Determine the Physical Therapy Equipment You Need For Your Office

There are many types of specially designed physical therapy equipment ranging from devices to aid in activities of daily living (ADL) to exercise equipment that can include anything from treatment tables and arm splints to treadmills and weights. The equipment needs for any physical therapy office can vary greatly depending on the type of physical therapy that is the main focus of your practice. Each different type of patient or client has individual needs depending on the reason physical therapy is needed.

Physical therapy in general is a type of practiced medicine that involves highly specialized exercises designed to improve the quality of movement and strength for those with illnesses or injuries and is also designed to prevent future injuries or health problems. Physical therapy may include such varied activities as stretching limbs, weight lifting, walking exercises or water aerobics. Physical therapy can also include what is known as manual therapy. This is when the physical therapist will perform twisting, pushing or pulling of body parts to improve function, strength and mobility for those that need this type of therapy.

The best way to determine what type of physical therapy equipment you may need is to have a thorough knowledge of the types of physical therapy being performed in your office. If you mainly work with geriatric patients for example, many of the needs of your patients will focus on mobility issues and increasing daily function as well as aiding those with the many physical and mental disabilities associated with aging. Common devices used can include walkers, canes, crutches, lifts and transfer boards as well as other equipment patients can use at home to promote self sufficiency.

Orthopedic physical therapy often also focuses on mobility issues and will include some types of similar equipment as well. Other equipment often used for orthopedic patients include the additional use of collars, splints and braces. Rehabilitation physical therapy for those with severe injuries and physically disabling illnesses may need specially designed treatment tables, mattresses, wedges and scales. Other types of physical therapy that need specialized equipment include pediatric physical therapy and therapy to aid function in those with cardiac and pulmonary diseases and disorders.

First determine the type of patients that are the main focus of your facility. Then list all the types of physical therapy that are commonly (and perhaps even not so commonly) needed for your particular clientele. Once you have determined this, you can then go through each type of therapy you will be using in your office to meet your patients' needs and take inventory of all equipment needed for each particular type of physical therapy.

If you are the manager or owner of the office or facility, you may not know enough about the specifics of the therapy performed to determine your needs on your own. It will be highly beneficial to consult with the physical therapists within your office. You will need to spend time speaking with them to get their personal feedback on the specific physical therapy equipment needs of the patients coming to your practice. It is also best to spend time observing the types of therapy they perform on a daily basis and how each is performed. This will give you a much better idea of what is needed within the office to adequately meet your needs.

Massage Therapists: Marketing and Building Your Practice

When you graduate from massage school and pass your certification exams, you are finally ready to join other massage therapists out in the world of spas, chiropractors' offices, cruise ships, or in your very own practice. But as a novice, you need to make a name for yourself with effective marketing practices. As a beginner, it can be confusing to understand best practices about marketing and massage, but if you follow some tried and true methods, you will be able to maintain integrity while most effectively promoting your practice.

Traditional Marketing for Massage

So, first things first - have a set of professional business cards printed. From your local copy shop to a variety of online printing companies, you have dozens of options for low-cost, attractive cards for marketing. Massage therapists typically include their name, contact information, modalities, and licensures so potential clients know how to reach them, can check their certification if necessary, and understand their specialties. It is important to check marketing requirements for your state.

• Starting off by giving a set of cards to family and friends is one of the best things you can do for marketing. Massage therapists should use their personal network, since these are people you trust, and likely they will know to only pass cards to people they trust. Always keep at least five cards with you at all times. Even if an individual does not make an appointment, they may have a friend who does. Think about how you found out about your hairstylist, mechanic, or plumber - likely, a friend passed along their card to you and now you use their services.


• Not all marketing is good marketing. Massage therapists need to be professional, and think before passing their information out. Would you give your address to a stranger at a bar? No? Then why would you give your card to a stranger at a bar? Think about the circumstances and environments while marketing. Ensure that massage clients understand the professional, therapeutic nature of your massage so that there are not any unwelcome misunderstandings.


• Internet marketing is a quick, cost-effective, and easy way to promote your business. Start a website of your own (even if you work for a business, it can be a good way to attract customers) about your background, modalities, hours, and professional affiliations. Include a link to your site in the signature of your email, and on your business cards.

Networking and Professional Affiliations

You should be a member of a professional organization such as AMTA, or ABMP. Do you know that they offer unique job boards and resources for marketing in massage? Often, when people are looking for certified or licensed massage therapists, they will visit these sites to find someone professional and accredited. For example, imagine that someone in your town is looking for a massage therapist who specializes in deep tissue massage, and they do a local search for massage therapists in their area. By updating your complete profile with all necessary information, it is likely that they will call you for an appointment, because of your professional affiliation.

When starting off, one mistake in marketing that massage therapists tend to make is forgetting that they are at the bottom of the totem pole. As a beginner, you are competing with therapists who have been in the business for years, or even decades. It takes years to become a bonafide "expert" at something, so continue to expand your knowledge base. There are thousands of other massage therapists in your state - find what sets you apart, and develop it to become a true professional.

Promotions and Incentives

For many people, massage therapy is sometimes seen as a luxury, and they might be more enticed to make an appointment if they receive a discount. This kind of marketing by massage therapists is an excellent way to bring in not only clients who are new, but who may be new to massage therapy altogether. Here are some tips for managing a promotional campaign:

• For first time clients, provide a discount of 10-20% off of their first service.


• After the massage, let them know that for every new client they refer, they will receive 15% off of their next massage.


• If you would like, perhaps begin a program where for every five new clients they refer, they receive one free massage.


• To manage referrals and track marketing, massage therapists often write "Referred by [the client's name] - 15% off" in their appointment books so they can keep track of how many new clients come in based on the recommendation of existing clients.

In this way, you are promoting ongoing rewards for the development of your business, rather than consistently giving discounts and undervaluing your service while remaining stagnant. Your clients will appreciate the fact that they are saving money and being recognized, and your clients will continue to spread the word about your practice.

Focusing on Individual Service

Less obvious than traditional marketing, massage therapists need to always focus on providing top-notch service to their clients in order to generate word of mouth marketing through recommendations. Your clients are not only just paying customers, they are people - people who know when you are only in it for the money, who know when you are distracted, and who also know how to book an appointment elsewhere when they are not receiving the high level of service they expect. Remember - a good recommendation might bring in one or two new clients, but a bad recommendation is guaranteed to drive away potential clients. This is an example of negative marketing for a massage practice.

That said, good massage therapists (beginners and experts) not only focus on short-term objectives, like making clients feel better on that specific day, but they also think of the big picture and work with clients on long-term goals. Think about stretches or exercises you can recommend to help patrons feel more comfortable between appointments. For example, if a client has arthritis, perhaps mention that low-impact exercise such as swimming or yoga can be helpful for joint maintenance and reduction of discomfort. By showing that you truly care and have their long-term health in mind, your clients are more likely to feel comfortable with you and will not only come back time and time again, but also perform the best type of marketing for massage therapists - recommendation by word of mouth.

What Is a Nursing Home Rehabilitation Center

Senior citizens often require specialized health services. When they undergo surgery, suffered an injury, or show signs of losing their memories, seniors may need the specialized services offered at a nursing home rehabilitation center. At this facility, seniors can regain their mobility, improve their memories, and overcome challenges to their health.

The staff at a nursing home rehabilitation center caters a patient's care according to the needs of that specific individual. A person who has had surgery on a knee or hip may need physical therapy to improve his or her balance and strength in that part of the body. Physical therapy often includes working out with weights, walking around an indoor track, or bending the affected part of the body in rhythmic exercise routines. Most patients work directly with a therapist as they build up their strength and resistance to the exercises.

On the other hand, a patient who is suffering from memory loss may benefit from occupational therapy. A therapist uses flash cards, puzzles, and games to assist that person in remembering basic skills, such as placing puzzle pieces together or pronouncing words. This therapy is most often used for patients who have suffered strokes or who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Staff at a nursing home rehabilitation center also assists people who suffer from physical conditions that interfere with basic daily activities. For example, dysphagia tends to be a common condition among the elderly; this condition makes it difficult for seniors to swallow food, water, and medication. People with this affliction feel that they are choking or unable to swallow these substances. In worst case scenarios, sufferers lose weight, choke on their food or medication, or develop pneumonia by aspirating substances into their lungs. Therapists assist these individuals by teaching techniques that make swallowing easier. They may also position patients differently in their beds or at their tables to facilitate eating and drinking. If all else fails, therapists can discuss remedies that include feeding tubes or intravenous hydration.

Patients at this facility may be surprised that their therapies are not dull and lack entertainment. In fact, a nursing home rehabilitation center may use a Wii game system as part of people's daily therapies. Playing a virtual game of bowling, tennis, baseball, basketball, and more lets people work out while having fun. Even more, playing video games has proven to be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety and depression. Patients often look forward to playing the Wii as part of their rehabilitation processes. This approach and others like it allow senior citizens to regain their mobility, improve their health, and overcome challenges to their wellbeing. They can benefit from staying at this facility.

