5 Hidden Benefits of Equine Massage

Equine therapeutic massage is swiftly becoming a valuable supplement to the intelligent horse owners' equine care regiment. These folks have learned the secret benefits associated with horse therapeutic massage. What is so secret? Just about anyone knowledgeable about massage and/or holistic health care approaches has learned about the the traditional series of the benefits of bodywork with respect to horses. Even so, no one has converted that checklist into the merits for you, the actual horse owner. Unless you have unexpectedly discovered and observed the genuine benefits for you and your horse, it is likely you are not aware why massage is certainly not merely a once-a-year luxury.

The standard report on the features of horse therapeutic massage reads as such:

• Dilates blood vessels


• Returns blood once again all the way to the heart


• Helps remove lethargic lymph material


• Improves muscle tone


• Prevents adhesions


• Stretches connective tissue


• Lessens stiffness and also swelling


• Has a stimulative or possibly sedative impact in nervous system


• Brings attention to the area getting massaged

Just how many equine owners genuinely know how this collection may affect them? Quite frankly, a small amount of of them do. Unless a person has excelled in the field of biology and physiology in high school or college, chances are this age old checklist is Greek to them! Let's finally bring it up to date as well as convert this particular collection into exactly how horse massage rewards you, the horse owner. We are going to begin with condensing the list into three principal themes: circulation, muscle performance, and mental acuity.

• CIRCULATION: Massage boosts blood flow for all parts of the body. All of the cells in the body must have oxygen and also nutrients delivered to them, through circulation of blood, to build brand new cells, generate energy, export toxins, and preserve all cellular functions. Inadequate blood circulation results in a decline in every one of these areas. In essence, you now are generally working along with a half-baked horse that would most likely have varied health difficulties.


• MUSCLE PERFORMANCE: Equine massage physically breaks down the knots along with contracted muscle fibers that can't perform their task successfully. leading to improved muscle quality and also much more thorough and well balanced muscle actions. Your horse is made up of 700 skeletal muscles and that is 60% of the entire body mass of your horse! Working a horse with tight, continuously contracted muscles is the same as functioning in a condition of resistance. Your horse is using a lot more energy to perform and is achieving significantly less than its optimum capabilities and thus, is headed for injury.


• MENTAL ACUITY: Horse bodywork talks to the nervous system in a manner that the horse will certainly exerience an important state of relaxation, mental lucidity, and personal healing. The horse functioning in a state of constant psychological anxiety and restricted focus will never perform to their complete potential.

When massage is performed over a consistent basis the results build upon themselves with time. Once-a-year massages are in essence the equivalent of placing a band-aid on fundamental problems and the horse never reaps the added benefits of continual recovery. In addition, regular equine massage not only benefits the horse, it benefits YOU, the actual horse owner, and here is how:

You may experience a reduction in vet visits which ultimately may keep your horse out from the lay-up stall saving you time and money.

You may have a horse that can move more efficiently, with significantly less pain and achieve more physically, which will equal a better overall performance for you.

You may have a horse that experiences less tendon and ligament injuries equaling greater performance time and significantly less lay-up time; keeping you in the saddle.

You may possess a horse that rebounds quicker from workouts and is feeling ready to work on a consistent basis providing you a willing horse to ride.

You may have a much more content mount with a better work attitude making your daily ride a pleasure as opposed to a fight.

Whether you ride for pleasure or overall performance, equine massage is a straightforward addition to your horse's healthcare plan which could help you stay in the saddle and on top of your performance.

The Risks and Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be traced a thousand of years back to the Ancient times when it was used as the primary and essential medical care. Through the years, many methods and practices had been developed and improvements were also made through the course of time. All of these were based on one goal which is to enhance the rejuvenating capabilities of the human body, relax muscle tension all over the body, and to relieve stress which causes many ailments. Massage therapy can be used on many health issues and is considered as both conventional and alternative treatment.

There are 80 types of massage therapy method that a patient can choose from. All of these methods share the same objective in giving the body a good, improved, and maintained healthy condition. The practitioners as well as massage therapists can pick any of their preferred massage therapy methods to practice which includes different massage strokes varying with the different techniques each style has.

All of the different types of therapeutic massage points out to key areas or meridian points of the body. This is where they base their concern as it is believed that the body consists of energy flowing all over. Especially in Asian style massage therapy, the body is believed to have energy lines or path ways that needs to be unblocked. Clogged energy lines result in the weakening of the body's immune system which then becomes prone and drops the line of defense against sicknesses. Energy is known in different name in the various Asian countries that uses this knowledge in massage therapy. For example, it is called qi (chi) in China and sen in Thailand.

Massage therapy has proved to be beneficial to the improvement and healing of both the physical and mental condition of a patient. Various techniques in therapeutic massage although has different approaches yet they all accomplish the same purpose and give the same effect. Basically, this kind of treatment was developed to give the patient a relaxing and stress free feeling after a massage session; however it was improvised to also relieve body pain, remove physical and emotional stress, as well as treat chronic muscle pain. It is also great in increasing the oxygen and blood circulation of the body which results to a healthier body condition among most patients.

Although massage therapy only has few risks unlike other types of modern treatment, the public should still be careful when having a massage session and should only use licensed and knowledgeable massage therapists to further reduce the risks. Injuries are the main risks in a therapeutic massage. This is commonly due to the fact that the massage therapist is not a licensed and certified massage therapist. The anatomy of the human body as well as how it works and should be manipulated is all taught to massage therapists during their training. Most states usually requires 1,000 hours of massage therapy training as well as passing the state exam before a therapist can actually get his or her license.

