupled with love, love of the person, self and of the work that makes a Massage Therapist great.

So no matter how much training one has, how many certificates on the wall they have, or how many years they have in the business, if they don't have a loving intent in their hands and heart, then run as fast as you can away from them. To find someone like that, you need to get a personal referral from someone who has received a massage from them. Barring that, it's best to contact them through a company that has done its due diligence and has conducted a thorough interview including an interview massage so they can determine if they in fact do possess those abilities.

Hip Fractures - A Guide For Recovery

Hip Fracture Basics: Types and Causes of Broken Hips

Hip fractures are serious injuries that often require surgery to repair. Every year in the United States alone over 300,000 people suffer broken hips and require hospitalization. Of that number, over half of those people suffering a hip fracture are over the age of 80.

Bone density, age, and other medical conditions can all contribute to the likelihood of a broken hip, but generally a fracture occurs because of some sort of trauma to the area, like a fall. Most hip fractures in the elderly are caused by falls, while in younger patients - car accidents and other high impact injuries are the most likely causes.

Elderly women and other patients with osteoporosis are at a greater risk of suffering a broken hip in the event of a fall. Because osteoporosis weakens the skeletal system by causing loss of bone mass - bones and joints are at a greater risk of fracturing in the event of trauma.

Hip fractures are actually the breaking of the femur (the bone that extends from the pelvis to the knee) inside or near the hip joint. Hip fractures are generally placed into 2 main classifications - a Femoral Neck Fracture or an Intertrochanteric Fracture. Both of these types of fractures are very serious and in most cases will necessitate surgery to repair the fractures.

Femoral Neck Fracture

The femoral neck is just below the head (top) of the femur. A femoral neck fracture generally occurs within 1 to 2 inches from the end of the femur.

Intertrochanteric Fracture

This fracture occurs within 3 to 4 inches of the head of the femur and usually requires the use of a metal plate and screw to hold the bone in place while it heals - allowing the head of the femur to continue moving normally in the hip socket.

Though hip fractures are generally caused by a serious trauma - a fall or a high impact injury - other factors can contribute to the risk of sustaining a broken hip.

Age

Statistics show that age is a large factor. The majority of hip related injuries and fractures occur in people over 80. There are two main reasons why this may be true: bone density loss and the presence of other medical conditions affecting balance and mobility. But also effecting elderly patients are general aging issues like loss of vision and a decreasing or weakening sense of balance.

Medical Conditions

Osteoporosis puts patients at an even higher risk for breaking a hip simply because it reduces bone density. There are a number of other medical conditions that will also lead up to and increase chances of developing osteoporosis which in turn can lead to increased risks for hip fractures.

The development of other diseases and conditions like Parkinson's disease which effect a person's mobility and balance can contribute to an increased risk of falling and breaking a hip as well. Diabetes, arthritis, and similar diseases can also effect a person's activity levels which in turn increases risk.

Physical Inactivity

Because physical inactivity can lead to the weakening of bones, tendons, and muscles - it can also contribute to a higher risk of fracturing critical bones and joints. Physical inactivity can in turn lead to other conditions such as obesity and weight gain which can put a larger strain on a weakening bone structure. Maintaining a regular physical activity schedule will often reduce a patient's risk of hip fracture.

Mortality Rates and Common Problems Associated with Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are serious injuries that require immediate medical attention because there are a number of problems and conditions that can arise because of the broken bone. Studies have shown that mortality rates following a hip fracture can be rather high for a number of reasons which include the development of other serious medical conditions (blood clots and infections) as well as the age of the patient at the time of the injury (since the majority of fractures occurs among seniors).

A study published in the British Medical Journal places mortality rates within one year of suffering a fractured hip at 20%. And this number only increases with the age of the patient - as many as 33% of patients over the age of 80 die within a year of breaking a hip. The 30 day mark following surgery for a fractured hip is high in this population also - coming in at about 10%.

A number of factors contribute to these high numbers. Post-operative complications like infections (i.e. pneumonia or bronchitis) are dangerous factors. The general health of the patients involved in the study also contributes to the high mortality rates. Because as we talked about, a number of other conditions can increase a patients risk of breaking a hip. These same conditions (obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, and others) can also make recovery more difficult.

Mobility factors increase risk as well. Because a broken hip makes it even more difficult for patients to get proper exercise, the overall deterioration of the body due to inactivity can bring about other health problems or exasperate existing conditions like heart disease. For patients that are bedridden following surgery, pressure sores and infections become an increased risk.

