What Does A Pediatric Physical Therapist Do?

A pediatric physical therapist is responsible for helping kids develop their motor skills so that these kids can work, play and act normally just as other kids do. The task of a pediatric physical therapist does not only involve in making sure that the child can balance and can use his body parts i.e. feet, legs and arms. They will assign specific activities or exercises to the child to help the child gain strength in his arms and legs. Even simple exercises like playing touch ball, baseball, crawling in and out of a tunnel and walking in a straight line can be very helpful to a child's physical development.

There will also be instances when a pediatric physical therapist will advice the patient's parents to modify the living area of the patient to avoid injury, accidents and the like. For example, if the house of the patient is a 2-storey and the bedroom of the child, who is unable to balance his body while walking, is in the top floor the doctor may advice the parents to transfer the child to a bedroom on the ground floor. There may also be adaptive equipments that would make the life of the child easier and his recovery faster.

The work of the therapist will usually start by examining the condition of the child. This includes checking the past medical history of the patient, running a battery of mental and physical tests as well as conducting an interview to the patient's pediatrician, parents and the child itself.

However, a Pediatric Physical Therapist will never be able to help a child's development if the parents or the child's guardian is not cooperative. The key to a child's fast development is the right set of physical exercises and the parents' guidance and participation. Every child needs their parents' approval and encouragement. This is even more important for children who have physical and mental disabilities.

The main job of a pediatric physical therapist is to ensure that the child's problems with movement and strength is addressed. Many people view this job as something very interesting, and indeed, it is! Imagine all the help you can extend to the little ones. It is not an easy job but the mere fact that you are able to help other kids is enough reason to work as a pediatric physical therapist. The salary of a therapist is also competitive and the chance of getting a promotion is also very high.

Physical Therapist Work - Facts From the Medical Staffing Office

Working as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, you already know the impact you have on the lives your job brings you into contact with on a daily basis. Seeing lives transformed back to a point of health, function, and strength rewards you in a way words often elude. Moreover, as rewarding as this work is it's still a professional career path. A path requiring a lifelong education of continual exposure to trusted techniques, methods, and the latest practices. If you are looking to grow in your career, then a medical staffing office is a solid starting point for consideration.

A government report stated that in 2005 "temporary or contract job positions accounted for 20% of the current job market." Today, with a tumultuous job-climate and technology making it easier to access job postings experts believe these types of positions will account for nearly 40% of the available jobs by 2011. And though stats like this can be a little daunting, it really does open-up the career potential for a focused physical therapist or physical therapists assistant thinking about their own future.

Here are some myths and facts regarding medical staffing agencies for consideration:

MYTH: Medical staffing firms only offer temporary jobs.

• Fact: Although there are plenty of short-term job opportunities in today physical therapy and therapy assistant careers, many staffing firms offer permanent hire positions as well. Communicating with your medical staffing recruiter what you are looking for from a job is essential to your own planning.

MYTH: A medical staffing office wont cover my travel expenses or costs of living

• Fact: Today nearly all staffing firms cover the therapist's travel expenses. Staffing firms cover these items in the agreement with the medical provider and come at no expense to the therapist whatsoever. Paying for your travel expenses is an industry standard today. Additionally, per Diem to cover the costs of daily living while on location is equally a common practice. If you find a firm that will not pay your travel expenses or cost of living expenses - find another agency!

MYTH: Medical staffing offices lack industry knowledge of my career field

• Fact: With all the health care and provider requirement changes going on today, medical staffing offices might just be the most up-to-date source you can access daily. A great staffing firm is in constant contact with their providers to ensure they provide them with the best-trained and prepared employee base possible. Due to the high demand and fluctuating job market, the criteria that providers are looking for is often very specific and continually changing. Medical staffing offices are prime source of industry demands and requirements.

MYTH: Medical staffing offices will limit my career portfolio

• Fact: Collaborating with a medical staffing firm might just be the best career move you can make. Not only can it provide you with consistent work, but also the continual exposure to new teams, providers, and the latest industry developments can only enhance your resume.

MYTH: Medical staffing offices will not provide me with health insurance

• Fact: Many staffing firms do offer their employees health insurance as part of an employees benefits package. However, this is contingent on how the therapist-to-staffing firm relationship is defined. If you are listed as a "contractor" (IRS Form 1099), then you will most likely be required to secure your own form of health insurance. If you are listed as an employee (W-2) of the staffing firm, then you can be offered the opportunity to be apart of the company's health insurance plan. This is something that requires research and asking questions of the agency. There are staffing firms out there that do provide health insurance; you just have to do your homework to find them.

As you look to your own professional development in physical therapy, understanding what you expect and need from your career is critical. Medical staffing offices can play a key role in seeing meet your expectations and reap real career rewards that continue to advance you in the physical therapy and therapy assistant field.

Physical Therapy for Cats

Few people think of physical therapy as a viable option for rehabilitating injured cats. It is usually assumed that cats will not cooperate, but contrary to popular belief, most do not resist treatment. Physical therapy can benefit most cats that have undergone surgery. It is helpful for cats with chronic disease or injury that causes pain, which may be displayed as limping, stiffness, aggression or social withdrawal.

How does physical therapy work?

After an operation, physical therapy reduces pain and swelling, increases strength in weakened muscles and improves the flexibility of joints.

Hot and Cold Treatments

Hot and cold treatments are known as passive rehabilitation techniques. They can be used immediately after a surgical procedure, and also to help chronic conditions such as arthritis. The application of cold compresses can reduce inflammation, pain and bleeding, and they can be applied for 20 minutes one to four times daily. It is important to place a layer of material between the cold pack and the cats skin so it is not uncomfortable.

Heat therapy can be used once the signs of inflammation have gone. Heat therapy increases metabolism and, when applied at this stage, helps decrease pain. Heat is usually applied for 20 minutes two to four times daily, but the applier must check the cats skin every few minutes to check it is not uncomfortably hot. Treatment should be stopped if the cat shows any signs of discomfort.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is another of the passive rehabilitation techniques. This increases the extensibility of collagen fibres, improves muscle condition and improves blood flow to the area treated. In doing this, it decreases pain and accelerates healing. Care must be taken in cats that have had metal implants to fix fractures, as reflection of the waves off the metal can intensify the heat and cause burns.

Another modern technique being pioneered by some clinics is phototherapy, also known as cold laser. This involves applying a low power light to an area that accelerates tissue repair.

Passive Range of Motion

Passive range of motion is the next step in the rehabilitation program. This involves extending and manipulating the cats joint, and can be started before the cat is fully weight bearing. This can be very important in cats that have had splints or casts applied, when the joints have been static for some time. By carrying out controlled movement, scar and connective tissue is strengthened and the effects of contracture are minimised.

Active Rehabilitation

Active rehabilitation can start once a cat starts using an injured limb more. This further increases muscle strength, muscle endurance and flexibility. There are various techniques available, such as the use of balls, balance boards, slings and aquatic therapy.

When doing the ball exercise, the cat lies on the top of the inflatable ball and is supported. The ball is gently rolled forward until the cats front paws come into contact with the ground. The ball is then bounced gently, which helps strengthen trunk muscles as the cat maintains balance. The ball is then rolled back until the hind paws touch the floor, and then gently bounced again. Cats may resist the therapy at first, but soon become accustomed to the rhythmic movement of the ball.

Balance boards are platforms with a curved rubber bottom. The cat is placed on the centre of the board with its feet shoulder width apart, and the board is slowly rocked from side to side. This is excellent for restoring stability in the early stages of weight bearing after fracture or joint surgery. Slings help support the cat during the early stages of recovery from many conditions where the nervous system has been affected, and are particularly useful as support for cats that have had pelvic surgery.

Aquatic therapy is best performed with a custom designed water tank and underwater treadmill. It provides outstanding rehabilitation for soft tissue injuries, arthritis, post surgery fracture care, post amputation care and neurological problems. It is excellent for increasing strength, flexibility and endurance, while reducing the risk of reinjury.

How long should the therapy go on for?

The length and frequency of therapy depends entirely on the type of injury, age and general health of the cat. Most fracture repairs benefit from therapy 2 to 3 times a week for 6 weeks, while chronic conditions such as arthritis require twice weekly therapy indefinitely (though this usually occurs at home). The owners motivation is the key factor in the success of the therapy, but with some simple demonstrations and a little effort, a huge difference can be made.

Is professional physical therapy in a clinic expensive?

There is a lot of variety among clinics, largely dependent on the expertise of the therapists and the facilities available. Expect to pay US$50 to $75 per session.

Therapeutic Sports Massage as Rehabilitation

Sports massage therapy can be highly beneficial to athletes who need to constantly perform at the pinnacle of their game. Such masters of the sports world often employ personal massage therapists because they are so pivotal in rehabilitation after a game, or before a game, loosening the body up in preparation for the physical exertion to come.

If a player has damaged tissue then the sports massage therapist can be optimized to aid in the bodies natural healing process. Therapeutic Sports Massage as Rehabilitation is most helpful with:

• Oxidizing soft tissue with nutrients


• Rehabilitating muscles and tendons


• Removing waste from inside deep tissue

Sports massage is somewhat different from a normal spa massage because it is meant to delve deeper into the muscle and completely relax all of your tissue after having participated in extended high intensity action. Sports massage and spa massage do use essentially the same types of strokes and techniques. However, the sports massage therapist is putting more force into specific points of soreness.