Some More About Massage Therapy

Many people still look at massage therapy with skepticism, just like other alternative therapies and health care system, but the fact remains that there is scientific proof that there are health benefits of therapeutic massage. Some of the massage therapy benefits include pain management, muscle toning and well-being. The new and recent research that has been done on health benefits of massage treatment shows distinct and visible benefits that just cannot be ignored.

It can be debilitating when you experience chronic pain or ache and with no treatment available, you don't have anything else to fall back on except alternative therapies. In a study done on therapeutic massage brings short-term relief in back-pain which brings long-term health benefits. Another study found that people who were only on physiotherapy and pain medication found less relief than those who were given different massage therapies.

Maybe you are unaware than an hour of Swedish massage, just once a week for arthritis can be extremely relaxing and relieves pain immensely because it gently massages away the inflammation, enhances blood circulation and reduces stiffness. Thus, never underestimate the health benefits of muscle relaxation through therapy.

The sedentary lifestyle that most people lead shows the dangers of cardiac issues, hypertension and results in hear attacks and stroke among other health issues. But with any of the massage style including Swedish massage and deep tissue massage promote blood circulation, skin and muscle toning and reduces the threshold of pain.

If you have been receiving massage frequently or want to use alternative methods with massage therapist, you have many choices. With years of understanding of pressure points can lead to higher relaxation, reduced stress which in turn helps pain management. The benefits of massage are that it is non-invasive and can be done along with any medication that you have been prescribed. There are virtually no side effects and makes a great choice for complete wellness and health.

Most individual that take to massage usually do it on the recommendation of others or select it as the last resort to subside the chronic pain. Traditional medical treatments including massage is now considered to be one of the best treatment methods for circulation and pain management. And if you haven't tried the massage therapy before, it is time to schedule an appointment with any of the leading therapists and see how different you feel after an invigorating session. Not only do you feel more relaxed and relaxed and less stressed but it is good for your health. But select the therapist with care. Only see therapists who are licensed and have good credentials and years of experience working with numerous individuals. You can ask them questions and get references to be sure about your decision but if you have doubts, ask your friends or family for good referrals.

The Two Types of Massage Therapy Schools and Courses in Ontario

Are you interested in becoming a massage therapist in the province of Ontario? Well if you are then you'll need to do something that most find unpleasant. You'll have to go to school! But it isn't as simple as applying to a college or a university. Due to the nature of the industry massage therapy degree's aren't earned in a traditional fashion. Here's how to go about selecting a learning institution.

Graduating massage therapy students become RMT's or registered massage therapists. This degree or license is handed out by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) . Now I'm probably getting ahead of myself by talking about graduating students. This is the 'end game'. I'm showing this first to because the CMTO tests students that have passed accredited classes throughout the province. The classes themselves are available through through two types of learning institutions.

The first of these institutions would be traditional colleges (like Humber in Toronto). These will take place on your standard college campus and all will be OSAP (Ontario Students Assistance Program) eligible. Most college courses are three years, although some schools do offer two year accelerated courses (with no summer break). The second type of school that is certified by CMTO are private colleges/schools. These include schools such as Everest (formerly Devry). Some but not all of these schools are OSAP eligible. Its best to contact the schools themselves to find out if they are Ontario student funding eligible.

The costs, time length, school prestige of these two different types of massage schools vary. Personal preference on which aspects are important to a student vary. But one thing is for sure, upon successful completion of a course from either type, a student will write the same CMTO test, which is the final step before becoming a registered massage therapist in the province of Ontario.

Neuromuscular Physical Therapy - Megan's Case Study

In studying Megan's case history and symptoms, key moments and events stand out in her time line of pain and dysfunction. Nine years ago, after the birth of her second child, was the first time that Megan noticed that her left foot was slightly wider and longer than her right foot. The timing of this is relevant as during the course of her pregnancy a hormone called relaxin would have been released into her system to loosen the ligaments of her pelvis in anticipation of childbirth. However, relaxin can also loosen ligaments elsewhere in the body and a longer and wider left foot would indicate the collapse of the main arches of the foot due to ligament laxity. This is one of the turning points in Megan's history that has had a detrimental effect on her health ever since. The relaxed ligaments may never have fully recovered their full stabilizing strength and when she developed a tired aching sensation in her left medial arch a few years later it was probably as a result of this. A fallen arch will lead to over pronation and this will in turn put the tibialis anterior and possibly tibialis posterior muscles under undue stress as they try to stabilize and counteract over pronation. Stressed or overwhelmed muscles will form trigger points (TPs) within them and for tibialis anterior this can refer pain anteromedially as it passes the retinaculum. TPs in the tibialis posterior will refer pain into the sole/arch of the foot. Over pronation will lead to shortened peroneus longus which will further inhibit the tibialis muscles which will further exacerbate the problem in a continuous vicious circle.

The whiplash injury experienced last year would also add to Megan's problems and since then she has experienced occasional headaches and neck stiffness. The whiplash injury almost certainly would have affected her sub occipital muscles, sternocleidomastoids (SCM), scalene and other stabilizers of the neck and spine. This whiplash would lead to improper neck movement which in turn would lead to TPs in the SCM and possibly the longus colli on one side (left) possibly due to the leg length discrepancy. TPs here would leave these muscles in a shortened state resulting in rotation of the head to the right hand side. If the longus colli is involved it result in kinetic chain problems and affect the peroneals on the lateral aspect of the lower limb further exacerbating the fallen arch. With the peroneus longus muscles in such an unhealthy state it is possible that it could have an effect on the sacrotuberous ligament of the pelvis and its ability to hold the sacrum in position. Megan states that one day last year she felt a twinge in her right sacroiliac joint while assisting an obese client up from a supine position. She experienced locking/jamming and diffuse soft tissue pain in QLs, multifidis and shooting pain into her hip. The fact that she was locked into torso flexion to the right suggests that the QLs went into spasm on the right side after insult and as we find out later her sacral base is an inch high on the right and there is posterior rotation of the right ilium with resultant postural imbalance whereby 2/3rd of Megan's weight is pressing down on her right side. This extra load and postural imbalance has led to shooting pain in the trochanteric region and referred pain on the lateral aspect of the thigh due to TPs in the weakened gluteus medius and iliotibial band issues due to the over worked tensor fasciae latae.

With all this pain getting to unbearable levels, Megan turned to prescription drugs, codeine based painkillers, antidepressants, Zoloft, anti inflammatory tablets all of which would have exacerbated her problems through time by building up toxins in her system. She was also whilst under the influence of painkillers probably injuring tissue by doing activities that she would not have done if she had her natural alarm system of pain stopping her. The elastic support belt and the taping would have made the situation worse by encouraging atrophy of supporting muscle tissue.

Megan's right shoulder is lower than the left possibly due to shortened latissimus dorsi pulling on the humerus and inhibiting upper trapezius and hypertrophy of the pectoralis minor muscle pulling the scapula forward and down.

As we consider Megan's problems, symptoms, and case history, we can appreciate that she is suffering abject pain and dysfunction up and down her functional kinetic chain. From the pain in the plantar fasciae, spastic peroneus longus, inhibited tibialis, medially rotated tibia, medial knee pain, lateral thigh pain, trochanteric pain, lumbo - sacral pelvic pain and dysfunction, posteriorally rotated right ilium, lower left anterior superior iliac spine, 2/3rd weight imbalance to right hand side, lower back pain with QLs and multifidis in a shortened state, latissimus dorsi, neck extensors and flexors all giving problems we have to ask the question as to which functional kinetic chain we are dealing with. In my opinion, considering all areas involved, it would be the spiral oblique chain.

Megan would have to be informed that her treatment will be extensive and prolonged because some issues have been there for a while and would involve neural retraining for the dysfunction and imbalances present.

• Medical screening.


• Case history.


• Postural assessment.


• ROM testing / neural testing.


• All shortened and restricted muscles would have to be relaxed / lengthened with TP therapy, METs, positional release / strain- counterstrain.


• Inhibited muscles would have to be fired and strengthened with tapotement, METs and strengthening exercises.


• Any areas of bind would need STR, cross fiber friction etc.


• A consideration would be referral for PCIs to address the pronating left foot initially with a plan to strengthen that area long term.


• Megan's nutrition was not mentioned but I would be referring her to a specialist in that field to ensure that she has no nutritional deficiencies that would hinder the healing process.

How Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis Helps

Osteoporosis affects millions of people and is the second biggest health problem worldwide. Osteoporosis is the condition wherein the bones lose mass and the bone tissues deteriorate. Osteoporosis makes bones thin, fragile, and highly susceptible to fractures.

How does osteoporosis occur? The body continuously eliminates and creates bone cells. As a person grows old, usually starting in the 30's, the body's process of creating bone cells becomes slower than the process of removing them resulting in a great deficit in bone mass. In addition to aging, other factors that make a person at risk of osteoporosis are smoking, sedentary lifestyle, early menopause, and family history.

Known as a silent disease, osteoporosis manifests itself only when the condition is already serious. Most people who suffer from osteoporosis had no idea they had the disease until they experience a fracture or severe pain in the back. What most people are not aware of is you can prevent this disease early in life through exercise and daily calcium intake.