Overall, the general health of a patient prior to the sustained injury and following surgery is going to play highly in determining the likelihood of the patient's complete recovery. This is why younger patients tend to recover more completely and quickly as they are less likely to have preexisting medical conditions that are going to be worsened by the injury.

Mortality rates and other complications decrease significantly in patients that work hard at maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle regardless of age. Often for these folks - a broken hip is a temporary setback, though it is still a serious injury. Recovery though will often be a lot simpler if the patient has maintained general good health prior to fracturing their hip.

How Hip Fractures are Treated

In most cases, a hip fracture is going to require surgery. In cases where surgery is not possible because of an illness or other factor - traction may be used. In those cases without surgery - the main treatment for a broken hip relies mainly on pain reduction.

Both types of hip fractures - the femoral neck fracture and the intertrochanteric fracture - require surgery. The exact procedure is slightly different for each type.

Intertrochanteric Fracture Surgery

When the break is lower on the femur as in an intertrochanteric fracture (occurring 3 to 4 inches from the head of the femur) a different procedure is generally used. Doctors will attach a metal plate to the side of the femur and insert a metal hip compression screw into the femur. This compression screw and plate allows the bone fragments to compress together and mend themselves.

Femoral Neck Fracture Surgery

With a femoral neck fracture, surgery will generally involve one of three types of procedures: metal screws, replacing part of the femur, or total hip replacement.

Using metal screws, the surgeon will align the bones and fix them in place with three long metal screws which will remain in place and not be removed. These screws serve to allow the bones to mend back together as well as strengthen that section of the femur.

If the doctors are unable to align the bones in a way that will allow them to heal properly, they will usually attempt a procedure known as a hemiarthroplasty. This involves removing and replacing the damaged head and neck of the femur with a metal prosthesis.

Total hip replacement is the most invasive of the three options. If for some reason, the socket joint in the hip is damaged - total hip replacement might be the best option. In this procedure, the surgeons will not only replace the top portion of the femur, but also the joint section of the pelvic bone. One of the benefits of total hip replacement is that it allows patients to become mobile again sooner after the surgery than other options. This can help to prevent other complications associated with major surgery from developing.

Hospital stays after surgery for a hip fracture can vary in length - although the average stay in the hospital generally lasts a week. The majority of patients will require physical therapy for a long period following the surgery to recover completely. Older and less mobile patients may even have to look to a long term care facility if they don't have available help or care at home.

Help With Recovery and Prevention of Hip Fractures

Exercise and physical activity is a key in helping with both recovery from a hip fracture and prevention of those fractures. Because mobility is limited following surgery for hip fractures, the use of a rolling walker is often a good idea for elderly patients as it will help them get the exercise to speed up healing and also help to prevent another fall from aggravating the injury further.

Everyday tasks will probably become a little more difficult for a patient recovering from hip fracture surgery. Things like bending over to tie shoes or getting dressed in the morning will require a little bit of extra effort. Lifting the affected leg into bed or onto the couch will also become more difficult at times during the recovery. There are quite a few products like extended shoe horns and leg lifters which can ease the pain and difficulty of recovery.

Often times, simple tasks that are taken for granted become more complicated. Bathing for example is an everyday thing that becomes tough following hip surgery. A sponge on an extended handle or a bath bench become tools which can really help.

To make recovery easier, the purchase of a "hip kit" is a small investment for quite a bit of help. Common items that you'll find in a hip kit include:

• Long Handled Sponges


• Long Handled Shoe Horn


• A Dressing Stick


• Extendable Reachers or Grabbers


• Leg Lifters

Mobility and physical therapy are both important factors in helping to speed up recovery. Full use of the hip will take some time, but in patients that were healthy prior to the surgery, a full recovery is possible and likely.

Exercise is a major factor in recovery as well as the prevention of other complications arising because of the surgery. Any help that a patient can enlist - either from family or qualified medical practitioners is going to aid them in recovery.

Prevention Tips

Learning how to prevent falls is another factor that is going to seriously limit the likelihood of breaking a hip.

* Building railings or ramps to help with stairs around the home is a good idea.

* Installing rails next to the toilet and in the bathtub or shower is another preventative measure. They're also great ideas to help somebody who is trying to recover from hip surgery since their mobility will be more limited for a time.

* Rearranging furniture to allow for clear paths.

* Check rugs and carpets for slippage or places somebody could trip.

* Consider the use of a hip protector - a low profile pad that you wear beneath your clothing and over your hip to help absorb any impact from a fall.

* Keep cords stowed safely away.

