Enroll in a Massage School to Become a Professional Massage Therapist

If you are gifted with a healing touch, now is the time to learn to enhance your ability as a Massage Therapist. The Massage industry is growing and it is a great time to enroll in a massage school and take a certification course to become a successful therapist.

Education from an Accredited Massage School is Valued in the Massage Therapy Profession:

Some people believe that formal education, training, certification, or licensing are not required for learning massage. However, self-taught therapists, who are not certified by an approved massage school, are not permitted to work legally in most of the United States. Therefore, in order to work legally as a massage therapist, the laws governing massage therapy require that you complete formal education at a school.

Here are facts about therapy education:

Every day the number of people entering the massage industry is increasing. Over 300 accredited massage schools and programs are available in the United States. The majority of states in the US require education and training from an approved or accredited massage school, as well certification or licensing, for massage therapy professionals.

There are more than 91,000 nationally certified therapists in the US. Therefore, to become a successful therapist, you are encouraged to receive your education and certification from a reputable massage school that will enable you to take the National Certification Exam (NCBTMB) or become certified or licensed as a massage therapist in your state.

The majority of massage therapists, as well as employers and professionals in the massage industry, acknowledge that to become a successful therapist it is best to have a certain level of education from a reputable school.

Professional schools provide 250 or 500 hours of training, which helps students learn the different techniques of therapy and provide the skills necessary for a lucrative career in the field of Massage Therapy.

A majority of successful therapists take continuing education classes from a school that is approved for continuing education by the NCBTMB

Massage schools provide entry level training in various modalities/techniques, advanced training for specific modalities, and training in working with specific populations (e.g. pregnant women, geriatrics, and athletes).

Many states in the USA require that licensed or certified therapists have at least 500 hours of training. Some states such as California allow graduates with 250 hours of training to work in the field. Moreover, many states require massage therapists to complete continuing education hours every year to maintain their license.

Enroll in a respected state approved massage school and start your journey towards becoming a successful therapist.

Benefits of Massage for Arthritis

Massage for arthritis is nothing new. More than two thousand years ago, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates wrote that "physicians must be experienced in many things, but assuredly also in rubbing that can bind a joint that is loose and loosen a joint that is too hard."

While the cartilage degeneration of arthritis cannot be reversed, massage is helpful to reduce muscle spasm and decrease compressive forces associated with the joint disorder. Beyond the damage to joint tissues, there are several factors involved in the pain of arthritis, most of which massage addresses directly. These include tense muscles caused by the body's natural response to protect a painful joint by tensing the muscles around it, fatigue, which can make your pain seem worse and harder to handle, and depression or stress resulting from limited movement or no longer being able do activities you enjoy.

Tense Muscles
Massage addresses your tense muscles by gently coaxing your tissues to relax and lengthen. When the muscles relax, pain and stiffness decrease, and joint mobility increases. Gentle passive joint movements, a technique which is part of traditional Swedish massage, will remind the body of the full potential range of motion in a joint. The long strokes (effleurage) and kneading strokes (petrissage) of Swedish massage increase circulation of blood and lymph in and around the joint. This cleanses tissues of irritating by-products from arthritic inflammation and improves nutrition to tissues. Better oxygenation and less stagnation combats fatigue, and swelling often lessens as excess fluid enters the circulatory system where it can be eliminated. With regular massage, natural joint lubrication is also likely to improve.

Fatigue and Stress
Massage relaxes the mind as rhythmic motions sedate the autonomic nervous system and engage the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is the "rest and digest" system, which is blocked when we are in the "fight or flight" stress mode of the sympathetic nervous system. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are lowered after a massage session, while the body's production of natural pain-killing endorphins, such as dopamine and serotonin, is increased. The quality of restful sleep usually improves in the days following a massage. This gives the body a chance to further repair and restore energy levels.

Should I Get My Doctor's Permission?
"Massage is free of any known side effects and according to our results, clearly shows therapeutic promise," says David L. Katz M.D., associate adjunct professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health at Yale School of Medicine and director of Yale's Prevention Research Center. "So-called 'alternative' treatments like massage are most important when conventional treatments are far from ideal. Currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often not well-tolerated by older adults with osteoarthritis. Cox-II inhibitors like Vioxx were developed as substitutes for traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, but pose highly-publicized toxicity problems of their own."

Generally, if you are healthy enough to exercise, you are healthy enough to receive massage. If degeneration of joints is present, you have rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or osteoporosis, it is a good idea to get your doctor's permission, and get specific cautions to pass along to the massage therapist. Because of the profound effects massage can have on the flow of blood and lymph, some health conditions involving the heart, kidneys or liver can make massage inappropriate. Don't have bodywork or massage on "hot" inflamed or infected joints or if you are having a flare, have a fever, an infection or are coming down with an acute illness. It may make them worse. Tell your therapist if you are taking painkillers, and if you feel any pain during the session.

How Often To Get Massage
The therapeutic value of massage lies in its regularity. According to Dietrich Miesler, founder of the Day-Break Geriatric Massage Project, "a regular, weekly massage is the best prevention to most of the problems of aging."

Try it for a month. "I like to compare it to the melting of a big pile of snow," states Miesler. "How long does it take to show obvious and lasting results? If you do localized massage for 10-15 minutes once or twice a week for a few months, you will notice obvious improvement and the process is self-accelerating."

Physiotherapy Treatment of Shoulder Fractures

Humeral fractures occur commonly with up to five percent of all fractures falling into this category, eighty percent of humeral fractures being minimally displaced or undisplaced. Osteoporosis is a contributing factor in many of these fractures and a fracture of the forearm on the same side is a typical presentation. Nerve or arterial damage from the fracture is an important consideration but not common. Typical sites of fractures are the top of the arm (neck of humerus - "shoulder fracture") and the middle of the shaft of the humerus.

The usual cause of a humeral fracture is a direct fall on the arm, either on the hand, elbow or directly onto the shoulder itself. Due to all the muscles that attach to the upper humerus, there can be a lot of muscular force at the time, dictating how much the bones are pulled into a displaced position. Humeral fractures are more common in the elderly with an average age of fracture of around 65 years and younger people usually have a history of forceful trauma such as motor accidents or sport.

If the fracture occurred without significant force then a pathological cause such as cancer must be suspected. On physio examination pain will occur on movement of the shoulder or the elbow, there may be extensive bruising and swelling, the arm may appear short if the fracture is displaced in shaft fractures and there is very restricted shoulder movement. Radial nerve damage is rare in upper humeral fractures but more common in fractures of the shaft, leading to "wrist drop", weakness of the wrist and finger extensors and some thumb movements.

Management of Humeral Fractures

After the fracture the patient's movements are kept restricted and sufficient analgesia provided to keep them comfortable. With little or no displacement the management is non-operative but if the greater tuberosity is fractured then it is important to suspect rotator cuff injury. This is more common in injuries with high forces, when the patient is older or the tuberosity is displaced significantly. Humeral neck fractures can be kept in line with a collar and cuff, allowing the elbow to hang free, while shaft fractures are difficult to manage but can be braced.

Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is often performed for displaced fractures with three or four fragments and more commonly in younger patients, while older patients have humeral head replacement to prevent pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Nailing or plating is used in shaft fractures if necessary but these usually heal without surgery. Humeral fractures can have complications including injury to the radial nerve in shaft fractures, frozen shoulder and death of the humeral head due to loss of blood supply. Although normal healing time is 6-8 weeks, older sufferers may never re-establish normal range of shoulder movement.

Shoulder Fracture Treatment by Physiotherapy

Initially the physio assesses the arm, asking the patient about their pain level as this varies greatly, examining the swelling and bruising of the arm. The physiotherapist then checks the available range of movement of the shoulder, elbow, forearm and hand. Any muscle weakness and sensory loss is noted as this may denote nerve damage. If not operated on, a sling is continued with and if the fracture is not too painful or severe, early exercises are started by the physiotherapist. Pendular exercises, with the patient bending over at the waist, are important in the early stages as they allow movement of the shoulder joint without much force.

Three weeks after the fracture bone healing will be well under way so the physiotherapist will instruct the patient in auto-assisted exercises, using the other arm, to help reduce stress on the injury. Unassisted exercises are the next step as the arm becomes stronger, to practice lateral and medial rotation and flexion. At six weeks the bone will be clinically sound so the physio can progress to more vigorous movements with resistance and gentle end-range stretching. Joint mobilisations can be useful to free up the sliding and gliding movements of the joint and strengthening and joint range work continued with Theraband.

Physical Therapy Schools - How to Make the Right Choice

There are many physical therapy schools from which one can choose from when pursuing the required education to become a physical therapist.

People working in this field assist individuals who are experiencing movement restriction due to an illness or injury. Job openings are expected to increase by as much as 30 percent by the year 2018, and according to the United States Bureau of Labor statistics, this may be a modest estimate. For this reason, those who anticipate pursuing this career path should give serious thought to their education.

Physical Therapy Schools

Education Requirements
It is necessary that one becomes specially trained, if they want to work in this profession. A Master's degree is the minimum education level required of those who plan to become physical therapists. However, many students choose to pursue a doctor of physical therapy degree, although this decision is usually dependent on several factors such as tuition costs and how quickly the individual wishes to become employed.