For those at risk of developing osteoporosis or already diagnosed with it, physical therapy for osteoporosis is one of the best ways to fight this disease. Many qualified physical therapists specialize in the treatment of osteoporosis. Physical therapy for osteoporosis begins with a thorough physical evaluation where the therapist identifies restrictions, imbalances and, specifically, what activities and movements the patient is capable of or is limited to doing. The evaluation serves as the basis for the creation of a customized physical therapy program

Physical therapy for osteoporosis patients without a fracture includes strengthening exercises and resistance exercises intended to increase bone mass and make bone-supporting muscles stronger to help prevent fractures. To ease the stress on your bones, your physical therapist will also teach you about body balance, body mechanics and posture. Your therapist will also work with you to find out if there are any risks to you at home and at work such as specific activities that can lead to bone fracture.

Physical therapy for osteoporosis patients suffering a fracture involves specific exercises and other treatment methods designed for pain relief and bone strengthening as well as prevention of fractures in the future.

In addition to exercises, physical therapy for osteoporosis may also include massage, manual therapy, exercises such as Pilates, tai chi and yoga and heat and cold therapies for pain management.

Physical therapy for osteoporosis seeks to strengthen bones, increase flexibility and manage pain. It also increases the patient's awareness of the body and develops responsibility for their own health.

Massage Therapy - Continuing Education Will Take You to the Next Level

Are you currently in an entry level massage therapy job and want to take your career to the next level? Or are you an experienced licensed massage therapist wanting to break into the burgeoning health care industry and practice in a medical setting such as a hospital, nursing home or sports medicine facility? Or do you have a love of animals and want to practice in the growing field of canine massage? Or do you need to fulfill an education requirement? If so, then Continuing Education is what you need.

There are several Continuing Education options from which to choose and these courses are specifically designed for massage therapists to keep you current with trends, satisfy your curiosity, and engage you in new areas of exploration such as prenatal, canine, sports, Eastern massage or medical massage therapy. In fact, 80 different types of massage types, or modalities, exist according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Taking Continuing Education classes will not only benefit you as a person, but also it will benefit your practice. By learning new modalities you can specialize in specific populations and increase your clientele. This provides the opportunity to increase your hourly rate depending on the type of massage you are performing. Also, the more knowledge, comprehension and application of massage techniques you have, the more you will be able to define your clients' needs and support them with massage therapy. This allows you to make a more specific pre-massage assessment which directly benefits the client and increases the possibility of him/her becoming a repeat client.

There are three main reasons for taking Continuing Education courses: 1) to obtain an advanced massage therapy degree such as an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree; 2) to obtain an Advanced Certification in massage therapy; and 3) to obtain Continuing Education (CE) credits in order to renew your state license or professional membership.

Let's look in more detail at each one of these reasons for taking Continuing Education classes:

1) To obtain an advanced massage therapy degree, such as an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree

An advanced degree, such as an AOS degree, is geared toward students who want to explore advanced concepts in human anatomy and physiology, including neurophysiology and neuroanatomy, medical massage, and other topics not covered in a basic training Massage Therapy Certificate Program. An advanced degree is the way to go if you want to practice massage therapy in a medical setting such as a hospital or rehabilitative massage clinic. Here are some examples of courses required in order to obtain an AOS degree:

Medical Massage - In this course, the study of advanced pathophysiology and critical thinking skills is combined with specific practical hands-on techniques. Students learn treatment methods specifically geared toward clients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and post-surgical conditions.

Trauma and the Body - This course introduces the major concepts of post traumatic stress, and outlines the benefits of massage therapy to survivors of trauma. Students learn techniques that can help restore a sense of balance in the nervous system as well as foster reconnection for survivors who often experience intense physical reactions, memories, and a sense of disconnectedness from their body.

Craniosacral Therapy - Students will learn the fundamental skills that serve as the foundation of craniosacral therapy, including an introduction to the core anatomical and physiological relationships of the Craniosacral system: the fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid, body articulations, reciprocal tension membranes, dural tube and spinal cord dynamics, and the motillity of the central nervous system.

2) To obtain an Advanced Certification in massage therapy

Advanced Certificate Programs are designed for students who have completed basic training as a massage therapist. Students take advanced coursework in deep tissue massage, energy work such as Reiki and Chi Kung, Eastern styles such as shiatsu and Thai massage, and spa body treatments. This postgraduate training allows students to choose a focused track of specialization, mastering techniques which are immediately applicable and beneficial to their clients such as spa elements, prenatal, labor and postpartum, canine massage, orthopedic and sports massage, and energy healing. Continuing education hours are earned for each module taken.

3) CE credits required to renew your state license or professional membership such as the American Massage Therapy Association (amtamassage.org)

The majority of states require that you have a license to practice massage therapy and renewal of the license requires that you obtain massage continuing education. Even if you practice massage therapy in a state that does not require Continuing Education, it is important to continually be challenging yourself, learning more about your profession and, ultimately, becoming more successful in healing others through the power of touch.

How to Find Continuing Education Courses in Your Area

· Determine the Continuing Education requirements in your state by contacting the state licensing authority. If you don't know the website URL to go to, a search for the name of your state and "massage therapy continuing education" should point you to the right place. The state licensing board may list approved providers on their website. If not, you can search online for approved providers.

· Determine the Continuing Education requirements by your professional association. The association should list approved providers on their website. If not, you can search online for approved providers.

· After completing the course, be sure to keep your completion certificate on file, even if your state licensing board or professional association doesn't require that you submit proof of taking the course. If the state licensing board or association is audited, you may be asked to provide proof of completion.

Whether you choose to take Continuing Education classes to move to the next stage in your career or just for the credits, the purpose of Continuing Education remains the same. Continuing Education ensures that massage therapists keep current on new developments in the field and continue improving their skills in order to help others.

Massage Therapist Within

A great way to spend a wintry or rainy day is with some wholesome activities planned indoors. One great activity is offer you loved one a massage! Massages are very easy to give as long as you mean it.

Nothing feels worse than someone's unwilling but well meaning thumb drilling perpetually in one spot until that spot becomes one sore bruise. Ask them what are you doing my friend and no matter what they say the answer is they are not engaged, they are thinking about getting a massage themselves, or counting the minute, or well... some people just don't give good massages.

Here are some simple advice for those willing: breathe, what? you didn't expect that. Well that's what makes this bit different from others. Breathing an overlooked underestimated but such basic art that we all benefit from if we are only willing to allow ourselves to breathe. Relax that abdomen. I know you want to forget that you have one, but unless you are never constipated, don't overindulge regularly, or do engage in some unhealthy gimmik, you my friend have a little belly. So what, underneath we all have a little belly here and there. Let go of the stigma, and concentrate on something quantumleapumly more important.

Concentrate on relaxation, unbuckle that pesky invisible garment, indulge in who you really are this curvy "? " at the moment,at first it may help if no one is around, so its OK to check and make sure. Now allow that cool air to expand your cavity, mmmm...what a great massage for all your abdomenal organs. This stimultates increased oxygen, intestinal regularity, excellent spirit, vitality, better sleep and feels great, and a sure route to relaxation. Can you feel it?

That brings us to easy tip #2: Remember to feel what is happening as you motion your arms, or feet. You may direct your flow during the massage, but the body you act on responds and your therapeutic effect becomes profound when you respond to it.

#3 Maintain a comfortable position. As the giver of a terrific massage or bodyword, energy work or any intra/interpersonal interaction, you can give so much when you are comfortable. Only then it feels easy whatever you are doing; then you can relax and breathe and respond. Don't strain your muscles but instead relax and let your body's weight sink and carry your arms where your mind intends. You may find yourself enjoying the process. See, giving ain't so bad!

Well if the above just makes no sense to ya whatsoever in that case you are a yard work kind of guy(gal), your talent shines brightest outdoors, so the next snow day go ahead and run out and commit to some quality work; let snow facilitate it for ya and have some fun with it too!: find a plastic snow shovel, and its OK if it got some dirt on it, its all frozen to it, so get yourself a nice abandoned school parking lot, now slipn'slide full speed armed with that wooden handle of a shovel, you can shout "snow witches here we come!" So much fun!

Choosing A Chicago Massage Therapy School: Location, Cost and Program Type

Like many other major cities in the U.S. (Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami), Chicago has numerous massage therapy schools that potential students can choose from, all located within the city. Unlike many other major cities, Chicago does not have many nationwide or statewide vocational schools, like Everest College, offering a massage therapy program. Instead, nine largely local schools offer Chicagoans a massage therapy education, and a good way to break down which school is right for you is with three factors: Location, cost and program type.

Starting with location, many Chicago massage therapy schools are located downtown, within a few blocks of Grant Park. These schools (Cortiva, The Soma Institute) are good choices for students either living in the downtown area or relying on public transportation, as there are many options nearby. Also within a mile or so of Grant Park and located near public transportation is The New School of Massage. Other options farther from downtown Chicago, but located along the I-94 corridor, include Northwestern College and the Marco Polo Schools.