Therapeutic sports massage could be ill advised because of the intense penetration into the bodies deeper tissue. If you have any of these physical attributes then sports massage is NOT recommended. You may need to have a discussion with your massage therapist beforehand if you have any medical conditions including:

• Open wounds


• Ruptures in muscles or tendons


• Bursitis


• Tumors


• Artificial blood vessels

Therapeutic sports massage can be utilized in successful rehabilitation after a labored day on the playing field. Revitalizing deep within the body and allowing relaxation and rebuilding of an athletic body. Visiting with a sports massage therapist before a game is often quite beneficial as well. Fifteen to forty-five minutes before playing will begin to warm up the muscles that will be needed for peak performance. Even during training there is need for massage therapists to encourage injury prevention, help care for soft tissue and start training the muscles for aches and pain, which is common until they locate the correct position for the required physical implementation that is being placed upon them.

Sports massage therapists are an important part of every game. Rehabilitating athletes and the muscles, tendons and tissue that become damaged every time they compete. There is a highly sought-after market for sports massage therapists going on in the private, public, college and professional levels.

Anyone who is active needs to have access to a massage therapist in order to relieve soreness and avoid injury. Whether your 16 or 60 there are benefits to being healthy and with the aid of sports massage you can achieve the goals set fourth by yourself quicker and easier than thought possible.

For more quick tips and advice on Therapeutic Sports Massage as Rehabilitation or simply sports massage visit this popular website at http://www.health-nutrition-medicine-medical.info. You will find the answers you need and want for Sports Massage Therapy.

Is the Salary of a Masseuse Good Enough?

If you are out of work and looking for a stable source of income, being a masseuse might be one of those things you are considering right now. Masseuses, otherwise known as massage therapists (or "masseurs" for male therapists) are rarely out of work because of the ever-growing demand for their service. Life is becoming more and more stressful, and people are finding massage therapy one of the best, if not the best, ways to relieve life stresses. After all, who doesn't want to have a massage after all of the day's work?

The only question is, is being a masseuse worth the time, money and effort you're going to put into it? There's no better way perhaps, to answer this question than to take a look at the average masseuse salary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that, on the average, masseuses earned a little more than $39,000 in 2009. Not bad for a job in which the actual work input averages only between 15 and 25 hours per week. As you might have guessed it, masseuses don't do massages for 8 hours a day straight, otherwise they'll burn out and leave the profession alone after only a couple of days.

The income of a full-time masseuse is expected to rise steeply in the coming years as the aging American population fuels more demand for massage services. Nowadays you'll often see massage centers charging their clients $80 for an hour of massage. If a person wants only 10 minutes of massage you can charge him $10. It's only a matter of time before the average cost of a massage climbs to $100 per hour. There are actually many massage spas and home service businesses that set their rates to that amount already. You can check out massage ads if you want to see for yourself.

The job of a masseuse is physically demanding, so naturally we ask, is that kind of income good enough? This is a matter of concern considering that in most states, a massage therapist will have to spend months of training and thousands of dollars in a massage school before being licensed to practice. Such a license also requires passing an examination.

To answer the question straight out, I would say that the salary of a masseuse is good given the fact that the hourly pay is quite high. Compared to other jobs requiring physical effort, being a massage therapist pays better. (Concerning the physical exertion, actually you would seldom hear a masseuse complain about the physicality of their work because there are techniques that one can use to lessen the amount of effort and fatigue involved.) The income of a masseuse can even be made much higher if she decides in time to be self-employed. Imagine if you can work for just 15 hours a week but take 100% of the money paid by the clients. You can do the math yourself. It's even better if you love the work that you do and have a passion for it. If that's the case you don't even have to work a single day of your life.

If you have any further questions about massage therapist salary, you should explore the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics' data on massage therapist salary.

At Physical Therapy Colleges, Learn to Help Others Improve Movement and Reduce Pain

On a whole, the role of the physical therapist is to provide services that help individuals improve mobility, alleviate pain and to prevent or limit physical disabilities as the result of disease or injury. Physical therapists play an important role by promoting fitness and health and their patients not only include accident victims but also individuals with disabling conditions such as lower back pain, heart disease and cerebral palsy. Job opportunities for physical therapists are good, especially in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Individuals who wish to pursue a career as a physical therapist typically need a master's degree from accredited physical therapy colleges, along with a State license.

There are actually several different types of master's degrees offered through various physical therapist schools. When the profession was still in its early stages, only a Bachelor's Degree was required, but today that has been replaced by Master's and Doctorate degrees. For example, there is the Direct Entry Master's Physical Therapy Degree which is a perfect choice for those that have completed their Bachelor degree, it's a two year long program with the second year consisting of field work. There is also the Direct Entry Doctorate, which is similar to the Master's degree and is typically one year longer.

After you have determined what kind of degree you are going to pursue, Masters or Doctorate, and researched the requirements, you then need to determine which physical therapy colleges you are going to apply to, and depending on which school you choose, you will have different programs to study. Some programs you will find it necessary to study are Patient Care Fundamentals, Clinical Education and Medical Terminology.

There are many physical therapy colleges located throughout the United States. You can do a comprehensive online search to find the best one for you, depending on where you live and what degree you wish to pursue. One important consideration to keep in mind before choosing a school is the size of the physical therapy program as well as the educational curriculum. You need to ensure that the classes you take will best meet your needs.

The Many Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage Therapies

Massaging with hot stones is not by any means a new modality. It has been around and in use for many centuries by many different cultures. I am often asked "who used them first" or "where did this technique originate?" I never know where to begin to explain the history behind this wonderful healing art. North American Native Indians used them. They were used in South America, Africa, Europe, Egypt, Japan and India. There is written history confirming that more than 2000 years ago the Chinese used heated stones as a means to improve the function of internal organs. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures which date back to 27 B.C. have a recorded history of using hot stones for massage and bodywork.

Hot-stone massage was re-introduced in the United States in 1993 in Arizona by massage therapist Mary Nelson. Her invention of La Stone Therapy technique caught on and today, there are many styles and techniques of using hot stones during a massage treatment session. Hot rocks are used for full body, deep tissue specific work, facials, pedicures, manicures, meridian therapy, reiki, polarity therapy and even cranial sacral work.

When performed correctly, a hot-stone massage session is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating experiences a person can receive. The stones have incredible energy. Hot rocks protocols enhance the benefits of a regular massage. The effects hot rocks have on the body are sedative which can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation. There are many other valid reasons to receive a hot stone massage:

• Decrease back pain and muscle spasms


• Improve poor circulation


• Relief from osteoarthritis and arthritis pain


• Decrease stress, anxiety and tension


• Help with insomnia and sleeping disorders


• Decrease depression


• Relief from fibromyalgia


• Increase flexibility in joints, improving mobility and movement


• Relief from strained and contracted muscles

Can you remember the last time that nothing in your body was causing pain?

I received my first hot stone massage when I was three-quarters of the way through massage school in 2005. At the time, I was working full-time during the day at a very high-stress medical facility in the accounting department, going to massage school in the evenings five days a week, and emotionally stressed from coping with surviving a divorce. To say the least, I was physically exhausted and very much in need of some TLC and R&R at the close of the third term in massage school.

A student friend gifted to me a La Stone Massage session. Afterward, as I was sitting with a cool glass of mineral water (and one tiny square of dark chocolate), I felt floaty, loopy..... "stoned" (pun intended). My body felt like a strand of cooked spaghetti. I found myself trying to count the little holes in the ceiling tiles! It was a revelation and an "ah-ha!" moment for me when I realized or rather became consciously aware that never, in my entire adult life had I been pain-free like this. It felt good. I decided then that my first CEU's when I graduated from massage school was to learn how to perform this modality so that I could share with the world how wonderful it is to feel this good without the use of a pharmaceutical drug.

Hot stone massage restores the body. The mind, at first, has a bit of a confusing time with what to do with a pain-free status throughout the body but does eventually recognize and welcome this homeostasis. This in turn lifts the spirits to new heights. There is so much room for happiness when all that pain gets massaged out-of-the-way! Feeling fabulous like this can turn anyone into a hot stone massage junkie.

Massage Therapy Supplies - Launching It New For The New Massage Therapist?

A good massage therapy depends on the usage of the right kind of massage therapy materials. New massage therapists will have to nest in the basic massage therapy materials to start their practice.

These therapists may start business on their own or be employed by other massage therapy business. He may also be employed in some organization which provides services like in a gymnasium, sports team or a fitness centre. In such businesses the massage therapy materials are supplied by the establishment which is not available in the case of self-employed masseuse. In order to be self reliant many therapists opt to buy their own supplies rather than be dependent on the parent organizations.

Broadly speaking, massage therapists try to locate a base for the supply of massage therapy equipments, though they are provided with enough material to start on a new massage therapy business to cater to several essential supplies a starter would require.

Massage therapy table:
The basic and vital piece of equipment in a massage therapy is the massage table. A massage therapist is provided with various choices for the massage table though a wise one would be to select a portable one, which is foldable and can be easily shifted from place to place. The biggest advantage of a Table that can be easily carried is that it is easy to take up house visits and it can be transported from one office to another as most therapists would start their business in a place and later move to another.

Oils:
Massage oils find a variety of uses in massage therapy. A few of these oils are used to provide relaxation and it also helps in rejuvenating the patients. Certain other kinds of oils are used to relieve tensions in muscles while still others help in reducing friction.

