Massage Therapy - Reap the Benefits

Captain Hook is sitting in front of a job counselor's desk and she's saying, "Hmmm...your top choices are piracy or massage therapy. Let's see if we can narrow this down a bit". We had our fun at the expense of massage therapy, now let us find what is massage therapy and its best features.

Massage therapy is applied to manipulate joints and the soft tissue of the body. Soft tissues include tendons and associated fascia, skin, ligaments and muscles.

Massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy practiced by the celebrated Greek, Roman, Chinese and Indian civilizations.

4700 years ago, ancient eastern Chinese practiced massage to heal a variety of ailments from paralysis to labour pains. Ayurvedha, a traditional form of Indian medicine uses a variety of aromatherapy oils and spices to give massage therapy.

Introduced in 19th century, the Swedish massage is the most practiced form in western culture. The Swedish therapy is said to have borrowed many of the techniques from Rome, Greece, Egypt and China.

In western hospitals, soldiers who fought in World War I were administered massage for nerve damage and to soothe shell shock. Many of our now popular modern massage techniques were created in order to heal specific health conditions.

When massage therapy is given to a person, many different physiological effects are achieved while the therapist's hands move over the body. The different movements can physically stretch tendons and fascia, ligaments and muscles. Massage therapy also encourages the circulation through the tissue, inhibits muscular spasms and can be either stimulating or sedating to the nervous system.

Health problems can benefit from massage therapy since the manipulation of soft tissues affects many of our bodily systems.

Benefits from massage therapy are extensive. Massage therapy treatment can develop, rehabilitate or augment physical function. Relief from physical dysfunction and pain can also be achieved. Tightened and tense muscles can be relaxed. Massage therapy also improves the recovery time, circulation and immune system function. It creates a sense of relaxation and well being, reduces stress and controls acute or chronic pain by massage therapy.

Today, massage therapy is used for treating a wide range of ages - from senior to babies in a variety of intensive care, health club, and health clinic and hospital settings.

To get even glide and a smooth workability, oils are applied in massage therapy. Some popular oils used are Almond oil, Grapeseed oil, Apricot oil, Avocado oil, Jojoba oil, Wheat germ oil and Hazelnut oil.

Hands Massage Therapy - How to Give Great Hand Massages

Hands Massage Therapy is a simple but highly beneficial practice that you can give to others or to yourself.  This article looks at the benefits of hands massage therapy and how you can give great hand massages.

Apart from the face, a persons hands are one of the first things noticed by others.  This is why many people can become quite vain about their hands appearance.  Have you ever noticed how a person can look very youthful in the face but their hands show their true age?  But if people took the same care of their hands as they did with their face, their hands could also maintain that youthful and healthy look.

Hands massage therapy apart from being highly pleasurable will go along way to maintaining the health of your hands.  But first here are some day to day general hand care practices you should make a habit of.

General Hand Care

o Wash them thoroughly daily. 

o Use a natural scrubber such as a sisal brush.  This not only exfoliates but also stimulates the skin to regenerate cells and draws blood to the surface to nourish the skin.

o Nail care, cut and file nails regularly and clean under the nails whenever necessary.

o Apply a hand care cream or hand care lotion at least once per day. I use Sorbelene which is one of the cheapest creams available but also one of the best and highly recommended by podiatrists.  Don't get fooled by marketing nonsense to buy unnecessary expensive hand care creams.

o Yes you guys need to do these things too.  Even in secret if need be, but for the sake of your hands health, don't neglect your hand care because "real men don't do that".

Benefits of Hands Massage Therapy

o Very simple to do and highly beneficial.

o Great way to demonstrate care for others.

o Can do for yourself virtually anytime and anywhere.

o Helps keep joints mobile.

o Increases circulation in the hands.

o Tones the hand muscles.

o Helps rejuvenate the skin.

How to Give Great Hand Massages

o Start by placing about a half teaspoon of vegetable oil or other massage oil into the palm of the receivers hand and using light strokes, spread it out to cover the skin of the whole hand.

o With the palm facing up, support the hand with your fingers underneath and use both your thumbs starting from the midline and working their way out, away from each other.

o Hold the receivers hand with one of yours and with your other hand take each finger in turn and move it left and right, up and down, and in a circular motion, around its range of motion.

o Next do the same with the thumb taking note that it has a greater range of movement.

o While doing the fingers and thumb, use your thumb and finger tips to 'grip' the finger applying pressure for a moment, then releasing and repeating while moving down the finger at 1cm intervals.  This is to promote circulation; you are basically encouraging movement of fluids.  You are not actually massaging muscle; nearly all the hand muscles are located in the arms.  The hand is predominantly made up of bone, tendons, fat, nerve and blood vessels.

o Next, turn the hand over and you can feel the 4 long metacarpal bones under the skin.  Using both your hands to grasp adjacent metacarpals, lift them up and down independent of each other. Do this will all the metacarpals.

o Then, using gentle strokes massage the oil into the back of the hand and knuckles.  This is a very bony area so this if predominantly for the benefit of the skin. Remember that the skin over this area is often exposed to sunlight and therefore 'ages' faster than many other parts of your body.  Regular massages with quality oil will help keep the back of the hand youthful.

When giving a 'self' hand massage treatment, you are obviously restricted with what you can do. However, having practiced the above on others, you can easily modify each step and apply it to yourself.

Hands massage therapy is intensely pleasurable for the receiver and if giving to yourself, it is a simple habit to form that is exceptionally beneficial to both the health and the appearance of your hands.  Use the steps outlined above to give great hand massages to yourself or someone you care about.

Should You Begin Massage Therapy School?

It seems like this question is coming up more and more thanks in part to a lot of gloom and doom stories in the press about tough conditions facing many spas because of the economic climate of the past few years. Based on these, put out the fear that going to a massage therapy school will be a big mistake. Well, let me tell you that massage therapy's death has been greatly exaggerated. Here, we take a look at several reasons why this is the case and why massage therapy school is the right choice for you.

1. No decisions on a career should be made based on short term conditions.

This type of thinking should make a lot of sense as it is where will the field or job prospects be 10 years from now, not where is it right now that matters. In addition, we are already starting to bounce back from the tough economic times of a couple of years ago and we have already seen its worst impact on the industry. Therefore, one should not be scared off by these gloom and doom stories as the storm has now passed. Instead, we are left with a great deal of opportunity as these tough times have kept others from becoming massage therapists giving you an opportunity to fill that void.

2. Massage therapy is anything but an ordinary job.

For those who really want to become a massage therapist, you will find that the opportunities are there. You will also find that it is not like other jobs which is partly why many find it so appealing. No cubicles for you or a less than ideal working environment. Instead, you will likely find yourself working in very pleasing environments that are designed to keep the stress of everyone low making them a great place to work. They also can be very luxurious in design as spas and luxurious hotels spare little expense to make the "workplace" look amazing to guests. Obviously, many people like the prospect of working in these environments over a stuffy office space.

3. Going to school can improve your skills and get you qualified.

The same great reasons to go to any school are that it gives you the chance to learn and make mistakes in a safe environment. This is important because it will help you build up your confidence and abilities. You will also feel confident in being able to pass the certification exams need to practice in your state. Going to school can be a great way in ensuring you will pass on the first try.

By keeping these different tips in mind, you should have clear understanding of why massage therapy school could be the beginning of a great career as a massage therapist.

Massage Therapy - 7 Steps to Successful Whiplash Recovery

Following an auto accident the initial matter the claimant will need to take care of is their whiplash injury, which can be examined by a medical professional. At this visit have the medical professional write you a referral script for medical massage at any Greeley massage clinic that accepts insurance for payment. Visiting a medical professional is incredibly important if you want 100 % compensation since getting your injuries examined you may reduce your chances of the injuries from getting any worse as well as you will have proof that you sustained a personal injury due to the accident. In addition the medical professional can assist you in finding all proper care by referring you to local therapists and/or other medical specialists.

Legal Steps:

1. Acquire professional legal guidance in order to find out if you are a candidate for a whiplash claim due to the fact of the unpredictable nature of the recovery from whiplash injury. Be sure to ask your attorney for a recommendation to a highly skilled Greeley massage therapy facility.

2. Acquire a medical report documenting that you are suffering through a whiplash injury and begin receiving treatment. This approach will assist your attorney to go forward with your whiplash injury compensation claim. Obtaining the appropriate legal team in your corner can be a key turning point for your overall experience. Most people do not have any experience in dealing with insurance companies, the attorneys have this experience...

3. Be sure to get the name and contact information of the involved party as well as their automobile's license plate number together with insurance details. These are useful information for the accident claim case. It is a legal requirement to supply the appropriate details if requested by accident involved parties. Possible Wellness Steps:

4. Medical Massage - Any time medical massage is performed on the body, it improves blood circulation, decreases tension, reduces trigger points, improves range of motion, and also minimizes daily pain, improving an individuals overall well-being. Find a Greeley massage therapy treatment center that has years of experience in dealing with whiplash and other auto accident related injuries.

5. Chiropractic - The intention of a chiropractor will be to realign the spinal joints as well as enable the joints to restore their natural range of motion. This is generally achieved through gently rotating the patient's head in the direction of joint stress or dysfunction. Following a number of rotations, the chiropractor will apply either a quick thrust or a gradual, steady motion to realign the joints. A number of chiropractors favor the gradual, steady motion for nervous or first-time patients. There are many good and highly qualified chiropractors in the Greeley area.