If transportation is not the ultimate deciding factor, cost may be. And Chicago massage schools vary widely in tuition rates. On the high end, for example, is Northwestern College, with tuition topping out at $20,000-plus. On the lower end of the scale are schools like the Marco Polo Schools or the Rosel School of Massage Therapy, whose tuition totals around $6,000. In the middle are schools like The Cortiva Institute and The Soma Institute, with tuition that totals around $14,000.

Why the variation? Clearly one factor is the curriculum, and this leads to a final determining factor when deciding which Chicago massage therapy school is right for you: Program type. All massage schools in Illinois state are required to offer a massage therapy program of at least 500 hours of supervised classes/instruction, with classes focusing on anatomy, massage therapy technique, and professional standards, among other subjects.

Some programs are longer (like Northwestern College's more than 1,200-program-hour certificate or The Cortiva Institute's 750-program-hour program) and will set you up to perform several types of massage (office massage, private-practice massage, therapeutic massage). Other programs are shorter (like Marco Polo Schools' 550-program-hour program) that will set you up to get your Illinois massage license or national massage certification, but may not give you as extensive a skill set as a longer program would.

Obviously this final factor is a difficult one, as it is difficult to make a final decision based on numbers alone. Touring a school and visiting with current faculty and students will give you a better perspective on whether the program length and cost are worthwhile. Also, speak with current graduates to find out if they use all the skills they were taught at school, or if they wish their program had been shorter.

Finally, make a decision based upon location, cost and program type. If you are planning on becoming a Chicago chair massage therapist only, then maybe consider a shorter program that will be less expensive and get you licensed more quickly. However, if you plan on making massage therapy a full-time career, doing office massage as well as table massage with different modalities, then most likely a longer program, which will emphasize massage therapy techniques, history and industry, will be the right one for you.

Physical Therapy Benchmark - Manage By Numbers, Make Smart And Fun Decisions About Your PT Career!

"Give your patient twenty dollars and them to go home so at least you can have a cup of coffee while you're losing money", is what Chuck Felder of HCS Consulting suggested in his speech at the American Physical Therapy Association's Private Practice Section Conference in San Diego in the fall of 2007. He went on to explain that with the average cost of a PT visit's being $81 accepting an insurance contract that pays less can be disastrous.

How Physical Therapy Clinics are doing:

Of the PT clinics surveyed in his study they ran from a 30% loss to a 38% profit with the median profit being 12%.

What Physical Therapy Clinics are Charging:

In the clinics studied charge amounts ranged from $75/visit to a high of $160/visit. The average charge was stated as $137/visit though the average income per visit was only $91/visit. If that sounds good to you remember that the average cost per visit was $81. Chuck says that if you charge 125 to 150% of Medicare Rates you can expect a 30% write off. He also stated that the average accounts receivable for a standard PT clinic is 200% of the monthly charge. Alison Palic, PT, a contributor to the Cash Practice Secrets home study course stated that she charges $95 cash for a 50-minute session and has no accounts receivable.

The president of the private practice section of the APTA, Steve Andersen, PT notes that reimbursement rates seem to be decreasing "beyond our control".

Chuck stated that cash-based physical therapy was an area we want to grow in because there's a much higher hassle factor when you're trying to get paid after the fact.

Chuck showed a picture of his son shooting a black powder rifle but used it to illustrate a good point. He said, "Take good aim at what you want to do and you'll hit your target".

The Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is probably one of the most popular complementary medicine which uses Swedish massage technique and heated stones for natural healing.

Although almost any type of smooth stones can be used as medium for this type of massage therapy, most therapists use a special stone called basalt stones because of their ability to trap warmth for a long period of time. Basalt rocks are known to be rich in iron which is a suitable material for retaining heat. Other types of stones are mostly found on the river beds which were smoothened by time from the river's strong current.

This type of massage therapy has been used during the ancient times for conditioning the body as well as improving the immune system of the patient. As time passed by, this method has been improved from the use of more appropriate types of stones as medium and a good massage technique which is both gentle and effective at the same time. The Swedish massage technique is commonly used as it is a smooth massage technique that doesn't require body movement from the patient, allowing the hot stones to remain on their places.

Applying heated stones on the meridian or key points of a patient's body while massaging it with the popular Swedish massage is effective and beneficial. Here are some of the benefits a patient can expect after a good massage therapy session using hot stones:

Muscle relaxation - heat has always been known as an ideal method of relieving muscle tension. By using hot stones on the different key areas, our body absorbs the heat which is then distributed all over the body and relaxes the stiff parts of our body such as our muscle.

Calms and improves the nervous system - hot stones placed on the key points improve the circulation of energy all over the body which in return improves the flow on our nervous system. This chain reaction then calms down our emotional and physical condition.

Warms up and improves the patient's body condition - before the massage therapist begins the actual massage therapy, 120 to 125 degree Fahrenheit stones are deployed all over the meridian points or energy pathways of the patient's body. This process is done for the preparation and warming up of the patient's body to receive the best effects from the massage therapy. It helps the massage therapist to have a better manipulation with the patient's deep muscle tissues.

Relieves stress - hot stone massage is known as an effective method in removing stress. The heat of the stones together with a good Swedish massage will surely remove any type of stress from the patient's body.

Body pain - as with any other type of massage therapy, relieving body pain is one of their main goal. Body pain are the result of rigid work, stressful environment, and many other factors that affect the good condition of the body of a human being. By applying heat, the body simply reacts in a positive reaction by releasing muscle tension and toxins. The massage therapy seals of and addresses any blocked energy pathway which creates pain within the patient's body.

Massage Marketing Made Easy: A Simple Nine Step Marketing Plan for Therapists and Bodyworkers

Marketing is actually very simple. It involves telling people what you do...over and over and over. The key to successfully marketing your massage therapy business is consistency.

So, first, let's take a look at the difference between marketing a service and marketing a product.

Products are tangible... you can touch and feel and see them before you buy. However, when a prospective client is considering coming to you for a massage, until they actually work with you they don't know for sure if you are the right person to help them with their specific situation or challenge.

It is for that reason that the first thing your prospect has to buy is YOU, before they decide to become a regular client or patient. It is important to remember this in all of your massage marketing endeavors.

Secondly, I would like to talk about the difference between advertising and marketing, because all too often when I ask therapists about their current massage marketing plan, they tell me about a classified ad in a local newspaper, or a display ad in the yellow pages.

Advertising is just that...the placement of an ad, whether on the radio, print or web-based, in the hope that a prospect will call you as a result. Marketing, on the other hand, is relationship based. It is about building a relationship between you and your prospective client or patient over time. It is about building rapport, confidence and trust.

So let's look at the 9 elements of a simple yet effective massage marketing plan.

1. Define Your Goals

In order to put an effective marketing plan in place you first have to ask yourself, where are you now, and where do you want to be 6 months, or one, five, or even ten years from now.

2. Measure Your Progress

You have to decide how you are going to measure your progress. You could measure:

Your total number of weekly massage sessions.
The number of new clients or patients that schedule appointments.
The dollar amount actually deposited in your bank account.
The dollar amount invoiced to massage clients and insurance companies.
Or some other measurement that you choose.

3. Who Do You Want to Work With?

Who is your target market or ideal client? What are their ages? Are they male, female, or both? How much money do they make? What are their hobbies? What is the biggest challenge or problem that they face? What are the qualities that your ideal massage client possesses?

For Example: I work with female executives between the ages of 28-50, making $60,000.00 per year minimum. They enjoy athletic activities, but want to experience less stress in their life. They are interested and willing to pay for regular wellness care.

4. What Specifically Are the Benefits That Your Massage Services (or products if appropriate) Offer?

Remember, benefits are different from features. Benefits tell the prospective client how your massage services (and products) are directly useful to them or how their wellbeing will be improved if they come to you for a session.

A feature is a characteristic of your service, like the number of years you have been in practice, or the massage techniques and modalities you use. While features are important, people do not buy based on features. They buy based on benefits. They want to know "what's in it for me". A good way to know that you are focusing on benefits is to finish the sentence, "You get..."

Examples of Benefits: I help tri-athletes reduce risk of injuries, enhance concentration and increase flexibility. I work with executives to relieve stress and tension and to increase concentration and productivity.

5. Your Uniqueness

What makes you unique from the other massage therapists and bodyworkers in your area? What is your "signature style"? What do you do differently from your competition?

For example: "I do energy healing with people in hospice who want emotional and physical support through their final life transition."

6. Choose Your Strategies and Massage Marketing Tools

In choosing which marketing strategies to focus on it is essential to choose things that you enjoy doing, otherwise you will find ways to sabotage yourself. So if you are terrified of public speaking, don't pick that (unless you plan on doing some work in that area).

Think about your strengths and passions and take those into account when you are choosing your strategies. This is a time to have fun and get creative!

Strategies can be divided into a number of key areas:

Direct follow up and contact (such as sending personal letters, making phone calls)
Networking and referral building (such as working with key strategic partners like a Chiropractor)
Public speaking (for example, a brown bag lunch talk for busy professionals on stress reduction)
Writing and publicity (putting a press release in a local paper)
Promotional events (like chair massage at a sporting event)
Advertising (putting a display ad in the good ol' "banana pages")
7. Create a Budget.