Massage therapy oils include almond oil, grape seed oil, avocado, apricot oil, wheat gram, jojoba, holy oil and hazelnut. Therapists also use creams and lotions according to the service to be offered and the massage type.

Carrying/Display case:
A therapist should find out a way to carry these oils if he is engaged in providing services at various places. He should devise a case that helps in the safe transport of these oils. If massage therapy services are provided in an office only, the therapist has to place the oils in such a place that they are easily accessible and if sale of these oils is also done then display case should be properly arranged.

Towels and Sheets:
Towels and sheets should be maintained in a clean and tidy manner to ensure client privacy and hygienic atmosphere. The therapist should invest his money in a stock of massage therapy materials.

Hands are the vital tool for the conduct of massage therapy so only a few therapists should go in for a business rolling. The materials for massage therapy which are mentioned above provide a sufficient base for fresh massage therapists and more can be bought as the business develops.

Six Features Every Physical Therapy Software Package Should Have

Whether you've just started your own PT practice or you're the manager for a major PT clinic with several locations, you know that the right physical therapy software can improve everything from your business' cash flow to the efficiency of your employees and the health outcomes for your patients. There are dozens of programs for a variety of medical and health care services, but only a few truly focus on the needs of PT practices. How do you know which one will perform well once it's installed in your office or clinic? Look for these six crucial features before investing.

Physical Therapy Software That Ties Everything Together

Some programs focus on one particular aspect of your business, such as scheduling, accounts payable and receivable, or documenting your patients' progress, but if you have to have more than one program in place to cover every aspect of your clinic, you should ditch any current billing programs or documentation software and look for one that fully integrates invoicing, progress charts and scheduling in one easy to use solution.

Easy Patient Monitoring Over Time

Your PT documentation should allow you to chart each patient's progress over any length of time. Summaries for review purposes, complete exercise plans, objective criteria to map improvement and the ability to clearly indicate any concerns should be included in any physical therapy documentation software program. Look for physical therapy software that's flexible enough to adapt to individual patient situations while using standard templates as a jumping off point for efficient, comprehensive patient documentation.

Electronic Health Insurance Claims Documentation and Submissions

Most therapists hate wading through and filling out the seemingly endless forms for health insurance claims. The right physical therapy software can automatically fill out the appropriate claims forms and submit them electronically so that your therapists can focus on their patients rather than their paperwork. Look for a system that includes batch reviews and other accuracy controls in order to minimize the number of rejected insurance claims.

Scalability

Not all solutions are created equal. You'll find some that work best for individual physical therapists who need a simple solution for billing while others are designed to fill the needs of clinics with multiple branches and dozens of employees. Some won't have the scalability that will give you just what you need now with optional features that will grow with your practice. You may be wearing many hats today, but if you're good at what you do, you'll soon need physical therapy billing software that will grow with your business.

HIPAA Compliance

Be sure you choose a PT tracking program that is fully HIPAA compliant and respects the privacy of each patient. Failing to safeguard the health information of any of your patients can lead to lengthy legal battles and a damaged reputation. A software package that's HIPAA compliant can put your mind -- and your patients' minds -- at ease.

Detailed PT Documentation

Every patient's condition is unique to him or her; the right tracking program will allow you to fully document their initial complaints, the progress, and the results they achieve along an appropriate timeline. Look for systems that feature illustrated treatment options and visual pain guides for the most effective treatment protocols.

You want to focus on the business of healing and bringing comfort to your patients. Investing in the right physical therapy software will let you do just that by organizing and streamlining the business side of PT for you.

Physical Therapy Sciatica Treatment

A common prescribed sciatica treatment is physical therapy. When seeing a doctor for sciatica you may be given special instruction on what and what not to do as well as a referral will be given to you to see a physical therapist. Many professionals still prescribe strict bed rest although in some instances can worsen the condition. Other treatments suggested are sleeping on an extra hard surface or even on the floor.

Most physical therapists will tell you to apply hot and cold packs and if you go onto the internet and browse the various different exercises for back pain you will be able to view videos as well as pictures of back stretches and exercises which can be applied once the pain has subsided. However, back pain education and sciatica treatment protocols may differ considerably from one source to another as well as professionals having conflicting opinions.

Studies and recent research have revealed that one should remain as active as possible and stay within your limits especially if you are experiencing severe lower back pain. One should also make an effort to remain at work unless the pain is so severe that you require rest. However, bed rest should not be longer than a day or two. Long periods of bed rest have proved to worsen the pain.

If a sciatica treatment protocol is not effective and you find that your condition is not improving then you need to consult with a professional immediately and find out if there are any other alternatives. There are people that obtain relief when visiting osteopaths, chiropractors and physical therapists. Others suffering from sciatica find relief as well as relaxation from acupuncture and relaxation therapy.

Many professionals say that exercise therapy is a solution to treat persistent back pain that has lasted for a few weeks. Exercises such as yoga, walking, swimming and other such specialized exercise programs are included. Recent studies that were carried out in Europe, reveled that botulinum toxin injections which is Botox provides pain relief to patients suffering from long-term sciatica symptoms. However, there is insufficient evidence and the studies are inconclusive.

Another common sciatica treatment is following a well balanced diet that contains all the essential vitamins and minerals. Foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, beef and pork, brown rice and legumes, bananas and whole grains are essential and maintain ones health. A natural source of B1 and other B vitamins are also essential in controlling sciatica symptoms.

Exploring Medical Professions - Undergraduate Requirements

Medical professional schools encourage students to develop the broadest academic base possible during their undergraduate years. Any undergraduate major may be used as background for entry. It is important that students understand they can major in just about anything, as long they complete the standard prerequisites for medicine. All pre-medical students should take courses that develop disciplined thinking, intelligent appreciation of values, and empathetic understanding of society and human interaction. Applicants are encouraged to take coursework in any of the following disciplines: anthropology, communication, computer science, economics, ethics, human development, literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and statistics.

Most colleges have pre-professional medical programs that serve as advisory committees for student interested in careers in allopathic or osteopathic medicine, nursing, chiropractic, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and veterinary medicine programs. These programs or societies give students an opportunity to interact with their pre-medical peers and obtain guidance from the school faculty.

A baccalaureate degree is required for admission to most professional medical programs. You do not need a bachelor's degree, however, to become a registered nurse. You can obtain an associate's in Nursing without formal college education. Professional schools base admission decisions on a variety of items such as grade point average, entrance exam score, interview, and personal references. The application process usually occurs one year before the intended entry date.

Professional schools encourage employment or volunteer experience within a professional or related medical setting. Work and volunteer experiences (including shadowing) in health care facilities, hospitals and physician's offices are strongly recommended. It is important to note that you can go outside of medicine as well - volunteer experience in and of itself is very important to the medical community.

Core Courses for Professional Schools

The undergraduate degree must also include the successful completion of the required prerequisite core of courses such as:

One Year of English Composition

One Year of College Level Math (One Semester of Calculus for some schools)

One Year of Inorganic Chemistry (w/labs)

One Year of Organic Chemistry (w/labs)

One Year of General Biology (w/labs)

One Year of General College Physics (w/labs)

Additional courses such as biochemistry may strengthen your experience.

Medicine (MD or DO)

Admission requirements are essentially the same for the MD (allopathic) and DO (osteopathic) programs. The Medical College Admissions Test is required for MD and DO professional schools as well as for most podiatry schools. It is offered electronically in January and also April through September each year.

Chiropractic (DC)

Each professional school sets its own prerequisites and requirements. Check your state or local college to learn about the prerequisites to obtaining DC training.

Dentistry (DDS)

Applicants for the field of dentistry complete the core courses listed above and also additional biology courses. An academic advisor can assist in choosing these courses. The Dental Admissions Test is also usually required.

Optometry (OD)

Entry requirements for this professional school are considerably different from the others. The Optometry Admissions Test is required. Early in their academic career, students should see an academic advisor for information about specific schools and programs.

Pharmacology (Pharm.D)

Pharmacy programs usually require two preparatory years of university level coursework followed by four years in the professional curriculum. The sequence of the courses is important, so students are urged to meet with an academic advisor early in the student's academic career. After completing the pre-requisites for pharmacy school, you will take the PCAT exam and apply for admission to the pharmacy school of your choice. Most schools with a college of pharmacy have specialized combined degree programs that allow students to move directly from undergraduate study to graduate study in pharmacology. If this interests you check with your college to find out more information.

Some Important Benefits of A Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has several health benefits. It promotes your mental, physical as well as emotional well-being if you consider doing it on a regular basis. It can be considered as an excellent alternative for various medicines which has harmful side effects. Whether it is a Swedish massage or a sports massage, the health benefits you receive are the same. This article deals with some of the important benefits of massage therapy.

Firstly, massage therapy improves your blood circulation. When massage is done, it stimulates your body tissues, thereby improving blood flow to all parts of the body. Having a good blood flow means that oxygen and other life saving nutrients are supplied to all the cells and waste materials are eliminated out of the body very effectively. The better supply of nutrients to all parts of the body results in better health.