6. Physical Therapy - Physical therapy is an effective treatment regarding whiplash, particularly when combined with other treatments, Chiropractic, and medical massage. With whiplash, the soft tissues in your neck are damaged, therefore a physical therapist may work with you in order to restore appropriate function and motion of the soft tissues. All three options above include both passive and active treatments. Passive treatments assist to relax your body. They are called passive simply because you will not have to actively participate. Most likely, you are suffering from acute pain because of whiplash, therefore you will more than likely start with passive treatments as your body heals and/or adjusts to the pain. The ultimate goal with all three therapies is to have the patient doing both passive and active treatments.

7. Acupuncture - In the Chinese medical community, it is understood that acupuncture may be utilized to help heal numerous illnesses and injuries. Whiplash injury is just one example of this. There are virtually hundreds of acupressure points recorded in by Chinese physicians. Acupuncture treatment consists of targeting pressure points identified as the Tianzhu BL-10 and Fengchi GB-20. These are pressure points positioned at the back of the head, near the neck.

The majority of individuals recover entirely from a whiplash injury in the first six weeks. Additional symptoms continue to improve over the course of a year. There is a less than 50% chance of suffering from symptoms after three months, and less than a 20% chance after two years. No reliable method is available to predict the prognosis. Individuals who receive care as early on in the injury typically have better and faster results. If the individual waits for a long period of time after the whiplash it gives time for scar tissue to build up which causes more overall pain and takes a longer period of time in the healing process.

Understanding what happens to the tissues in the cervical region during a whiplash injury will help you to see just how important it will be for you to contact a local Greeley massage therapy facility.

The Characteristics of an Effective Physical Therapist - Competence

To be effective in the practice of physical therapy one must have many attributes that are not required by other professions. Physical therapists are individuals that work one on one with their clients, and this requires that these individuals have a high degree of skill in effective human relations and other interpersonal skills. It is very important that physical therapists develop a high degree of interpersonal skills, due to the fact that their clients' progress is largely dependent on their clients feeling of comfort as well as confidence in the therapist.

One of the most important attributes that a physical therapist can have is competence in his or her chosen profession. Competence is a catalyst that will determine many other factors that affect the therapist client relationship, and as such must be sought after and attained in order to provide the best service possible to their client. Competence produces confidence within the therapist, which will actually help him or her to carry out their duties in a more professional and efficient manner due to the inner feeling of being able to accomplish their tasks well. The self-confidence that is displayed by the therapist would also affect the client, due to the fact that clients feel much more at ease with a professional that exudes confidence in their abilities. The self-assurance displayed by a professional practitioner will have the psychological effect of making the client feel that he or she is in good hands, and his or her confidence in the therapist's abilities will grow as well. A calm and confident client will be much more cooperative, which will served to help them along in the recovery process as well. The increased level of cooperation between the client and the therapist will have far-reaching effects on the effectiveness of the therapeutic program, which will served to improve the pleasantness and atmosphere of the sessions.

Competence in any field will be were rewarded in many different ways. One indirect benefit of competence as a therapist or any other field, is the fact that clients will spread details of your competence many places.

The Ugly Truth About Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a kind of treatment that uses only the most natural and safest method for healing and enhancing the lifestyle of a patient. Unlike conventional treatments that use technology as well as the medicines and drugs of modern days, most massage therapy methods are only using massage oils, thin needles, scented or essential oils and herbs as their primary source of medicine.

This type of treatment boasts its achievements and effectiveness over the past years since the development of the 80 different types of massage therapy methods. However, there are no solid proof and evidence by scientists stating how it beneficially works on the human body and what the exact effects are for the improvement of a patient's condition. These facts didn't stop the spread of the popularity of massage therapy as more and more people are adding this type of treatment to their regular medical care.

Massage therapy when done by those who are not licensed, knowledgeable and skilled in this type of natural healing method would be detrimental to the health of the patient as there could be some certain risks and health issues. Most cases of injuries are results of therapies done by unlicensed and massage therapies that are lacking in training and exact hours of medical experience. In the US, before a person who is applying to be a licensed and certified as a massage therapist can get a license, he or she should first comply with the required 1,000 hours of actual massage practice on a patient under the supervision of a trained and authorized masseuse.

Below are some of the complications, risks and injuries a patient can suffer in case the massage therapist is not licensed and knowledgeable in this art of natural healing:

1. Patients with soft bone tissues that tend to break easily are prone to bone fractures and such types of injuries. Improper application of pressure on the different parts of the body of the patient may definitely result to bone injuries. Massage therapies are taught on how to properly massage the different areas of the human body as well as to familiarize with the anatomy.

2. Cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy are prone to bone damages due to the effect of radiation, and other treatments which result to the reduction of the density of the bones. These patients also lack the immunity and healing recovery rate of a normal person which means that they are prone to different types of diseases and complications.

3. Patients who are suffering from blood clotting in their deep veins or people with deep vein thrombosis should never be allowed to have a massage therapy session as more and more complications will arise. The risk of heart attack or stroke is definitely to follow as the constant stimulation and applying of pressure and jarring on the different parts of the patient's body. The clot will then move and flow through the body resulting to the said heart problems.

4. Before a patient can actually receive comfort and whole body relaxation after a massage therapy, temporary discomfort and body pain sets in after a massage session.

Oils Used for Massage Therapy - Natural Ways in Treating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

What makes massage therapy more effective and relaxing is the fact that the procedure is aided with certain essential oils. Can you imagine yourself having massage on sliding motion without oil? That would be too hurtful. However, in some types of massage like shiatsu, oils are sometimes not necessary since the focus of massage is putting pressure on a specific body part.

Oils are necessary for some massage types since it aids in bringing relaxation of muscles and tissues of the body. It also stimulates the normal healing process of a certain damaged tissue or muscle since it enhances the hand strokes, thus oxygenation is also improved. Oils are also known to relieve pain and increase in the psychological aspect of the person and his or her sense of individuality.

The best thing about oils used in massage therapy is that, they are not derived from any mineral or is commercialized, but the oils are juices of extracted herbal plants, which adds up on the effectiveness of massage therapy in the healing process. Aside from giving the masseur an easier movement of hand strokes, these oils do also contain Vitamins and minerals essential for your skin health.

The following are different essential herbal oils used for massage therapy that may also be used in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

• Almond oil

This is the most commonly used oil in massage therapy and is considered to have a great effect on softening and soothing your skin. Aside from that, it regulates the loss absorption and moisture of your skin, thus making it very good oil in nourishing skins.

• Grape seed oil

On the other hand, grape seed oil contains a lot of different minerals, vitamins and proteins which makes it very essential for the skin and its membrane. It has a rejuvenating and restructuring components, as well as moisturizing properties that aids in the healing of damage tissues of the skin.

• Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil has found to be very effective on the treatment of blemished skin and is considered as an excellent moisturizer. Since it acts on blemished skins, it also plays a great role in controlling and preventing recurrence of acne breakdown. In this event, jojoba oil is really impressive to the polycystic ovarian syndrome woman with problems of acne. This oil can also be used in performing facial massage.

• Wheat germ

This is a type of oil that has a great component of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which is responsible for making the skin smoother and younger-looking. Wheat germ aids in heali9ng process of different skin problems and aids in the promotion of new cells. in addition, it also enhances blood circulation and help in the skin repair which is due from sun damage.

Best Cities to Be a Massage Therapist

The best cities to be a massage therapist are the locations where there are the most diverse job opportunities, cultural offerings and educational advantages. The fact is that this job is expected to see great employment increases. You can be a massage therapist anywhere in the world, even on a cruise ship sailing the seas, but some cities are better than others. The following are considered the best cities to be a massage therapist in the United States:

1. Dallas, Texas: This is considered one of the best cities to be a massage therapist because it is a major business and cultural center where therapists can explore many different health care settings such as hotels, resorts, spas and wellness centers. There are many career opportunities and average salaries start at $39,000 for recent graduates.

2. Houston, Texas: This is the fourth largest city in the United States, and it has become a multicultural hub of education, performing arts, sports and tourism. Starting salaries of $38,000 and abundant career opportunities make this an excellent location to practice the healing arts.

3. Phoenix, Arizona: With so many chiropractic clinics, fitness centers, health care facilities, medical offices, resorts and spas catering to professional athletes, retirees and vacationers, this desert city is ideal for massage. Average salaries of $42,000 and great demand for massage therapists sweeten the deal.

4. San Diego, California: It's easy to see why this is one of the best cities to be a massage therapist just from the warm, sunny beaches that call to vacationers year round. People love healthy living here, and there is a huge resort and spa tourism industry, so a massage school degree can help you earn a $42,000 average salary and a steady job.

5. Seattle, Washington: This northwest coastal city has the highest average salaries for massage therapists at $45,000, and local residents tend to embrace the healing arts. There are both public and private massage therapy practices to choose from throughout the city.

These top five best cities to be a massage therapist include sprawling metropolises, a desert oasis and coastal hot spots. They are all excellent cities to begin or continue a career as a massage practitioner.