Physical Therapist Training-How Long Does It Take To Become A Physical Therapist?

Professions in the health sector are developing fast and demand for qualified professionals is on the rise. Physical therapists are some of the health professionals whose demand is on the rise. These health professionals diagnose and treat patients with health related problems which limit the patient's motor ability. They work with patients of all ages and hence the popularity of this profession. If you are thinking of taking up physical therapy as a career, you are probably wondering how long it will take for you to become a practicing physical therapist. Read on to learn more.

To be considered a qualified physical therapist, the professional needs to have achieved a masters or Doctorate Degree in physical therapy from an accredited physical therapy program. A Masters Degree in physical therapy lasts between 2 years and 2.5 years. A doctorate degree on the other hand lasts about 3 years. Before enrolling for either degree program, it is important that you ensure that the issuing institution is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.

Before studying for your masters or doctorate degree, you must have completed or worked towards 3 years of a baccalaureate degree. To get the best chances at succeeding in this field, the undergraduate degree should be related to physical therapy. Therefore, it will take a total of between 5 to 7 years of undergraduate and post-baccalaureate study to become a practicing physical therapist.

The practice of physical therapy is controlled by the state. Therefore, the time period it takes as well as the requirements you will need to meet in order to become a licensed physical therapist will largely depend on the state in which you want to practice. Besides the academic qualifications, you will need to pass national examinations and state examinations to become licensed. The state administered examinations are set by the state board to determine whether you are qualified to practice as a physical therapist in the particular state.

Once you are fully licensed, it is recommended you undergo continuing education in physical therapy by attending seminars and workshops. In some states, it is a mandatory requirement in order to remain licensed.

Now that you know how much time it will take you to become a licensed physical therapist, let's look at the places you can study and some of the course requirements. As mentioned, the curriculum is usually controlled by the state. However, here is a general picture of what is needed.

Physical therapist courses are offered both online and offline. It is considered best to study the course in an offline educational institution. However, if you need a flexible study timetable, online study can work best.

The courses cover classroom and lab instruction as well as supervised clinical experience. The main problem with online study is that the student doesn't have direct access to lab and clinical facilities which play a major role in the final examinations and state assessments. It is therefore important that you find medical institutions where you can practice physical therapy if you intent to study online.

Percussion Massage Therapy

Percussion Therapy is attached with various kinds of massage therapies techniques, all are highly regarded full ideal to different sorts of clinical practices. The numbers of medical percussion massages therapy tools are extensively being used worldwide by professionals and individuals for obviating the risks related to the body's internal systems and few common percussion therapies also involve respiratory therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, sports medicine and spas and salons.

The line up of valuable ideas have been developed for reducing the stress, moreover to myofascial release, deep muscle therapy, trigger point reduction, pain relieve by inserting lactic acids, treatment for muscles spasm, sports rehabilitation, reducing muscles pools and postural drainage.

We can observe that bunch of people are now moving towards the massage therapy and they have got faith it quality percussion massage therapy would obliterate all the stress, major physical and mental predicaments are seem to be associated with their social, personal and business lives. Scout's honor that a massage therapy can really heal your ordeals and it makes no odd that what are the reasons for such problems, hence a percussion massage therapy is meant to saturate your body on the highest level of ease and comfort, where you can forget all the turmoil and perturbations.

Numberless advantages are embraced to the term "Percussion Massage Therapy", it informally vouches for the series of brisk, soothing, light and striking actions usually are applied in rapid intervals, with the help of alternate hands. Mainly two actions can be considered as the fundamental percussion strokes namely as cupping and hacking: these strokes can be performed on to different areas of the body, and the systems become more efficacious, if both are used on the area of the body with large muscular/fleshy area, for an instance thigh and upper part of the body. Other devoting movements with regards to percussion massage therapy are beating, throbbing and tapping.

The set of these there movements is often starts out its performance from the area of the wrist rather than from shoulders, elbows and head, yet it is the basic thing each therapist must be acquainted of, because majority of the therapist sets out to perform the percussion therapy, making movements from the elbows and shoulders, which is totally wrong and in severe case it may result in stern frustration, disturbance and gaucheness.

Cupping is a sensitive part of the therapy, which is normally done with the palms, moving vertically (facing down), and creating the shape of a hollow curvature. In this way therapist moves the cupped hands at the rapid pace as a result a vacuum is formed that gets release when the therapist bring the hands up , that performance may sound like hollow like treating horse, and there must be such sound for making sure that the movement is being done to the right direction. This art of massage is often identified as Cupping sometimes also acknowledged as clapping, in both names it indicate the term "cupped" hands.

Hacking is another part of the percussion therapy and it is undoubtedly the best recommended massage therapy, it is the same kind of therapy we often watch in the movies, it is performed with the edge of both hands, in this procedure the therapist holds the hands over the body with the position, two palms facing each other, and keeping the thumbs on the uppermost position. At the last therapist moves up and down the hands in the rhythmical interval with rapid succession. These movements are frequently done to wake up the person.

The next movement is Flicking, which is very much the same to Hacking, and it is also signified to describe the term finger hacking. In this part of performance the therapist has to flex the wrists slowly by bringing the sides of the fingers into connection to the body, without involving the edge of the hands. Flicking is a type of relaxing movement can give long lasting effect to the body muscles.

The last steps in the percussion massage therapy are beating and pounding, the therapist executes these with the hands, in a closed position and hands of the massager may slightly clench with the fists. Beating is executed with the help of unlar border, using closed fists and on the other hands the pounding is done by employing the both hands, tacking on the surface of the body. Both of the movements are managed to perform in a quick succession for getting better results.