Massage is very effective in reducing stress levels. A simple massage can free up your mind from negative emotions to a greater extent. Since massage therapy relaxes tight muscles, it is very effective for tension associated headaches. Massage is also known for its effectiveness in relieving pain. Sometimes massage is used in conjunction with other therapies such as physical therapy, hydrotherapy etc. Also it is considered as an effective pain management measure for patients who suffer from muscle spasms, arthritis and sciatica. The lower back pain can be reduced by massage therapy. The pain relief happens due to the release of endorphins which is mainly accomplished by endorphins, the natural painkillers of the body.

It is also found that massage improves one's immunity. The massage stimulates the flow of lymph which is considered as body's defense system. Also, massage therapy is believed to increase your WBC count. Massage produces both sedative and stimulating effect on your central nervous system. A simple massage can either relax the nervous system or stimulate it. The effect produced on the CNS directly depends on your nervous system's current status, massage type and its duration. It works well to calm down a patient with aggressive behavior.

Finally massage therapy improve your joint's range of motion, making your body to become more flexible. It stretches your connective tissues which support the muscles, thereby increasing your body's flexibility. If you use transverse massage strokes, you can prevent adhering of muscles fibers to a greater extent. This will ensure your muscle's full range of motion and flexibility.

Foot Massage Therapy - Foot Massage Machine on Sale

How to give a really good foot massage

There is nobody in the world who does not love to be pampered and cared for. Spending money on facial massages seems to be a regular and essential activity for most women and some men. However, our feet seem to be neglected when it comes to pampering and care. We tend to ignore the part of our body which experiences the most exertion. Spending money on your feet seems to be a waste, since the feet are usually hidden under your shoes.

However, if you want to relax and rejuvenate yourself, a quick foot massage at the end of the day is a great solution. And you can actually give a good foot massage at home! All you need to do is follow certain tricks, practice them as often as you can and see the person thanking you for the wonderful experience.

To become a massage expert, you don't need to have special knowledge. All you need to have is patience to learn and a person to practice on (that you can find easily). But before you start, you need to know the basic of a massage. Foot massage therapy is linked with reflexology. That is, while massaging the foot, pressure is applied at certain reflex points on the feet. The pressure can relieve the whole body of pain and aches. You can give a good massage by incorporating some knowledge of reflex therapy.

Essentials for a Foot Massage

To start, you need to have the following; a towel, massage oil (there are various massage oils available on the market), and strong, firm hands. If you are going to give a quick but effective massage then sorbolene cream is a good emollient that will act immediately. But it gets absorbed by the skin very easily and therefore will make the massage tough after some time. Using massage oil on the feet can result in a smoother massage.

Ask the person to wash his/her feet. This will not only make him/her feel comfortable, but you will be more comfortable as well. Or you can also arrange for a massage spa, or even a massage bath for your client before the massage.

After the feet are washed and cleansed, you start the massage by rubbing and oiling both feet gently with massage oil, using your palm and fingers. Gently roll your thumb finger to massage the soul of the feet.

Now, use one hand to hold the heel firmly on your hand, and use the other hand to gently rotate the forefoot clockwise and then counter clockwise. This will relax the nerves. Work with the toes separately, up and down, then side to side rubbing very gently with your fingers. Massage the sole of the foot with the help of your palm, fingers, and the knuckles. Form small circles while massaging.

Here is a little trick. Grab the foot with both your hand in such a way that the toes face you. Your fingers should be on the top and the thumb at the bottom of the foot. Now rotate the joints individually with the help of your finger moving up and down. Top of the foot should be massaged with the palm and the fingers.

At the end give another general foot rubbing with the oil. This will end the process and your client will be totally satisfied.

Foot Massage Machines Simulate a Real Foot Massage

In reality, time and money constraints prevent most people from getting regular massages by a professional massage therapist. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of massager machines on the market that can actually simulate an effective massage. Having a foot massage machine at home allows you to receive a relaxing massage anytime in the comfort of your home. Try a Handheld Body Massager today and get instant relief!

Summary
Most people would agree that getting a foot massage is one of the most relaxing things you can do for yourself. According to foot reflexology, different parts of the feet correspond to organs in the human body so applying pressure to these areas of the feet will stimulate corresponding organs promoting health benefits. Foot massage machines can simulate a real massage with a variety of functions to promote better health.

Remedial Massage Techniques and Therapists

Remedial massage is a deep tissue style massage, therapeutic in nature, designed to heal specific health issues, muscle problems and injuries. Massage therapists believe that everything in the body is connected and related and that if one part is injured it will in turn affect the whole body. A person with an injured knee may then favour the other leg which will throw out the muscles in the hip and back leading to back ache. The tightening of these muscles may then cause an imbalance affecting the neck muscles which may then cause a head ache.

So the client may come in complaining of persistent headaches where the primary cause of this problem is a knee injury. A remedial massage therapist is trained to not only diagnose what is causing the problem but also in treating it with massage.

Clients that visit a remedial massage therapist will have a consultation with them before any treatment takes place to find out what is causing the issue or injury. This consultation will take a variety of forms, usually questions and also a series of tests to see how much range of movement the client may have in certain muscles groups. For example if the client is complaining of headaches, the remedial massage therapist may get the client to turn their head, to see how far their muscles will let the head turn to see if there is muscle tightness in the neck region which might be causing the problem.

The therapist will also observe the client's posture. In the example above, the therapist might notice the client favouring one leg whilst walking and then find out that there has been a knee injury that needs to be fixed. Remedial therapists also use palpitation of the muscles which is generally just feeling the different muscle groups to feel if they are tight or shortened.

Muscle tissue works by contraction. If muscles tissues are so shortened it cannot work properly then sometimes it cannot contract further and is not able to do the work of the muscle. This can occur from repetitive use of the muscle or it can occur from inaction, for example is an arm is in a sling for a long period of time.

A remedial massage therapist will then use a variety of techniques to soften, stretch and manipulate the muscle so that it will start to work as it should again. These techniques include trigger point therapy. Trigger points are small, highly contracted areas of the muscle and the remedial therapist will manipulate these regions to release them.

Trigger points are often a large source of pain, and releasing them can cause relief from tension and hurt. Sometimes trigger points cause referred pain. So a trigger point maybe located in the shoulder but the pain maybe referred by the muscle to another region in the back. Remedial massage therapists are trained to diagnose referred pain and also treat the underlying cause.

Remedial massage also uses a wide range of other techniques like deep tissue friction that warms and releases the muscles, relaxation massage strokes that soothe the muscles after the deep tissue work, and also stretching. The therapist may get the client to do follow up exercises and stretches at home to continue the work. Remedial therapists are qualified to deal with issues such as arthritis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, muscular injuries from sport, neck and back pain, headaches and whiplash.

Shiatsu Therapy Releases Trauma in Body and Mind

Shiatsu is from the Japanese word shi meaning finger and atsu meaning pressure. It is characterized by the systematic application of pressure with the fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, forearms, knees and feet on specific points (tsubos), and areas (meridians) on the body. Unlike acupressure, Shiatsu uses not only the main acupuncture points located on a meridian, but also the spaces in between those points. It does not use typical massage mediums such as oils or creams, and as such can be done through clothing. Shiatsu is traditionally practised on the floor on a thin futon.

The basic premise of Shiatsu is that pressure is applied at a perpendicular angle to the plane of the body and held for approximately 3 to 7 seconds. In many styles of Shiatsu there is a support hand which remains stationary, and a working hand which applies pressure along the meridian. The most common application of pressure is with the palm and thumb. The depth of pressure or weight is gauged according to the client's condition and constitution.

The sustained application of pressure during a Shiatsu treatment activates the mechano-receptor cells in the body and the parasympathetic nervous system, often resulting in a change of brain wave patterns. This allows the body to relax, promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi (ki in Japanese) or vital life force, and activates the natural or innate healing power of the individual.

Shiatsu uses the primal sense of touch along the body's largest organ (skin) to exact change on a cellular level. In doing so, stored traumas and emotional issues can often be released and resolved.

Shiatsu's roots can be traced to China and a style of massage known as Anma. In the 6th century A.D., there was a migration of Buddhism from China to Japan, along with a concurrent migration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including Anma massage. Anma, the precursor of Shiatsu, underwent considerable refinement in Japan, and flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868).

Shiatsu's popularity was increasing by the 1900s, and underwent further refinements as Japan became more Westernized. Tamai Tempaku wrote Shiatsu Ryoho - Finger Pressure Way of Healing in 1915 and Shiatsu Ho - Finger Pressure Method in 1919. Then in 1925, Tokujiro Namikoshi started the Clinic of Pressure Therapy in Hokkaido and the Japan Shiatsu Institute in 1940. Shiatsu gained official recognition as a treatment modality in 1955, and in 1964 emerged as a form of bodywork distinct from Anma and Swedish massage. It was introduced into Canada in 1971.

The main effect of the modernization of Shiatsu was in the ratio of pressing to rubbing. Anma massage held a ratio of 80% rubbing to 20% pressing. Shiatsu reversed this to 80% pressing and 20% rubbing.

Standards of Practice

The minimum standard of practice for professional Shiatsu therapists is 500 hours. This standard is used in Britain, Europe, Australia and some parts of the U.S. Shiatsu is unregulated in Canada, and there are both longer and shorter programs available. A prospective student should look for things such as course curriculum, experienced instructors, quality of teaching and a supportive learning environment when selecting a school.

Therapeutic Benefits of Shiatsu

Shiatsu can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, pain being the most common. Often pain, particularly in the soft tissues, is treated by Western medicine with muscle relaxants and pain killers. Shiatsu seeks to treat the underlying cause of pain, as well as the symptoms.