A Guide To Physical Therapy Rehabilitation

Everyone seems to think that physical therapy rehabilitation is painful. You may have heard hundreds of misconceptions and scary stories regarding physical therapy. Although many people do experience some sort of pain while they are completing physical therapy, it is important to know that the pain is not caused from the therapy itself. The pain is from the body and oddly enough, if you feel pain while you are in a therapy session, it is not always a bad thing.

One of the main goals of physical therapy rehabilitation is to reduce the patient's pain suffering. This is in addition to teaching you how to utilize your body the way you were able to before your injury or surgery. If you are informed about what you can expect during a visit with your physical therapist, perhaps you would stop listening to all of those horror stories and feel more comfortable about the situation. This will also help you to benefit the most from your therapy sessions.

First and foremost, if you are in need of physical therapy, it is because you are suffering from some kind of physical debilitation. This could be from an injury, accident, surgery or ailment. If you are experiencing pain, it is because your body is communicating with your brain that there is some sort of damage that has taken place. It is the body's natural response to restrict or cease movement of the injured area, which can result in the loss of mobility and strength.

It is one thing to be a little sore, but one should not ever experience excruciating pain in the belief that pain means healing. It is expected to experience some soreness as you begin to learn how to use your body while healing from injury, however if the amount of pain you experience is too much or too intense, check with your therapist, as your therapy program should not cause your injury or level of pain to get worse.

If you want to put an end to your suffering and are ready to get back to living your normal life before the situation that caused you to seek therapy, then you need to be on the same page as your physical therapist. Discuss your physical therapy rehabilitation plan with your therapist. Inform them of your expectations and pay attention to all of the information they provide to you. Be prepared to discuss therapy techniques and treatment. Make sure you know what the purpose is of the exercises you are expected to complete.

Many physical therapy routines are contingent on you also doing some of the exercises at home. Don't slack off if you want to continue to improve and get better. Follow all of your therapist's instructions for your treatment to get the most benefits. See one physical therapist that you are comfortable with and stick with them all throughout your physical therapy rehabilitation. Remember as you progress through your treatment and continue to heal, your pain will lessen and you will regain the full use of your body.

The History of Massage Therapy Healing

Today many of us long for our annual treat of an hour long massage. Perhaps it comes after the family holidays or is a birthday treat you cannot wait to give yourself. But massage therapy is more than just a posh and modern way to pamper ourselves. It has a deep rich history that brings light to the underlying benefits of with roots in ancient medicine.

Massage therapy is actual one of the oldest and most basic forms of medicinal treatment. Egyptian and Eastern cultures have practiced it for centuries. The Egyptian tomb paintings depict the use of kneading muscles as commonplace. Historical uses include helping treat chills and fever. Also, in Greek and Roman times it was the primary form of pain relief. In Asia, its popularity exploded, with the common belief that sickness is a result of an imbalance in energy. Therefore, to prevent that and stay healthy the massage was a common practice with other forms of body techniques. Some of those supplemental body techniques include acupuncture, acupressure, and amno.

India has an evolved form of massage therapy known as Ayurveda is said to have been a divine origin and was passed down orally for centuries. The unique features of Ayurveda are the interdependence on elements complimentary to the physical contact. Aromatherapy, or the use of oils and spices in combination with the massage, is a popular feature that has thrived along with the modern technique. Other elements of Ayurveda include an herbalist diet and supplemental sound to accompany the therapy session.

Massage therapy became introduced to the West around the 1600s. During this time many medical discoveries were changing the foundation of medicine and many scientists and physicians became aware of the beneficial elements of alternate forms of medicine. The introduction of massages still took time to catch on. The massage exploded during the twentieth century as many soldiers were treated with massage therapy to heal shell shock or nerve damage.

Many attribute the slow growth of massage therapy to the negative connotation it held. It was well known that massages were a popular service of many "adult" parlors. For many, the benefits of therapy could not be removed from the association of sex trade.

However, today it is no longer just a luxury for the extremely wealthy. Many hospitals use massage therapy for pediatric, geriatric and general medical departments. So next time you decide to satisfy your need for a therapeutic massage remember all the benefits!

Starting Salaries for Massage Therapy Rock!

Wow! No wonder Massage Therapy is booming. Do you know the starting salaries for massage therapy in the US according to salary.com is approximately $41,000 to $58,000?

Do you know that massage therapy can be reasonably billed out at $25 to $100 per hour, and a massage therapist's income can be substantially supplemented by cash gratuities? In other words, "tips". Cash tips are plentiful, but of course this would be difficult to estimate that amount.

A fair amount of massage therapists work either independently or part-time, sometimes both. Since the work can be physically demanding, many massage therapists may choose to work only 15 - 30 hours per week.

Lets do the math to determine how that could add up. Lets take some average numbers for the independent or freelance massage therapist.

$50 / hr x 20 / hrs per week = $1000 / week x 50 weeks / yr = $50,000.00 for part-time work per year. Now that's not a bad wage with two weeks vacation each year. And don't forget the tips! It can work out to be a very lucrative career choice to become a massage therapist.

The expected growth rate for these therapists is 18% to 26% from 2007 to 2014 says The Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

The American Massage Therapy Association did a survey and here are the results:

• 
  An increase of 2 million people from the prior year equals 47 million Americans receive massage


• 65 year olds and over using massage has tripled since 1997


• 
  30% increase for the use of massage in hospitals in 2006

The are some costs involved if a massage therapist owned their own business. Either the costs of setting up and maintaining a studio would be an investment or renting a massage room where all the equipment was available would be a cost to consider.

Some costs to consider may include:

• Advertising/marketing


• Aromatherapy supplies


• Association dues and fees


• Health insurance


• Liability insurance


• Massage chair


• Massage oils


• Massage table


• Laundry


• Space rental

Massage therapy is a field that is growing by leaps and bounds in society today. Massage therapists can offer their patients relief in a good deal of different ways. Muscle fatigue, stress, and helping sport athletes to perform at the top of their game. Others help individuals work towards solving debilitating health problems that they have. Whatever the case, there is more of a demand for massage therapists today than there has been at any point in the past.

Healing Hands Massage Therapy & Healing Touch Therapy - Bringing the Whole Body Into Alignment

Healing hands massage therapy brings together a whole host of massage techniques to help those who have gone through serious injury. When the body experiences trauma, there is often inflammation and damage done to ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Nerves often become unresponsive for a time. When a person tries to get back to normal life, they often find that their body is not cooperating. That is where this form of massage therapy comes into play. With a variety of techniques, many people experienced great success with healing touch therapy in the fourth largest city in Texas, Austin.

One of the techniques often used in healing hands massage therapy is deep tissue massage. This technique works on relieving tension and stiffness in the deepest layers of muscle. By using slower and deeper strokes, this technique works to loosen muscles and bring oxygen back in. By releasing toxins with this technique, the therapist enhances healing. Another technique often used, in healing touch therapy, is Swedish massage. This is probably the most familiar to most people. With the use of gentle strokes, friction, and tapping, this form of massage helps to warm up tissues and pull toxins out of the muscles. It gently increases blood circulation and stretches tendons and ligaments.

If the injury occurred while playing sports or doing other physically intensive activities, sports massage is another form in healing hands massage therapy. This form of massage helps decrease recovery time by eliminating toxins and encouraging blood flow into the injured area. Sports therapy often focuses on muscle injury prevention and helps with muscle injury healing. Healing touch therapy usually involves other techniques that help realign the body, work different muscle groups, and isolate injuries so they can heal. They also work to promote joint flexibility and to increase motion range. With this, it helps keep the body working, as it should.

Healing hands massage therapy focuses on bringing the body back to health, and keeping it that way for the long run. It is important to find a therapist fully trained with healing touch therapy. Not every massage therapist knows how to perform this type of massage. Someone who is untrained can do more damage than good. If you have experienced an injury that rest doesn't seem to heal, a visit to massage therapist may be just the right thing to do. Many people report that massage therapy helps speed up their recovery time. It also helps prevent injuries in the future.

For those working to improve their health, healing hands massage therapy is a good tool to utilize. By lowering your stress levels and getting rid of toxins, you help your body heal faster. It helps promote your immune system that helps you get over illnesses and injuries must faster. As your whole body improves, your overall health improves as well. Healing touch therapy realigns your body's joints and muscles into their natural positions. With added flexibility, your energy levels will soar. Why take chances with your health? Get in touch with a professional right now.

Build Your Massage Practice Faster With Great Client Communication Skills

Client Communication Skills

Our verbal and communication skills are just as important to the success of our massage practice as our hands-on massage skills. We need to learn how to "craft phrases" - choosing the words to use, and how to say them - and practice delivering them until they becomes second nature - just like we learn and practice our hands-on massage skills.

In fact, we should consider "crafting" and practicing all of the key phrases or "mini-speeches" that we use regularly during our client interactions as they are instrumental in building - or demolishing - client relationships. Our communication "toolkit" can also be called upon in more social situations where we are, in effect, marketing ourselves and our business; saying the right thing can make the difference between gaining a valuable new client - or putting someone off the idea of massage for life!