Percussion massage therapies are very momentary and can rouse the muscles very effectively. The circulation of the bloods enhances and blood starts moving into the body very rapidly. Percussion therapy can improve the working power of the muscle tone and helps muscle in contracting and expanding with good grace.

Massage Therapy: Benefits Beyond Muscle Relief

Massage therapy loosens the body's tissues and muscles and provides relief from stress and pain. It is one of the ancient forms of therapy used for healing.

There are several techniques used for a massage such as rubbing, vibration, applying pressure, friction kneading etc. on various tissues, muscles, fascia, joints, skin, ligaments etc. All the techniques used during a massage target at benefiting the circulatory and lymphatic, musculoskeletal and the nervous system of the body. Apart for bringing relief from stress and muscle tension massages also help in clearing waste including lactic acid from the body. There are different types of massages an individual can opt for like the Swedish massage, acupressure massage, deep tissue, sports etc. There are several benefits and advantages an individual can derive from a massage therapy. They are as listed below.

1. Massages loosen the tissues, muscles and stiffness in the body and it enhances the flexibility in the joints.

2. It minimizes back pain.

3. Massages are also great to treat tendinitis and arthritis as they stretch and exercise weak and tight muscles.

4. Therapy improves circulation and reduces respiratory problems as they pump more nutrients and oxygen into vital organs and tissues.

5. It also helps expectant mothers with quick and easy labor during childbirth.

6. fuel lymph flow, which increases body immunity.

7. It helps in the rehabilitation post-surgery or injury.

8. It also treats anxiety and depression.

9. It minimizes cramping and spasms.

10. Massages give relieve from headaches and migraines.

11. Massages for a sportsman help him or her to recover from tough and strenuous workouts.

12. Skin massages improve the skin texture allowing the skin to breathe and stay healthy. 13. It reduces dependence on medicine, heals stretch marks and scar tissues and helps in the regeneration of tissues.

Studies have shown that most diseases occur due to stress and massages are a great way for relieving stress. They thereby act as a precautionary measure for diseases. Stress is one of the major reasons for early ageing which can be treated by massages. Burn injury patients, asthmatic children, people suffering from high blood pressure, water retention etc. have all acknowledged the benefits of massage therapy. Researches claim massages can also treat neurological disorders, chronic diseases and stress related to modern lifestyle.

The benefits of massage are undoubtedly numerous. Visit a massage salon today to reap its fruits in the form of stress relief, lose muscles and tissues and reduced pain.

Finding Out What Treatment a Massage Client Really Wants

What Does The Client Want?

This is the simplest and most difficult part of building your client base - and also the most important thing to remember.

It is a very simple concept, but it can be very difficult to achieve and if you don't the clients won't come back or give you referrals.

So what is it?

Give the client the treatment they want.

That's it - I said it was simple.

Or is it?

Let's take an example of a client booking a one hour Massage appointment. They make the booking, turn up on time and you go through your intake process to ensure no contra-indications etc and you then give them the massage. At the end they leave satisfied having had the treatment they booked - a one hour massage.

Did they get the treatment they really wanted?

Each client is unique; they each have a different body with different tensions, areas of stress and needs. Sometimes a client has a specific physical problem they want addressing - knotted shoulders for example, other times they just want to have an hour dedicated to them in a nice pampering massage to send them off to sleep.

Which of these did the client who booked the one hour treatment want?

The difference between a treatment that is going to help ease the tension in some tight shoulders and one that is going to send a client drifting off to sleep in the clouds is immense, and if you don't give the client the right one they aren't going to be very satisfied with the treatment.

And if they aren't satisfied they had the treatment they wanted they aren't going to come back again.

So perhaps the key to an excellent treatment should be:

Find out what the client wants.

This is really important, I have been for so many massages over the years - from small private practices to some of the world's best Spa's in five star hotels.

Whenever I travel I like to have a massage, particularly if it is a new country or destination. From all of these treatments I have learnt something, just because you are paying a lot for a treatment in beautiful surroundings doesn't mean you are going to get a good treatment.

Most places, not all, have some sort of case history consultation. You need to check for any contra-indications before beginning any treatments, but all too often what is usually just a form is as far as the therapist goes in finding out my needs and desires for the treatment.

So here we have it, the first key to ensuring repeat clients - spend a few moments before the treatment starts asking them what they want. What type of treatment are they after.

But what does the client really want?

Ok, that's brilliant - we've asked the client what they would like from the treatment but unfortunately they have a tendency to be not very helpful. Very quickly, and I bet you've used these yourself, you will get some answers like:

"Just to relax and chill-out"

"I'm just really stressed with so much tension I need a really deep massage"

And of course the most unhelpful of them all:

"I don't know really, I just fancied a massage"

These, or similar, are the three most common answers I have found that clients give when you ask them what they want from a massage.

Our job as therapists is to understand what they really mean by their answer, to help them expand on it and to explore it. Generally they have come for a massage or treatment for a reason, they want to feel different when they leave to how they arrived.

And this is the second key to ensuring the client gets the massage they want:

How does the client want to feel when they leave?

I think this is really important, I always ask all my clients this because it makes them think about the outcome of the treatment a little more. Wording can be changed to suit, but some examples I use are:

"What will you notice that is different about yourself or in your body when you leave?"

"Do you want to feel different when you leave? If so how - describe how you would like to feel emotionally and physically"

"If you have the massage you want today, what will be different between now and when you leave?"

Like us, our clients are often lazy and don't want to think about the answers - often replying with?"I don't know" or "Relaxed." So in this situation I follow up with some more probing, similar to some of the following

"Ok, will you walk differently?"