In my own practice, I have seen numerous cases of Shiatsu's unique healing properties. One particular client's recovery using Shiatsu was especially rewarding. Several years ago, this client visited me with severe TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain. It was so severe she could not open her mouth fully and was restricted to eating soft, mushy foods. She had been feeling pain in the jaw for about 1-1/2 years, and now she was experiencing severe headaches as well. She had gone to see several specialists who recommended surgery.

Shiatsu done on her neck and shoulders provided considerable relief after just one treatment. By the end of the third treatment all pain and accompanying symptoms were gone. She couldn't believe the results and was now even able to manage a smile! I was especially surprised that the recovery came so quickly, as I had anticipated at least 6 to 10 treatments.

The role of the Shiatsu therapist is to help activate the natural healing and recuperative powers of the patient. Regular treatments are important when there is a chronic condition, but Shiatsu is most effective when used preventively. The cumulative effect of treatments helps to strengthen the immune system, tonify organs, and keep the qi and blood flowing smoothly.

Shiatsu is very old, powerful medicine with its roots at least 5,000 years in the past. Yet it still remains an important and potent way for people to connect with themselves, their health, and their environment in the fast-paced 21st century.

The Beginner's Guide - How to Become a Massage Therapist in Georgia

Massage therapy is much more than just alleviating back, neck, or limb stress - it's also a highly developed tool used in a range of industries, including healthcare, on cruise ships, and in spas. Massage therapy itself is a growing industry. Not only are massage therapists increasing in ranks, but pay is on the rise as well. The industry has come a long way, with countless new techniques used by today's licensed massage therapists to make people feel better and improve their quality of life.

When you become a massage therapist, the best perk is perhaps the flexibility in the job. You choose where you go, what you do, and how you do it. The discipline encompasses the best of working with people from all walks of life as well as helping them relieve tension and heal injuries, to feel better and work and move with greater ease. When you become a massage therapist, you help promote relaxation, health, injury rehabilitation, as well as encourage clients to deal with stress and chronic pain reduction or management more effectively.

Would you like to become a massage therapist? If so, the steps below will help you embark on the road to working as a licensed massage therapist in the state of Georgia.

State Requirements for a Licensed Massage Therapist

Getting started. The first, most important element is you. As a massage therapist, you should be personable, easy to work with, and comfortable touching someone in an ethical way. Delving into a new career and honing those skills involves a considerable time commitment on your part. Before enrolling anywhere, ask yourself if you:

• Have enough time to complete coursework?
  


• Can study and prepare for the next day?
  


• Can attend regular classes throughout the week?
  


• Can complete at least 500 hours of training?
  


• Need financing?

Some massage therapy programs run from Monday through Friday, lasting over four hours (or approximately 21 hours a week) at the bare minimum. Other schools can have more strenuous schedules placed on the student who wants to become a massage therapist. If time is limited, some massage schools offer classes in the late afternoon or evening, or even a combination thereof if your schedule better permits a less-than-structured course calendar.

Researching potential schools is also vital. While you will cover many of the same basics, remember that not all schools are created equal. Get to know the teachers. Their teaching style may or may not jibe with the way you learn. Tour the campus. Is this somewhere you can picture yourself learning and growing?

Education/Training. The massage school that you choose should boast educational curriculum that is approved by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. At the school of your choice, you will be required to complete an approved program, which should be 500 hours or longer, and will cover all standard Western massage techniques. It is recommended that you do not purchase equipment until you begin your education. Purchasing a massage table prior to learning about table height can impair your ability to apply sufficient pressure during a massage session.

Throughout the duration of the massage therapy program, you will learn fundamental skills, such as Swedish, deep tissue, orthopedic, cross fiber, and neuromuscular massage therapy. You should also expect to become well versed in carrying out a physical assessment of your clients to identify key areas of the body to be addressed in the massage session.

In addition to learning a variety of techniques while at the school, you may also decide which approach interests you the most and choose to specialize in one area after you begin your career.

Licensing requirements. Upon completion of a massage therapy program, you will need to take and pass one of three exams approved by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy.

• The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (www.fsmtb.com) offers the Massage Board Licensing Exam (MBLEx). This entry-level exam is used to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is carried out in a safe, effective manner in a public setting.
  


• The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org) offers two certification exams. Both exams are used to establish and uphold a national standard for excellence.

Your credentials will be evaluated by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. Qualifying applicants will become licensed and therefore eligible to provide therapeutic massage in the state. In order to remain up-to-date with changes in the industry, 24 hours of continuing education are required during each biennial renewal period.

Affiliations. Once you are a licensed massage therapist, you must be willing to uphold strong ethical values. Affiliating with professional massage therapy organizations will aid in this endeavor and add to your credibility.

Affiliating is also a great way to network with other massage therapists in your area or state to discover the newest techniques and technologies and learn about new positions for a licensed massage therapist.

Getting a job. Have your newly acquired licensing number handy. You are required to write it out on all of your business information. You should also check in your municipality for business licensing requirements. If you affiliated with certain massage therapy organizations, you can receive pointers to assist you in looking for your first job as a licensed massage therapist.

Many employers are in need of well-qualified, licensed massage therapists to work in a variety of exciting positions. These positions include, but are certainly not limited to, spas and medi-spas, and medical offices, such as ob/gyn, chiropractic medicine, and orthopedics. Hospitals are also in need of the services of a skilled massage practitioner for cancer patients, rehabilitation, and pain management. The options are limitless when you become a massage therapist.

Wherever you go, with your new-found skills as a licensed massage therapist, you can help invigorate tired limbs and encourage better movement, improve circulation, alleviate stress, and bring smiles to countless clients throughout the day.

Equine Massage Therapy - The New Frontier in Horse Care

The horse can offer enjoyment on many fronts to its owner. Horses are used recreationally in sports such as:

o Barrel racing
o Jumping
o Dressage
o Hunting
o Rodeoing
o Trail riding

Horses used in these capacities are also often dear pets that owners develop deep bonds with. A horse may also be of financial importance to owners who use them as professional racehorses. But no matter how a horse benefits its owner, it must be cared for in a loving, responsible manner to ensure its continued health and friendly personality.

Horse ownership responsibilities are much more demanding than for other pets such as dogs and cats. The reason for this is because horses are incredible athletes. Their bodies are made up of huge muscles which provide maximum efficiency when running long distances, jumping or maneuvering through obstacles. Because of the horse's status as serious athlete, a recent addition to horse care has been created. This addition is called equine massage.

How Equine Massage can help your Horse

Massage therapy has long been used to help humans relieve tension and stress. In equine massage, there are also a number of benefits. Massages in horses can result in:

o Increased circulation-massage helps immensely with blood flow. Rich, oxygenated blood will reach every area of your horse's body effortlessly.
o Eliminated waste-fatigued muscles result in toxic buildup in horses bodies. Massage helps to dislodge toxins and hasten their elimination from the body.
o Increased flexibility-massage helps remove knots from muscles which allows for greater movement
o Muscle tone
o Range of motion
o Alleviation of pain-knotted muscles that arise from running or jumping can lead to a great deal of pain. The only way to alleviate this pain is to massage the knots out of the horse's muscles.
o Stress relief-a horse that has tense, knotted muscles that result in pain can display changes in behavior. Massage therapy can make for a de-stressed, happier animal.

If you use your horse for athletic activities, you will be glad to know that all the benefits of massage therapy will help improve performance and enhance relaxation. In fact, massaging a horse before a competition or race has been proven to result in as much as a 20 percent increase in performance quality and efficiency.

For more information on equine massage, visit the website of Austin Vet Clinics.

Massage Therapy Schools - To Get on Their Massage Courses, What Hurdles Do You Have to Overcome?

There are many career fields of massage therapy accessible nowadays and so training to be a massage therapist may possibly be a great move towards creating a stimulating and rewarding job. To get on any of the massage courses however, you have to look appealing to the massage therapy schools who (and it should not be a surprise) need to operate as a business; they need to find the best candidates to help safeguard their name and maximize their income through the fees from their various massage courses. Therefore the massage institutes set entrance requirements to help sort the "wheat from the chaff"; so what are some examples of these requirements?

It'll come as no big surprise to learn that all the massage therapy schools are different when it comes to their entrance requirements. To start with, the massage school will be searching for proof you have enough academic capability to absorb all the theory that accompanies massage therapist training e.g) subjects like anatomy, ethics, endocrinology, public health etc. A high school diploma is generally requested to get on massage courses and normally you must have accomplished results in human biology. Massage school entrance requirements are different should you just want to do additional specialist massage therapy training however.

Generally when a massage therapy school runs specialised massage courses in for example Indian Head Massage, you need to demonstrate you have already a certification in massage therapy. Why? Well the massage school will prefer not to have to cover all the basics too; you will be expected to know this already. However, just what should you do if you don't have the needed bare minimum prior academic background? Now just what should you do if you don't meet certain massage school's entrance requirements?

To begin with don't panic & give up. Its occasionally possible to essentially take a course along side your massage courses so you are catching up all the while. It'll involve some more work but the effort ought to be worth it in the long-run & saves you time as you are not finishing certain courses initially before getting onto a massage course. Talking to your favorite massage therapy school is certainly the way to go in the beginning. Now for other things you must know.