Research
One of the best actions prospective students can take is to start his or her research early. For instance, when one is taking courses during his or her first year of college, it is wise to devote some time to researching the various physical therapy schools available and their required prerequisites. This is because such requirements vary from school to school, making it essential to obtain detailed information in advance.

Grade Point Average
It is also imperative that one maintain a high grade point average during college. Many physical therapy schools require a 3.0 minimum grade point average before they will consider a student for admission. It is also wise to maintain a high grade point average if one will be seeking grants to help pay for his or her college education, as most grants of this type have specific grade point average requirements.

Selecting a School
There is a vast array of learning institutions from which one can choose from when pursuing a career as a physical therapist. However, one should only consider schools that are accredited by the American Physical Therapy (APTA) Association or a similar institution. Those who do not acquire their education from an accredited school will not qualify to take the national licensing exam. Without a license, finding work will be difficult, if not impossible.

The APTA publishes a bi-annual list of the top ten physical therapy schools in the country. These schools are ranked by experts, with specific areas such as program quality and student to instructor ratio being taken into account.

The University of California, the University of Pittsburgh, and Washington University in St. Louis currently rank in first, second and third place, respectively. However, there are many other physical therapy schools to choose from, and therefore, one should not give up his or her dream of becoming a physical therapist if a top ranking school is out of reach, either geographically or financially. Regardless of the school one chooses, pursuing an education in the field of physical therapy is a worthwhile endeavour.

10 Products Every New Physical Therapy Clinic Needs to Get Started

The aging population, the trend towards increased physical exercise, along with the stress many young athletes place on their body have combined to increase the demand for physical therapists in the U.S. and Canada. In fact as early as 1990, the market for equipment, supplies and services reached 2.2 billion per year. The industry has been growing ever since as people become more interested in overcoming health problems.

According to information provided by the Bureau of Labour Statistics in the United States over 160,000 Americans are Physical Therapists. Physical Therapists also earn a median annual wage of $69,760 with some of the highest wage earners earning above $120,000 annually.

With that in mind all of you who are interested in getting yourself started in this fulfilling and lucrative career there are 10 things you will need to get started.

The Winco 850CD Steel Frame Therapy Table, is a great solution for offices without much storage. With 2 shelves and 2 drawers all of your supplies will be on hand and organized when you need them. This treatment table is strong and can hold up to 400 pounds. Its stable design allows for its use for any type of treatment.

If it is an adjustable treatment table you are searching for, look no further than the Proluxe PT 300. This treatment table with a flexible top and leg adjustments allows you to offer treatments for a variety of different people while assuring the utmost comfort.

This mega capacity cooling unit is ideal for your busy practice, athletic training department or emergency room. The C-6 ColPac Chilling Unit comes decked out with 12 standard size ColPacs and its specially designed interior chills your packs faster with the use of a heavy duty compressor.

The 2793k Intelect Legend lives up to its name. The Legend offers users 7 different waveforms and 2 standard channels. It also comes complete with an on-board data management system which stores comprehensive patient pain profiles, generate electrode placement diagrams as well as help to ensure consistent patient care.

This 105 gallon Lo-Boy whirlpool is ideal for your patient's rehabilitation. Constructed with a heavy gage stainless steel it provides both strength and durability. The turbine motor provides a soothing, cleansing and relaxing treatment and has a built in thermal overload protector.
The M4 Hydrocollator is Source 1 medicals largest mobile Hydrocollator. Its extra large insulated tank comes complete with 24 standard Hotpacs. Made from high quality stainless steel it has an almost indefinite lifespan. The design of this Hyrdocollator makes maintenance hassle free.

The Twin Stim Plus digital offers 4 channels of portable digital electrotherapy. It features 3 modes of TENS and 3 modes of EMS and offers the use of 8 electrodes simultaneously. This unit would be ideal for use at home or in your clinic.

The standard size ColPac is an absolute necessity for anyone starting out in a Physical Therapy clinic. The standard 11"x 14" size offers effective cold therapy regardless of the area or shape of the injury.

The 2795K Intelect Legend XT's 4 channel combination system with cart offers unparalleled value to any owner. With the use of 7 different wave forms as well as a 5" high contrast LCD screen and on board patient data management system each day is sure to be a breeze.

The 1006 Standard Size HotPac allows you to warm away all that ales you by applying this hydrocollator moist heat hot pack. This 10"x 12" size has been used since 1947 by thousands of doctors and physical therapists to treat patients. Once heated up the hydrocollator provides up to 30 minutes of deep, soothing moist heat.

*wage statistics for Physical Therapists found at: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm

The Basic Equipment Required in Hot Stone Massage Therapy

A hot stone massage therapy has become a popular and one of the most requested massages in spas and practices all around the world. It is a massage therapy that uses different kinds of cold or hot stones. It relieves muscle spasms and sometimes is even used for alternative therapy in alleviating pain in illnesses or injuries. It is used with a combination of a Swedish massage with deep heat and pressure provided by warm basalt stones.

If you are a masseuse and planning to incorporate the stone therapy into your practice, it is important you learn the basic equipment used for this massage. Here is a short list of the fundamental tools you need:

1. Massage table
These are specialized tables used to position clients during a massage. Typically, a massage table is easy to clean, heavily padded and has a horse-shoe shaped head support allowing the patient to breathe normally while lying face down.

2. Linens for the table
These are used for dressing the massage table. If you want to add a special touch for the client, you can use a sheepskin to warm the pad underneath the flannel linens.

3. Electrical heating unit

Many masseuses utilize roasting pans for the purpose of heating the stones. These pans can be purchased in any retail store and is available online. An insulated container is also a good alternative especially if the therapist frequently travels to their clients.

4. Massage oils
The three most commonly used massage oil are grape seed, olive and rose oils. Most therapists use their oil of choice during massage session. Oils are used as a lubricating source for a hot stone massage. The element of aromatherapy will definitely enhance a massage session. Lavender oil is also a good choice because it promotes relaxation.

5. Basalt stones
Massage stones comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and packages. Basalt stones are generally used for a hot stone therapy. It can absorb and retain heat very well.

The number of hot stones used in a stone massage can vary. In a full massage, there are approximately 48-56 stones you need to use. You can also use fewer stones but you will need to constantly reheat them.

It is also important to keep the stones clean after using them. There are various storage bags available for this purpose. Usually it is included in your purchase if you buy a stone package.

6. Optional equipment
These will include the utensils used for removing the stone s in the heating equipment and different varieties of essential oils.

Most people will be blown away from the level of relaxation a hot stone massage can offer. Not only is it a pleasurable experience for the mind and body but it also alleviates physical pains and aches. Having the right equipment and techniques will certainly allow the client to experience a relaxing massage but will also reduce the strain placed on the therapist while doing the massage.

Choosing a Massage Therapist

Our everyday lives are becoming more and more hectic, working longer hours with added stress and little time to unwind.

Does this sound like you?

Sometimes we need to take a few minutes out of our day to relieve the stress and pressures of everyday life. We also need to repair ourselves from what we do whether it be heavy lifting or sitting at a desk all day.

Massage is the perfect solution.

Massage is an all natural way to help heal ourselves from the daily grind that we put ourselves through and prepare for another day.

Even if you don't have time for a nice one hour massage, there can always be time for a quick 15 minute chair massage that can really help.

If you are looking for a massage therapist or have never tried massage, there are a few things to consider when looking.

First, like doctors, chiropractors, and other professionals, not all therapists are created equal. They all have their own specialties and methods for treatment. Some will work for you and some will not.

Massage therapists undergo a good amount of training and are required to be licensed in order to treat in most states.

Some tips to consider:

Before hopping on a table, you should always check to make sure your therapist is trained and licensed.

Sometimes massage can be prescribed by your doctor and covered under your health insurance. If so, make sure your massage therapist takes your insurance. Not all do.

Talk to your massage therapist and see how they would treat you and what they recommend. There are so many massage techniques out there, get an understanding of what may work for you.

Your massage therapist should go over some kind of initial explanation of what to expect from massage. It is important for you to know if it may take a few treatments and what it may entail.

Make sure your therapist is aware of any medical conditions that you may have. That will have an effect on how they treat you.

One of the important things to remember is that all of our bodies are different. Some methods of massage work for some and not for others.

You may have to try different methods or different therapists to find the ideal situation for you.

Massage therapy is a great way to relieve the day-to-day stresses of our life and the aches and pains that go with it.

Give it a shot, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Ways to Land a Massage Job While Still in School

You should wait until you have graduated from massage school, passed the National Massage Exam (NCBTMB), and have your state license before applying for a massage job, right? WRONG! During these tough economic times it is important that you get an early jump on your massage therapy career. Waiting and waiting until everything is lined up just so may leave you with months of "free" time on you hands. The massage therapy education that you invested in will pay off if you take the proper steps. Use your time as a student wisely. Use the collective efforts of your school community to prepare yourself and to land a massage job while still a student.