Many excellent massage marketing tools are free. Instead of money, all that is required is some time, creativity and imagination. But some tools will require that you spend money. It is important to decide up front what your massage marketing budget will be and how you will spend it.

8. Develop Your Action Plan

Your Action Plan involves the specific marketing and sales actions you plan to make, for example, how many calls a day, how many personal letters or invitations a week. Remember, marketing is about simple effective things that you do consistently. It is a good idea to map out your massage marketing action plan on a calendar, and commit to it.

9. Have a Tracking System

It is important to have a system in place to track your efforts as well as your results. Having such a system in place gives you a clear sense of direction as to where you and your business
are going. It also helps you to stay focused and on task.

A tracking system also gives you the evidence that what you are doing is actually working. This will motivate you to stick with it until you reach your desired goals. It also lets you know when things are not working so that you can make the necessary course corrections to get your marketing back on track.

You may choose to keep a record of:

The exact source of each prospect.
How many new prospects each massage marketing strategy produced.
How many of these prospects became regular clients.
The actual monetary value that these new clients produced.

Remember to periodically evaluate the results you are getting, and make any adjustments to your plan as necessary until you reach and maintain your client or patient goal, and the massage business of your dreams.

Adapted from the free 28-page workbook, 8 Steps to an Outrageously Successful Massage Practice.

Available from the web site below.

Treating the Shoulder Complex With Massage Therapy

This article does not address injuries to the actual gleno-humeral joint cartilage or ligaments as those are beyond the scope of massage therapy and require medical or surgical intervention. This article deals with the muscles, kinesiology and massage treatment of the shoulder/arm muscles.

Let's start by listing the muscles which surround the shoulder joint then we will define what makes up the joint itself.

MUSCLES AND ATTACHMENTS:

On the front is the pectoralis major which stabilizes the front of the shoulder by joining the sternum with the collar-bone (clavicle) and the arm (humerus).

There are two pectoralis muscles, the second being the minor. It originates from the 3-5th rib and attaches on the acromion process which is the protruding finger which is prominent on the top of the shoulder blade (scapula).

The muscle which counters the pectoralis on the back is the rhomboid major and minor. These muscles originate on the spinous or vertebral edge of the scapula and attaches on the sides of the thoracic vertebrae. The minor rhomboid attaches to T1-3 while the major attaches to vertebraes T3-5.They angle downward from inside to outside of the body, medial to lateral. Also on the back is the trapezius. This is a large muscle with three components: an upper, middle, and lower. The upper attaches to the occiput of the head and proceeding down the neck does a twist at the inner corner of the scapula and then attaches to the outside edge of the scapula. Its involvement is to elevate the scapula shoulder-arm complex. The middle trapezius assists the rhomboids and is more superficial to the surface. The lower trapezius attaches across the ridge on the scapula (shoulderblade) and then proceeds downward in a diagonal inner direction to the spinous process of the vertebrae and attaches from thoracic 6-12. This part of the muscle is used to lower the scapula.

The next most important muscles which are involved with the shoulder are the rotator cuff muscles. These surround the humerus (upper arm bone), are anchored on the scapula and hold the humerus in the gleno-humeral socket with ligaments assisting to provide stability. This joint is loosely-packed to allow the most range of motion, as is evident with the 360 degree rotation of the arm.

The anterior rotator cuff muscle orginates beneath the scapula and is called the sub-scapularis. It attaches to the front of the humerus. The top of the humerus is maintained in its place by the supra-spinatus which originates just above the spine of the scapula and attaches at the top of the humerus bone. It passes beneath the hook on the acromion process before attaching there. This offers it some protection.

The Deltoid muscle covers the shoulder joint and provides the necessary muscular strength to raise the arm fully. It is made up of three components, anterior (front), middle, and back (posterior). All three parts of the deltoid work with other muscles around the shoulder to allow for a circumferential rotation of the arm.

The other posterior rotator cuff muscle is just below the spine of the scapula and is called the infra-spinatus. It covers the outside (dorsal) lower part of the scapula and attaches to the back of the humerus near the joint capsule.

Another muscle which opposes the rhomboids is the serratus. It attaches to ribs 5-9 on the side of the body and attaches beneath the scapula to the vertebral edge. When it contracts it protracts the shoulder blade outward. The opposite motion of retraction is produced by the rhomboids contracting. Sometimes the serratus can get strained from excessive repetitive motion of protraction,eg: golfing, swing a bat, etc.

Beneath these muscles the gleno-humeral (shoulder)joint is enclosed in a synovial joint capsule and surrounded with ligaments on the back, top, and front. However the weakest point on the joint is the front, and subsequent to tearing the front ligaments the arm can dislocate and more seriously protrude anteriorly (towards the front) with a seriously strong enough impact to the torso or arm. Ouch!

Two other main muscles which surround the shoulder joint are the biceps brachii and the triceps. Both of these muscles are on the front and back respectively of the humerus or arm. The biceps brachii on the front has two attachments on the shoulder, one short, and one long. The short one attaches on the front of the scapula and the long on the top via a long tendon. The arm also has the brachio-radialis and brachialis which are on either side of the biceps brachii and which assist the arm to flex. They also attach on the front of the scapula and provide some strength to the arm-shoulder joint.

On the back of the arm is the lattisimus dorsi which assists to extend the arm backwards. It attaches to the inside front of the arm near the shoulder gleno-humeral joint and passes under the arm, through the arm-pit, and ataches to the ribs on the side of the scapula, and over the scapula.

The teres minor and major are both arm rotators. The teres minor and teres major both attach on the arm and the outer edge of the scapula.

The teres major attaches under the armpit to the front of the humerus next to the latissimus dorsi and it rotates the arm internally when contracting.

The teres minor attaches onto the top-back of the arm and when contracting rotates the arm externally.

So let's add up all the muscles which we've listed so far to see how many we have. Pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, trapezius, serratus, sub-scapularis, supra-spinatus, infra-spinatus, biceps brachii, triceps, brachi-radialis, brachialis, latissimus dorsi, teres minor, teres major. That makes sixteen muscles.

KINESIOLOGY- MOVEMENT OF SHOULDER JOINT

The movement of the arm on the shoulder works on many planes and axes. The axes are the x, y,and z.

The 'X' axis is the easiest one to learn as it moves the arm from front to back, or sagitally (the sagittal plane is a front to back cross-section dividing the body left from right). When the arm is moved from resting at the side frontwards towards the head is called flexion. When the arm is moved backwards behind the body is called extension. The muscles involved with flexion are the front-anterior muscles: biceps, brachialis, radio-brachialis. The muscles involved in extension are the latissimus dorsi and triceps.

The 'Y' axis involves the movement of the arm along the frontal plane( the frontal plane cuts the body front to back vertically), from the side at rest into abduction raising the arm to the top of the head. The muscles involved are the supra-spinatus, deltoid and trapezius. When the arm is taken across the chest in horizontal adduction the muscles involved are the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus, and anterior deltoid.

The 'Z; axis involves the motion of the rotation of the arm. With the arm fully extended and raised to shoulder height the 'z' axis goes through the body from left arm to right arm. When the arm is internally rotated, starting with palm facing front and thumbs up rotating arms till thumbs are down and palms back, the muscles involved in this motion are the teres major and some latissimus dorsi.

When rotating backwards or exteriorly the muscles involved is the teres minor.

Rotator cuff stabilizers:

While these muscles mentioned above are moving the arm through its range of motions the rotator cuff muscles are stabilizing the arm by keeping it tightly in the gleno-humeral joint. There are three principal rotator cuff muscles: the supraspinatus, on the top which lifts the arm as well. The subscapularis, which is beneath the scapula (shoulder-blade), the infra-spinatus which is over the scapula, and teres minor to a lesser degree because of its attachments offers less stabilization than the other three muscles yet can be considered an accessory.

Because of the loosed-pack nature of the shoulder joint meaning that because the joint is shallow there is maximum flexibility and motion of the joint, as can be experienced by performing a 360 degree rotation of the arm either in flexion or extension.

Although it is not without some amount of resistance that this motion is performed because there are always antagonists to agonists, ie: the agonists are the muscles which are contracting while the antagonists are the opposing muscles which are relaxing. So it is quite a complex feat that when we perform the arm circumrotation that we do not experience some pain or limitations of movement.

Which is precisely what we experience when we have shoulder injury or limitation causing pain.

MASSAGE TREATMENTS

I have found in my practice as a massage therapist in a fitness centre setting that most of the injuries to the shoulder are involving tendonitis, bursitis, and muscle contractures and adhesions.

The four types of injuries result from the repetitious nature of weight training or strengthening. There is placed an excessive strain on the tendons, bursas and muscles resulting in inflammation, tearing, compressing of bursae, and repeated contractures of muscles and resulting adhesions.

The tendonitis and bursitis can only be healed by stopping the straining and applying ice to relieve the inflammation process. The muscles can be treated for contractures and adhesions with massage.

Often clients of the fitness centre refuse to modify or reduce their weight training to alleviate the injury and persist to train through the pain magnifying their injury and pain. Those who choose to stop their weight training long enough for the inflammation process to subside and heal have good to complete recovery.