The reason I suggest practising our communication skills until they become second nature is because they are usually required at particularly stressful or pressured moments, e.g. when a client arrives late, when a cancellation fee is due, or during a rebooking conversation. These are all situations where massage therapists tend to feel the least confident and assertive; ill-judged, clumsy, inappropriate or confusing comments can undo all the good work of the massage session, or derail a previously good client relationship.

We also need to ensure that our tone of voice, facial expressions and body language are congruent with the words we are speaking; if not we will be sending clients very mixed signals and may leave them feeling uncomfortable and confused as to what we really mean, or how we really feel about a given situation.

These are some of the most common scenarios where excellent communication skills are vital:

Client handling situations: effective and assertive communication during these interactions is essential for developing and maintaining a respectful, harmonious relationship with our clients and for maintaining strong, clear professional boundaries. Possible scenarios include:-

- Phone call from a prospective new client

- Client arrives late /chronic lateness issues

- Client cancels - cancellation fee due

- Telling client cost of treatment/advising of fee increases

- Client dissatisfied with treatment

Client education: this is a vital component of our Referral and Rebooking Skills but will also give clients greater understanding of their bodies, how massage can help them, and encourage them to change habits where necessary in order to get the best possible results from their massage. Common questions from clients are:-

- "What are "knots" in muscles?"

- "What are those grinding/creaking noises?"

- "Why do my joints click?"

- "Why do my shoulders/neck feel so stiff/sore/burning?"

- "How often should I come for a massage?"

Informal marketing situations: these can occur anytime we meet someone new and the conversation turns to what we do for a living:-

- "Elevator speech" the 30 second - 2 minute description of what you do

- What to say when asked "What do you do?" (Tip: the answer isn't "I'm a massage therapist")

- "Party speech" - what to say when strangers, once they know you're a massage therapist, start telling you all about their ailments and asking for advice (or even for on-the-spot treatment!!)

The following is a particularly useful link from a US massage school's website about how to craft your elevator speech:

http://bodywisdomschool.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/how-to-create-a-killer-elevator-speech-in-minutes/

So, think about spending some time putting together sentences, phrases, and short "speeches" that cover the above scenarios. Ideally, get together with another therapist, or a friend, and practice delivering them with confidence and conviction. As with all skills, they really only do improve with practice. Good luck, and have fun!

Massage Therapist Compensation

You've completed training, finished your clinicals, have your license or certification, have your professional liability insurance and are ready to begin your job search as a massage therapist. You begin interviewing and you are confused because your compensation offers vary from employer to employer. You're an employee or you're an independent contractor. You're paid a percentage or you're paid hourly. Determining your compensation plan and contractual arrangements with an employer can be confusing.

There are many areas to take into consideration prior to determining an appropriate compensation arrangement. Are clients provided for you by the business or do you find your own? Are you providing equipment and supplies for services or is the business? Are you or the business responsible for marketing material costs such as business cards and brochures? Are you or the business handling phone call inquiries and scheduling? Are you paid hourly or by the client? Are you an employee or independent contractor?

Clearly the more expense and responsibility you take on, the higher your compensation should be. For a massage therapist providing their own marketing materials, managing phone inquiries and scheduling, actively networking and advertising, and providing their own supplies, an appropriate compensation is fifty percent and the possibility of capping out at a monthly rent amount should be considered. Don't forget the landlord or owner of the business you are utilizing space from is responsible for the lease, rent, utilities, common areas, and insurance whether you have a client or not. It is appropriate to have a set rent amount for you to pay on a monthly basis or have a high commission split to ensure the business owner covers their costs.

The less expenses and responsibility you take on, the lower your compensation should be. For a massage therapist working in a business that is providing all marketing, scheduling, equipment, supplies and the customer base, a massage therapist should expect to earn forty percent or less. Guaranteed compensation by the hour at a low hourly rate is also appropriate.

Another area to consider to determine your compensation and costs is client retention. If you are expected to market and take on all costs or a portion of the costs for marketing, you should be able to solicit clients to follow you to another location if you were to move on. However, if the business you are working with is paying for all marketing materials, networking organizations, etc., then it is appropriate for the business to maintain the relationship with the client even if you offer some marketing support such as participating in an event to promote your services.

Look at each employment opportunity and weigh out your risks and responsibilities when negotiating your compensation. Most importantly it is critical to have everything written in an agreement to ensure compensation and responsibilities are understood.

Armed with this information, you'll know the correct questions to ask during an interview and have the ability to negotiate an arrangement both you and your employer are comfortable with.

Chiropractors Offer Modern Pain Management Treatment Options

Chiropractor treatment has expanded in the past 15 years dramatically. Decades ago, chiropractic treatment consisted mainly of spinal manipulations and a few exercises along with maybe some weight loss treatment. That is no longer the case by an exponential amount as multiple additional treatment are now being offered by chiropractors.

Chiropractors receive considerable education after college that it's actually four years just like medical school. They receive a very good education on the musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, and treatment of the problem. As with most modern medical fields, advancements in chiropractic treatment have definitely kept up with the rest of pain management.

Upon going to a modern chiropractic doctor's office, you'll often see a significant amount of electronic equipment. This includes a spinal decompression therapy machine, which is a technology involving computerized intermittent traction that can effectively relieve back pain, neck pain, or arm and leg pain. This has revolutionized the treatment of degenerative disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and facet arthritis along with ruptured or bulging discs.

Another piece of treatment equipment you may see is electrical simulation and ultrasound. These devices are great for helping patients get better and involve laying on the table and having foam pads placed over the painful area. Then electrical stimulation is administered through the skin in order to alter the way that pain is perceived by the brain and is designed to tire out the muscles that are being treated in order to relieve pain. Ultrasound can help decrease inflammation along with pushing steroid medication from the skin a couple centimeters into the soft tissues acting as an intense anti-inflammatory medication.

Additional equipment that you may see in a chiropractic office might look exactly like physical therapy equipment. The reason is that a lot of chiropractors are trained in physical rehabilitation, which is the same exercises involved in physical therapy except being performed by the chiropractor. This can work exceptionally well for low back and neck pain and along with the other treatments now being offered. This explains why chiropractic treatment is over 85% effective in the US.

At any one point in time, over 10% of Americans are under the care of a chiropractic clinic. Based on the continually modern treatments being added to the profession, one can easily see why. Chiropractors in the US do not prescribe medications, yet the success rate for effectiveness in pain management is very high. The reason that these treatments along with spinal manipulation are great, and provide patients with the pain relief needed to increase their functional abilities.

How To Know Who Your Massage Therapy Clients Are - Finding A Target Market

One of the greatest challenges to being a sole trading massage Therapist is getting clients. In fact it's painful when you have trouble doing it. So now I'm going to share some valuable info with you.

One of the secrets to getting client is to understand who your target market is. The reason you must know who your type market is, simply put, is so that you can find your potential clients. You see half of the battle is over when you actually know who you are marketing to. Many massage therapists actually think that every body is their target market, why is this? Because we are under the impression that because massage is good for every body and every body needs it then obviously this is a target market.

This is so further from the truth! You see in order to gain clients you first have to know who your clients are. Once you know who your clients then you can market to them and increase the level of clients the come through your massage business. This is the sole purpose of knowing who your target market is.

When you think of it like this it makes sense.

Lets me back track a bit. You see what we have to understand as massage therapists/business owners is that are clients will not magically come to us when we open the door for trading. This is a common misconception when we go from freshly graduating, to becoming business owners. Don't let the term 'business owner' put you off, it is simply what you are.

As soon as you make the decision to go out on your own you have become a 'business owner' who works in the business as Massage Therapist. And as a responsible business owner you must know about getting clients. The objective of business is to gain clients. So we must know where to start.

Your 'target market' is simply describing the people that you are targeting to do business with. It describes the key element that you must do in your business. And that means really knowing who your target market.

Your target market can be found by do in a breakdown of all the people that you think or do currently come to use a massage. You need to do a breakdown your clients in the statistical way. Once you do this you will find a lot easy out to know who you're actually marketing to and it will make it easier to actually find them.

This process of breaking down your type of person who comes to you and you will be able to find them a lot easier than guess work that you may have done in the past.

Always proceed in this fashion and you will find marketing, networking and generally getting clients a lot easier than the 'normal' way- which is guess.

Best of luck!

Amy

www.massagetherapymarketingsuccess.com

Working in Sports Medicine Clinics As a Physical Therapy Assistant

Choosing a career as a physical therapy assistant (PTA) can be a great choice for a number of reasons. It may be the wages, the in demand skill set, or a genuine interest in helping sick and injured individuals. PTAs enjoy a career that has excellent diversity. They are able to work with those who suffer from arthritis to dementia, to young children who suffer from spina bifida. They have the potential to gain experience in many workplace settings that interest them personally. In a society where fitness and rehabilitation are large parts, the role of a physical therapy assistant in sports medicine clinics is a common one. This may a perfect fit for an individual with a background in athletics, or a keen passion for fitness to upgrade their knowledge and skills by completing an in demand associates degree.

Sports physical therapy generally focuses on healing strains, sprains and sports related injuries. Whether these injuries are suffered by the weekend warrior, varsity athletes, or other individuals a PTA working in a sports medicine clinic setting will have excellent direction from the senior sports physical therapists. Working in a sports medicine setting also allows a PTA to pick excellent exercise rehabilitation skills. a PTA often assist the patients with the exercise program that is prescribed by the physical therapist. Ensuring the patients are following the exercises properly will help a PTA become very familiar with rehabilitative exercises.