First begin by deciding what type of job you want. The field of massage therapy offers so many opportunities. You can pursue employment on a cruise ship, in a day spa, salon, doctor's office, physical therapist, or for a professional or amateur sports team. What interests you most? Speak with your instructors and career counselors to get a better understanding of which job opportunities would best match your interests, goals, and skillset.

Next, begin working on your resume. Maintain a professional image by submitting an appropriate cover letter and resume to all jobs you seek to be considered for. On your resume highlight any previous relevant experience. (i.e. receptionist work done at a spa, medical knowledge, or hospitality experience) If you lack professional experience, focus more on your knowledge of the modalities taught in your program. Employers want to know what type of bodywork you can perform. Make it clear to them. Don't forget to include the experience you gained in participating in student clinic. Detail the number of hours and amount of clients you worked on.

Search the web for job opportunities in your area. Most schools have a Career Services Department that will have a list of available jobs. Once you have finalized your resume start submitting it to your jobs of interests even if you do not meet all of their desired qualifications of the job. You never know how flexible an employer is willing to be until you ask. Plus, you will want to practice interviewing for massage therapy positions.

Stop by local spas and salons simply to meet and greet. Introduce yourself and leave a resume behind. Employers are looking for polished go-getters. Be proactive and let potential employers know when you'll be ready for hire. Network with other professionals. The best jobs I've ever landed where those that I already had before stepping foot in the interview. The referral from a colleague made all the difference. Join professional organizations, such as AMTA and ABMP. These organizations will provide you with the liability coverage that most employers require but most importantly will establish you as a serious candidate. So start early. Decide what type of work you want. Solicit the help of instructors and other professionals. Submit as many resumes as possible and interview. interview, interview. Practice makes perfect. With a little determination you should have no problem landing a massage job while still in school.

Risks and Benefits of Thalassotherapy

Massage therapies are by far one of the safer types of medical care when properly conducted by a good therapist. However, even the most natural treatment of all is not exempted with the possible risks and dangers of acquiring injuries, aggravating the patient's current condition, or delivering additional devastating blows to the client. On the other hand, there are ways to make sure that you are getting a safer type of treatment in a massage therapy.

Thalassotherapy is a form of holistic modality that uses sea, warm water, seawater, and related products for health and wellness purposes. The therapy is a popular alternative for balneotherapy, watsu, and other types of water treatment. The therapy is commonly used in treating medical conditions such as asthma, arthritis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, and other sorts of ailments, disorders, and dysfunctions. The therapy program is also used for the purpose of weight loss and for detoxifying the body naturally.

The benefits received from a Thalassotherapy session can be quite numerous due to its complex methods of delivering and promoting health and well being in an individual. The main purpose of this type of water therapy is to detoxify the body from harmful toxins and elements that can cause various health issues when left inside the human body. Although this is the common use of the therapy on most patients, there are still other purposes that attract many clients to using the techniques of the medical care. The therapy is great for enhancing the metabolism of an individual which is an essential ingredient for people who are into the weight loss program. It also helps in resolving digestion disorders which may lead to uncomfortable and painful conditions. The water therapy is also known for its effectiveness in providing treatment for various medical conditions such as arthritis, bronchitis, hypertension, scabies, muscle atrophy, eczema, muscle pain and all sorts of painful conditions. It is also used for de-stressing purposes as it is highly effective and powerful in releasing stress, tension, and fatigue from the mind and body of a patient in order to achieve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual enlightenment.

The risks of Thalassotherapy are less and not that significant as compared to its advantages to the human health. However, it is a wise move to respect the possibilities that it can cause more harm to the patient when done in the wrong way. The common errors done during the therapy session is the use of the pressurized jet sprayer. Although it does not do any major damages or injuries to the client, it can cause traumas to the patient when used in the wrong way. Anything done improperly can leave negative impacts to the client that's why it is very important to make sure that the therapist knows what he or she is doing. The practitioner should also stay focused and alert throughout the whole duration of the therapy session to avoid causing health problems.

In general, the therapy is more on the safer side than risky when conducted by a certified practitioner or therapist.

ADHD - Deal With It Naturally!

In the year 2003 my grandson was 5 years old. It was springtime, when the Principal called us to come in for a conference. Next stop the Dr.'s office, where he was diagnosed with ADHD, given an Rx for amphetamines and sent home. I remember sitting in front of the computer, with tears of frustration blurring my vision. I began a search on that day, which has led us here today. I am writing to you, to share the information I have accumulated and found to be effective. So relax, as I reveal to you five amazing. All natural ideas that will put the power to help your child back in your hands.

#5 Laughter... Don't laugh! I'm very serious... According to Dr. Lee Burke; laughter increases the immune system, and reduces stress related hormones such as, cortisol and epinephrine. Laughter will reduce blood pressure to a lower, healthier level than it was before the laughter began. Laughter really is the best medicine. So... skip the violence, and the sad stuff, and find something funny to watch. Or just laugh at yourself! Your child will love that.

#4 Exercise... You already know they have more energy than you. And, you've heard... that exercise increases the "feel good" chemicals In the brain (serotonin and endorphins) And reduces stress (something you both could use).So! Start the day off with a walk together. Or, get creative; dance around in the kitchen. My grandson thinks I'm a very good dancer! This may lead to much laughter, Exercise and Laughter: 2 for the price of one.

#3 Aromatherapy... Smell matters, trust me on this one. The sense of smell is very closely linked to our memory; different essential oils have strong effects on how we feel. For Home work time: a blend of three drops each, Lemon, Grapefruit and Bergamot, Diffused into the room your child is studying in helps with focus. Lavender oil is calming and is very good for headaches. (Doesn't matter who has the headache)

#2 Music... said to calm the savage beast. I'm not suggesting you have a savage beast, but if it works on them... it should work on an eight year old boy!". While babysitting my four month old Grandson... put on some of my nice, relaxing music, to cover the noise in the house.(Tropical birds & piano) That night Austin asked if he could listen to" the bird music". Five years later he still listens to "the bird music" it helps him fall asleep. He really likes the birds.

#1 Massage... Now before you run down to the nearest day spa... Hear me out! One afternoon I had the massage table set up in the extra room.(No it's not a hobby, I've been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1989) Austen was 5 and it was his idea to get his first massage. He asked, "hey Gigi how about a massage?" I said "sure... climb on the table. I thought "how cute "He pulled his t-shirt off... and proceeded to adjust the face piece for his comfort... I started gently massaging his back... When he looked up and said "how about some lotion Gigi "He was obviously serious about his massage, And I replied "how about some money Austen" He just laughed, but his response to the massage got my attention and I focused my research on massage benefits for children diagnosed with various behavioral problems. My research uncovered results that were mind blowing to me.

I have been a therapist for almost 20 years. I know massage is great, but I had no idea; to what extent it would help our children. Here are just a few of the amazing results I found.

According to the Touch Research Institute, at the University of Miami School of Medicine...

"Adolescents with ADHD rated themselves as feeling happier and were observed to fidget less after massage sessions. Also, teachers rated adolescents receiving massage as less hyperactive and as spending more time on task." Field,T., Quintino, O. & Hernandez-Reif, M.,& Koslovsky,G. (1998).
Simply put: Adolescents with ADHD benefit from massage therapy. Adolescence, 33,103-108.

A more recent study, involved 30 children and adolescents, between the ages of seven and eight teen, all diagnosed with ADHD. The children were randomly assigned to a wait-list control group and a massage group. Mood state improved for the massage group but not the control group. Based on smiley face and thermometer scales. The massage group also improved in classroom behavior in the areas of the Conners Teachers rating scales on anxiety, daydreaming and hyperactivity. Khilanani,S.,Field, T.,Hernandez-Reif, M.,& Schanberg,S.(2003) Massage therapy improves mood and behavior of students with adhd. Adolescents, 38, 623-38.

The abstracts stated specifically, that "massage given three to five times per week at 15 min. per session, lowered cortisol levels (stress hormones) and increased serotonin levels (feel good hormones)." I could go on with these impressive statistics, But they all say the same thing. And that is, massage is very, very good for anyone diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. That is great news!

The not So Great news is this. It's like exercise, in order to be effective your child would need 10 to 20 minutes per day three to five days per week. You could take your child to a professional Massage Therapist, but take it from me; this will get very expensive and extremely time consuming. The ideal solution would be for parents to massage their own children. The benefits are nothing short of magical! Of course the kids love it but the parents really enjoy feeling like they were able to do something to help. All you need... Is the desire to help your child and the willingness to learn.

Go ahead. Deal with It Naturally!

Learning Massage Therapy - A Career With Increasing Opportunities

In ancient Greece, Egypt, China, Rome, and India, massage was a major part of medical practices. They used massage to treat various disorders and physical ailments. By promoting a sense of well being, massage can help you relax and minimize the effects of stress.

The practice of massage therapy affects the whole body. The muscular, immune, nervous, and circulatory systems are all being treated. Even though there are physical benefits to massage, we cannot negate the psychological payback.

The full body massage is one of the most popular massages because it provides the most stress relief. Many people get these massages frequently because it feels so great afterwards. They feel completely relaxed and stress free.