I use general massage techniques to the pectoralis, deltoid, latissimus dorsi, biceps and triceps, and other superficial muscles which surround the shoulder joint. This then allows me to pay attention to the rotator cuff muscles. What I can do is reduce muscle tone, work out some contractures and adhesions in the deltoids and pectoralis and rotator cuff muscles taking the strain off the tendons and bursae. Then time does the healing with a much reduced weight training regimen or with complete termination of weight training until the inflammation of tendons and bursae occurs, which may take one to four weeks depending on the severity of the tendonitis/bursitis.

I found that weekly massage treatments of one-half hour to one-hour depending on the client is adequate for complete treatment of this condition.

Benefits of Advanced Physical Therapy

Advanced physical therapy is the medical practice of treating, healing, and preventing injuries. While this isn't the sole purpose of this therapy, it does encompass the majority of care that patients receive. Many patients also engage in therapy to prevent deterioration of muscle and tissue important for basic mobility, such as walking and lifting. Athletes take advantage of sports training that helps increase speed, agility, and endurance. The field of advanced physical therapy prides itself on providing adequate education so that patients learn and understand how to prevent future injuries by performing exercises at home and understanding how the body works.

Geriatric Physical Therapy Benefits

As bone mass and muscle deteriorate with age, the elderly are at a high risk for falls and bone fractures. Osteoporosis is a leading cause of lost bone mass, especially in women. Treatment to help build bone mass includes strength training, because the increased blood flow to the bones helps strengthen them. Physical therapists can assist the elderly at home, in assisted living centers, skilled nursing facilities, and at outpatient facilities. Medicare will usually cover the therapy costs associated with rehabilitation and pain management.

One benefit many elderly patients receive from therapy is the ability to regain independent mobility without the need for walkers or canes. Musculoskeletal problems of the spine are one reason many older people need assistance when walking. Not only is the spine deteriorating because of age, but there may be a considerable amount of pain caused by slipped discs or swollen nerves. By helping elderly patients improve posture and strengthen the back and core, therapists improve an older patients balance, strength, and coordination. This leads to a better quality of life in the later years.

Prenatal Physical Therapy Benefits

One area of advanced physical therapy that many people don't consider is prenatal therapy. Women are told to exercise while pregnant to prevent weight gain and have an easier labor, but magazines and television programs don't educate women on the best way to exercise that benefits the entire body. During the last trimester, much more stress and weight is put onto the lower back, and the lower back is expected to support all of this stress and weight. That is why many pregnant women experience pain in the sciatica and have pain when sitting or walking.

A prenatal therapist will work with an expectant mother, taking into consideration any restrictions set forth by her OB/GYN, to help her reduce weight gain and pregnancy pain. A physio trainer will work on exercises, both cardio and strength training, so that an expectant mother has an easier pregnancy and delivery. The major benefit of receiving therapy services while pregnant is that any new aches and pains can be brought up immediately and the therapist can plan and manage the new pains with exercise.

Sports Physical Therapy Benefits

The American Physical Therapy Association offers its members the opportunity to expand their education by taking online and home study courses in sports therapy. The therapy centers have trained therapists who focus on working with high school and college athletes. This aspect of therapy is popular as many younger people need help rehabilitating from sports-related injuries.

Therapists work one-on-one with athletes to help them gain agility and strength. Patients can also recover quickly when using advanced physical therapy techniques customized for their specific sport. Thanks to the wide variety of specialties studied in physical therapy, anyone can benefit from a therapy program that takes into consideration their specific ailment.

Recruiting Men Into Nursing Schools in Canada

Last December, journalist Kate Lunau reported in Maclean's magazine that the number of male nurses in Canada had doubled in just a decade. At first glance, this seems like a significant increase. But, as Lunau explains, this is not really the case. The increase in male enrolment at nursing schools in Canada pales in comparison to the increase in female enrolment in training programs for careers traditionally dominated by men, such as policing. Only six percent of the students enrolled in our nursing college programs are men. And yet, as Lunau explains, our country is facing a nursing shortage.

This begs the question: what can nursing schools in Canada do to attract and retain more male students?

Attracting male students to nursing college

A 2004 study by the Bernard Hodes Group on "Men in Nursing" identifies many barriers to men enrolling in nursing school, including:

- the perception that other professions are more male-appropriate

- lack of information on nursing college for male high school students

- lack of male role models in nursing schools

The study also identifies some advantages of being a nurse, which can be used to attract men to nursing schools in Canada and abroad, notably:

- stable career path (especially in the context of a looming nursing shortage)

- good salary

- flexible schedule

- good benefits

The same study also makes some concrete suggestions for selling nursing college to male youth, for example:

- organizing more field trips for high school students to hospitals and healthcare facilities

- making high school students aware of mentorship and scholarship possibilities

But there are many other ways to make men aware of the benefits of nursing college, including advertising the wide range of forms that nursing can take. Some nursing college programs have even increased attendance by raising their selection criteria. By becoming more selective, they make their programs more desirable, to both men and women applicants.

Retaining male students

Even once a nursing college has successfully attracted a male student, problems can still arise. According to one Australian study, male nursing school students are more likely to drop out than their female counterparts.

Why might the attrition rate be higher for men at nursing college? According to the same Australian study: feelings of isolation. Interview subjects reported that they sometimes felt:

- nervous about speaking up at nursing college

- excluded from certain fields of practice (maternity, pediatric... )

- concerned about the lack of male role models

Some solutions:

- make sure that male students enrolled at nursing college have a male mentor

- refrain from using gender-specific language (referring to nurses only as "she")

- control classroom dynamics to make sure that all students have a chance to speak up and be heard

- don't assume that male students are more comfortable with some things (e.g., taking off their shirt for a simulation) or less so with others (e.g., providing assistance to a labouring woman)

If nursing schools in Canada can find a way to bring up male enrollment in their programs, it just may stem the looming crisis in nursing.

Massage Therapist Career: Advantages and Disadvantages

A career as a massage therapist can be extremely rewarding. The work you perform can be very fulfilling, as you get the chance to directly and positively impact someone's life. You also have the opportunity to start your own practice, where you have total control over the hours you work and the money you make. However, while you are thinking about all of the benefits to this career, you also need to take into consideration that, like any other career, there is a potential downside associated with a career as a massage therapist. These disadvantages can be experienced by both, the therapist working herself or, one working in a spa or medical facility. Below, you will read about some of the advantages and disadvantages you should consider as you learn about how to become a masseuse.

Massage Therapist Advantages

Schedule. One of the great benefits of this career is that the job is not your typical 9am-5pm. As a practitioner of massage therapy, you have a lot of flexibility concerning the hours you're available to work. If you open up your own private practice, you have total control over when you work. If you choose to work for someone else, you'll discover that many therapists work part-time. This will allow you to schedule your appointments in the evenings, or even on the weekends.

Mobility. You don't have to worry about being tied down to one specific area. Because there are so many places where a therapist can work, you have a lot of freedom in moving around and getting to experience the different work environments. Spas and medical facilities exist all across the country. You won't have any problems finding work, should you need to relocate.

Money. A job in this industry can be a very lucrative one. The money you can potentially earn depends on a number of factors. As mentioned previously, if you open your own practice and work for yourself, you can choose how much to charge for your services. Also, depending on how many different types of massage therapy (modalities) you specialize in, you can potentially earn more money. As a masseuse, you also have the opportunity to earn tips. As your experience and reputation go up, so too will your earnings.

Massage Therapist Disadvantages

Long Hours Standing. This job is one that can be physically taxing on your body. As such, it is not hard to get burned out. If you're constantly seeing patients and performing services, without taking breaks, you're more prone to injury. Performing massages can be very hard on your hands and upper extremities. Mostly, injuries fall into the category of overuse. As such, you'll want to ensure you enact the proper amount of self-care as possible. Seeing as how a career as a massage therapist demands a lot from you, you need to make keeping yourself healthy a top priority.

Money. We're talking about money again. The money you earn as a licensed masseuse can also be a disadvantage. This business is client-based which means your pay is directly affected by the number of clients you see. Less clients means less money. To prepare for when you're not bringing in as much money, you'll want to make sure you're good at budgeting and saving. If you can, and are interested, try to seek out spas that pay therapists by the hour.

Unrealistic Client Expectations. Some of your clients may expect for you to completely rid them of their pain and discomfort. Given that this is an unrealistic expectation, massage therapists can be negatively affected as this can result in dissatisfied clients. It will be your duty to correct the clients beliefs so as to not have them expecting permanent healing. It might help to discuss everything up front before beginning treatment. Remember, you're reputation plays a huge role in building up your clientele.

As with any career, there are advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you are interested in this career because you enjoy helping people. Becoming a massage therapist for the right reasons will go a long way towards having a great career. Good luck as you continue to learn more about how to become a massage therapist.

The Benefits of Shiatsu Massage

How does a shiatsu massage sound? Right about now, it probably sounds like a good idea. This type of massage is one of the many types available. The word "shiatsu" is a Japanese term for "finger pressure." That is precisely what is used in this case however, a variety of body parts may be used to create the pressure needed.