* Place used items in easy to reach places - avoid step stools and ladders where balance might be lost.

* Make sure areas of the home and yard are well lit. Being able to see a hazard is half the battle.

* Wear practical shoes that are non-slip.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also decrease your risk of breaking a hip. Not only exercise, but proper nutrition is important.

* Weight Bearing Exercise - Helps to fight bone density loss and works to maintain the strength of tendons and muscles that support the joints. Not only that, but regularly walking or exercising will help to maintain your sense of balance and agility - making the likelihood of a fall less likely.

* Smoking - Believe it or not, smoking actually works to reduce your bone density. So not only can it cause cancer - but it can weaken your bones.

* Calcium and Vitamin D - Proper nutrition and watching levels of calcium in your diet (through foods or supplements) will work to maintain your bone density so that in the event of a fall, you are less likely to fracture your hip. Vitamin D is also a key component of this process as it helps your body absorb and process calcium.

Other Hip Fracture Resources

There are a ton of available resources on the web these days that can help you in the prevention of or recovery from a hip fracture. The following is a listing and review of some great web sites and articles if you would like more information on hip fracture prevention, treatment, and recovery.

The Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic is a highly respected non-profit organization and clinic that maintains clinics in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. They also have a very informative web site that is a great resource for countless medical conditions. The section of the web site on hip fractures is very in depth and organized in a way that you can find information very easily on prevention of hip fractures or help with recovery from hip surgery.

Care.com

Care.com is an interesting web site in that it deals with the care of patients following surgeries like total hip replacement. On this web site you'll find questions and tips related to helping patients or parents who are going through a difficult hip surgery recovery.

Advice on how to deal with the medical condition is provided, as well as advice on how to help the patient mentally get through the recovery is discussed.

This web site also provides access to a network of caregivers and service providers in your area if you need additional help with recovering from hip surgery. You can find providers for any level of help that might be needed, from full time care to part time help with housework and chores. The great thing about this service is that you can post your needs and interview potential caregivers as well as look at a background check.

EveryDayHealth.com

Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle are the best preventative measures that you can take towards avoiding a hip fracture. Working as an online community and resource, EveryDayHealth.com is a great resource and web site to use to maintain that active and healthy lifestyle.

Nutrition information and tools like their 'meal planner' and 'weight tracker' are great ways to make sure you are doing everything you can to stay healthy. Participating in the community forums is also a great way to meet other people facing the same issues or working towards the same goals.

Hip fractures are a common injury, especially among the elderly - so reaching out to a community like EveryDayHealth will give you the opportunity to find understanding support of what it is you might be going through following hip surgery.

Finding the proper support, medical care, and tools to aid in the recovery from hip fracture surgery is a key component to reducing the difficulty and likelihood of complications from a broken hip. Whether you have experienced a hip fracture or are just interested in the prevention of a future injury - there's a myriad of online resources available to help you in that quest.

How to Get More and More Physical Therapy Patient Referrals

Here are some basics about physical therapy patient referrals that you should familiarize yourself with. A client who comes in through a referral, usually spends more money, buys more often, and is more loyal than other categories of patients. Referrals lead to referrals, which means that patients who have been referred are more likely to refer their own family or friends.

You may have heard of a common myth that physical therapy patient referrals only come from satisfied clients. Clients who are happy with your services, form one of the categories of patients. You can actually categorize the sources for referrals into varied categories. To begin with, anyone who knows you or knows of you has the potential to refer you. All you need to do is to leverage your list of clients, friends and associates and show them how to refer you.

So the first tip to getting more physical therapy patient referrals is to educate the people on your contacts list on how to actually refer you. The second tip is automating the process of getting referrals so that you don't go through periods when you are up till your knees in referrals and then go through 'dry' spells. Your referrals should ideally flow to you on a regular basis.

Your physical therapy business should be constituted of 70-80% referrals. If you haven't reached that goal, just follow the tips here to show you way.

With your existing clients, deliver results and go the extra mile to get them to refer you. Show your patients that you care and that you make a difference in their lives. Remind them of how your services and products form such an integral part of their routine. Automatically, your patients will feel obliged to do something in return by referring you to their network of associates. As I have already said, do not ignore the fact that prospective referrers may not know much about referrals so you may need to make them aware of how they can refer you to others.

You need to create a system for rewarding referrers as soon as you get a patient whom they have referred. You could send them a thank you note or make a phone call to show your gratitude for the referral. Alternately, you could offer monetary rewards, small gifts or add-on services for existing clients who have referred you.