Aside from the full body massage, a therapist can focus on certain, specific parts of the body. Reflexology is an example of a form of massage that focuses on a certain part of the body. Reflexology deals with massaging the foot.

Today, over 70% of hospitals in America offer massage therapy as a part of their program. For many years, massage was considered as alternative medicine. Hospitals now use massage therapy in the treatment stress management, chronic pain, pregnancy, and more. Therapeutic massage has even been known to assist individuals who in alcohol and drug programs.

Professional therapists often combine various techniques to strengthen the massage, like aromatherapy, acupressure, and cupping. Since massage therapy has been embraced in mainstream medicine, many people have experienced the benefits. The demand for therapists is increasing each year so why not check out whats available online.

How Lymphatic Massage Therapy Can Effectively Treat Lymphodema

If you have lymphedema and are looking for ways to treat the symptoms then you might have heard about lymphatic drainage massage therapy at some point in time. The good thing about this treatment is that it is very convenient. You may have this therapy right at the comfort of your own home or any professional venue. It is also very easy as there are only two things that you will need and these include the hands and a basic knowledge on the anatomy of the lymphatic system. Even if there are really therapists who are expert on this area, you may also do it on your own as long as you know the correct ways of doing it.

What makes lymphatic drainage massage different from the usual massage that we frequently get is that this is really specific to aid in the promoting good circulation of your lymph fluids especially in problem areas in your body. There is a certain technique that is used when the areas are massaged to avoid skin breakdown and to enhance the drainage of the lymph fluids collected. Only light pressure is used when there is a need to move the lymph instead of applying hard pressure and the next thing that the therapist will do is to gently move the lymph out of the problem area. Apparently, the technique utilized is far different from the normal massage so make sure that you know how to do it correctly.

Again, only light pressure is applied when you are trying to work on the collected fluids out of the lymph vessels to the site where collection is done. If you want a therapist to do it for you hen look for someone with a certification on this type of treatment so that you can be assured of the effectiveness of the therapy. Right amount of pressure is needed because applying too much may not produce the results that you desire. If you do not have any idea on how to perform the procedure efficiently then the best way is to look for a certified manual drainage massage therapist.

If you have lymphedema you might want to consider lymphatic drainage massage therapy as a treatment to relieve of the symptoms. Other treatments may be incorporated depending on what your physician thinks Bandages and wraps are replaced right after the massage is done. Before starting on any modes of treatment make sure that you inform your physician about it so that you would know if it is really indicated for you or other methods should be used instead.

Physical Therapist Resume - How to Write a Good Resume For Your Physical Therapist Job Application

If you are the type of person that can find self-satisfaction for helping people than becoming a physical therapist just might be the job for you, not to mention that you can earn handsomely for it too. Obviously before you can do so you will need to get a job and for you to land one you will need a resume that is not only appealing but can portray you as the person that you say you are. So besides listing down all your educational background your resume should also be able to list your characteristics as well.

As such you have to be very careful when you write your resume, the reason for this is because this is the first ever interaction you will have between your future employer. So the resume must be able to stand out from the crowd and one that the employer will be able to remember from the stack of applications that they receive. This is of course not the only step as you will need to go for interviews and so on but nonetheless this is the most important step of all.

When writing your resume you should not just list down all your past achievements and educational background and be done with it. Today the problem is that anyone can get a degree but whether or not they have the necessary skills to back up the certificate is an entirely separate question. So make sure that you include other important information about yourself that will attract the employers.

Don't write a sloppy bio data about yourself, instead take the time and effort to compile all the necessary information and write a proper resume. Even through the simple task as that, your potential employers will have a glimpse of your passion about the job. Having said that you are not writing a biography so make it concise where they employers can get a sense of who you are.

Employers don't want a robot that can only heal patients they want people that can help other people too. This means that your soft skills should be as good as your medical knowledge, so make sure that you not only graduate at the top of your class but when it comes to dealing with people you have the patience for it even though there is no certificate for that.

Working in such as high risk environment the extra knowledge of CPR or first aid would certainly be an added advantage on your part. Include such information on your resume so you can land that dream job.

The Use of Ultrasound Therapy to Treat Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can be a frustrating situation in which movements of the shoulder joints are restricted after a certain age or other severe conditions, with a very slow recovery process. Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule and connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff, grows together with abnormal bands of tissues called adhesions, and greatly restrict motion, causing chronic pain.

Frozen shoulder can be a very complex condition, in which the main symptoms are stiffness, pain and decreased range of motion in the shoulder and upper arm. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, but can occur after a severe shoulder injury or trauma. Aging, diabetes and heart disease are conditions associated with frozen shoulder.

Once the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, it can be quite difficult to move. A person suffering from this condition finds it difficult to raise their arm above their head, which can become a significantly impede daily activities. The inflammation caused by this condition makes it very painful and leaves the shoulder weak and imbalanced.

To reduce the pain and inflammation that causes stiffness in the shoulder joint, new treatments, such as ultrasound therapy, have been shown to be effective. Frozen shoulder physical therapy reduces the pain and stiffness associated with this condition. Not only does the ultrasound physical therapy help ease pain in the shoulder, but it accelerates the healing process as well. The ultrasound waves cause micro-vibrations in the tissue decrease shoulder inflammation. The ultrasound modality can be used daily from home for frozen shoulder rehabilitation.Frozen shoulder healing can be a long process, but treatments such as home ultrasound are affordable and convenient and will help speed this process.

A commonly used modality by chiropractors, doctors and physical therapists since the 1940's, ultrasound therapy has long been established to be safe and effective in the medical community. Because therapeutic ultrasound increased blood circulation and oxygen to the injured area, it is an excellent rehab method for frozen shoulder that uses sound waves to treat pain, inflammation and muscle spasms.

For a shoulder injury such as frozen shoulder, treatment with a portable home ultrasound machine can effectively provide pain relief and accelerate the healing process. Once ultrasound therapy treatments were only available to pro athletes, but now, it is possible to treat many painful conditions in the comfort of your own home with a pulsed ultrasound unit.

A condition like frozen shoulder requires a certain type of home ultrasound machine. An ultrasound physical therapy machine to be used at home should utilize 1Mhz ultra sound waves. You will also want to find an ultrasound device that is FDA approved and quality manufactured. It is also very important to carefully examine the warranty details and ensure that the unit is covered a minimum 1 year warranty.

The pulse ultrasound used by these home ultrasound machines is just as effective as the continuous wave ultrasound machines used by physical therapists and chiropractors. Treatments with pulsed ultrasound units will simply be more frequent. Frozen shoulder can now be treated in the comfort of your own home with a portable therapeutic ultrasound machine.

The Job Satisfaction of Physical Therapists

It may be very easy to look for a person who can be satisfied with any type of job, but in general, not all professions have high job satisfaction rates. If you have plans to start a new career, it is worthy to note how the professionals fell about their work so you can picture the feeling once you will be practicing the same profession. It can help you decide if you really want to follow this path. As in the case of physical therapists, they show more satisfaction with their job, giving more exciting reasons to would-be physical therapy students to enter the profession.

The National Opinion Research Center found this to be true based on the survey they conducted in 2007. According to the survey, only less than one fourth of the respondents did not give a 'very satisfied' mark on their job. In other words, more than 75% were found to be very satisfied, which proves that you will most probably be satisfied too once you made up your mind to pursue physical therapy.

This percentage placed physical therapy at second rank in the highest rated professions for job satisfaction. The top spot was taken by clergy while the remaining professions in the top 5 are not related to medical fields.

In fact, physical therapy is propelled to popularity by other significant reviews and lists. The profession was ranked 4th in CNNMoney.com's top 100 best job in the US for 2010. Physical therapy was also on the 2009 best careers list of the U.S. News and World Report.

Since you now realized how highly appreciated physical therapy is within the ranks of its practitioners, you have to know the reason behind it. And the surefire top one reason for that is physical therapy is highly satisfying with regards to how you become an instrument in helping and improving the lives of others in every day of your work. It always brings a positive feeling because if you're a physical therapist, you know that your job is more meaningful.

Although immaterial compensations are awesome, let's face it, it's also essential to consider getting a high-paying salary for your new career. High income rates and numerous job opportunities are awaiting the new practitioners. This shows that you'll get hired pretty quickly. Thereafter, you'll get paid deservingly not to mention all the incentives and benefits you'll get.

Other careers fared hardly beyond 50% in satisfaction rate while a lot more did no better than that. With a high 75% satisfaction rate among physical therapists, and a top 2 spot in best careers list, you cannot simply ignore taking physical therapy seriously. Consider the great rewards of helping others and many opportunities as well as a high salary, and the way you look at physical therapy would never be the same when you consider taking it up.

The Benefits of Frequent Massage Therapy

A daily massage is actually good for you and has numerous health benefits regardless of whether you suffer from back or muscle pain. There is much more to a massage then relaxation for the mind and body, there are psychological and physiological changes that occur, especially if you use massage as a frequent therapy and not just when you have a pain one day. Here are just a few benefits that massage can do to help improve your overall health.

Everyone knows that massage can increase relaxation but did you know that massage can help lower blood pressure, increase circulation, increase the speed in which you recover from an injury, help you sleep better and enhance your concentration. Massage can also reduce fatigue and increase your energy levels to help you deal with stress.