While sports physical therapy positions may not have the highest wages in the industry, they are steady and there are many other perks, such as health benefits, great work place environment, and excellent hours that follow a very favorable schedule with weekends off. Working with sports physical therapy professionals you will be learning from experts in how to evaluate and improve movement of the body through physical exercise therapy, and this can also benefit your personal knowledge.

Physical therapists in general have a great degree of job satisfaction, those that work in sports medicine have some of the highest rates of job satisfaction in the nation. The unique analytical skill set required even for a PTA is very rewarding, challenging and interesting.

If working with athletes, or physical fitness is an interest to you, an associates degree studied at a physical therapy assistant school will offer a great career, many opportunities, job security, as well as satisfying job.

Break the Cycle of Pain With Massage Therapy

This article is a general introduction of four techniques used by Massage Therapists to relieve pain: Trigger Point therapy, Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy Techniques, and "Biofield" Techniques. A trigger point is a hypersensitive nodule or knot within a muscle tissue. When compressed they give rise to pain. The number one cause of a trigger point is acute overload. To treat a trigger point, a massage therapist presses into the point and holds pressure until the tissue begins to relax or melt.

Myofascial Release works on the webbing or sheaths that, like a spandex suit or the webbing inside of an orange or grapefruit, help give shape and structure to the human form. Imagine a spandex suit that has become pinned down and stretched in a certain area. This image conveys the stress that can occur, and the resulting pain and mobility restriction that can occur in the human body when our "spandex suit" is stressed. A massage therapist uses myofascial release techniques to release the stress and thus release any pain or restriction of motion.

Now imagine an energy field that interpenetrates all of life, including our own human body. Biofield therapies address pain on the level of the human energy field. Through light touch on and above the body with such Biofield techniques as Reiki, Healing Touch or Bio-energy Healing, a Massage Therapist trained in these types of techniques, as research indicates, can also relieve pain. The therapist, instead of working directly on muscles and soft tissues, is trained to perceive and work with the network of energy patterns, modulating them and releasing areas of congestion. Somewhat recently, "Energy Field Disturbance" was added to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Problems used by physicians. Hospitals have begun to offer Healing Touch and Reiki as complimentary therapy for the their patients.

Muscle Energy Techniques, commonly used in Sports and Orthopedic Massage, is a type of assisted stretching that serves to resolve triggers points, release the Myofascial network or spandex suit, and release hypertonic muscles. The Pain-Spasm-Pain Theory states that trauma leads to pain, then pain to muscle contraction. Muscle contraction causes ischemia, also known as reduced blood flow. Ischemia causes accumulation of metabolic garbage, which in turn leads to more pain. To break the pain cycle, the techniques of massage have a proven track record. These four techniques listed are just four within the many pain-relieving techniques found in the toolbox of many a massage therapist.

MLM and Massage Therapy - A Good Match Or Total Bust?

There is no doubt in my mind that many of you reading this have enjoyed the release and rejuvenation massage therapy can give. Cheers to you for treating yourselves well. The following content is a special message to the massage therapist interested in earning more money without physically taxing their body.

I'll happily be the first to confess my days of soreness and pain as a result from giving too many consecutive massages in one day. Although I spent a year in an intensive massage certification program learning techniques for longevity, ambition to maximize earning potential in one day can literally hurt. If you're in a similar boat, when one more hour of leaning on elbows or taxing the hands just sounds like too much, then read on.

Wanting to supplement my massage income, I decided to dive into the network marketing or multi-level marketing industry. As a massage therapist, continuing to work from home with a flexible schedule was attractive to me. I had been pitched and approached by friends and strangers to "strike while the iron is hot" for many of their marketing opportunities and deals before, but something never felt right about how they went about their marketing and finding prospects. But, I have them to thank. Their example had made clear to me that if I was going to get into network marketing, I needed to go about it a different way - a proven way that guaranteed success without hassling anyone.

Network marketing is host to a great range of products and services, of which many massage therapists, like myself, need or want on a frequent basis. For example, products like vitamins, health care supplements, cell phone service, skin care products, and travel deals among others. The important thing is finding a company and a product you understand and believe in. www.npros.com is a great website I recommend to learn more about particular companies.

After getting my feet wet and getting a glimpse of the income potential of multi-level marketing, I decided to aim to replace my income from massage to allow myself to do bodywork as a hobby and in service instead of depending on it as a career. One thing I want to make clear - my massage clients and my networking prospects are totally separate. This is not a kill two birds with one stone kind of thing here. I do not pressure or even suggest my massage clients to be involved in any of my other business pursuits. My clients have come to me seeking relaxing and healing massage work, and that's what they receive. The last thing they want is to be getting a massage and all of a sudden get pitched on some product or company by me! Clear boundaries in all entrepreneurial efforts will only serve as a benefit, and your clients will appreciate it too.

One final note regarding network marketing. Most people get excited about their product along with the earning potential and blindly follow the advice of their sponsor or company who are using out-dated marketing techniques. Now, there is nothing more frustrating than chasing friends and family about something you're really pumped about and get nowhere! I speak from experience when I say that hard-work, dedication, and knowledge about your product is not enough. If there is no step-by-step proven method for sustainable success, failure is only a matter of time.

Consider this analogy. Imagine telling an ambitious and compassionate yet inexperienced beginner to do an hour of massage work only using his or her elbows...this could seriously hurt the client! Having a strong desire to help others in their intentions is important of course, but equally crucial is being equipped with a cutting edge skill set to focus and direct this intention. Likewise in network marketing, hitting the streets with excitement is not only not enough, but is counterproductive if unprepared. One needs to equip their passion with a marketing skill set.

Maximize Your Diet and Exercise Regime With Regular Massage

If you do your best to keep fit then the chances are you know all about the benefits of following a balanced healthy diet and following a regular exercise program that involves a good stretching session to warm up before you begin in earnest. What you may not know is that whether you are training for a serious sports event or you just hit the gym once in a while to help you lose weight and get (or stay) in shape then adding a regular massage to your routine can make a big difference to its overall effectiveness.

Massage for Gym Rats

Whether you are a serious athlete or not one of the biggest reasons for hitting the gym in the first place is to help maximize your range of movement and increase or maintain the things your body is physically capable of achieving. Warm up stretches are great, but even a lot of those big tough body building blokes are discovering that massage can help improve overall conditioning a great deal.

Even a single massage session improves circulation and mobility and for those who have overdone it at the gym (which happens all the time even to the fittest people) regular massage helps to speed recovery and get an individual's training program back on track faster than rest alone would. Regular massage can also help to break down old scar tissue that is still lingering after older muscle damage which helps and individual's mobility improve even further.

Massage and Dieters

If you were to ask one of those serious body building blokes they would tell you that following a great balanced diet, full of all the right amount of proteins and carbohydrates, vitamins and "good fats" is rarely ever enough to really get the body you want. This is because there are certain hormones found in the body itself that can derail even the most serious dieting efforts. The one that bodybuilders are most concerned about is a hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone and it triggers what is known as the body's "fight or flight" response. When the body is highly stressed this hormone slows the functions of the digestive system so the body can concentrate on fighting the stress instead. With a poorly functioning digestive system the chance that a person can lose weight is reduced. Massage helps reduce both general stress and the levels of cortisol in the body, meaning effective weight loss is easier to achieve.

Incorporating Massage into Your Health Regime

While getting a massage every day just won't fit into many people's schedules a monthly, bi-weekly or weekly session can make a real difference to your overall fitness levels. Serious athletes and keen gym goers may benefit most from a specialist sports massage session but the simple fact is that adding massage in general to your stretching and healthy eating plan can reap you more benefits than you might have ever thought was possible!

Physical Therapy Schools: A Road To Recovery

A career in physical therapy is all about getting people back on their feet, and physical therapy schools are where to start. Whether you're getting people rehabilitated to go back to work, to return to a sports competition, or to recover from a surgery, physical therapy schools train students to be well-versed in the body's many complexities, as well as the specific methodologies that facilitate its rebound from injury.

The scope of education at physical therapy schools is no small matter. Many programs require a doctorate, and though there are a few physical therapy schools that still offer masters degrees, the trend is heading towards a mandatory doctorate. Coursework includes subjects like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and even some physics. Clinical classes teach physical therapy students how to perform treatments, tests, examination techniques, and various protocols.

Not only do physical therapy schools instruct students as to how to heal the body after trauma, but how to prevent future injuries as well. The ability to script exercise regimens, predict possible future relapses, and accurately diagnose the source of pain and discomfort are regular components of any physical therapy education. Techniques involving electrical stimulation, hot and cold compresses, and ultrasound are also part of the curriculum at physical therapy schools. Though many physical therapists maintain a general practice, there is also the potential to specialize in niches like pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine, or geriatrics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates of physical therapy schools tend to work in hospitals or clinics, though the potential for self-employment or private practice is an alluring factor for some physical therapy students. A 40-hour week is standard, however it is not uncommon for physical therapists to have to work evenings or weekends, and travel to provide on-site care is very often worked into their schedules.