Using these tips and putting them into a structure will help you start off on your goals for increasing the number of physical therapy patient referrals.

Orthopedic And Sports Physical Therapy Magazines - Benefits Of Reading Them

Are you a professional sports player or athlete? Are you someone who is very particular about your health and fitness? Maybe you are that person who is curious about what's happening in the field of sports medicine and therapy and would love to read all you can about it. For the entire news taking place in the field of sports physical therapy you can find in a single magazine called the Journal of orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. This magazine which has been dealing with all that has been happening in the field of sports medicine and physical therapy has been in circulation for over 28 years. This magazine has unbelievable amount of information and content in all its pages. It is also commonly referred to as JOSPT among its readers and its pages are filled with lots of exciting news about the latest in clinical and research cases. Here are some good reasons why you should consider going through this wonderful magazine so that you can know what to expect from it.

This magazine offers its readers the latest information on what is happening in the field of sports medicine, orthopedics and physical therapy. The reader can expect to find information about unusual clinical cases and their treatments. How these cases were treated under various situations and their success rates. Here research papers on patients with various problems relating to their muscle and skeletal health were dealt with and how they recuperated and were finally relieved of their problems are discussed in length in the magazine. Plenty of information on what is the latest in the fields of biomechanics, orthopedics and sports medicine is given in detail for the reader to benefit. The magazine makes it a point to provide the various methods of treatments which are available for the treatment of patients who have had physical injuries on their body or illness so that the patients are able to recuperate and their strength restored.

It is not only the detailed types of treatments which are available to patients which are discussed in detail here in the magazine which warrants for its proof of its popularity but also the reader can find that many important organizations the world over depend on this magazine for the latest in sports medicine and physical therapy. This journal is available in the electronic form also. Many organizations like Sports Physiotherapy Australia, The Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists are ardent well wishers of this magazine.

If you want to know what is happening in the field of sports and physical therapy, then it would certainly be worthwhile if you subscribe to this journal. For a physical therapist in the field of sports, this journal come especially handy as it gives all the news of the latest technologies and procedures which are being used to treat patients so that you too can adopt them for your treatments. If you are patient who is interested in knowing about the treatment that you are going to take for your injuries then reading this magazine is surely going to provide you with all the information tat you will need. This one journal which is highly rated and recognized by many professional and patients as being the best magazine which is currently providing all the latest information in the field of sports and physical therapy.

Is Massage Therapy in Your Future?

For many people pondering a career transition after being downsized, or feeling burned out in their high-stress job, massage therapy may be a good choice. This low-stress career provides the freedom to work whatever hours and days are most convenient, and decide what rates to charge. Also, it allows for specializing, such as working with children, those recovering from injuries, or the handicapped.

Massage therapy classes are available in most major cities, and there is a lot of information available on the internet. A beginning therapist may also receive referrals from chiropractors or other medical professionals. It's possible to share office space alongside them.

Most states require licensing of massage therapists, sometimes with different requirements from one state to another. City and county governments may also require compliance with their own rules, regardless of state requirements. Some local authorities will not allow house calls.

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork offers two types of certification tests. One is National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), the other is National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM).

Each state issuing board will provide one or the other, and states that issue the same test will allow therapists to move their practice from one state to another. When a therapist wants to move from a state that issued one examination, to a state that issues the other, it will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Either exam will require at least 500 hours of supervised instruction in an accredited school.

Massage therapy classes in each state which belongs to the NCB, will issue the exam that is required by that state. States that don't belong to the NCB will have their own requirements.

All massage therapy schools must cover pathology, general knowledge of body systems, detailed knowledge of kinesiology, anatomy, and physiology, plus therapeutic massage assessment and application. Professional standards, ethics, business and legal practices are also covered.

Massage Therapy Benefits Acknowledged

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IEP Compliance: Be a Watchdog for Your Child

It happens more often than you think. You attend the Individualized Education Program meeting, discuss your child's goals and evaluations, talk with teachers and therapists, come up with a workable plan, and politely thank everyone for their hard work. You leave with the expectation that the course of action decided in the meeting is the course of action that will take place. Then, months later, you find out this isn't exactly so. You find out, if you're lucky.

The purpose of this article is not to point the finger at school districts or frighten parents into believing their child's teachers are trying to dodge responsibilities. Special Education teachers have an extremely heavy workload, more so than mainstream teachers. Above and beyond teaching individualized curriculum, they are behavioral analysts, data collectors, safety care specialists, technician and therapies coordinators, and bearers of mountains of paperwork. They may have ten to twenty students on their caseload, each of which has an individualized program. Rather, the purpose is to inform parents of the possibility of a slip in the administration of services.