The benefits of shiatsu massage are many. Because it is a "whole body" system, it can help improve the overall fitness of the body which is achieved by stimulating the flow of blood. This massage can help your skin by stimulating circulation in the capillaries of your soft tissue. It also helps to stimulate the secretion of sebaceous glands to make the skin soft and supple, which in turn helps to reduce wrinkles. The symptoms of arthritis can also be minimized. If you suffer from migraine headaches, a this type of massage can provide relief. These headaches are most often caused by rapid widening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the head. Shiatsu can help by increasing blood flow and circulation in the body. A growing number of pregnant women are finding this therapy to be helpful during pregnancy as well because morning sickness and swelling caused by pregnancy are minimized.

The shiatsu massage provides a variety of health benefits in addition to relief of pain. It reduces toxins in the body from medication and anesthesia. The symptoms of stress are reduced as well as anxiousness and nervousness. Increased blood circulation and an improved immune system are other benefits. By increasing proper blood flow, your blood pressure can be decreased as well.

The key to being healthy is taking care of your body and mind. The shiatsu massage can help with both. The relaxing and calming effects can restore and bring a healthy balance to your body. When accessing deeper tissues, this type of therapy may be uncomfortable. This is the tell-tale sign of just what areas need addressing the most. With time, this will subside. In the end, you are left with a renewed sense of vitality and reduced stress.

Sports Physical Therapy Jobs

Sports physical therapy specifically focuses on healing strained muscles and improving athletic performance. Sports physical therapy service providers offer the most up-to-date PT and wellness practices for all age groups to treat sports and work related injuries and disorders resulting from accidents, surgery and trauma. They also provide suitable training programs to help prevent further injury. Such jobs carry attractive benefits and job satisfaction; these healthcare jobs are available for suitably qualified professionals in the field.

Focused on Restoring Flexibility and Strength of Athletes

Sports physical therapy professionals utilize their skill and knowledge to evaluate and improve movement of the body through physical therapy and exercise. They design treatment plans for the athletes. Therapy assistants and aides work in conjunction with therapists to provide excellent care before, during and after sports events.

Entry Level Requirements

In order to practice in the United States, a sports physical therapist is required to pass a state licensure exam after securing a master's degree from a recognized educational program. Those with an associate degree or certificate program in sports PT can work as therapy assistant. A high school diploma is essential to become a therapy aide. Aides receive on the job training to advance their career.

Besides academic qualifications, qualified therapists must have good knowledge of sports to design rehabilitation programs and a strong desire to treat athletes.

Career in Sports Medicine-Advantages

In the United States, there are great job options for sports physical therapy professionals in sports medicine clinics, professional clubs, fitness centers and institutions. This profession gives you the option to choose your own hours - full time or part time.

Professionals can enjoy a rewarding career that offers great benefits including:

• Additional state license
• Continuing education
• Healthcare insurance
• Immigration processing
• Paid housing
• Short-term disability insurance
• Competitive salaries
• Section 125 Cafeteria plan
• Job bonuses
• Relocation expenses
• Professional liability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan

Established Recruiting Agencies Ensure the Best Jobs

Register your resume with an established medical staffing solution providing company. Such a company would find jobs that meet your individual preferences.

How to Choose a Physical Therapy Assistant School

If you wish to pursue a career in the field of physical therapy but you don't have the means to go back to college for that matter, a great option for you would be to take up a physical therapy assistant course instead. A lot of people are now using a PTA degree as a stepping stone towards a career in physical therapy later on. The first thing you need to look for is an accredited physical therapy school that will give you the appropriate training and instruction for this profession.

The fact that it only takes 2 years to finish a PTA degree program makes it an ideal option for many. This is also the reason why there are so many colleges and other educational institutions these days that offer such program. With the great number of schools with this degree program, it is more necessary that you choose the most reputable school so that you can guarantee better employment opportunities in the future.

You just have to surf the internet to get a list of all the schools offering physical therapist assistant degree programs. Take a look at the list and sort them according to the programs offered, the training facilities as well as the tuition fees they have. You may need to invest some time in this search, but doing it right will help you find the best possible school for you.

As you go searching for various PTA schools, you will realize that you can choose among technical schools, some universities as well as community colleges to take this course. The programs available in each school may vary according to the specialty of the institution. There are some schools also that have modern facilities, which enable them to offer programs that other schools don't. But no matter where you choose to go, you will have almost the same curriculum and training objectives.

In choosing a physical therapy assistant school, you should also look at the subjects that you will be required to take in order for you to get admitted to the program. Basically, you will need to take courses on physiology and anatomy. Some schools also require their PTA students to take up kinesiology. This course focuses on the body movements necessary to the success of a physical therapy program.

Another important consideration when choosing a PTA school is the treatment techniques applied and taught by the institution. You have to know that knowledge in some special treatment techniques is an advantage when you apply for a job later on. Among the most ideal methods you would want to learn are how to use ultrasound and hydrotherapy. Learning some stretching exercises is also essential, as it greatly helps in the improvement of muscle conditions and body movements. Know first the certain therapeutic techniques taught by a physical therapy assistant school so that you can choose where you will be most effective.

All physical therapy assistant schools have strengths and weaknesses, so it is important that you weigh your options well before you make up your mind about where you will take a physical therapist assistant degree program.

Choosing On-Site Massage Companies

These days all companies are really trying to cut down on employee health care costs. One method to achieve this goal is to offer wellness programs that prevent employees from getting sick in the first place. Many massage and therapy professionals, promotes wellness in the workplace through on-site massage therapy. Those are the best massage companies, who are having all of their therapists, are National Board Certified, licensed, and insured. The therapists who are members of the American Massage Therapy Association, the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and CAM PPO which sets them apart from other massage companies. They provide convenient, affordable, relief from pain and stress by offering on site massage sessions ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. Employer benefits of corporate massage therapy: Improved employee health, morale, and productivity Employee benefits of onsite massage: Quick, convenient relief from pain and stress during the time it takes to drink a coffee.

Services from massage companies during the workday reduces the number of employee sick days, health care costs, and workers compensation costs from repetitive strain injuries. During an on-site massage session massage therapists use techniques suited for clothed massages that relieve stress from tension headaches, neck strain, back pain, etc. Services from massage companies have been known to improve employee alertness, speed, and accuracy. An on-site massage routine can reduce depression and improve the body's immunity. Massage companies can provide services that are great for employee wellness programs, employee recognition and reward, corporate events, and trade show booths. A certified company ensures that their professional team of on-site massage therapists is 100% licensed and insured. Not all massage companies offer top of the line services from highly trained professionals. Like every companies, massage companies also do have their sites. These sites explain the benefits of on-site massage and give a variety of worker wellness tips. Not only do they refer to the helpful work of massage companies, but the site also offers tips to prevent neck or back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. Even if an individual is not fortunate enough to have on-site massage services at work, they can still benefit from the stretching, exercise and weight management tips on these websites. Here one can also get some innovative tools to keep track of their health status. Individuals should consult the physician before going for any exercise moves. All exercises and stretches should be done with required precaution to avoid any injury or over exertion.

Physical Therapy Schools - A Pathway To become An Efficient Physiotherapist

Physical therapy requires adequate knowledge in order to ensure complete success as well of quality care for each patient. The United States has many schools of Physical Therapy.

As is obvious, physical therapists will receive training in different science courses. The training begins in high school where the prospective therapists will focus their studies on subjects like mathematics, anatomy, biology, physics and other related sciences. These courses will continue into college where one's grades should be high and academic performance is commendable. Once the students start entering physical therapist programs, the studies become more detailed and specialized. Pathology and Kinesiology, and other therapeutic programs and techniques are concentrated on. Internship in clinics of physical therapy is mandatory before one enters into accredited programs as this will help acclimatize the student with the industry of physical therapy. This also gives the student a small glimpse of what lies ahead in the profession. The volunteers will usually help in clinics and hospitals.

Apart from the education and qualification, potential therapists should also possess immense people skills. The profession requires the therapist to have one on one conversations with his or her patients with the necessity to educate and inform their patients about their condition and the various methods of treatment. Understanding, listening skills and compassion are vital and if a person is not comfortable with these skills, this profession is probably not for him. It is advisable to take as many courses as possible on developing these skills as they are the ones that are most important to effective treatment and evaluation.

Today, most of the states in America have an accredited therapy school. The Association of American Physical Therapy maintains an extensive list of schools of physical therapy that are under them. Presently, there are two degrees available: the masters and the doctorate. However, unless the student has passed the National Examination for Physical Therapy, he or she cannot be granted a license for practicing physical therapy. Only the students who have passed an accredited program on physical therapy are eligible to take this examination.

There are a number of countries that have schools of physical therapy and various programs related to it under the name physiotherapy. Like in the US, these physiotherapy schools also work to promote a high education level in order to ensure that the patients are receiving the best possible care. These programs, vary from state to state even within the United States, though the aims and objectives are all the same. In the United Kingdom, only three, as opposed to four, years of college is required. In Canada, students need to have an undergraduate degree in order to be eligible for applying to a school of physical therapy.