For those of us who exercise on a regular basis massage also helps soften injured and overused muscles. A massage will also assist in reducing spasms and cramping. Frequent massage will increase joint flexibility, reduce your body's recovery time, and help prepare you for strenuous workouts. Massage are known to release endorphins, your body's natural painkillers, which will help eliminate the subsequent pains of athletes at all fitness levels.

Massage has been used for healing for thousands of years all over the world and is even used in treating chronic illness'. Whether you are just wanting a massage to help alleviate daily tensions it is important to realize that a massage is just so much more than that and will help improve your overall health in so many ways.

Massage Therapy's Medical Benefits and Risks Unrevealed

Most people would be forgiven for thinking massage and medicines are two words that would never go together. Medicine is considered a very serious practice with equally stringent measures to cure and also to prevent diseases while massage, by and large, is considered a leisurely activity in which one partakes after a long day of hard work to relax. Even in the scientific community it has not been widely accepted that massage therapy spa can be a standard of treatment owing to the fact that it's one of those things that can be put under a microscope to be "scientifically proven".

The truth is that massage has always been a part of medicine and it is actually one of the earliest known methods of healing and it was not until in the last century that human faith largely shifted to chemical means of treating anything and everything. Ignoring the traditional forms of treatment and wholly accepting the new ones came at a great price as many people have and still do experience a great many side-effects as a result of treatment for even the simplest of ailments such as a backache. This is why there is a now another branch of treatment that is arising and is being greatly appreciated by millions of patients who have testified to its effectiveness. This is what is known as Medical massage therapy.

Medical massage therapy is a type of massage that is in many more ways than one similar to the traditional forms but has a few fundamental differences that make it well attributed for its intended purpose. Medical massage therapy is a much more result oriented form of massage that is specifically directed to resolve conditions that have been diagnosed and prescribed by a Physician. For a patient to receive this kind of treatment they need a prescription from a doctor and the reason for this is that for massage therapists to claim to be treating someone, first and foremost they must be able to legally state what it is that they are treating. The prescription must come from a doctor as it is beyond a massage therapists practice to do this by himself.

In the history of massage, almost all types of massages are applicable in the field as most forms of massage can be therapeutic if applied by a well trained professional message therapist. This is because the ailments are not always limited to a specific part of the body and there can also be more than one form of massage that can be used to treat a particular ailment, for example, most massage techniques may be applied as back pain therapy and even a simple relaxation massage is quite useful in treating certain ailments that don't have a physical nature such as stress.

The benefits of Medical massage have been testified to by many patients with some even claiming to have been cured from pains that have lasted for years prior to the treatment. Some of the more specific benefits are:

1. The release of tight and sore muscles


2. The release of nerves that have been put under pressure by other body tissues


3. Used to reduce pain as well as inflammation


4. Helps to reduce normal mental stress.

These are just a few of the benefits that can be most easily attested to but the actual list of benefits is much longer. The best thing about medical massage therapy is that finally patients have a treatment that they can resort to without fear of complications and side-effects because only rarely will a massage, even when ineffective, aggravate patients conditions or present them with other problems.

Therapy Swings - Helping Kids Regulate and Learn About Their Bodies

As moms and teachers everywhere know, kids have a lot of energy. They need to move and play to get that energy out. This is true of all kids but this necessity is taken to a whole different level when dealing with kids with special needs. Children with ADD, ADHD, Sensory Integration issues, and Autism all benefit from daily movement and stimulation. Although each kid is different, occupational therapists often use various kinds of swings and swinging techniques to help these kids regulate their bodies. Swinging therapy helps kids focus and increases a child's body awareness.

Occupational therapy is a key component to a successful program for kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID). Swings of various kinds are used to help regulate the vestibular system and some can provide proprioception for calming kids down and increasing body awareness. Often times parents find carrying over occupational therapy techniques into the home a daunting task. Many parents turn their family rooms in an OT clinic but not everyone has the skills or ability to hang swings from their ceilings or cover their floors in mats. The best solution for most families is an indoor swing that has a variety of attachments and a solid support bar.

To create the perfect indoor swinging area for your child you should invest in attachments that best meet their individual needs. Here is a list of components that might benefit your child if they suffer from ADHD, Autism, or a Sensory Integration Disorder. All of the products listed here are by Theraplay Toys (also known as Play Away). We have found this product to be the most convenient, affordable, and sturdy indoor swing system available.

• Support Bar - a solid support bar is an essential part of a good indoor swinging system. This well constructed support bar is designed to fit in any doorway 29-36 inches. If you are placing it in a doorway temporarily or just want the flexibility of putting it up and taking it down easily it can be soft mounted without any screws. With this type of installation the support bar can hold up to 175 lbs, if you plan on leaving it the doorway for long periods of time or permanently you can hard mount it. The hardware required to hard mount the support bar is included and it will hold up to 300 lbs so parent (or therapist) and child can ride together.
  
  


• Net Swing - this is one of my personal favorites. This swing envelops your whole body as you swing back and forth. It not only stimulates the vestibular system it provide ample proprioception (pressure to the joints) so it is calming and comforting for kids who seek that type of pressure. Many kids love to relax in the net swing but it is also a good place for them to read a book or do homework with clipboard or hard surface on the lap. For kids that are praxis or suffer from other types of speech disorders doing speech therapy exercises while in a net swing can keep them alert and motivated for a longer period of time.
  
  


• 3 in 1 Platform Swing - this is one of the most innovative therapy swings I have every seen used in occupational therapy. The platform wing has long been a staple of sensory integration therapy. When Jean Ayres invented the therapy she used platform swings to help regulate a child's vestibular system. She added that varying types the types of movement and planes of the body will increase body awareness. On a Platform swing a child can stand, sit, and lie on their back or stomach. This innovative 3 in 1 system can also be removed from the swing and placed on the floor. It has a rotational devise on the underside of the platform that allows the platform to turn endless in circles. This can help kids who cannot tolerate rotary movement learn to do it in a safe manner. Additionally many kids in the Autism spectrum have a deep need to spin and this gives them a safe and appropriate way to get that movement.
  
  


• One Seated Glider - as with all swing the glider stimulates the vestibular system but it also does so much more. It allows for proprioception as kids push with their feet to make the glider move forward and back. The full body extension also helps with postural stability by adding strength at the core.

These are just a few of the great attachments that can be used for sensory integration therapy in the home. Ironically the product was developed by a Dad of a neuro-typical child because they lived in an apartment in a wet weather climate. Basically his kids were driving him crazy. Then a few parents of Autistic children found out about this amazing product and it has helped so many families. One of my dear friends has had this hanging in her kitchen doorway for the last 5 years. Everyone is the house sits in it from time to time but her Autistic daughter uses it daily to self regulate. It keeps her ticks to a minimum and instead of rocking or picking at her fingers she sits in her net swing. The indoor swing set has given her a tool to self regulate in an appropriate way. It makes her feel good - not just in the calm physical sense - it makes her feel good about herself and increases her self esteem because she feels more in control of her own body.

As a mother of a child with sensory issues and a friend to so many other moms in the same situation I cannot say enough about having an indoor swing therapy set. It is an essential part of a well rounded sensory diet and the perfect arsenal in combating sensory integration disorder.

12 Stress Management Tips For People With Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Most people with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis can do a better job of managing the stress in their lives. While this holds true for most people in general, and not just those with an autoimmune hypothyroid disorder, the fact remains that stress can be one of the causes behind this condition. And if it isn't the cause of your disorder, then without question it can make your condition worse if you don't do a good job of handling it.

What you need to realize is that our bodies were not designed to handle chronic stress, but instead was meant to deal with acute stress situations. So what happens is when a person has chronic stress (which seems to describe most of us in this society), this in turn can weaken the immune system, and can also have a negative effect on other areas of the body, such as the adrenal glands. This compromised immune system or stressed adrenal glands can ultimately lead to the formation of an autoimmune condition, such as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

So the goal here is to give you twelve stress management tips that can help restore your health back to normal, prevent your condition from becoming worse, and/or reduce the likelihood of developing other conditions in the future. This might sound too good to be true. But when you understand that chronic stress is not something your body was designed to handle AND that there a number of things you need to do to manage the stress in your life, you'll realize that following the advice I'm about to give can do wonders when it comes to your health.

Here Are The 12 Stress Management Tips:

Tip #1: Try to keep a positive attitude most of the time. While a positive attitude alone isn't enough to manage your stress, having one can definitely help. Obviously nobody can be positive 100% of the time. But many people seem to always carry a negative attitude with them, which definitely won't help you cope with the stress in your life.

Tip #2: Begin a regular exercise program. You want to engage in some type of cardiovascular activity at least 3-4 times each week, ideally for at least 30 minutes each time. This can include taking a walk outside or on a treadmill, going on the elliptical machine or stationary bike, or anything else that will make you sweat a little. I realize some people with autoimmune disorders might not have the energy to exercise. If this describes you, even 20 to 30 minutes of walking will be beneficial. Besides engaging in cardiovascular exercise, other activities that can help you to manage stress include yoga and Pilates.