"When you walk out of here to go to your car will I notice anything different about you or how you are walking?"

"Relaxed, how does relaxed feel for you? Can you describe it?"

You will then find that most clients will start to expand on their answers and give you a much better idea of how to plan your treatment.

At the end of the treatment you can ask them how they feel, did they get the outcome they wanted. A very powerful way of doing this is to ask them to walk around the treatment room and describe how they feel. Ask how it compares to when they arrived, what is different and do they feel they got the treatment they wanted. When they are walking they will often stand still to think about the answer, prompt them to keep walking. Through the movement of their body they will really start to notice the changes and differences.

Massage Therapy Types - Points, Sports and Acupressure Massage

There are dozens of massage therapy types and techniques. Knowing what they are and what they do is sometimes confusing. It is hard to ask for a particular type of massage if you do not know what it is called or even what it will do for you. Here we will try to break the mystery into an understandable list of some commonly practiced massage types and what they do.

 
Points

The belief behind Shiatsu and acupressure is that the body becomes out of balance due to blocked energy along special points called 'meridians', which are located along invisible channels of energy flow throughout the body.

Shiatsu is a Japanese word: "shi" meaning finger, and "atsu" meaning pressure. Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage based on acupressure. Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific points along the body's meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbows, and knees to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. Oriental-based systems of finger pressure massage, such as acupressure and Shiatsu that treat points along the acupressure meridians, aiming to release discomfort and rebalance energy. 

Sports Massage

Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. It is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. Sports massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger. 

 
It is designed to address those specific concerns and may differ according to the sport the athlete plays. Sports massage can be aimed to help heal strained muscles and allow healthy ones to reach peak performance and maintain it while minimizing the risk of injury. 

Sports massage can also include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time. In addition to feeling good, sports massage reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility and relieves pain.

 
Acupressure

Acupressure has been practiced for over 5000 years. It is a form of bodywork based in traditional Chinese meridian theory in which acupuncture points are pressed to stimulate the flow of energy or chi. The technique is based on the same ideas as acupuncture. In acupressure, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow or with various devices.

 
The therapist applies pressure to small contraction knots, relieving pressure. Acupressure stimulates these points to remove blockages, to increase the energy flow and to promote health and harmony in the body. Shiatsu is the most widely known form of acupressure and Zhi Ya is a form of Chinese massage based on acupressure. 

 
Reflexology

Reflexology is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet. It is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Reflexology is a scientific foot massage based on the principal that the feet are a "mini-map" of the body, and that every body part and organ corresponds to an area of the foot.

 
Designed to help bring the body back into balance reflexology uses pinpoint pressure and gentle strokes to the feet. Reflexology eliminates tension, improves circulation and stimulates the body's natural healing process. A reflexology session is meant to break-up stress patterns within the body and provide an overall relaxing experience.

Will Cyber School Affect My Chances of a Good College?

"Mom, Dad I'd like to do cyber school next fall."

Ok, now everyone guess what their first concern was... Bueno!

"How will that affect college?"

Good question! This is another one of those tough questions to answer because there are a bunch of different colleges and cyber schools with different ideologies, standards and opinions.

I first took this question to my school counselor. She let me know that it shouldn't be a problem for most colleges because I had been a good student before. Then I went to some friends of mine who have been schooled online their entire lives. They told me essentially the same thing. It was very reassuring, but I've found in my 16 years of life that it's best to build a body of knowledge for most things because you will never know when it will come in handy, like face painting or unicycle riding (I haven't totally mastered the second yet).

Googling this subject found me a lot of sights about cyber colleges. Interesting, but not quite what I am looking for....aha! A site called college confidential has the answer to this question in an article called "Cyber School and College Admissions."

His overall point is that being schooled online shouldn't hurt your chances at a good college. Before it was looked on with more skepticism, but now virtual school's popularity is quickly growing, and gaining respect also. Most colleges today will have a separate page for cyber schooling requirements.

For example, Penn State offers a web page of requirements for home schooled students. Home school students are basically required the same things as kids who go to public schools. Home schooling isn't the same as cyber schooling, but it is usually grouped in the same categories and looked upon similarly.

Personally I am happy to know that my choice to be in online school will not have a negative effect on colleges, but I am not sure that I will be going to college in a couple years.

I have decided to go into ministry when I am older. I think in my case it would be better if I could gain more experience working with other than going to a college, not that I am ruling out colleges. My biggest gripe with colleges is the insane amount of debt they give you.

So what could I do instead?

Well James Altucher has about 8 alternatives to college. They are to:

1. Start a business

2. Travel the world

3. Create art

4. Make people laugh (teaches how to communicate with people, and can be used for things like writing)

5. Write a book

6. Work in a charity

7. Master a game

8. Master a sport

I can see none of these alternatives being hurt by virtual school. In fact in online school most of these can probably be started during all of the free time that is gained!

Let Massage Therapy Take Your Headache Away

Unfortunately, almost everyone has suffered the pain of a headache at some time. They can last for a few hours up to several days, and sometimes involve symptoms such as sensitivity to light and nausea. They can seriously impact daily life when they occur frequently or for an extended period of time.

A great hidden benefit of massage therapy is that headaches are relieved whilst the side effects that are often accompanied by prescription medication are avoided.

Since many tension and migraine headaches are accompanied by neck pain, headache sufferers find that manual therapies such as massage offer relief from headache pain and related symptoms. Because massage therapy relaxes tense muscles, relieves muscle spasms, improves blood flow and aids relaxation, it can be helpful for relieving the pain of both tension and vascular headaches.