A physical therapy career is a lucrative one with starting salaries in the range of $50,000-$55,000 and experienced salaries hitting as high as $90,000. But ultimately, you've got to love helping others to be a successful physical therapist. Most interaction is one-on-one and extends over a period of months of routine visits. If you're not comfortable with an intimate clinic or outpatient facility setting, no amount of training from physical therapy schools is going to prepare you for that necessary connection you'll need to successfully help your patients -- that education has to come from inside.

The Advantages Of Becoming a Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are health professionals who help in restoring function, relieving pain, and improving the mobility of the persons with disabilities. They treat accident victims and patients with disabling conditions such as arthritis, fractures, low-back pain, head injuries, heart diseases, cerebral palsy and more. Physical therapy specialists advice several exercise programs to increase the strength, balance, flexibility, endurance, coordination and range of motion of the disabled individual. What is more satisfying than bringing back a disabled person to his normal life style?

To become a physical therapist, one must have a master's degree in physical therapy from an accredited institute and a state license. Moreover, he should possess strong interpersonal skills so as to communicate with the patient and his family. The physical therapy job demands scores of patience from the practitioner.

Physical therapist jobs are gratifying in the sense that board certified physical therapists can practice in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, long term care centers, acute care hospitals, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, educational institutions, and more. One of the advantages of becoming a physical therapist is that you can opt for temporary, travel, per diem, contract, part-time, full-time or permanent placements.

Another advantage of becoming a physical therapist is that you get to know more people of different age groups, values, cultures, and faiths. The advantages of becoming physical therapist do not end there; qualified and skilled physical therapy professionals receive competitive salaries and excellent benefits as well.

Physical therapy improves the health and fitness of the patient. A physical therapist plays an important role in enhancing the quality of life of disabled people by developing their strength and lifting up their spirit. As the opportunities for physical therapy jobs are expected to rise, it is definitely a lucrative career option.

Therapist Jobs - What Type of Therapy Job Should I Try to Get Into?

If you are the type of person who wants to not only make good money, have a career that has a great outlook for the future and wants to help make a positive change in someone's life, then therapist jobs are where you should be looking. There are many different disciplines in the therapy profession and each one of them does different things to help improve a patient's everyday life. Each of the different therapist jobs pays very well, as the average salary is somewhere between $40,000 and $87,000, depending which specific path you want to follow. Here is a look at this different types of therapy jobs and what each one deals with.

Perhaps the most recognizable of all therapy jobs that everyone knows what they do is massage therapy. If anyone hears the words "massage therapist" they likely know immediately what it is that this type of therapist job involves. Massage therapy deals mostly with the different muscles in the body. It is their job to use a number of different techniques to help reduce stress that the patient may be dealing with. This usually comes in the form of a back massage. They also deal with trying to eliminate or reduce the amount of pain a patient is feeling.

Another profession on the long list of therapy jobs that everyone has probably heard of is that of a physical therapist. Physical therapy jobs focus primarily on the rehabilitation of a patient, allowing them to live their life better. Most often, a physical therapist will deal with patients who have to deal with some kind of physical limitation, which is usually the result of an accident or illness. Sometimes they may also help patients that are physically disabled due to some kind of disease. They usually work very closely with other people in the medical field, like doctors, to make sure that everyone is in sync in terms of using the best approach to improve the patient's daily life.

Other therapy jobs include things like occupational therapy. Occupational therapy jobs usually focus on patients who are having trouble performing necessary, common tasks that are needed for everyday living. This type of therapist might help someone learn to walk again after a debilitating injury. They also work with people that who physical limitations, the same way a physical therapist would, but they also work with patients who are limited because of a mental disability.

The 5 Most Common Errors Physical Therapy Business Owners Make Today

In am writing this article because I feel compelled to share what I have learned in the last four years of working exclusively with owners of physical therapy practices - as their business coach.

By now, I've coached hundreds of practice owners, and over and over again they come to me with the same complaints: they are frustrated, confused, overwhelmed, isolated and easily distracted.

The cause? Surprisingly, all these problems have their roots in five errors commonly made by professionals who decide to start their own businesses.

The biggest errors I have seen are:

1. Not creating a business with clarity and purpose.


2. Operating without direction, getting distracted easily.


3. Starting projects and not finishing them


4. Doing too many business projects at one time


5. Trying to do it all alone

Are you an ideas person with a vague vision of what you would like for your practice and business?

Vision is crucial to your success.The challenge often arises in manifesting that vision. If you don't have a plan to bring your ideas and projects to fruition, how will people benefit from your services? And how will you succeed financially? Too often practice owners get distracted because they don't have a plan. Goal achieving and project planning is a learned skill.

If you have a desire to succeed, learning these skills will be a valuable investment.

We often coach our clients in creating project plans that are personalized to fit their unique needs.

Getting direction in your business can radically increase your success in a short and long term. Getting direction may be as simple as defining clearly the step-by-step details.

What often happens is that we have great excitement at the beginning of a project and less and less interest as time goes on. So projects are left half done, and often never completed. This can be very frustrating as you rarely feel a sense of accomplishment.

We've found that practice owners need help keeping their focus to complete what they started.

Focus is like a muscle. It can be strengthened over time. Just like you would have a personal training coach to become and stay fit, business owners often need a coach to help them develop the focus muscle. Once you get good at focusing your energy on finishing what you start, the income potential is huge.

If you're trying to do it all alone, without focus and systems, you're bound to get overwhelmed.

We always ask our clients, "What can you be doing to get the greatest return on investment (ROI) of your time and money?" Are you spending your time, energy and money on those tasks and projects that will produce the greatest revenue for you in the next 30 days?

What systems can you implement that will free up your time? Bottom line, how can you best prioritize your time, effort, resources, skills and money?

Are you trying to do it all alone?

Successful business owners often have to go through the pain of letting go - of trying to do it all alone. At some point your business will grow so big that there's no way you can manage all the clients, do all the bookkeeping, AND take out the trash and wash the linens!

Clients tell us one of the biggest differences we've made with them was helping them build a team so they didn't have to do everything themselves. Figure out what you're worth per hour and decide: is it a better investment for you to have someone else do them?

Building a team is an example of a system that will allow you to focus more on what gives you the greatest return on your time investment.

Assess where you are on the road to success

in your business

Answer the questions below to help you determine where you are on your path.

For each question, circle which letter (A, B or C) is most true for you.

I have been in this business for:

A. Under two years

B. Between two and five years

C. Over six years

Business' financial situation:

A. We are still struggling to turn a profit. I'm definitely not generating cash flow the way know is possible.

B. We are doing OK. Our cash flow is up and down. I would like more consistency and to increase profits and/or revenues.

C. We are successful and thriving. I always generate enough income to take care of my personal financial needs as well as the business.

My confidence as a professional practice and business owner:

A. I struggle with a lot of uncertainty and self-doubt.

B. I have good days and bad days, but overall I'm pretty strong.

C. I'm on fire!

I'm ready for the next opportunity.In my day to day business dealings:

A. I have multiple projects and get distracted easily by different ideas and business opportunities.

B. I'm pretty clear about my business and niche but I still find myself interested in a lot of different Ideas and possibilities. I don't focus as well as I could.

C. I'm very successful in a few select areas but still drive myself and my team to do more.

My environment (i.e. home life, business associates, personal friends, etc.):

A. Is not supportive of my work, vision and dreams.

B. I have people to talk with but they don't really support me in creating results.

C. I associate with movers and shakers in business who serve as great advisors to me.

The people who work for me (either as a contractor or employee):

A. What team? It's just me.

B. I've outsourced the basics. One to two people support me such as:

.. a business partner

.. administrative assistant

.. bookkeeper

.. web designer/internet marketing support

.. consultant or coach

.. other _______________________________________

C. I have a strong team in place that handles the business, but I know they could be utilized better.

My competency level in running a business:

A. I'm learning everything about running a business

B. I have a few strong areas but a few weak areas too. Mark your strengths:

.. Leadership (Identifying the vision and setting the pace of success)

.. Management/Operations (Business structure, plan, process, systems)

.. Marketing/PR (Brand, marketing plan, visibility to target audience)

.. Lead Generation (Prospecting, follow through)

.. Resource Development (Developing and leading team members)

.. Finance/Revenue (Financial systems, controls and reports)

.. Quality Controls (Tracking quality of product, customer satisfaction, process improvement)

C. I'm pretty strong in all facets of running a business.

My habits and actions in relationship to my professional success:

A. I'm constantly running in circles, trying to figure out what to do next. I find myself falling behind on projects, and have a to-do list a mile long.

B. I know what I should be doing for my success but I don't do it. I often feel overwhelmed and burned out.

C. I have good habits and am action oriented; these both serve me well in my success.

Review your responses to these questions, and you'll see where your highest priorities for action need to be.

TAKE ACTION NOW...

• Lead verses manage your team


• Maximize your systems so you can operate without being there every minute


• Create and implement your legacy


• Live your desired lifestyle


• Position your company for growth, selling or leadership transition

Virtually every highly successful person has a coach or mentor who asks them the provocative questions, who elicits their greatness and who expands their best efforts. A coach is your champion and reveals your gifts to yourself.

Who is Coaching For?

Coaching is right for you if you want to...