Tip #3: Eat healthier foods. Most of us can do a much better job of incorporating healthier foods into our diets. I don't expect anyone who has been eating poorly to immediately give up all of the "bad foods" they love. But even making small changes in what you eat can have a big impact on your health.

Tip #4: Drink plenty of purified water each day. Many sources suggest that you should drink at least eight tall glasses of water each day. The problem with this is that everyone has different needs based on their weight, and so I recommend that you should drink half of your body weight in ounces. So for example, if you weigh 140 pounds, then you would want to drink at least 70 ounces of water each day. And please don't drink tap water, as you really should be drinking purified water.

Tip #5: Take quality nutritional supplements. Since most of us don't eat a perfect diet, it's important to take some quality nutritional supplements on a daily basis. At the very least you should take a quality multi-mineral vitamin and fatty acid each day. There are a lot of poor-absorbing supplements being sold, and so you do need to be careful. I personally recommend whole food supplements to my patients, rather than the synthetic vitamins that are sold by most retailers.

Tip #6: Get at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night. I know this might seem difficult to do, especially if you need to wake up early for work. And once again, some people with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis will have difficulty falling to sleep and/or will wake up in the middle of the night. So until they get this problem addressed then it admittedly will be difficult for them to get eight hours of quality sleep on a regular basis. Often times sleep problems are caused by stressed out adrenal glands, which most endocrinologists and medical doctors don't address.

Tip #7: Avoid environmental toxins as much as possible. While it's not possible to avoid these completely, you need to realize that these toxins really do affect our health. I'm not going to discuss everything you can do to avoid these toxins, but I will tell you two things you can do to that will help you in the long term. First of all, install a filter in your shower that removes chlorine, as this can really help boost your energy levels. Second, stop buying household cleaners with harsh chemicals, and instead get some natural household cleaners at your local health food store.

Tip #8: Make love more often. Having sex increases the endorphins in your body, which also will help you to manage stress. So make love with your partner more often.

Tip #9: Get a monthly massage. Schedule an appointment with a licensed massage therapist and treat yourself to a monthly massage. Massage therapy is not just about stress management, as there are many other benefits as well. But one of the big benefits of massage therapy is that it can help to relieve stress.

Tip #10: Consider seeing a chiropractor. Okay, I'm admittedly a little bit biased here, being that I have a chiropractic background. But since spinal adjustments help to balance out the nervous system, receiving them from a chiropractor can also help to relieve stress. Like massage therapy, there are so many other benefits when it comes to chiropractic.

Tip #11: Talk to someone. Sometimes speaking with someone can help relieve your stress. This doesn't necessarily mean talking with a counselor, although in some cases this can be helpful. But even talking with a good friend, family member, or acquaintance can really help.

Tip #12: Don't take life so seriously. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't take certain aspects of your life seriously. But on the other hand, many of us let things stress out that really shouldn't. Write down a list of some of the things that cause stress in your life, and then take a look at these tips I have just given you, and determine how you can apply this advice to those things that stress you out on a regular basis.

For example, if you have a job that stresses you out, then perhaps you need to change your attitude (or change your job!). Or it might be that you're not eating well and/or not getting enough sleep. These lifestyle changes won't get rid of the stress in your life, but will help you better manage it. If your spouse is stressing you out, then perhaps counseling is the answer for you.

So here you have it, as if you follow at least 75% of these tips (9 of 12), including all of the first six I listed, you will do wonders in managing your stress. This admittedly is an incomplete list, as there are other things you can do to manage your stress. But these are some of the more important ones that can truly help to restore your health, and help you to maintain your health.

Watch These Hot Trends in Massage Therapy

There are currently so many hot trends in massage therapy. If you are passionate about massage and other healing arts, there are plenty of emerging movements to keep your eye on. The following are some of the hottest massage therapy trends of the moment:

Aromatherapy: Everyone loves things that smell good, which is perhaps why this is such a trend in the massage and body work world right now. Practitioners can use essential oils from plant parts to help restore the body through curative and sensory measures during various massage treatments.

Five-Element Massage:This style of massage, which combines the traditional Chinese medicine law of the five elements with Shiatsu and Swedish massage, is growing in popularity. Practitioners also incorporate energy work to give each client a piece of the universal energy force.

Hot Stone Massage: Practitioners use hot and cold volcanic stones to relieve pain, pressure and tension in the bodies and minds of clients.

Reiki: This energetic healing practice relies on the concept of elemental energy forces from traditional Chinese medicine to heal the body. Massage therapists barely touch their clients; instead, they use energy work to amplify, balance and create a link with the client.

Sport Massage: This style of massage focuses on the parts of the body that are overused in sports such as cycling, swimming and running, with techniques that relieve the specific pain and tension that are common with each sport.

Thai Massage: More and more people are getting Thai-style massages, which combine acupressure and other techniques. Practitioners apply pressure to the arms, back, feet, hands and legs to fix misaligned skeletons, improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension.

Watsu: This form of Shiatsu massage was developed by Harold Dull in the hot springs of Middleton, California in the 1980s. More than 20 years later it is taking off as a popular treatment in spas. The technique consists of traditional Japanese Shiatsu with the additional element of water pools that the clients soak in while the massage therapist massages and stretches the body.

Top 5 Physical Therapy Customer Relationship Management Tips

As practice owners and many times new business owners, we are thrown into the worlds of marketing and advertising to bring new customers into our practice. This includes patients but it also includes physicians, DME providers and relationships with community resources. These customers are necessary compliments to the services provided in rehabilitation including local fitness centers, community centers and programs to provide continued education and support to our patients.

Once a client base is established, it is vital to continue to bring new clients into a practice but to also show appreciation for their loyalty and continued support. Customer relations management can be the difference between practice sustainability and high volume turnover which takes a large amount of staff and time to manage. By developing a plan for customer loyalty, the basis of a company is not only acquiring patients but continuing to provide them with updated service and quality care. An ongoing CRM plan can include many activities to assure customers are happy with the services they have received and to assure they will continue to seek your services in the future. A plan may include:

1. Be honest: A customer must know what they are purchasing, whether it is a tangible item such as a piece of equipment, or a service such as Physical Therapy treatment. By having a discussion about covered benefits and non-covered services in advance, a plan of care can be established and agreed upon prior to initiating services.

2. Don't surprise the individual with additional/hidden costs: Customers appreciate your honesty and value having all information necessary to make an informed decision. Surprise costs will lead the customer to think there are other items they are not aware of which will lead to distrust over time. This perceived deception will ultimately ruin a customer-provider relationship.

3. Help find what the customer needs: Assisting a customer access necessary service is a vital part of being a Physical Therapist. Whether the customer needs to access local community programs or to access services closer to their home to increase compliance, these acts of good service will lead to improved customer relations. These acts will come back to the practice by having the customer then share their positive experience with others they come in contact with reinforcing your marketing strategy. Providing bridges of access to necessary services is a responsible cornerstone of practice management.

4. Add personal touches to the care: Send a simple handwritten Thank you note after a client enrolls with your service/practice or a congratulations card once they achieve their goals. The note is a gesture which states your true appreciation of the customer choosing your service in a competitive market. Thanking someone for their effort in choosing your service establishes a basis of mutual respect and appreciation.

5. Call the customer/Solicit Feedback: Taking time to call patients and customers to ask what they think is an extremely valuable tool. This provides an opportunity to check on patients after discharge to see if they have maintained their goals and exercise programs, assure they have accessed the appropriate community services to support their rehabilitation, as well as assess their level of satisfaction with services provided. The phone call is an opportunity for open discussion as well as gaining targeted information from that consumer. This can head off future problems and work towards establishing an ongoing relationship with the customer. This will again lead to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and developing consumer loyalty is achieved through simple, calculated tasks. By showing customers you are loyal to and honest with them, they will be satisfied with your services and be loyal in return. Feedback in any format will help you understand how your services and attempts at consumer satisfaction are perceived. Consumer perception is vital to the long term growth and sustainability of your practice. Without it you operate in a vacuum implementing strategies which may be unnecessary or unwanted. Loyal customers are your biggest asset in the maintenance and growth of your company.

Your Massage Therapy Business Plan - How to Create a Successful Massage Business Without the Stress

A deep passion for massage and a burning desire to succeed as a massage therapist will not guarantee that you have a successful massage business or practice.

Or perhaps you are a struggling massage practitioner worried about a lack of clients and prosperity. If you really want a successful thriving practice then what you really need is a great Massage therapy Business Plan.

The essentials of a great massage business are: getting the right mind set and attitude, understanding your client's needs and requirements, mastering the art of selling, getting your marketing efforts just right, planning for foreseeable dips and challenges, balancing your work-life balance, and embracing self-employment.

Let's start with attitude. It goes without saying that a positive, determined and resilient attitude is the foundation for any successful enterprise. You will face a variety of challenges from finding the best location, sourcing your massage supplies and filing your taxes. Taking the time to be realistic in your planning will prevent and reduce your stress. Take small measured steps, rather than giant leaps, and always seek help or advice if you are not sure about anything. Why not approach successful massage therapist and get some tips from them. Everyone likes to be acknowledged and appreciated, and they will be flattered by your admiration!