The most common types of headaches are muscle tension and vascular headaches. Muscle tension headaches produce dull, constant pain on both sides of the head and may also involve an aching neck or sensitive scalp. They generally start slowly and can last from hours to days.

Another term for muscle tension headaches is muscle contraction headaches due to the tightening of the groups of muscles around the area of the head, face and neck that is the cause of the pain. This is why tension headache sufferers often describe their pain as a "vice-like grip" at their temples or as tightening bands around the forehead or along the base of the skull.

Vascular headaches are the ones many people describe as "pounding" or "throbbing." They occur when the blood vessels that supply the brain and the muscles in the head swell and constrict. Vascular headache pain intensifies with physical activity and typically lasts from 4 to 72 hours. It may be associated with other symptoms such as vision problems, extreme sensitivity to light, and nausea. Vascular type examples are migraines, cluster headaches and headaches that are a result of high blood pressure.

The relief that is created by massage therapy for both types of these headaches includes easing muscle tension and spasms, releasing shortened muscles plus the important effect of the relaxation of tension that is held in the muscles of the head, shoulders and neck. When muscle tension eases, there is less pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that supply them. Oxygen-rich blood circulation improves, which also relieves pain. Massage therapy will not only assist the body's muscles in relaxing but it will also have the effect of reducing the anxiety and mental stress that can cause or worsen headaches in the first place.

Regular, ongoing massage therapy can also help to prevent headaches by helping to reduce overall stress and the muscle tension that can trigger headache pain and by helping to maintain emotional balance.

Pregnancy Massage - The Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Massage and the Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

The great physical, mental and emotional changes of pregnancy affect your lifestyle, your job and your relationships with friends and family. Pregnancy massage helps you integrate these changes successfully. Massage during pregnancy offers undeniable physical benefits. Massage is healthy and helpful to expectant mothers and pregnancy massage therapy is used to improve overall health, decrease stress and relieve muscle aches and pains. It addresses the many discomforts associated with the skeletal, muscular and circulation changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

Massage alleviates low back, hip and leg pain, oedema, nausea, heartburn and constipation. Regular massage decreases anxiety and lowers stress hormones during pregnancy. Labour is shorter and easier while babies are healthier. There are fewer obstetric and postnatal complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight. Massage is good for you and your baby's health. Mothers massaged during pregnancy bond better with their babies.

Massage relaxes you which eases the discomforts of pregnancy. Massage makes you feel great and this boosts your self-confidence and happiness. Pregnancy massage strengthens your immune system, reduces the negative effects of stress, improves the quality of sleep and gives you more energy.

In addition to calming the nervous system and relaxing tight muscles, circulation is increased by massage so nutrients and oxygen essential for health and energy are transported to the organs and tissues while metabolic waste that make you feel fatigued or nauseous during pregnancy is removed.

Massage during pregnancy makes the lymph system function more efficiently which boosts the immune system and removes excess toxins. Massage also helps stabilize hormone levels and mood swings. Expectant mothers can find relief from the depression and anxiety caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Massage therapy is a wonderful, complimentary choice for prenatal care and a healthy way to promote general well-being and reduce stress. Pregnancy massage is an important addition to prenatal health care and is not a luxury. Massage helps to relieve pregnancy's normal discomforts, such as oedema, joint pain, headaches, backache, leg cramps and stiff neck. It can also give you a better night's sleep as it relaxes and soothes the nervous system. Below are examples of how massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy:

Massage in the First Trimester

• Relieves muscular tension and headaches


• Helps balance emotional and hormonal changes


• Helps alleviate morning sickness


• Improves circulation and oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles as well as removal of metabolic waste


• Reduces fatigue


• Reduces strain on the joints


• Induces relaxation, reduces stress and creates a supportive, caring environment

Massage in the Second Trimester

• Eases heartburn and constipation since overall relaxation stimulates and balances digestion and elimination


• Alleviates muscle cramping, pain and joint dysfunction in the back, hips and shoulders


• Alleviates sciatica


• Relieves leg cramps


• Assists postural alignment to relieve pain from uterine ligament strain


• Helps to lengthen the spine and create more space for the baby


• Helps maintain blood flow through the pelvic area which reduces blood and fluid congestion in the legs


• Improves skin elasticity, reducing stretch marks

Massage in the Third Trimester

• Reduces swelling/oedema


• Continuous assessment for early detection of preeclampsia and deep vein thrombosis


• Relief from restriction in the groin can increase blood and lymph return from the legs


• Relieves pain from varicosities


• Enhances sleep


• Relaxes and calms your baby


• Prepares pelvic muscles for the birth process by relaxing them


• Relaxation brought by frequent massage reduces the build up of discomfort, impatience and anxiety in the last weeks of pregnancy


• Helps in inducing labour in post-term pregnancies or in inducing early labour in high risk pregnancies such as large babies in diabetic mothers

Acupressure & Massage For Dogs, Horses, and Other Companion Animals

Acupressure and other holistic modalities for animals have seen a jump in popularity as animal owners look for ways to help their furry family members live longer, happier and healthier lives. Animal owners are leading the charge as they demand more options for their beloved pets. They are challenging their veterinarians to think outside the western medicine they learned in veterinary school and many veterinarians are responding.

For thousands of years Acupressure has long been used in China to maintain the health and well-being of livestock. Today, there are multitudes of books, classes and entire program offerings for those interested in learning this art form. Acupressure is based upon the same theories as Acupuncture only your hands do the manipulating instead of needles. Traditional Eastern belief is that every living being is born with a fixed amount of Chi or Energy. Through illness, injury, trauma and age our Chi slowly becomes depleted. Acupressure is a means of stimulating certain points on the body to restore depleted Chi.