.. Succeed

.. Increase your income

.. Balance your personal and professional life

.. Work smarter, not harder

.. Build a team

.. Improve your time and people management skills

.. Be more strategic

.. Pursue what is truly important to you

.. Simplify your life

Shiatsu Massage: Massage Treatment in PMS and Menopause

Shiatsu Massage Treatment of PMS

Diagnosis of PMS

Premenstrual syndrome is a western view of a common gynaecological problem. Syndrome means it is a group of signs and symptoms which typically occur together but for which there is no satisfactory explanation or known cause. However, shiatsu massage and TCM not only recognize this group of symptoms as a particular pattern of energy imbalance called liver energy stagnation, but also defines an aetiology for it, namely emotional stress as well as a treatment based on meridian theory.

From a western medical point of view, the diagnosis of PMS is problematic. Over 150 symptoms have been isolated but there is no agreement on these and no definitive tests to confirm diagnosis. To further complicate diagnosis, many of the symptoms are psychological. To rule out the possibility that the symptoms are psychological or psychiatric in nature as well as rule out the risk of misdiagnosis and mistreatment, the symptoms must be restricted to the second half or luteal phase of the cycle. As there is no significant difference in hormone levels between women with and without PMS, PMS seems to be due not to an hormonal imbalance but to a reaction to normal hormonal changes during the cycle.

Symptoms

Psychological and Behavioural Symptoms

• Depression and mood swings


• Weepiness or feeling low


• Fatigue or lethargy


• Tense or uneasy


• Irritability and aggression


• Poor co-ordination and clumsiness


• Easily distracted


• Changed interest in sex


• Altered sleep patterns


• Food cravings


• Emotional lability

Physical Symptoms

• Breast and nipple distention and tenderness


• Feeling bloated or swollen


• Face, abdomen or fingers becoming puffy


• Gaining weight


• Headaches


• Changes in appetite


• Skin changes or acne


• Diarrhoea, constipation or swinging between the two


• Joint and muscle pain or stiffness


• Aches and pains, particularly backache


• Stomach pain and cramping


• Migraine, epilepsy, rhinitis, urticaria or asthma becoming aggravated

As shiatsu massage alleviates stress and harmonizes both body and emotions, it treats liver energy stagnation and the gynaecological problems issuing from it.

Shiatsu Massage Treatment of Menopause

Shiatsu massage can help with the unpleasant symptoms related to premature menopause (premature ovarian failure or POF), perimenopause or menopause. The main pattern of imbalance here is liver blood-kidney yin deficiency. However, as there are several patterns of imbalance giving rise to menopausal symptoms, a number of different symptoms can be experienced such as hot flushes, sweating sleep disturbances, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, osteoporosis, thinning of skin, vaginal dryness, changes in the intensity of orgasms and libido, painful intercourse and having to empty the bladder more frequently.

Shiatsu massage practice is based on the oriental medical principle that mind and body is regulated by energy flowing along a network of meridians. According to this principle, the energy responsible for the functioning of mind and body flows through these meridians and a person becomes unwell once this natural flow of energy is disturbed. If this natural flow is restored, then the natural healing power of the body returns the person to good health.

These disruptions may stem from emotional factors, climate, lifestyle or other causes including stress, the presence of impurities in the environment or the body and physical trauma. These disturbances follow well-known patterns and can be corrected during shiatsu massage by applying pressure along the meridians with an emphasis at relevant pressure points. As there are patterns of imbalance associated with menopause, these patterns can be treated with shiatsu massage which will help alleviate the menopausal symptoms. Herbal therapy can also be combined with the shiatsu massage treatment to strengthen its effectiveness.

How Can A Massage Help Me Sleep?

It is one of our natural tendencies to rub someone when they are having a hard time sleeping. One of the most concrete examples to back up this claim is the way we gently stroke the head of babies, or rub their backs to make them fall asleep. Admittedly, rubbing or touching is a natural and instinctive way to soothe and relax. And isn't it that rubbing and touching is what a massage is all about?

There are many articles and scientific journal entries that discuss how a massage, massage therapy, or therapeutic massage can help us relax. Even just one session of massage therapy already has an impact on our body and how it works. Here is the picture: humans are born with a parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic nervous system. These two balances each other out. When we are stressed, our sympathetic system is activated making us feel the urge to fight, flight, or move restlessly. On the other hand, when we have a massage, our parasympathetic system is activated allowing our bodies to relax. What is the connection between this and our topic? Simply put, common sleep disorders are usually caused by stress and tension. And if these are the reasons why you are not sleeping very well every night, then you might be pleased to know that one of the benefits of massage therapy is improved sleep patterns. And this is true. In fact, there are some people who actually fall asleep while having a session at their massage spa.

Quite a number of people have claimed that they have slept well after receiving regular sessions of massage therapy and reflexology. Several studies also support the claim on how massage therapy does more than reducing incidences of back pain, body pain, and headaches. These studies also showed that therapeutic massage also helped patients sleep better due to lessened anxiety and depression. Another interesting massage study reported that critically ill patients claimed experiencing improved sleep patterns, both in the quality and quantity of sleep, compared to those patients who received only relaxation exercises.

So whether you are experiencing sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome, there is a therapeutic massage technique that can help you. According to a professional massage therapist from leading massage spa in Sarasota, Florida, people increasingly avail of their Swedish massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, deep tissue massage, and reflexology services because they want to be soothed and relaxed.

Here are the basic description of each massage therapy treatment:

- Swedish massage is a massage therapy technique that uses variations of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on surface muscles. Strokes used in Swedish massage generally goes with the direction of blood flow toward the heart. Swedish massage is commonly availed by people who wants to experience relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, as well as relieve muscle tension.

- Deep tissue massage is a massage therapy technique aimed at reaching the muscles way below the surface level. Chronic patterns of muscular tension usually happens at the deep connective tissues and this is the area targeted by deep tissue massage. With the use of slow strokes, direct and firm pressure, as well as friction techniques directed across the area of the body experiencing chronic muscle pain, deep tissue massage is effective in relieving chronic muscular tension and pain.

- Sports massage is a massage therapy technique that uses massage strokes similar to those used during a Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. The difference is that sports massage is specially adapted to deal with the effects of athletic performance on the body, as well as the needs of athletes regarding training, performing, and recovery from injury.

- Pregnancy massage is a massage therapy technique specially adapted to suit the delicate conditions of soon to be mothers. It uses the gentlest forms of massage strokes. A go signal form a medical practitioner is necessary before a woman can avail of pregnancy massage. Pregnancy massage is very effective in relieving back pain, leg cramps, and other discomforts associated with pregnancy.

Physical Therapy - Recommended Treatment for Physical Disabilities

Physical therapy is the removal of movement disabilities and functional problems by physical exercises and trainings. There are certain disabilities that develop when we recover from diseases and these include back and shoulder pains, knee pain, bone crackling and all these problems may lead to move constrains if left uncared. The best way to get these body parts in order is to go through physical exercises and trainings. These training are designed by therapy experts and each exercise is specifically meant to heal certain pain.

The good thing about getting physical therapy is that it does not bring bad with good unlike other medical treatments. It involved performing physical exercises under guidance of expert therapist and thus it can rightly be termed as the risk free and safe treatment. The doctors and health care professionals are of the view that it should be the first treatment to physical movement constrains as it does not cause any side effects or after effects. All that is required is to follow the safety guidelines given by the therapist.

Physical therapy involves physical training and thus it has to be performed under guidance of expert therapists who themselves are specialized in some area of physical therapy. Before you visit a therapist, you need to make sure that the therapist you are going to visit specializes in the pain or problem you are having. Don't blindly go the therapist simply recommended by you friend because that therapist may or may not be equally good for you if he or she was good for your friend.

If you are suffering from back or shoulder pains, knee-joint pain or crackling or any other physical disability which restrain you from physical activity then you need to get physical therapy and training in the least amount of time possible. Don't waste time on thinking that the problem will be worked out on its own without having to get therapy because you would end up having the pain permanently residing in your body. It is completely harmless and painless. If you feel any sort of unusual pain during the exercise, then let your therapist know about it.

The Benefits of Visceral Manipulation

Like machines, gadgets and other things of this world, our body will also deteriorate in time due to the daily battering of stress and fatigue. Our body will become more prone to sickness and disease, musculoskeletal dysfunctions and other physical problems in the long run.

The visceral manipulation technique was developed by French osteopath and physical therapist Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral after seeing impressive results in one of his patients. The therapy was originally used in Tibet and China in the early centuries as a part of their cultural and traditional medical care. However, it was improved by Dr. Barral who was fascinated with the effects and benefits of the therapeutic massage when used properly in the manipulation of the internal organs. He believed that the body organs should move freely without any restraint or restriction in their mobility to have a healthy physical condition.