A massage business plan can not be without a clear sales and marketing effort. Irrespective of how lovable your mum says you are, you will need to sell yourself. Try and develop a clear, simple yet identifiable brand that your clients will remember and relate to. Plan a realistic marketing budget and always target your local area first - it's cheaper and clients will be more likely to visit if they don't have to travel far and don't commit to more than you can afford. Start small and then expand, because at the end of the day the best marketing is word of mouth.

Perfecting your massage therapist and client relationship is fundamental to your business success. Get inside their skin and try and anticipate their needs and requirements. Take the time to understand their motivations, get feedback from them and maintain a warm relationship through regular mailings, birthday cards or emails. This will put you head and shoulders above your competition.

Finally seek business management advice and planning from your local business support office. These people should guide you into creating a business plan, managing money and taxes and any regulations that you will need to have in place. Time spent in planning and organizing will save your months of heart ache and stress!

Choose The Most Suitable Occupational Therapy School And Obtain Your Master's Degree

The careers in the occupational field have become quite popular nowadays. So, you may belong to those young people who would like to be employed in this sphere as well. If you are seriously thinking of becoming an occupational therapist in this quickly expanding field of occupational therapy, it is very important for you to start searching the most appropriate occupational therapy school. The major responsibility of an occupational therapist is to assist his or her patients to return or improve their ability to reach the routine goals in all spheres of their lives as well as professions.

Thus, the patient may be suffering from some psychological, physical, mental, or developmental disease which limits their activities in everyday life. So, in this case the responsibility of a therapist consists not only in assisting the patients to acquire and develop the necessary skills, but also to acquire the so called compensation skills. The compensation skills are those which may replace some other important activities of a disabled person. In order to make it more clear it would be necessary to say that the skills occupational therapists teach their patients include those ones like helping them to dress themselves and even proper usage of a computer for a job. Occupational therapists may use specially designed adaptive equipment for the patient to use, including wheelchairs, facilities for eating or dressing, or orthotics.

While choosing an appropriate occupational therapy schools decide what age group you would like to specialize in as well as the certain specialty in this field. Thus, occupational therapists may emphasize on assisting children. These professionals may visit the school surrounding and assist the child with special therapy or modification. Another group of occupational therapists deals mostly with elderly people, who might have some striking situation or some other exhausting event in their life. It has to be emphasized that occupational therapists should possess a good health and be physically fit. These professionals are required to spend much time standing on their feet, very often they need to lift some heavy things or stretch in order to accomplish their job responsibilities. Besides, occupational therapists have to travel much to the locations where their patients live as the latter are just not able to come to them themselves. So, usually, occupational therapists work up to 40 hours a week.

If you decide to get registered into one of the occupational therapy schools, you are in fact willing to obtain a Master's degree via completing occupational therapy programs. The matter is that an individual has no possibility to enter this professional field without a Master's degree in occupational therapy. In addition, a person has to successfully pass a national certification examination. The greater part occupational therapy schools with this program are full-time, nevertheless, a growing number of schools is providing their students with part-time programs.

In order to be properly prepared for a successful future in the field of occupational therapy, the high school graduate has to cover a curriculum heavy on science. By the way, social sciences are necessary as well. Each occupational therapy student may receive an advantage of volunteer opportunities.

While receiving an undergraduate degree, pay special attention to programs in the sciences and social sciences, including anatomy, and biology, sociology or psychology, or anthropology. After having graduated from an occupational therapy school and obtained your Master's degree as well as begun working in the field, be ready to take part in continuing education. It has to be mentioned that while looking for an appropriate occupational therapy school, make sure that the school you are considering has all the amenities and features you need. These amenities and features should include:

- A high level of graduating students passing the national examination
- Good job placement and guaranteed counseling
- Flexible scheduling if an individual chooses a part-time program

In addition, occupational therapists receive an excellent opportunity to assist other people having temporary or permanent problems with their health. These professionals are prepared to improve the lives of their patients. As you can see, a career of an occupational therapist is a very rewarding and satisfying one. An occupational therapist has a chance to observe their patients grow, develop their physical and mental skills as well as make significant progress. Besides, this professional assists other people to deeper enjoy their lives. You may be quite sure that after receiving a Master's degree in occupational therapy, you will be able to face a lot of job opportunities and further to easily find a job. Just be attentive to receive an education of a solid science and social science background. The solid science and social science background will help an individual to enrich his or her educational experience. With the occupational therapy schools you will graduate with the necessary knowledge as prepared as possible in order to reach a real success in the selected career field. Occupational therapy schools are the first step towards a promising future.

Summing up, it would necessary to say that today is the most appropriate time for receiving an education in the occupational therapy field. If you enjoy communication with people and feel true pleasure from helping them in their need, this kind of a career is just for your!

There is a great number of topics to be focused by a therapist. If you love children you may seriously think of making a career of a child or family therapist. In case if you enjoy assisting people physically a career as a massage or physical therapist may be just for you. If you like to listen to your friends sharing with you their personal problems and happy moments of life or even ask for your help, maybe it would be nice to think of receiving a degree in psychotherapy or becoming a marital therapist.

Every day we meet different kinds of people and the job of an occupational therapist is a noble profession. Besides, you have hundreds of occupational therapy schools across the United States of America offering programs ideally facing your needs. So, don't waste your time and pay attention to the schools available to you! Apply for a therapist degree today!

The Health Benefits of Learning Massage Therapy

Here's a scenario: You suffer from an affliction called lymphedema, a swelling in a part of your body caused by fluid gathering in your lymph nodes. You have sought medical help, but so far, most have proven unsuccessful. You ask a friend for advice, and she tells you that you can learn lymphedema massage training in Maui. You get confused. You ask her what good getting a massage would do, when it's something you get to relax or feel better, not to cure a sickness? Your friend then tells you why you're wrong. She tells you that the lymphedema massage is actually an accepted way to help treat the sickness.

If this scenario happens to you, it is likely that your friend was not joking when he or she suggested that you get lymphedema training in Maui . This scenario happens more often than you know all over the world, and not only among people who suffer from lymphedema but also other sicknesses as well. Most people today think that a massage is something you get to get rid of stress, or just to relax and feel better. In truth, many races all over the world have used massage therapy as a cure to some ailments.

Shiatsu for example, has been known to cure rheumatism. Lymphedema massage therapy works by using rhythm and pressure to drain the fluid from the affected area. This is done through a series of presses, strokes, and rubs, Of course, you should know how, when, what, and where to press or stroke for the massage to be effective. This is what the training will teach you. The technique has been accepted by the medical society as a way to treat or hasten lymphedema cure.

Although it goes without saying that you should seek medical advice first, learning lymphedema training in Maui can be a good move for you. Not only do massage schools in Maui give excellent training that will help you cure your sickness, you can also study other forms of massage for personal and even business reasons.

You can apply the knowledge you earn from studying massage therapy into getting a job as a massage therapist or you can start your own massage therapy business once you feel better. The opportunities are numerous. So, give massage training a thought. It might not only be the cure to your ailment, but at the same time, a surprise or secret way for you to earn some money. All in all, it's a win-win situation, isn't it?

Choosing the Right Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is becoming recognized by other health care professionals as viable source of treatment for stress and chronic pain management. It is a holistic approach that will improve an individual's health and well-being. Now that you have decided to try massage therapy; you need to make an informed decision as to what type of establishment and who would best suit your needs.

First, you must decide what type of massage therapy office you want. Will you be comfortable going to a "spa" that provides a lot of frills and extra's. These establishments are alright, but you will probably have additional charges for the extras; or the extras will be "built in" to the price of the massage. This is nice, and preferred by some people because they like to be pampered. The other side of the coin is a professional massage therapy office. These establishments are usually simple in design, clean, and comfortable. Anyone will feel at ease when entering one of these establishments. A benefit of a professional massage therapy office is the services are priced lower, because the office has a lower overhead compared to Day Spas.

The massage establishment has been chosen, now you have to choose a therapist. The first thing to consider is will you be more comfortable with a male or female therapist. This is strictly a personal preference, but it can limit your choice of massage establishments. Not all places will have both male and female therapists available.

After deciding on the preferred gender of your therapist; now it's time to do some research. First, ask friends, family, and co-workers if they can recommend a good therapist. These personal referrals are some of your best starting points; but keep in mind, massage is very personal and what one person likes another may not like.

Most states require licensure for massage therapists. Check your states laws, if it is required, then make sure the therapist you choose is licensed. You can also easily check if the therapist has had any complaints lodged against them through the state massage board.

Meet your therapist. This can be done in person (the preferred method) or you can talk to him/her over the phone. Ask as many questions as you feel necessary. Asking how long they have been practicing is ok, but a better question is to ask how many massages the therapist has performed. Now don't expect an exact number, but a ballpark figure will suffice. The reason for asking this question, in this manner, is some therapists do more massages than other therapists. A therapist who has only been in practice for a year may have more actual hands on experience than someone who has been in practice for 2 or 3 years.