It tends to happen with therapies. If your child is an elementary special education student, most likely he/she also receives speech therapy, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy. At the secondary level, this may also include instructional one-on-one time and/or social work. Since the IEP team has decided these therapies are necessary to the success of your child's education, it is important that your child receives the time designated by his IEP.

The slip in services usually is a result of an injury/illness or other unforeseen event for which the therapist is absent from work. One or two days out is no reason for alarm. However, if the therapist is out for weeks at a time, and the school district does not find a suitable replacement, then they are out of compliance with your child's IEP. And unfortunately, in many circumstances a suitable replacement will not be made unless parents become aware of the lack of services and make the first move.

Therefore, it is important to keep the lines of communication open between you and your child's special education teacher. Make email contact at least once every two weeks, if not every week. This takes about five minutes and can make the world of difference in your child's education. Once this email contact is established, request email addresses for the therapists listed in your child's IEP. Sending therapists and counselors a bi-weekly email asking how your child is progressing is a great way to ensure there is no slip of services. If you happen to discover that one of these professionals is on a long-term absence, do not allow the school district to sweep that service under the carpet. By law, they are legally bound to provide services to your child as designated in the IEP. Call your school district's Superintendent's Office and ask to speak to the head of Special Education.

Remember, the most important issue at stake is your child's education.

How to Start Building Your Massage Practice From Scratch, on a Budget

If you just look at the personal benefits of massage therapy, you can see having a massage practice is so rewarding for those who are professionals in the field. Many of your regular clients will range from people with serious back problems to de-stressing at the end of a heavy week. With a visit from the friendly neighbourhood massage therapist now and then, they are often able to live rewarding, active lives that may not have been possible without a little help now and then. This alone is enough validation to put massage therapists on a natural high. There really is nothing quite like helping people gain a sense of strength and comfort.

A low cost business plan

There are dozens of business ideas you can grab onto that offer the chance to help people in your massage business. However, most of them either require high start-up costs, or won't return much at all. This means that they have to be pursued more as a hobby than as a legitimate career path. Luckily, the business side of massage therapy is as rewarding as the personal side.

There simply aren't very many business plans as easy to start up as a massage therapy service. Massage therapy is one of those businesses you can run from the seat of your car. Beginning massage therapists don't even need an office, just a telephone and a diary.

Skills to pay the bills

The most important element of a massage therapy business plan is, of course, experience in massage therapy. You can have all the money in the world for advertisement and setting up your own fancy office, but if you don't have the skill to really help people you won't see any return clients. A massage therapist relies much on their skills as a therapist and skills with people.

Beyond that, the start-up costs for a new massage therapy business tend to be remarkably low. Most beginning massage therapists choose to make house calls. I started like this and for a short while it worked very well. If you choose to start like this too, you don't need to rent out a building or anything like that. All you need is a good portable table and a carry bag for your towels, oil and hand cleanser.

If you choose to take out a loan and set up a shop, look to set it up somewhere near complimentary business to massage therapy. You have a better chance of gained new clients if you think like them. Think about others services your clients use and make yourself accessible to that avenue. If you're really on a budget, however, I'd advise that you stick to house calls, at least until you've established a regular clientele and a strong reputation in your area.

Surprised by Success

As exciting as starting your own massage therapy practice can be, it is advised that you don't get too far ahead of yourself. To put it bluntly, don't quit your day job before you have massage clients.

As long as you have the skills to deliver excellent massage therapy treatments, chances are that you will build a strong clientele. Building a strong, returning clientele takes sound marketing skills and good people skills. Within a short time you may be surprised at how far you've come.

Being a people-person will help you create a successfully busy massage practice. Knowing how to meet and create warm relationships is vital to massage therapy. Creating positive communications will lead to happy clients. Allowing your clients to talk about themselves is very helpful in making the whole process more effective.

To sum it up, building a successful massage business doesn't take years and years. It can take a month or two depending on your skills. These 'skills' are simply being great at massage, good with people and brilliant in your marketing.

4 Important Points to Remember on Universal Precaution Training for Massage Therapists

In order to keep healthcare workers and other people and staff working with human bodies, blood and fluids safe, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) framed the Universal Precautions. The Universal Precautions, or the Standard Precautions, as it is known now, is a set of basic rules framed for people working in the healthcare industry to preserve their health and keep them disease free. It is governed by the basic assumption that "all bodies are infected from bloodborne pathogens".