Additionally to proving ones academic ability, you will probably need to display you're well presented, with good communication skills, and the right personality. If you're shy and reserved, you might not be able to display to a customer an air of self-confidence to assure them they are in the right place and strike up a good relationship. Furthermore you will be required to prove you can meet the massage courses term rates; if this is a challenge then commonly you may get help with finance so just ask the massage therapy school.

The previously mentioned is not necessarily a total run down of what you require to satisfy in the way of entrance requirements to massage courses; as I have said all massage colleges are different. Do ones research early on so you can make all the correct moves to aid you get onto ones chosen massage course & into that completely new massage therapy profession you deserve.

You Can Afford to Go to Massage Therapy School!

Have you always wanted to go to massage therapy school but didn't think you could afford it? Is your dream of becoming a massage therapist clouded by the thoughts, "How will I pay for school? Will I qualify for financial aid? Is my credit good enough?" These are great questions, but don't worry! Almost everyone is eligible for financial aid regardless of one's credit history, income, marital status, or the filing of a tax return.

Here are the facts about funding your massage therapy education and the three most important steps for how to get started with your financial aid research.

Step #1 - Verify that the massage school you are looking at is accredited. View and search the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions.

Step #2 - Use the Federal Student Aid forecaster online tool (called the FAFSA4caster) to learn about the financial aid process and get an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid and answer these questions, "What is federal student aid? Who qualifies? How do you apply?"

With the FAFSA4caster you can:

· Calculate your eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants
· Reduce the time it will take to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the qualifying form for all federal student financial aid

Step #3 - Find out if you qualify for financial aid. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To start the FAFSA process, visit fafsa.ed.gov and apply as early as possible beginning January 1st of each year. Schools and states also have their own deadlines, so be sure to contact the school you are interested in for exact deadline dates. NOTE: The first "F" in FAFSA stands for "FREE" and the web address is a ".gov" web address. If you go to http://www.FAFSA.com you can access the information, but will be charged a fee.

Most financial aid packages offered by massage therapy schools include a variety of types of aid, including:

· Scholarships or Grants (money that does not need to be paid back)
· Loans (money that is paid back, usually at lower interest rates than other types of loans)
· Work-study (a job on campus)

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, provides financial assistance for individuals wanting to pursue education beyond high school. Federal Student Aid administers the federal student financial assistance programs, authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. In 2006 alone, Federal Student Aid provided approximately $80 billion in new aid to nearly 10 million postsecondary students and their families.

Accredited massage therapy schools may offer the following financial aid:

· Need-based grants for students who have not earned a degree (associate's, bachelor's, etc)
· Federal Student Aid
· Academic Competitiveness Grant
· Pell Grants
· Stafford Subsidized Loans
· Stafford Unsubsidized Loans
· PLUS Loans (Loans for parents of dependent students)
· In-house Financing
· Access to Scholarships

In addition, students may also qualify for:

· Veterans Administration benefits: US Department of Veterans Affairs
· Vocational Rehabilitation funds: Vocational Rehabilitation State Offices
· Workforce Investment Act (formerly Job Training Partnership Act) programs: US Department of Labor - Employment & Training Administration

Other sources of financial aid include state loans and grants depending on the student's state of residence. Your employer may also be a source of financial aid. Individual employers frequently offer education funds for employees or for retraining of employees. Taking the time to research your financial aid options could open the doors to massage school. Believe in yourself and make your dream of going to massage therapy school happen!

How To Find The Best Massage Schools

Finding the best massage school can take a lot of time and energy. It entails expending effort that guarantees no positive results when it comes to searching for the best school. Foolproof your search efforts by following the suggestions below:

- Get information from other people. Go to the nearest spas or wellness centers in your area and ask about massage schools they prefer to hire from. Doing so gives you an idea about schools that employers prefer and have a good name.

- Check out massage schools yourself. Be specific about the location as to where you actually want to gain employment and look for schools in that area. States have varying licensing requirements and awareness of these prerequisites will help you find the top schools in the area.

- Call and visit the schools. Contact the school's admissions department and ask questions about requirements, tuition fee, scholarships, program set of courses, schedules, and other queries that you might have. They might even send you brochures containing detailed information about the different programs and curriculum they offer specifically on health-related courses. Some schools even offer program orientations pertaining to their courses, thus, it would be a good opportunity for you to have a more in-depth view about massage therapy as a course and as a possible career.

If you can, it is also highly advisable that you make an ocular of the school in order for you to get a feel of the environment. Talk to the guidance counselors, registrars, and admissions clerks, too.

Do not be swayed by salary claims. A school is still a business, thus, to attract more students, some would claim that their graduates earn as much as $50,000 (or more) after graduating. This is an outright lie because new graduates make around $20,000-$30,000 per year. As you build your reputation and gain more experiences, you build your clientele as well as your bank account - only then can you charge a higher rate. Therefore, do your own research.

- Learn more about being a massage therapist. Do you want to be in the business of helping others get well and feel better? Are you aware about the pros and cons of being a massage therapist? Whatever is your answer to the questions, ensure that you have done your research and have asked around. Talk to massage therapists yourself or business owners to get information about their starting salaries, what makes them stay in the massage industry, anything that they do not like about the business, and tips on how to become successful as a massage therapist.

- Get in touch with the school's graduates. If you know some people who graduated from the school, call and ask them about their experiences while attending that school. Were the teachers helpful towards their students? Did they get guidance support when they needed it? Did they offer job placement assistance? Likewise, ask the graduates about their experiences, realizations while job-hunting, and where they are now in their career as a massage therapist. This will likely give you an idea if massage therapy is indeed for you.

Becoming a massage therapist is indeed a lucrative job. It may be a seasonal thing, but with people experiencing stress at work and in life in general, more and more are realizing the benefits of having good massages to de-stress themselves, and that is where the opportunity to work as a therapist comes in.

Sports Massage Can Boost Performance and Aid in Injury Recovery

Whether you're an elite athlete or a weekend gym-goer, you can benefit from sports massage. Contact a massage therapist to discuss your massage needs and options.

You're playing like you've never played before. Running faster. Jumping higher. Diving deeper. But are you taking care of your body? Do you know if you're at risk for an injury? Or are you already injured, and playing through the pain? Whether you're an elite athlete or enjoy sports recreationally, consider adding sports massage to your wellness routine. A massage therapist can pinpoint your body's tight and weak areas and bring you some much-needed relaxation and healing. Still not convinced that massage is right for you? Weigh the benefits so you can make an educated decision.

Muscle Maintenance

By manipulating the tissues and muscles you use the most, a massage therapist can decrease stiffness and soreness so that you don't have to work it out on the court or on the field. Sports massage can increase your flexibility and range of motion, which can make you less prone to injury. Massage can also reduce muscle fatigue and help muscles heal from the stresses of vigorous activity. Tired muscles may be more prone to injury than muscles that have been allowed to recover from intense work. What's the moral of the story? Regular sports massage can decrease recovery time between workouts while increasing the rate at which your body can improve at your chosen sport.

Injury Recovery

If you're already injured, you can add sports massage therapy to your healing regimen. Just make sure you've got your doctor's approval, and that your massage therapist understands your injury and any resulting range-of-motion limitations. Massage may not be appropriate immediately after an injury, but it can be vital in helping you regain peak performance once the acute phase has passed. Massage increases blood flow to the manipulated area, which can help strained muscles heal. Sports massage can also help you regain lost range of motion gently and incrementally-unlike forcing your body to do what it once could, which can result in injury recurrence or even worsening.

Body Awareness

Many athletes fail to take into account the psychological benefits of sports massage. The sense of calm and well-being imparted during a massage can help you focus and get into the mind-set to compete. Beyond that, regular massage can lead to increased body awareness. A trained massage therapist can point out muscle weaknesses and imbalances that you may not even realize exist-and once you're aware of these issues, you can take steps to correct them through strength training, stretching, or targeted massage. Understanding your body, including how it works best, any bad habits you fall into, and when to seek help with an issue, will only make you a stronger competitor.

A variety of massage therapy techniques exist, and not everyone will benefit from the same massage tactics. Investigate Swedish massage, shiatsu, deep-tissue massage, and other options to find what's right for your body. Look for a massage therapist who understands both the requirements of your sport and the intricacies of anatomy. Alongside a healthy diet and a proper training regimen, sports massage can decrease pain, boost your performance, and lengthen your athletic peak.

Trigger Point Therapy And Referred Pain

Human Physiology versus Modern Living

Human bodies have not changed much in the past 10,000 years; however, during the last 150 years, we have greatly changed our lifestyles. Our bodies deal with new chemicals, sleep habits, physical tasks, indoor lighting, noise, and other unnatural stimulation. The increase of psychological stress, repetitive tasks, and decrease of physical activity in modern lives has contributed to chronic pain. It is difficult to change a lifestyle, but trigger point therapy can be used to reduce or eliminate the source of various types of pain, without drugs or surgery.

Pain Can Be Tricky

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2006 that over 25 percent of Americans aged twenty and older report pain lasting over twenty-four hours. The Annals of Internal Medicine reported that twenty-five billion dollars per year was spent in search of low back pain relief in 2003. Typical allopathic treatments for pain are medications, cortisone, and surgery. For many patients, surgery provides welcome relief, at least temporarily, from sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other mechanical and pathophysiologic problems. However, symptoms mimicking such problems can be caused by trigger points, which surgery does not improve. In general, trigger points frequently remain overlooked, unrecognized, and untreated. After a back injury, medication was prescribed for me for a year with little relief. Then I visited another medical doctor who, in one session, removed my pain using manual therapy. He explained that my pain was referred from the actual problem areas.