Some additional questions to consider asking:

1. What certifications do you hold?
2. What type of draping techniques do you practice?
3. What massage modalities do you use?
4. What kind of lotion/ oil do you use?
5. How long does the massage session last?
6. What is the cost of a session?
7. Do you offer package deals or specials?
8. What type of payment is accepted? (cash, check, credit/ debit card)
9. Do you have references?

Professional massage therapy is an intimate form of holistic medicine. There will be some things can not be asked; they have to be felt intuitively. Do you feel a connection with the therapist you have chosen? Does the therapist exhibit confidence in himself/ herself? Do you feel comfortable with the therapist? It doesn't matter what credentials the therapist has, if you don't feel comfortable, you will not be able to relax during your session. The client/ therapist relationship is similar to patient/ doctor relationships. They are built on trust.

After your massage therapy session you should evaluate your experience. Did the therapist treat you as you expected? Did you feel comfortable during the massage? Was it a positive experience? Would you recommend the therapist? If you answered yes to these questions, you should relay your feelings to your therapist. This can be done by leaving a gratuity, booking another appointment, or leaving a written testimonial/ thank you note.

Choosing a massage therapist should not be taken lightly. But it doesn't have to be difficult. Trust your intuition above all else. Communication between you and your massage therapist should be open and free. A good professional massage therapist will meet your needs, make you feel comfortable, and treat you with respect.

Foot Massage Therapy Has Many Benefits

First of all, there are the short term effects. If you recall the last time that you had a good foot massage you will probably remember that it is one of the most relaxing experiences that you can enjoy. When you are getting a massage you can understand how foot massage therapy would it affect the rest of the body as you immediately start to feel better all over.

Regarding things that happen over the long term, there have been studies that have shown that heart patients will show improved recovery times after they have received regular foot massage therapy. That may be in part because they are generally more relaxed. It may also have something to do with the fact that whenever you massage the body you improve the circulation in the area that is being massaged provided it is done correctly. We have a tremendous amount of veins and nerves in our feet so it stands to reason that foot massage therapy would be one of the most effective types of massage.

Something that can prove difficult for many people is that it is often not possible or not within the budget to a massage in a spa or at a medical center. If this is the case, then you can get an electric foot massager for use in the home that will provide the same kind of benefits. If you do, try to find one that has rulers that enable you to have the rollers knead deeply into the tissue. It will not only feel great to put your feet in one of these at the end of a long day, but you may also find long-lasting health benefits as a result.

When to Apply Massage Oil, Lotion, Or Cream During a Massage Therapy Session

The following interview was conducted with Mary Davis, a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) based in Asheville, North Carolina. Her practice of 10 years is located on Elk Mountain in North Asheville, and she specializes in deep tissue massage work. Davis keeps a supply of different massage oils, lotions, and creams at her practice for different clients, various types of massage, and deep tissue techniques.

Why do massage therapists choose to use massage oil, rather than massage creams and lotions?

The first issue of choice is the preference of the client. Some people actually prefer lotions because they don't make the body feel greasy. I tend to choose oil more often. When I want to do deeper work, oils work better for me. When I do deep tissue massage, I use less oil, because I can use more grip and get down into deeper layers of tissue.

How do you decide upon how much massage oil to use?

It doesn't matter if it's massage oil, lotion, or cream. The quantity of the substance you use has an impact. If I'm performing a Swedish, rather than a deep tissue massage, I use plenty of massage oil, and I'm generous with it. Lots of massage oil helps with the long, sleek, even strokes.

What about massage creams? When is it necessary to use them?

Often I will use a massage cream on a client who has had an injury or muscle spasms. Creams contain ingredients that are particularly stimulating for an area of healing. There are some fantastic massage creams.

What special massage creams facilitate the relief of muscle pain or spasms?

Banner Therapy has a Therapeutic Herbal Muscle Calm cream that is part of their organic skincare products. This is a muscle mending lotion with essential oils and Capsicum, which is the heat-producing ingredient. In terms of really getting down into deep muscle and stimulating healing the Therapeutic Herbal Muscle Cream is pretty potent.

What about other types of creams can you use in massage therapy?

I use some of the new creams. They have different textures, and I find they work well. Some massage therapy creams are designed for general use in massage and provide a pleasant experience for my clients. One main issue with massage creams is that one person's skin may react very differently than another person's skin. I am careful to select a cream when I know it will work well for that particular individual and their skin type.

Another cream I like is an all-purpose cream I use in a variety of massage situations: Soothing Touch Versa Cream. It's parabin free and for a simple general massage (as opposed to major deep tissue) this cream is nice for going a little deeper. It is slippery enough that I don't get stuck. It allows for a glide that gives more fluidity. When I want to I can go deeper with the Soothing Touch massage cream.

What types of massage techniques would be improved with the use a massage lotion?

Massage lotions are a great tool for use in deep tissue massage. Interestingly enough, some of the lotions are better than the creams. They tend to be absorbed more easily and are less slippery than creams. When the lotion is absorbed it leaves a little more grab for deeper massage work. So, many massage therapists will opt for a good lotion over a cream for deep tissue work, if they do not use oil for this.

Are there any other types of massage oils, lotions, or creams you incorporate into your therapeutic, sports, or relaxation massages?

I do prefer to use special skin products just for feet when I work on a client's feet. Usually natural and organic skincare products are made to work well on the body, but it takes a specially made cream to work well on the feet. I tend to choose foot cream with a peppermint or tea tree oil scent. Tea tree oil is good for fungus. I look for a product that not only works well for massaging feet, it softens the feet and feels stimulating and refreshing.

What's the best approach for a massage therapist to take when considering which massage oil, lotion, or cream is best?

I suggest you try new things, and see what works best for you and your client base. It's very good to have some diversity in massage oils, lotions, and creams on hand for use on different areas of the body and for various massage techniques.

Why Settle For Accredited Physical Therapy Programs?

Physical therapy is one of the most demanding careers in the medical field. It is therefore vital for anyone interested in pursuing the career, to make wise choices when choosing an institution as well as Physical therapy programs. There are many factors that one should keep in mind when choosing a program or a school. This includes the cost, reputation of an institution, duration of a program and accreditation. There are many programs but it is of essence to only settle for an accredited program, why?

A better pay
After the completion of a physical therapy program, it is the dream of all graduates to get a good job. Employers always look at an individuals credentials and the quality of your Physical treatment programs. An accredited program is highly valuable and enhances your chances of getting a good and well paying job. There is no doubt that it is a luxurious program but without proper credentials, it can be quite hard to get a well paying job. For instance a physical therapy assistant with an accredited degree earns a starting salary say $46,000 per yr. Therefore, to earn an attractive package, it is imperative to settle for an accredited program.

Accredited Physical therapy programs offer more flexibility
Physical therapy is a demanding field. Depending on the number of patients that one has to attend to, you can find yourself under a very tight schedule. However, with an accredited program, one is always entitled to a very flexible time schedule. This means there will be time to deliver quality treatment and time to relax. This is an enticing benefit that comes with settling for a quality and an accredited program online or offline schools. For this reason, take time to visit accreditation bodies and choose the most ideal programs for the best possible results.

Job security
It is a competent field. You must get the best training and the best hands on experience to ensure a patient's best possible treatment. More importantly, you must be a competent professional. With an accredited program, you can rest assured of quality training that will offer a cutting edge, a better pay and job security. If you cannot deliver, there are high chances that your employer will replace you. Therefore, take time to find accredited Physical treatment programs and get quality physical treatment education. This is one of the best ways to be a successful therapist and build a solid career in the field.

Pediatric Physical Therapist Jobs

A pediatric physical therapist deals with the rehabilitation of children recovering from injuries, fractures and other ailments. Pediatric physical therapist jobs provide immense job satisfaction because you can help in reshaping the lives of children and have the gratification of assisting the little ones get back to their routine lives.

Pediatric physical therapy is aimed at relieving pain, preventing injury or disability, and improving the clients' functions. It has the complete well-being of the child as the main objective. Through physical exercises and medication, pediatric physical therapists help the patient regain his/her physical capabilities. The treatment process is well-coordinated and includes proper diagnosis, formulating the best treatment plan, educating the children to perform physical exercises, evaluating different stages and more.

Basic Requirements for a Pediatric Physical Therapist Job

Individuals having good academic credentials can soar high in this job. They should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy. They should be professional, at the same time, sociable for effective interaction with the patients and other caregivers. Ability to organize, supervise, resolve specific health problems of the patient, plan treatment programs, and set goals, are the necessary qualities needed for an ideal physical therapy professional. Above all, the candidate should be licensed after undergoing training in an accredited institute.

Job Opportunities in Reputable Medical Firms

Home health agencies, school systems, outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and many other medical facilities offer job vacancies for physical therapists. Finding a proper place with excellent remuneration meeting all your individual requirements, might involve a lot of time and effort. Nowadays, people depend on recruiting agencies to find ideal jobs. When vacancies arise, these agencies inform their clients from where they will direct them to the right job providers. This gives the candidates the freedom to choose the job suiting their needs. Thus you can find highly rewarding jobs in the medical industry which will put you in a position where you can help the infants and children recover their health.