Bloodborne pathogens are deadly particles in human blood and other body fluids like vaginal secretions, seminal fluids, saliva and others that can cause Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. These particles are capable of infecting the healthiest of bodies if they enter the blood stream. The only way to avoid getting infected by these viruses is to exercise precaution. The Universal Precautions primarily deal with keeping hands clean, surroundings clean, wearing protective gear while in contact with a patient and cleaning and scrubbing after meeting with a patient. For those working in the healthcare sector, a training program in Universal Precautions is mandatory in order to work. Massage therapists are required to be in contact with human bodies as a part of their jobs. This makes it essential for them to undergo this training. Find out how it is essential for massage therapists to undergo Universal Precautions training.

• Sanitizing the Workplace

The Universal precautions enlists sanitation as one of the most basic and important factor. The massage therapists are required to maintain the highest levels of hygiene, bathe regularly and keep themselves clean round the clock. The massage tables, chairs and all equipment related to the process has to be cleaned and disinfected using a mild detergent. The bathrooms, steam rooms and saunas have to be disinfected regularly for use.

• Maintaining Hygiene

The massage therapists are required to wash their hands after using the bathroom, eating and before starting to work with a patient. Clean, manicured hands and short nails are encouraged. Minimal or no jewelry is recommended for it not only causes discomfort to the patient but may carry germs.

• First Aid training and Certification

It is strongly recommended that the massage therapists are trained in First aid and CPR. There may be emergency situations when the patients may require medical assistance or first aid.

• Bloodborne Pathogen Training and Certification

As per the Universal precautions, as massage therapists' deal with a human body, it is mandatory to exercise all the caution the bloodborne pathogen training recommends. As the Universal Precautions assumes that all bodies are capable of spreading the deadly Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, it is essential that the provider exercises caution.

Like all other people working in the healthcare sector, massage therapists are also at a great risk of contracting bloodborne diseases. The training program not only keeps them healthy and disease free, it also maintains the hygiene levels, making the place safe for all the visitors, keeping them all disease free as well.

Should You Attend Massage Therapy School?

Even though people are interested in Massage therapy, they aren't sure whether they would be able to do it on a daily basis. But, if at all you're really interested in following this as your career option you would need to get admitted into a good accredited massage therapy school.

Why you need to attend a school?

You could always learn the art of massage by watching a professional masseur; but, what makes attending a school so special?

You learn a lot more

When you plan on learning massage, there's a lot that you need to know. Some of the courses covered include Kinesiology, anatomy of the human body as well as physiology. You need to know where various organs, muscles and tissues are located in the body as this will help you understand how the human body works and hence you would be able to massage the person back to physical health.

That's not all that you learn. Some esteemed institutes also go the extra mile and teach you about business management and ethics as this will be necessary if at all you begin your very own massage therapy centre.

You need to learn these skills because as a masseur you don't just have to massage your clients but also build a relationship with them and only trust could accomplish this.

Remember - You need to touch people

There are plenty of people who hate touching others and they still dream of becoming a masseur. But, remember you would never be able to become one if you don't get rid of this habit. If this is your case and you really want to be a masseur, you'd receive necessary training at your school.

Hygiene, Communication as well as Kindness

These are the skills that people can never learn; however, they can be built upon - that's what your massage school teaches you. Your clients need to feel comfortable around you and this would be possible only if you maintain hygiene.

People come for a massage in order to relax and therefore if your communication skills are good, they would love chatting with you and hence you would be able to get some long term clients.

Moreover, after tiring days at work people are always looking for some sort of kindness. If at all you act rude with your clients they're not going to want to come back to you. Therefore, you need to make sure that you learn these important skills.

Post-natal Massage Therapy

Some pregnant mums have it easy. Yet others have to go through many hours of labour.

But one thing's for sure. After the delivery process, many are just plain tired. In addition, having to breastfeed and nurse a newborn several times a night can be exhausting.

The new mum today does not have much time to rest and relax during her confinement period at home. She needs to get back to work pretty quickly and that means, facing added pressure to lose weight so that she can fit back to her office wear.

Post-natal massage therapy may just be the solution to her needs. Here are 6 top benefits of post-natal massage therapy:

1. Relaxation

2. Stress Relief

3. Relieves aches on shoulders or neck

4. Hasten the reduction of fluid retention

5. Help uterus to shrink to original size

6. Reduce cellulite and help to tone up the body.

In many parts of Asia, many women before delivery would in fact, prebook sessions with an Indonesian massage therapist for post-natal massage. The treatment is a traditional one which has been handed down several generations and even practiced today. This treatment involves the use of a massage oil applied to the stomach and a tummy wrap (bengkung), essentially a cotton cloth of several metres. The bengkung is used to wrap the body so as to push up the uterus, clear water retention, wind, spasm, shrinks the tummy and helps to reduce weight. Post-natal massage is usually done in the privacy of one's own home.