Referred Pain

Referred pain is sensed in an area away from the actual pain source. Examples of referred pain are headaches, phantom limb pain in amputated limbs, pain down the left arm during a heart attack, and the infamous so-called brain freeze caused by drinking cold liquid, which cools the vagus nerve running along the throat. During a brain freeze, one may feel it in the head, when the cause may be down the throat. Pain referral is also common in myofascial pain syndromes, which are caused by trigger points in muscle, fascia (fibrous tissue that connects, separates, and supports muscles, bones, skin, and other organs), tendon, and ligament tissue. These trigger points are among the most common causes of chronic pain.

Trigger Points

A trigger point can be thought of as a muscle protection mechanism, which stiffens the muscle in order to limit range of motion, triggered by injury, overuse, and adrenaline - all phenomena in which modern humans excel. Resultant stiffening or spasms of muscles cause blood stagnation, nutrient loss, and buildup of toxins. Such protection can become chronic and painful and can activate other trigger points, spreading pain and disability like an infection. Postural muscles, as in the neck, shoulders, back, and pelvic girdle, and others, such as forearms, hands, calves, and face, that are used in repetitive actions are most vulnerable to trigger points. Trigger points may cause headaches (tension and migraine), temporomandibular joint pain, sciatica, and apparent carpal tunnel syndrome and can be associated with burning, numbness, weakness, temperature, sweating, dryness, dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, vision, decreased range of motion, and other problems. Since trigger point syndromes are unfamiliar to many physicians, these familiar symptoms can make diagnosis difficult. Sedentary people and those, such as computer operators, dentists, drivers, and specialized athletes, who hold unnatural positions or perform repetitive tasks are at high risk of developing active trigger points. After sitting at a desk, running or a gym workout may seem to make up for the sedentary time, but it actually may promote the pain and dysfunction. Rigid use then overuse is not the best. Most trigger points are reduced or deactivated by acupuncture, electric stimulation, or injections. Fortunately, trigger points also respond to manual therapy.

Trigger Point History

Some researchers think that many trigger points and acupuncture points overlap. Hence trigger point therapy was accomplished by acupuncture thousands of years ago in China and other parts of the world. In the seventh-century book A Thousand Golden Remedies, Sun Su-Miao (Si miao) described "ah-shi" tender points - most probably trigger points. In the 1940s, trigger points were first clearly described and mapped by Janet G.Travell, MD, who eased John F. Kennedy's pain in 1955, allowing him to run for president. Dr. Travell then served as the personal physician for both presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Drs. Travell and David Simons later wrote the seminal text on Trigger Point Therapy: Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Although sixty years of medical research has shown that trigger point therapy relieves pain, the medical community has been slow to promote this therapy. Doctors who do treat trigger points inject steroids, local anesthetics, carbon dioxide, dextrose, Botox(R), MyoX(TM), and even muscle relaxants to disarm trigger points, and such injections have been covered by U.S. medical insurance since 2005.

Manual Trigger Point Therapy

In Europe, manual approaches are used by myoskeletal medical doctors and practitioners. In the United States, physical therapists use spray and stretch techniques, which numb the skin, interfering with pain conduction, allowing stretching to release trigger points. Also, massage therapists use direct pressure by hand, foot, or tool. The simplest and least invasive method of trigger point therapy involves manually locating the trigger point, which may feel like a pea or knot, and pressing or holding firmly, using thumb and finger, for fifteen seconds or more. Elbows and feet may also be used, as in barefoot deep tissue therapy. Best of all, this modality can be incorporated into a Swedish, barefoot, deep tissue, or other type of massage, whether the client is clothed or not. Trigger point referral patterns in muscles have been thoroughly mapped; for example, temple headaches are most often caused by trigger points in the temporalis or upper trapezius. So when a patient complains of a temple headache, the therapist knows, or looks up, which points on which muscles harbor this referred pain. When manual pressure is applied to the correct point, the pain will temporarily increase,and then fade. Many massage schools now teach manual trigger point therapy, and popular laybooks have been written that can prove extremely useful for self-help.

Self-Massage

For self-treatment, a tennis ball may be placed inside a sock and dropped over the shoulder between the shoulder blades and pressed against a wall into tender spots for fifteen seconds or so, whether or not "good" pain decreases. This can be done several times a day. For more force, or for gluteal areas, one can lie on the floor or use a harder ball. Several tools are available to aid self-treatment. Not all pain is caused by trigger points, so if one to three therapy visits do not produce relief, then referral to a licensed health specialist is recommended.

Conclusion

Over the last hundred years, Western medicine has been straying from manual therapies to drugs, surgery, and other invasive treatments. Manual trigger point therapy is a noninvasive method for relieving many types of pain. It may be used by doctors as well as massage therapists, and even by patients themselves, to help reach the goal of a pain-free body. To find a trigger point therapist near you, ask your doctor, physical therapist, or local massage school.

Basic Massage Therapy Techniques As a Natural Medical Remedy

Massage therapy is a natural medical remedy for many ailments like chronic headaches, insomnia, constipation, joint pains, and many more. According to a trusted massage spa is Sarasota, FL, regular sessions of therapeutic massage can help increase your chances of avoiding colds and muscle fatigue by 4 times.

Different massage techniques can target different conditions. Dr. Annie Bond of Sarasota explained some of the common massage techniques that help improve certain physical conditions.

SWEDISH MASSAGE uses soothing, tapping and kneading strokes to work the entire body, relieving muscle tension and loosening sore joints. Swedish massage therapists use five basic strokes for the treatment. They are effleurage-stroking; petrissage-muscles are lightly grabbed and lifted; friction-thumbs and fingertips work in deep circles into the thickest part of muscles; tapotement-chopping beating, and tapping strokes; and vibration-fingers are pressed or flattened firmly on a muscle, then the area is shaken rapidly for a few seconds. A According to a Venice, FL massage therapist, Swedish massage is ideal for people experiencing insomnia and muscle fatigue.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE targets chronic tension in muscles that lie far below the surface of your body. You have five layers of muscle in your back, and most massages like the Swedish massage, can only reach the first two layers. A deep tissue massage uses slow strokes, direct pressure or friction movements that go across the grain of the muscles. Massage therapists will use their fingers, thumbs or occasionally even elbows to apply the needed pressure. According to one massage spa in Sarasota, many patients feel sore after a deep tissue treatment, but this is just a natural reaction of the body to the heavy and slow strokes.

SPORTS MASSAGES are designed to help athletes train and perform better. The techniques are similar to those in Swedish and deep tissue massage, but a Sarasota therapist says a sports massage has been adapted to meet the athlete's special needs. Pre-competition massage can help warm up muscles and improve circulation before competition, but it can also energize or relax an athlete and help him focus on the competition. Post-competition sports massage can detoxify the body of waste products and hasten recovery.

REFLEXOLOGY is a bit different from most massages because it focuses on vital points on our hands and feet. This massage technique works with the idea that there are specific points on our hands and feet, directly connected to our organs like the liver, heart, lungs, etc. Reflexology manipulates these points in order to improve the functions of our organs or even treat it from its dysfunction. However, a Sarasota massage spa suggests that pregnant women avoid this massage because it could induce labor.

PREGNANCY MASSAGE is designed, strictly for the pregnant woman. This massage is also known as a prenatal massage. A Venice, FL massage therapist says the technique help pregnant women get through the common pains of pregnancy like back ache, leg cramps, headaches, and anxiety. Using a special massage table that can accommodate the growing belly, the therapist then targets the lower back, the legs, and neck, and the head. One Sarasota therapist reiterates the importance of avoiding the hands and feet during a pregnancy massage because it can cause premature labor.

Getting a therapeutic massage one a month can sometimes make all the difference. Make sure you subscribe the help of a professional Sarasota massage therapist before you set an appointment.

Yoga for Physiotherapy Patients

Yoga has gained quite a lot of attention since the 90s as an effective form of exercise and physical betterment. From celebrities to the average Joes and Janes, yoga has essentially become a way of life. But have you ever heard of yoga for physiotherapy patients? Would you believe that yoga can be an effective form of physical therapy?

These days, many of us have heard of yoga for teens, the elderly, pregnant moms and even yoga for toddlers. There is even yoga for dogs, believe it or not. The fact of the matter is yoga can be quite helpful in reliving specific health issues that many physical therapy patients are facing, so long as it is done correctly. Even though the research behind using yoga as a type of physical therapy is still in its infancy, the interest towards the matter is most definitely growing.

Using yoga for physiotherapy patients can have a positive effect in a number of debilitating problems that affect the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. Chronic back pains and certain respiratory issues can also benefit from a good yoga program. Most yoga practitioners believe that yoga does not just promote physical fitness. They believe that it nourishes the mind as well; some will even go as far as claiming that yoga can essentially strengthen one's spirituality. But whether you believe in a supreme being or not, one thing is for certain; mental relaxation and peace of mind are among the benefits that you can expect from a good yoga technique.