Barral began teaching the techniques of visceral manipulation to physical therapists, rolfers, massage therapists, medical doctors, chiropractors and other interested individuals regardless of their professions. The therapy is known basically as a technique mainly used for the manipulation of the various internal organs of the human body. Relaxation of the whole body and a good feeling after the massage therapy due to the effects released by the body are one of the many benefits a client can expect during and after the therapy session. Aside from the relaxing experience, you can also feel a great relief from the acute and chronic pain including peripheral joint pain, muscle pain, neck, back, and shoulder pain, and pain related to post operative and infective scar tissue and autonomic mechanisms. The therapy is also good in dealing with digestive problems such as GERD, swallowing dysfunction, acid reflux, nausea, bloating and constipation. Due to the release of a feel-good chemical called serotin during the therapy, the emotions are influenced to get rid of anxiety and depression. Visceral manipulation technique is also used in treating erectile dysfunction, infertility and other conditions related to men and women's health issues including endometriosis, painful menstrual periods, fibroids, cysts, chronic pelvic pain, testicular pain, bladder incontinence, prostate dysfunction and many more conditions. The method used in this therapy is also effective in the improvement of the posture of the client.

All of these benefits can be received if the therapist is successful in manually repositioning the organs while removing adhesions that can cause abnormality on the movement of certain internal organs. The wrong manipulation or push of the organs can cause more harm than good as it will only relocate the gliding motion of the other organs which should supposedly follow their original movement route.

Achieving these benefits may seem quite easy, however in order to gain them you should consider only the service of professional therapists who are both licensed and skilled in the medical art. This move can eliminate the worries for risks and contraindications to the treatment as good therapists will know what to look out for during the massage therapy session. Good therapists will also care for their patients by avoiding contradictions prior to any session.

Physical Therapy Clinics

Physical therapy clinics are places where people with injuries, disabilities, and certain physical conditions can go to get professional treatment for their ailments. The clinics offer treatments daily from Mondays through Fridays with some staying open even on Saturdays. These clinics are staffed with physical therapists and their assistants, all of who are board-certified and able to handle various cases as patients present to them.

Patients must be referred by other qualified medical practitioners for them to be seen and evaluated by physical therapists in their clinics. Many referrals come from neurologists, geriatrics, orthopedics and sports medicine physicians. Other physicians with specialties in pediatrics, cardiologists, podiatrists and internists also refer patients who have concerns with respect to their mobility and physical functioning. Therapists are not allowed to treat patients without these referrals.

Since these clinics see mostly patients with impairments in their physical functioning, the clinics are set up to accommodate these concerns to make it a safe and convenient environment for their patients. In addition, physical therapists see to it that they have everything in place to assure an accident-free environment.

The usual clinic set up includes a reception area, treatment rooms and a staff area. The treatment room contains treatment tables, a hydrotherapy section, exercise mats and other more specific equipment depending on the specialty of the therapist holding clinic hours there and depending on the needs of the patients.

Some of the more basic and usual equipment in a physical therapy clinic includes an ultrasound machine, TENS, electronic muscle stimulus, hydroculator units, stationary bikes, paraffin bath, traction, gym balls, diathermy, parallel bars, exercise mats, weight training equipment, etc. These are used to strengthen and stimulate motor functions and treat other challenges that patients face.

Because of the nature of illnesses and ailments physical therapy patients face, the clinic must have an atmosphere of calm and positivity to it as promoted by its staff members to encourage and improve the patients' self-esteem and well-being. For instance, the morale of a stroke patient who is used to independence but is now wheelchair bound is prone to depression and low self-esteem. Clinic staff must be sensitive to this and trained to interact and care for the patient appropriately, ultimately contributing to the patient's improved self-esteem down the road.

A good physical therapy clinic must be equipped to handle the more common ailments, like stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, neck pains, sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, back pains, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, other joint conditions, sports-related injuries and more.

Specialized treatments are offered by certain qualified clinics with more in depth training in specific areas, like geriatric, orthopedic, pediatric, neurologic and cardiopulmonary conditions. This is why physical therapists also work in conjunction with speech and occupational therapists, dieticians, orthotists, psychologists and even social workers. All this is to bring about comprehensive healing for the patient's ultimate well-being.

In short, physical therapy clinics are a rich resource of healing for patients who are struck with a variety of physical conditions brought about by diseases and injuries. As such, physical therapists are responsible for always continuing and updating their knowledge and training so as to present the latest innovative techniques in the treatment of their patients.

What is Breema Bodywork in Massage Therapy?

Breema bodywork is a kind of body therapy that utilizes simple forms of tactility and body movement. There exists two kinds of of breema therapy.

• Self-breema exercises
  


• Bodywork

The purpose of both kinds is to increase the energy flow of the body and to bring the body to the present time. Self-breema exercises utilize gentle body stretches and nurturing touch in a nonjudgmental environment to bring about mental, physical, and emotional balance for optimal health.

Normally, a breema bodywork session takes place on the floor using a padded mat or cushioned surface such as a massage cushion while the patient is still dressed. The therapist then initiates a series of movements on the patient that include tension-relieving stretches, the holding of different poses, and muscle leans and pulls. The focus of these movements is to gently stretch out the muscles of the body not so much as to cause discomfort on the patient.

There exist nine (9) principles of harmony in breema exercises:

• 
  Body comfort--Breema exercises are supposed to be relaxing and comfortable. They focus on the body as a whole in place of targeting unique parts. There is no place for discomfort in this therapy.
  


• 
  Firmness and gentleness--Breema exercises are supposed to be firm and gentle. The key to this technique is that the pressure applied to the patient needs to be firm and gentle at the same time.
  


• 
  Mutual support--The giving and receiving of support during breema therapy has to take place at the same time.
  


• 
  No haste/No pause--The therapist must maintain natural rhythm of movements while not rushing or pausing between movements.
  


• 
  No force--The activities involved in breema do not include any kind of force.
  


• 
  Individual moment/individual activity--Each of the specifically designed movements is different and functions on its own. There is a purpose in each and every movement.
  


• 
  Non-judgmental environment--Breema bodywork is conducted in an environment of non-judgment. This allows the patient to feel comfortable and accepted as they maintain present time consciousness.
  


• 
  Full participation--The patient is required to partake fully and not just lie there passively. This participation includes his mind, body, and feelings in order for breema bodywork to be effective.
  


• 
  No more extras--The goal of breema bodywork therapy is to help the patient express themselves to their fullest potential. Nothing extra is needed.

Through every breema therapy session, the patient benefits by exhibiting mental clarity, mental and physical relaxation, and balance of energy and emotions. Breema bodywork is a great form of therapy for those who want to pursue a life of balance and harmonies while at the same time nurture their body.

How to Enjoy the Benefits of Massage Therapy

At first the masseuse asks about your health condition or any other complaints that you might have in your body. After this, different techniques are introduced and possibly tried out also. Massage therapy is very versatile, being suitable for people of all ages and body types. The key is to trust your intuition and try out several techniques before you find the one that suits your needs best and that you are comfortable with.

All massage techniques roughly have the same effects. They all improve general circulation, which helps to carry around extra oxygen in the body. This makes you feel more energetic and fresh. Massaging also improves lymph fluid flow. This is an important part of the immune system of the body and the fluids carry away toxines and waste created during digestive processes. This proves that massage therapy is completely natural and stimulates the processes in the body that have slowed down because of the stressful lifestyle and environment.

To sum up, massage therapy is a natural, chemical-free way to revive, relief stress and energize your body. In addition to this, it relaxes and soothes your mind also, offering the possibility to unwind and forget all the trivial everyday problems in your day to day living. After a massage session you will feel like a completely new person. It is the perfect solution for people with busy schedules and high stress levels. Research the subject more or make an appointment to learn more about the effects and benefits of massage therapy.

Healthcare Recruiting For Physical Therapy

Healthcare recruiting for physical therapy is gaining prominence as many studies have shown that there are shortages throughout the physical therapy profession as well in healthcare facilities that employ physical therapists. The structured healthcare recruiting services of dependable healthcare staffing solution providers enable medical care facilities to recruit qualified physical therapists.

Recruit Talented Physical Therapists

Several reputed healthcare staffing agencies in US offer competent recruitment services based on the requirements of healthcare employers. The recruiting agencies maintain regular contacts with the various healthcare facilities. They are therefore well informed about vacant job positions in these facilities.

To fill the physical therapy job positions existing in premium healthcare centers, these recruiting service providers make every effort to identify hardworking, dynamic and skilled candidates. The entire recruitment procedures including preliminary evaluation, candidate sourcing and interviewing are handled by skilled professionals. Moreover, they also help healthcare facilities to save the money, time and effort needed for putting out placement advertisements and conducting the recruiting process on their own.

Placement Services for Domestic and Foreign-trained Candidates

Healthcare recruiting agencies enable domestic and foreign trained physical therapy professionals to secure permanent, temporary, part-time, full-time, long-term, short-term or travel jobs in well-known healthcare facilities, and public and private organizations. These include rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, physician's offices, acute care clinics, nursing homes, long term care centers, government organizations, home healthcare agencies and educational institutions.

Healthcare recruiting agencies provide physical therapists the opportunity to gain know-how and experience by placing them in challenging job environments. Successful candidates enjoy remuneration packages which include benefits like:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid housing
• Professional liability insurance
• Section 125 Cafeteria plan
• Short-term disability insurance
• Continuing education programs
• Immigration processing assistance (for foreign candidates)
• Additional state licensure

Locate Eminent Service Providers

Competent healthcare agencies make hiring easier and better. With the use of advanced technology, targeted searches and experienced recruitment team, they are well-equipped to provide healthcare facilities with qualified and experienced physical therapy professionals.