For a mother that has delivered her baby naturally, it is generally pretty safe to go for a post-natal massage. For those that delivered by caesarian, be sure to consult your professional massage therapist or your doctor first. Most in fact, would recommend that you wait a few more weeks before proceeding with a post-natal massage.

Post-natal massage provides a sense of continuing comfort for the new mother. The aim of this massage is to give nurturing and emotional support as well as alleviate the muscle strain of labor and childbirth. Some post natal massage therapies also come with a detoxification ritual that rids the midriff of post birth bagginess.

In some instances, post-natal massage can bring about a much shapelier silhouette, compared to the one just before pregnancy!

Kyphosis and the Office Worker

Kyphosis is a pronounced curve in the upper spine as the diagram below illustrates. The chances are if you're reading this you're probably sitting at a computer. All of us at some time will use a computer and a large majority of people will be sat at a desk and do most if not all of there work sat facing a computer. Typically people working at a computer will be slumped, leaning forward into the computer screen, the shoulders will be rolled forward and the neck will be long. Over a period of time the pectoral muscles on the front of the chest will shorten which in turn will bring the shoulders forward and tighten the muscles on the upper back. This will have several effects.

Effects of postural kyphosis

Hunchback

Tight shoulders

Compresses the lungs causing possible breathing difficulties

Compresses the internal organs leading to possible digestion problems.

Energetically obstruction of the lung channel again leading to respiratory problems

Instability of the shoulder joint

Possible cause of headaches

There are several types of kyphosis but as a massage practitioner I am mainly concerned with postural kyphosis which is a condition I see and treat on a regular basis.

Everything is connected

Everything in the body is linked so if one thing goes wrong there is going to be a chain reaction so if a muscle tightens there is going to be an effect on surrounding muscles and structure.

The client during the consultation will complain about tight shoulders and on physical examination will find that between the shoulder blades and the surrounding area feel tight. A lot of therapist will go straight to the upper back and treat there because that's where the pain is coming from and the client will expect you to start there because they believe that's where the pain is coming from. The shoulders are tight but they are tight because they are long not short. If you roll your shoulders forward and inwards towards your chest you will feel your upper back tighten. Further more in this position you will notice that this compresses the chest impairing the lungs function to expand to its full capacity and that by bending forward compression of the internal organs will occur.

If you consider how much time you spend sitting at a computer you have some idea of how serious this condition is, lets say you work a 37 hour week that means you spend 148 hours every 4 weeks in this position. At the end of the day sat at a computer, people will get in there car, get home and slump in front of the TV constantly being in a poor position.

The negative cycle

What's worse is that once this position is adapted this becomes the normal position for the body to be in. If a person slumps at there desk and then tries to adapt a correct posture by sitting correctly, pulling the shoulders back and putting the neck/head into a correct position it will cause pain because the body has adapted to a incorrect position and because when trying to correct pore posture it causes pain (mainly because the pecs are short) the person will go back to slumping because that's what feels normal. At this stage the muscles would be considered to be chronically tight.

When muscles are tight the supply of blood flow is restricted. The blood flow is responsible fro maintenance, repair and carrying away waste products from the muscles. When blood flow is restricted the muscle doesn't get nutrients and waste builds up. This is the start of the negative cycle causing the muscle to tense up more causing the fibres to harden leading to loss of movement and pain.

In this position the muscles that attach to the back of the neck are being stretched so again this will restrict the blood flow in this area which could be a possible cause of headaches.

Correct treatment

Release of the pectorals muscles thus realigning the shoulders and helping the muscles that are tight on the upper back into the correct position

Massage of the upper back and shoulder

Treatment of lower back and hip flexors

Releasing the neck with massage and stretches

Advice and Exercises

Core stability- these are the abdominal muscles and the muscles around the centre of your body which provide stability to the spine giving you strength to sit correctly

Correct posture see links below

Stretching of muscles especially pectorals, lower back, lower hip flexors. See my sheet on stretches

Pilates class

Further reading

Nhs direct- watch a video on kyphosis and read more explanations on the condition
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Kyphosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx?url=Pages/What-is-it.aspx

Advice on how to sit correctly whilst using a laptop or desktop
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/workplacehealth/Pages/Howtositcorrectly.aspx

Massage Therapy Business In Baltimore

Baltimore is the largest city of Maryland and also has the distinction of being a major seaport. It is a major cultural and industrial center. Starting a massage therapy business can be a good idea because people tired of the stressful atmosphere seek measures to stay calm and relax and are in search of masseurs to help them. Masseurs are also helpful in alleviating several ailments. Masseurs use techniques such as stroking, kneading, tapping, vibration, stretching, compression and friction with or without hot pads and packs or cold water. It is said to help improve circulation, relieving pains and reducing stress, and improve health.