Stimulation of Acupressure Points can release endorphins, reduce pain, cause a relaxation effect, and bring fresh, oxygenated blood into an ailing area flushing toxins and bringing nutrition rich blood where it's needed. Ideally, Acupressure is used as a preventative to maintain health and well being. "Maintenance sessions" with a professional practitioner will depend on the animal but will vary to between once every one to four weeks for a healthy animal. Acupressure is also used to relieve specific conditions both acute and chronic and the number of sessions will vary depending on the health, age, lifestyle and genetics of the animal as well as the specific problem being addressed.

Typical Acupressure treatment

1. Observation

2. Introduction

3. Opening

4. Treating

5.Closing

During the Observation the practitioner observes the animal's movement, posture, gut sounds, etcetera, and makes notes of marks and patterns on the body to use these cues in the work. The practitioner then asks the animal for permission to do an acupressure treatment. This is done by speaking and touching softly so that the animal accepts the practitioner and gives its permission. The Opening is when the practitioner runs a hand from the eye to the hind foot along an energy meridian called the Bladder Meridian. This opens the energy flow in the entire body and prepares the animal for the Acupressure Point Work or Treatment. The treatment will be unique to each animal and its condition. The intention of the Point Work is to bring balance and healing. The Closing is performed to finish the treatment and is the same as the opening, a long stroke from eye to hind foot. This leaves the animal relaxed and refreshed. A treatment can last anywhere from twenty to sixty minutes depending on the animal and its condition.

If you start working with any cooperative therapies such as Acupressure, Reiki, Massage, or Aromatherapy you will begin to make personal discoveries that often depend on your and the practitioners developed intuition rather then on any "rational" process or scientific theory. When someone insists that these therapies meet "rational" standards of proof, they rule out methods of treatment that have been shown for years to be effective and harmless. Janet Travell was effectively sidelined by her medical colleagues for years because anatomical knowledge could find no explanation for the patterns of pain distribution associated with myofascial trigger points. She was in her late eighties before the breakthrough was made and she received the belated recognition that her success in diagnosis and treatment should have earned her forty years prior.

Acupressure and other forms of animal bodywork are exciting and rewarding fields of study for those looking to enhance the health and well being of their own furry friend or begin a new career helping the animals of others.

For more information on animal Acupressure, Massage, Reiki and other programs, or to order books, DVDs, or charts, contact the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage, P.O. Box 1491, Carbondale, CO 81623, 303-669-4227. Locations in Golden, Englewood, Littleton, Brighton, and Carbondale.

Some Benefits of Massage - The Power of Touch

Massage can be used for relaxation, stimulation or rehabilitation of the whole body, or just part of it. Although all too often we only ever treat ourselves to a massage therapy when our bodies are exhausted and we have over exerted ourselves and we are feeling a bit burnt out...

Massage is a technique derived from many cultures, used for various reasons; comfort, touch, communication and a safe non threatening natural therapy, whatever the power of touch is of real benefit and can heal the mind body and soul... So treating ourselves to regular massage therapies and experiencing all the various types of treatments available is of real benefit to our well being.

There are so many benefits to a good massage treatment, and if added to our routine of body maintenance it can help us in so many ways, the real pick you up treatment, the buzz and the healing and nurturing effects of a good massage are so beneficial...experience it for yourself.

Soothing- for most of us we hold and retain all the everyday stress we encounter and the soothing touch of massage when applied to the body can reduce stress and improve our general well being. A massage therapy that combines a soothing touch when applied with oils and creams can simply smooth away all our stress and lift our mood.

Comforting - the power of touch is so comforting, from all ages we all appreciate the comfort gained from touch, as children when we fell and hurt ourselves the gentle touch from our parents comforted us and " massaged " away the pain and discomfort... even animals licking their wounds and healing the pain... never under estimate the comfort of touch. When we are upset and anxious, following bereavement or relationship stress and anxiety, massage therapies can comfort us and leave us feeling safe and secure. It's a natural therapy and the power of touch can be the strongest non-invasive therapy.

Physiological - In addition to all the psychological benefits of massage there are all the true physical benefits... massage can improve the circulation, remove dead skin cells, remove toxins improving the lymphatic system, and encourage better breathing and all of these benefits can be achieved through regular body massage treatments.

Clients all enjoy different types of massage, with so many to choose from and all of these treatments offering their own benefit, do some research and book a few types of massage to see which type works best for you.

Some of the more gentle therapies such as aromatherapy massage, or lymphatic drainage massage can improve the circulation, remove toxins and combined with the power of aromatic essential oils can soothe, uplift, energise, relax or stimulate.

Stronger massage therapies like deep tissue massage or sport massage is beneficial for releasing the tension in the muscle and for restoring the balance. After any sports injury the massage therapy will improve the muscle flexibility and reduce swelling and assist the body to recover and repair the injury that has been sustained.

So there are real benefits to massage treatments, and more and more clients are seeing the improvement in their well being, the improved sleep patterns, reduction in stress, and better muscular structure.

If you have never experienced massage it's not too late...

There are many therapists that can visit your home; there are therapists that work from health clubs, spas or home studio. Whatever type of massage treatment you want, if you feel more comfortable with a male or a female therapist, even speak to your friends, often first timers feel more comfortable with a therapist that has been recommended to them.

Go on book yourself a massage and experience the benefits for yourself.

Adolescent Scoliosis - Early Detection is Important and Treatment Options Exist

Baby boomers may recall days of being screened for scoliosis in elementary or middle school. While this practice was common in states across the US for a number of years, it has stopped in many communities.