Schools of physical therapy are required to ensure that the patient and other service seekers of this therapy receives the best possible service. As this particular profession is dedicated to the cause of restoring mobility to people in suffering and pain, it becomes necessary to be a master of all courses of study as well as have excellent interpersonal skills. Schools of physical therapy are present in almost all states; but it is always better to ensure that they are fully accredited.

Physical Therapy Assistants

Physical Therapy Assistants are in demand around the world. They make up over 60,000 jobs through the workforce of the world. The tasks they must complete cover a wide variety of activities all while helping other people achieve more in their daily life. They help people to recover from serious injury and from illnesses.

While it is true that physical therapy assistants do perform all the work that a therapist will do, they do a lot of the work and help their therapist out immensely. The people that physical therapy assistants help have been injured in an accident or as a result of a disabling illness. The assistants can provide assistance in the form of teaching new exercises, giving massages, and keeping a record of what the therapist finds while examining the patients.

There are very specific guidelines and requirements that are needed to become physical therapy assistants. Most states require an associate degree which can be achieved through a physical therapy assistant program.

When it comes to choosing a program for you to educate yourself with, you have two specific choices. You can choose an online program or you can choose a campus program where you attend classes at a school on their property. The biggest difference between the two types of programs is convenience. With an online program, you are able to take your classes in your spare time from your own home. This is particularly nice if you are taking classes while you are working a full time job.

In the physical on-campus classes, the student will have more work and will also receive hands on training in a clinic so there are benefits to this type of class as well. If you choose an online class, you may not receive full training in your clinical setting. You will receive enough credits to allow you to become a certified physical therapy assistant but you may not have the actual practice as your competitors when it comes to applying for a job.

One other factor that should be mentioned is that some schools (both online and campus) will claim to be an accredited school while they are not. The only way to determine for sure if a school is accredited is to check with your regional accrediting agency to see if a given school is accredited.

Become a Massage Therapist - Find Work in a Spa Or Freelance

Massage may be defined as the application of a variety of techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. Some of the intended benefits of massage are to reduce stress, improve circulation, and have a positive impact upon chronic conditions and overall health. Massage therapists use a variety of massage techniques to customize a massage for each client.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is perhaps the most well-known and recognizable form of massage. It was developed in Stockholm, Sweden more than 200 years ago. The goal behind Swedish massage is to relax the entire body by performing long gliding strokes upon muscles in the direction that blood returns to the heart. Some other techniques of Swedish massage include circular strokes applied by the palms of the hands, tapping, bending, and stretching. Swedish massage is very effective for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, releasing muscle toxins, reducing tension, and improving the client's circulation and flexibility.

Deep Tissue Massage

Similar to Swedish massage, deep muscle massage focuses on "knots" and is used particularly to release chronic muscle toxins. When a massage therapist performs a deep tissue massage, she focuses on the deepest layers of muscle tissue and tendons. As opposed to Swedish massage, which employs manipulations that go with the grain of the muscles, deep tissue massage goes against the grain to help reduce inflammation and eliminate scar tissue. Sometimes the client will experience soreness for several days after a deep tissue massage because of the degree of pressure and intensity of the movements. This soreness will usually resolve after a few days, at which time the client will experience relaxation and pain relief.

Sports Massage

Massage therapists work with a wide variety of athletes, from world-class professionals to "weekend warriors." The manipulations used are specific to the sport of choice of the client, and often focus upon an injured area, such as a knee or shoulder. Sports massage is also used for pre-event warm-up, and to reduce recovery time after athletic competition. Athletes have found sports massage to be a vital part of their training regimen, as it increases endurance, helps prevent injury, relieves fatigue, and allows them to compete at the highest possible level.

Hot Stone Massage

In this form of massage, heated, smooth, flat stones are placed on specific parts of the body, and the massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them during the manipulations. Some massage therapists put the stones on what they perceive to be "energy centers" of the body in an effort to balance the body and the mind. By "pre-treating" the muscles with hot stones, it is easier for the massage therapist to perform deep tissue manipulations. The hot stones are usually made of basalt, which is rich in iron and retains heat well. Many clients request hot stone massages because they find them to be especially comforting and relaxing. They are especially well-suited for people who often feel chilled, or for those who are experiencing muscle tension but prefer a lighter-pressure massage.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massages feature the use of scented plant oils, called "essential oils," in the massage. Oils are selected by the massage therapist on the basis of what the client wants from the service; there are oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress reducing, and balancing. The theory behind aromatherapy massage is that when the essential oil molecules are inhaled, messages are transmitted to a part of the brain called the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions within the body, and also affects heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. Each essential oil is thought to have different healing properties: the calming oils are chamomile, lavender, and geranium; ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, and neroli are uplifting; rosemary is energizing and cleansing; and eucalyptus, pine, tea tree are useful for decongesting.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage that uses finger and palm pressure. It is based on the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine, in which illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of energy, or "qi" throughout the body. The pressure rendered by a massage therapist when performing Shiatsu is more localized than that of a Swedish massage because the pads of the finger are used to apply most of the pressure, as opposed to the palm. Unlike other forms of massage therapy, no massage oil is applied during Shiatsu, and the client remains fully clothed during the massage.

Starting Salaries For Massage Therapists

One of the first things people ask when thinking about going into the massage profession is what is the starting salary for massage therapists and what is their earning potential?

Many sites and massage schools use reports from salary.com siting salaries of $45,000 or more. While there isn't any way to really tell if that is accurate or not it is significantly lower than what the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professional (massagetherapy.com) survey indicates which is:

Average massage-related income for massage therapists in 2005 was $18,950, with a median income of $14,500 (2005 ABMP Member Survey). First-year practice average income was $9,589, reflecting the challenges of establishing a professional-service practice (2005 ABMP Member Survey).

Massage therapists can find jobs in spas, clinics and in franchises like Massage Envy. The hourly wage at Massage Envy has been reported to be $15 an hour. To make $45,000 a year you would have to work 60 hours a week at a place like that.

Most massage therapists work part time in the profession and hold other jobs or have other sources of income.

While there are jobs that pay $45 an hour or more, they are few and far between. They also usually require more experience as a massage therapist.

While there are more massage jobs out there today, you are usually able to make more when you start and run your own massage business. This requires that you have some knowledge of basic business and marketing skills as well as outstanding customer service skills. Massage school does not have enough hours to teach you how to be a successful massage therapist.

When starting and building your own massage practice you also have to understand that what you can make may sound better than it really is. The average charge for a massage is $60 and the rates can actually vary depending on location anywhere from $45 an hour to $100 an hour or even more if you are doing injury work and billing insurance companies for massage. ( Most states you can bill insurance companies for motor vehicle related injuries when prescribed by a doctor.) The thing is that what you charge is not really what you actually make. You have to account for expenses like office rent, adverting, website design, marketing, and any other overhead or expenses that are related to doing business.

So while the statistics really make the outlook for the profession look bleak- there is another way. It is possible to make $100,000 a year as a massage therapist if you are willing to charge more for your services and also take risks like hiring other massage therapists. There are many successful clinics and day spas out there where you as an owner could make what you really dream about.

And yes the demand for massage therapists is growing making it a 11-18 billion dollar a year industry. To become a part of that and make a great living as a massage therapist requires that you be committed, compassionate and business minded. It really has little to do with having good hands as many may try to tell you. It is more about you and your beliefs about who you are that can lead you to being a successful massage therapist.

Earn A Physical Therapy Degree And Have A Satisfying Career Helping Others

Have you recently thought about extending your education in order to fulfill your personal goals? If working behind a desk and pushing paper is what you have to look forward to every day when you walk in to work, consider a new career field. The driving force for success is inspiration and determination. Loving what you do for a living is paramount when determining job satisfaction!

The growing medical field offers a diverse range of options for those looking to enhance their lives through helping others. When traumatic injuries stem from car accidents or even war, patients need special care even after their wounds have healed. Damage to any limbs can mean weeks or even months of intensive physical therapy before they can function normally again.

Earning your Bachelor's and then eventually a Master's degree in physical therapy will open a lot of doors for you. The four years you invest in a Bachelor's will pave the way for your acceptance into physical therapy school. Once you have completed your Master's degree and certification, you will be able to practice on your own.

There is a wide variety of patients who you might encounter while working in physical therapy. Children who are born with birth defects that do not allow them to walk normally, those who have been in any kind of traumatic motor vehicle accident and have lost the use of limbs, as well as war victims who are trying to learn to walk again after they have lost limbs in the line of duty.

The beauty of being a physical therapist is that you have the flexibility to work privately in patients' homes as well as work in a hospital or another private care facility. You can decide whether you feel more comfortable visiting private homes or setting up your own private practice in an office of your very own.

Of course, the idea of returning to school sounds promising and even exciting, but taking the next step is a hard one. Deciding on an educational institute can be very tricky! Compromising quality for proximity should never be an issue. If you would like to attend a well-known university due to its notoriety, you should look into the programs available online to see if you could be a regional student who studies from home through web-based lectures and assignments.

Most students look at the price tag of a Bachelor's or even a Master's degree and count it out due to cost alone. There is help for those looking into pursuing a higher education. Hopefully, you have looked into receiving a grant or scholarship from the federal government to secure money for your education. If not, do some research and see what you can come up with.