Like most exercise programs that are used in conventional physical therapy, yoga addresses the entire body, and not just specific areas. In one yoga session, your whole body will be getting the right amount of attention in every pose. And because of this, you are essentially taking the focus away from the regions where you are experiencing pain. Talk about an all natural pain reliever! Apart from strengthening your core and improving your flexibility and biomechanical efficiency, the relaxation and breathing exercises can also help you get your mind at ease. And to a person who is dealing with more than just the physical aspects of his illness, a good meditation exercise will certainly help a lot.

Integrating yoga for physiotherapy patients work because it effectively combines traditional and evidence-based physical therapy with yoga therapy. Sort of like conventional western medicine meeting time-proven eastern remedies. You will receive the best treatment experience possible, and then some. Why do you think yoga is so popular among millions of people? That is because this form of exercise really works. And if you take a moment and think about the advantages that it can offer when you incorporate it to your physiotherapy sessions, the possibilities are virtually endless.

For you to become an effective physiotherapist, you need to be open to new techniques and methods. And using yoga for physiotherapy patients really is quite helpful and efficient, both physically and mentally. Although there are yoga poses that are impossible to achieve for some patients with certain disabilities, not every yoga pose is that difficult. You just have to be creative in your approach.

Professional Ethics For Massage Therapists - A Tool For Personal Growth

Most massage therapists receive Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice from various sources. These lists of guidelines and rules are helpful in setting the professional standards for massage therapy. Yet, the "rules" can be slightly different from one organization to another and, like anything in life, external rules need to be supported by internal values to be successful. When we notice ourselves in the gray areas where the rules don't seem to work, it's a good time to look inward to see what's going on.

Take, for example, the rule "don't accept gifts from clients." A lot of times we will ask, "why not, what's wrong with that?" or "do we really want to become so impersonal that we can't accept a gift?" Good questions. In a situation where a client is offering a gift and we recognize the standard of not accepting gifts, yet we want to anyway, it's time to look at ourselves. Is the desire to accept the gift based upon our perceptions of what the client needs to enhance the therapeutic relationship? Is it based upon our own needs to feel special, appreciated, or wanted? The notion that if our motivations are client based it's less of an ethical dilemma than if they are personally based may or may not apply in all situations.

So this rule ("don't accept gifts") is pointing to the emergence of transference and countertransference issues, which are rich ground for healing. When we delve into our countertransference, we often discover unmet needs, unexplored fears and desires. This is healing because when we bring them to consciousness, we have the ability to grow and transform.

While ethical dilemmas usually aren't very comfortable, if we approach them with the willingness to look inward, we can bring a lot of healing to ourselves--a true gift!

© 2008, Rebecca Mauldin

How Massage Helps in Improving Body Building Performance

If you are an athlete or a body builder, a massage chair can be quite handy for you to have. Since body building causes strain on your body, a relaxing massage is quite a relief. Massage has been known to help improve a body builder's performance. Body builders and athletes try to avoid getting an injury. Massage therapy can help build better muscle mass and help prevent injuries.

The following are benefits of massage therapy to a body builder:

1. Improves range of motion of joints and extremities - When you're working out, your muscles will undergo constant stretching and contracting. Though this can help increase muscle mass and develop its shape, it also tightens the muscles and reduces its elasticity. Also, this places your muscles in constant wear and tear that can create scar tissues. This is quite normal for a body builder. However, tight muscles can increase the chances of injury to occur and will also cause muscle pain.

Massage therapy helps soothe your muscles by stretching them sideways. This motion can help decrease tension on your muscles, thus relieving muscle pain. Also, it can help break down scar tissues caused by previous training or injuries, thus increasing mobility.

2. Improves muscle tone and blood circulation to muscle tissues - Blood carries nutrients to different tissues in the body. If you're a body builder, it is important that your muscles get enough nutrients for muscle repair and development. Massage therapy can help improve blood flow to your muscle tissues. This can provide your muscle tissue with enough nutrients for tissue regeneration and build up, reducing the recovery time. With increased circulation of your muscles for tissue repair, it will also help improve muscle tone.

Other than allowing your muscle tissues to receive more nutrients, massage therapy also improves removal of waste products due to metabolism and muscle contractions, like lactic acid. The buildup of lactic acid in your muscles can prevent effective muscular contractions, which causes pain and reduces muscle development. Massage therapy can help improve drainage of lactic acid from muscle tissues relieving pain and allowing effective muscle contractions.

3. Injury prevention - In body building, there is always a risk of getting an injury as you put your body in constant strain and stress. Sports massage therapists may be able to recommend or provide you with a massage program that will help the occurrence of sports-related injury. These therapists provide a massage regimen that is catered for your specific needs. They can help loosen up tight muscles in specific areas, while breaking down scar tissues to improve your performance.

4. Improves stage performance and psychological aspect - When you are about to enter a competition, stress and anxiety can build up in your body. This will add to the stress of working out. This can affect you both mentally and physically. With a soothing massage prior to a competition, you can relax and lower down the tension in your body. This can prepare you mentally and psychologically, giving you enough confidence as you get up on stage.

Massage Marketing Success - Its All About Relationships

I've been a bodyworker for almost 8 years. I started massage school in the fall of 2002 and graduated in June of 2003. School was what you would expect for a massage program; Anatomy & Physiology, Myology, Pathology, Technique, Ethics, and Business were just part of my 9-month program. I learned a lot, and I grew as a person. But how well did it prepare me to grow a successful massage therapy business?

I left school with a business plan in hand and an office space all set up to see clients. I just needed to get my license (a short one week process at that time) and some clients. So, I turned to my business plan and put my marketing plan into action.

I printed my business cards, gift certificates, flyers and posters. I carried my flyers with me everywhere I went and never missed the opportunity to place one on a bulletin board or post one in a window. I was offering new client specials at a ridiculously low price for this area. I networked to friends and family sending emails and letters with business cards offering this introductory rate to them and their friends.

Sometime around July that same year, I began my online efforts. I purchased a great domain name and built myself a very nice website considering I had never done any web work prior to this. The website made it to the top of the search engine pages. Perfect. All I had to do was wait for people to contact me, right? After all I was at the top of the page!

I continued to work a part time job at this point to help supplement my income. If I saw 4 clients in a week I was excited. All my marketing efforts, all my time and money... for 4 clients per week. Don't get me wrong, I was very thankful for those 4 clients. But after a year of this, I was getting worn down. My business plan did not say it was going to be this tough. So, I made the decision to leave private practice and was offered a job managing a local spa. (I had 11 years or previous management experience.)

I spent two years at the spa. I had a great arrangement where I could still see clients but I didn't have to do my own marketing. Plus, it meant I could leave my part time job. However, it still wasn't the vision I had of working for myself.

I worked at the spa for 2 years. During which time I was discovering my passion: CranioSacral Therapy. I was training through the Upledger Institute; I became a teaching assistant and was on the path to certification. But the more in depth I got with my training the more I realized I had to go back into private practice to fully come into my own.

In October 2006, I went back into private practice. This time I had some clients that followed me from the spa. But I knew I would have to start marketing again in order to grow my practice. So, I went online to research massage marketing tips and strategies. And that's when I came across an upcoming webinar for massage therapists on how to create a referral based business. It was a free webinar, so I thought, 'Why not?' I had no idea that it would be the marketing technique I would use the most with the most success.

Before I get to that, I want to say one thing that I have learned. And that is, that typical marketing methods do not work for massage because massage is not a typical service. Massage marketing has to be different. There is a therapeutic relationship involved and we need to take that into consideration. This ties in directly with what I believe to be the marketing strategy that makes most sense for massage therapists and other bodyworkers...

Relationship Marketing.

What's the number one way most therapists say they get clients? Word of mouth referrals. If you can build a solid relationship with your clients, they will become referral machines. Seriously. If you have a strong relationship with your clients and someone asks one of them who they recommend for massage or bodywork, who do you think they will say? You, of course!

It sounds simple and it truly is simple.

The relationship in the office is practically a no-brainer. You should have a great intake with the client, listen to his/her needs, and provide a session that meets his/her goals. Your customer service should be top notch without being over the top or fake. You should be a great listener. But what happens after they leave? How do you continue to build the relationship? Are you ready for this?

Greeting cards. I kid you not.

Clients get greeting cards from me all the time. They are never forced. I never send one if I don't mean what I am saying inside the card. But I do use them. The power of a heartfelt, unexpected greeting card is amazing. Clients talk about this level of detail. They post the cards on their refrigerators. They tell others about them. This is powerful stuff. What kinds of cards do I send?

After the first session, the client will receive a thank you card. Then, throughout the year, they will receive a birthday card, a client appreciation card, thanks for the referral card, and maybe one or two other seasonal cards or sometimes a funny holiday card, like National Watermelon Day (which is August 3 if you need to mark your calendars). There are so many reasons to send cards, but here is the catch.

I mentioned it briefly before. They have to be genuine, heartfelt cards. NOT marketing cards. These cards are not to talk about your monthly special or offer discounts or do any kind of promotion. If that is the point of the card, they will be treated like all the other junk mail and the value is lost. They must truly come from a place of appreciation. That is what builds the relationship. And when you have that relationship, your clients will talk about you to all their friends. They will become the best form of marketing anyone could ask for: walking, talking testimonials.

So where is my business now? I have been back in private practice for almost 3.5 years. I am Upledger Certified in CranioSacral Therapy. I have clients who have been with me for over 5 years. I am booking 3 to 4 weeks ahead depending on the time of year. I send out 30+ cards per month and I look forward to that number getting larger each month.

Pretty powerful for a simple little card, huh?