Some may also remember when kids diagnosed with scoliosis wore heavy-looking metal braces. This full-torso brace extending from the pelvis to the base of the skull was designed by Milwaukee-area physicians. Commonly referred to as The Milwaukee Brace, it was the most popular scoliosis brace for several decades.

Today, screenings and treatment approaches are varied.

School screenings are not currently mandated in more than 25 states.  Yet many organizations recognize the benefits of screening programs including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), Scoliosis Research Society, and American Academy of Pediatrics.

Most physicians perform screenings during annual check-ups. Yet, a challenge exists because many adolescents do not have routine wellness doctor visits.

Screenings take as little as 30 seconds and are commonly performed on children between 10 and 15. A trained health care professional views the spine in both standing and bending positions. Children with suspicious findings should see a physician who often orders an x-ray. Parents may also want to have a child examined by a physical therapist (PT) to discuss exercise-based approaches to treatment.

Most children with scoliosis have mild curves and won't need aggressive treatment. When a curve is suspected or confirmed, follow-up screenings are critically important, especially during times of rapid adolescent growth. With follow-up screenings, clinicians can gain information about curve progression. This helps determine the best treatment approach.

Several medical organizations publish scoliosis treatment guidelines. The decision to treat scoliosis is based on many factors, including age, maturity, sex, family history, curve size and how much the child is likely to grow.

Traditionally in the US, treatment has involved a wait-and-see approach. Physicians most commonly monitor curve progression and initiate bracing treatment if the curve passes a certain threshold. When the curve continues to progress, surgery may be recommended. Surgery involves techniques to fuse or join the vertebrae at the levels of the scoliosis curve

Today, the most commonly used scoliosis brace is a thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO), or underarm brace. It is more easily concealed under clothing than the Milwaukee Brace. Variations in TLSO braces have emerged in the US in the past several years. Most recently, a European brace, the Rigo-System Cheneau (RSC), has become popular for its unique three-dimensional correction principles.

Also in the US in recent years, scoliosis-specific physical therapy (PT) has become recognized as beneficial in influencing the progression of the curvature. In past decades, PT has played a minor role in scoliosis treatment in America. Patients and families are now seeking more proactive alternatives to addressing scoliosis early after diagnosis. With advancements in therapist specialization and education on scoliosis, physical therapy is now a more available option.

The primary PT-based approach seeing increased popularity in the US is the Schroth method, a conservative, non-surgical, exercise-based scoliosis treatment. Although practiced in Germany since the 1960s, this method became available in the US just 5 years ago. In Europe, more than 3,000 patients are treated with Schroth annually. Today, fewer than 20 therapists in the US are Schroth-certified.

The goal of Schroth is to reduce curve progression as well as provide additional benefits such as improved breathing and improved psychological outlook. Patients work intensively with a physical therapist, learning how to expertly perform exercises specific to their scoliosis curve pattern. Schroth may be combined with bracing, depending on cure severity and the age of the patient. The RSC brace is preferred for accompanying Schroth therapy. The US has fewer than 10 orthotists who are trained to fit RSC braces.

With Schroth therapy, patients report benefit in being empowered to take action in addressing scoliosis and also report a noticeable difference in postural deformity. Case reports are available showing success in preventing surgery through the combined use of RSC bracing and Schroth therapy. In select cases, patients have experienced reduction in the curve - exceeding the traditional goal of stabilization of the curve.

Decisions about scoliosis screening and treatment are always individual choices of families. Parents and children should be aware of the importance of screening and explore various treatment options if scoliosis is diagnosed. 

Information about the Schroth Method and Rigo System Cheneau bracing at http://www.sdwpt.com.

What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is the medical term for an abnormal curvature of the spine. It occurs in approximately 2-3% of people in the US, most commonly children. Idiopathic scoliosis means that the spinal curve develops for unknown reasons. Scoliosis curves are at highest risk for worsening during adolescent growth spurts. At onset, scoliosis rarely involves pain; thus, it is often not diagnosed early. Once progressed, scoliosis can seriously impact quality of life. Early detection is important to ensure optimal management of scoliosis.

The Benefits Of Tantric Massages

A lot of people travel often for business. Business persons who travel may think that relaxation aside from sleeping is not possible from one's hotel room. Such thoughts are actually proved to be wrong! Receiving a massage is the best way to achieve just that. From the comfort of one's hotel room, you may be able to receive a massage allowing you to leave all the worries of your business problems and stresses behind. There are outcall massage services that one can take advantage of. Before going to bed straight after a business meeting, why not spend an hour or two redeeming a tantric massage within the comforts of your own hotel room. Such a massage will leave you feeling with a renewed sense of sensual energy not only for your body but also for your mind and spirit.

Tantric massage services are popular in any city. This kind of massage is a type of therapy that combines traditional massages of both the East and the West. Generally the purpose is to clear out the blockage of emotions and energy found within your body. The goal is to reawaken and channel your sensual energy.

There are a lot of health benefits one may receive from experiencing an outcall massage. Tantric massage in particular allows the client to experience a state of enabling peaceful energy to enter the body. As an effect, it reduces all stress, negative emotions and feelings prior to the massage session. It also sends the mind into hibernation mode allowing one to focus on the emotions of wellness while being massaged. Overall, a tantric massage will optimize your body's stamina and energy levels, leading to you being a more astute and successful business person.

Just because a tantric massage is sensual it does not mean that it is purely sexual. The truth is, sexual energy can be converted into other forms of positive energy within your body. So if you're on a short business trip, whether for critical business dealings or not, be assured that you can relieve all stress built up due to taxing business dealings. A tantric massage also allows you to make more positive and efficient decisions. If you have a few hours to spare before that crucial meeting, it might be your best option to receive a tantric massage.