Tips for Starting a Massage Therapy Business:
You have to carefully analyze if you have an aptitude for running a massage therapy business. Research can be done to find out all you can about the business and the licenses and permits that may be required to begin operations legally in Baltimore. You will be required to have a certificate from the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners before you can practice massage therapy in Baltimore. An application fee of $100, certification fee of $200, State examination fee of $275 and a Biennial renewal fee of $200 are charged by the board.

Certain criteria have to be satisfied by those who seek a certificate from the boards, such as a minimum of 500 hours of classroom training from a reputed institution. It should include anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology, massage therapy theory, technique, supervised practice, professional ethics, professional standards, business practices, health, hygiene, and contraindications of massage. They have to have received passing grades in the Maryland Message Therapy Jurisprudence Examinations and the NCBTMB examination.

You could give your business a legal structure, get adequate insurance coverage from a reputed provider and make a catchy and attractive name for your business. Select an appropriate location, making sure the zoning laws are not violated. List the equipment that may be needed as well as the materials and buy them after comparing prices. Hire the necessary staff, such as a customer service executive to deal with clients and for booking appointments. Make sure the staff is aware of all the services you will provide and the rates you will charge and ensure that they treat customers in an acceptable fashion.

Advertising and marketing have to be done carefully so as not to violate any applicable laws that govern the methods of advertising. Make sure that you are ethical and committed to helping people and don't abuse the certificate and the rights given to you on account of the certificate.
A person who is skilled and indeed helps those who seek his services will definitely have no dearth of clients on account of word-of-mouth publicity.

There are services and products available to help new entrepreneurs like you succeed, make sure to use them to run a successful business.

Learning How to Give a Wonderful Massage

Massage is a therapeutic sensual stimulation to rejuvenate and enhance circulation as well as to relax the muscles. In order to determine how to give a massage you should identify that this is a completely structured and controlled procedure that should be adopted only after the proper know-how of its norms and specifications. In order to massage someone properly you can opt for some massage school where you can get the needed credentials as well as the methodologies to improvise the right kind of understanding of how to give a massage. There are various methods that a person can acquire to learn massaging just by a bit of research work and this includes proper analysis of online videos as well as concerned tutorials. These demonstrate easy methods of giving a massage that can be implemented at home with no difficulty.

You should always take a small pause before beginning and try to inhale and breathe out so that you gain a better control over your senses and rejuvenate the sensual connectivity. Swedish genre of massage is perhaps the most common tool for getting the right techniques in massage.

Making use of your forearm and using the flat section of the hand is a great way to give a massage. You should become skilled at generating long strokes as these are the key specifications of this technique. By this act the impact of your stimulation reaches muscular depths and enhances circulation.

You should make sure that the person is lying straight and relaxed preferably with their back facing you. Another interesting aspect of how to give a massage is to know the place where you need to position yourself. The right place perhaps would be near the forehead of the subject. Start with the shoulders and move down the length of the spine. Massage increases the circulation of blood from heart to the skin cells. This brings considerably higher content of oxygen to the cells. Nervous system is also catered to by a proper massage and by relaxing your mind and sensitive body parts like neck and spine, Massage benefits are seemingly unparalleled.

One of the other prominent Massage benefits is that it heals largest body organ, the skin in a very acceptable format. Massage increases the circulation of blood from heart to the skin cells. This brings considerably higher content of oxygen to the cells. Nervous system is also catered to by a proper massage and by relaxing your mind and sensitive body parts like neck and spine, Massage benefits are seemingly unparalleled.

Treating blood pressure, stress hormones and anxiety are also some of the Massage benefits. Massage helps in balancing the hormonal and chemical balance in the body and Massage benefits also incorporate improvement your sleep quality. Aroma massage is a common genre of massage therapy and this massage benefits by removing all your mental stress, and reenergizing the body. The massage involves the uses of some essential oils like lavender.