An amazing massage will ease all the discomforts of jetlag and replace it with a feeling of relaxation. Tantric massages also balance the levels of high blood pressure as well as aid in detoxifying wastes from your body. It also increases circulation, in that oxygen and nutrients will have an easier flow while at the same time releasing a good amount of endorphins responsible for making one feel good and positive.

How To Achieve Optimal Athletic Performance With Massage Therapy

Whether you are involved in a specific sport or just lead an active lifestyle, massage therapy can help lessen your chances of injury and help enhance your athletic ability. Therapeutic massage can be effective after a strenuous training session, before or after a competitive event, and can also help heal an old or new injury.

Top athletes from around the world use massage therapy and other forms of bodywork to achieve peak performance in their sport. In fact, sports massage was made a part of the Medical Services Team for the first time in history at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. This shows that athletes and coaches from different countries consider massage to be an important part of their preparation and training. You can do the same and gain a competitive edge over the competition by doing what the pros do.

Muscles can easily become overworked by overtraining. When a muscle becomes tight, it becomes inefficient. It cannot elongate and protect the joints fast enough to avoid damage. Massage helps to improve muscle elasticity by stretching and lengthening shortened muscles which helps you avoid injury.

Intense training can also lead to a buildup of waste products within the muscles. Regular massage not only increases circulation to bring oxygen and deliver nutrients to the muscles, it also helps to speed up the removal of these metabolic wastes that can make you sore a day or two after heavy training. By removing these waste products from the body faster, it allows you to recover faster, so you can resume training sooner.

Massage is cumulative. This means that each massage session builds onto the next and you reap greater benefits when you receive regular treatments. It cannot be stressed enough how important regular treatments are to the athlete. There comes a time when an athlete must come to terms with an injury and decide whether or not to continue training. Recovering from an injury during training is not likely if one continues to train at a high level. The risks involved if intense training continues can lead to more damage and possibly surgery.

The best defense against injury is prevention. Preventive therapy can help increase the potential of an athlete. Unfortunately, massage therapy is not a quick fix. If you are already injured, it may take several sessions to achieve the level of training before the injury. This is why Prevention is key. Receiving regular massage treatments can actually help prevent injury. Oftentimes during a session, areas of tension and soreness are felt that was not noticed before. These tender areas can be signs of the beginning stages of a future injury. Getting these areas "worked out" can help you to continue to train hard so you can achieve your athletic goals in your sport.

Making massage therapy a part of your training regimen can only benefit you as an athlete. Strength and endurance can be more easily attained with a relaxed and flexible body. Combining massage with regular training allows your muscles to work more efficiently, increases circulation to speed healing allowing you to recover faster so you can train harder, reduces muscle spasms and injury, and what every athlete wants, improved athletic performance.

Although the demands of each sport is different, finding a knowledgeable massage therapist is also key to helping you achieve your athletic goals. Training for an event such as a marathon or triathlon places a lot of stress on your muscles and joints. Regular sports massage and other forms of bodywork treatments every one or two weeks can greatly enhance your athletic ability. If you want to maximize your potential as an athlete, or if your training is limited due to muscle spasms or pain, it may be time to give massage therapy a try.

Is Massage Safe During Pregnancy?

Massage during pregnancy is usually safe when administered by a trained therapist. Your therapist will have you fill out a health information form to make sure that she is aware of any health concerns. There are some precautions that therapists take with pregnant women, for instance there are pressure points which can cause contractions that your therapist will avoid if you are pregnant. Also, we avoid deep abdominal pressure during pregnancy. If you have any doubts about receiving a massage simply check with your doctor or midwife at your next prenatal appointment.

Generally, you should not receive massage if you currently have:

• Fever


• Vomiting


• Heavy discharge or bleeding


• Deep vein thrombosis


• Threatened Miscarriage

Ask you doctor or midwife before receiving a massage if you have:

• Preeclampsia


• Incompetent Cervix


• Preterm Labor


• High Risk Pregnancy

Okay, so if massage is safe for you and you schedule your appointment what happens in the session? What do you do about your big belly?

Some massage therapists have wonderful special body cushions or tables that allow you to rest face down without putting pressure on your abdomen. If your therapist does not have this type of cushion she will have you lie on your side, draped under sheets and blankets for the massage. You will supported with pillows to ensure your comfort. Generally the therapist will perform a full body massage treatment for an hour long appointment unless you request otherwise. The therapist will focus on helping you relax and bringing relief from any discomfort or pain you may have been experiencing prior to your massage.

Finding a therapist that's right for you can take some time. Here are some questions you can ask when you are looking for a massage therapist:

• Are you Nationally Certified?


• Are you a member of a professional organization?


• Where did you go to school? How many hours was your program? 


• Do you give pregnancy massages?


• Did you receive training in pregnancy massage?


• Do you require a doctor's permission before performing pregnancy massage?

Then go and enjoy your massage and all the benefits of relaxation and pain relief that it brings you.

The Science Behind Massage Chairs

In today's fast-paced world of highly advanced modern technology, advancements in medical research and modern technology have come together to evolve the ever-popular antidote for body pain, stress and tension while promoting relaxation and well-being and enhancing body function and healing process, in highly advanced and sophisticated chairs. These massage chairs achieve the usual physical, mental and emotional benefits of a regular traditional massage but in a more cost-and-time-efficient, flexible and convenient way that suits today's hectic lifestyle.

Nowadays, chairs like the massage chair in Perth are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are pushing for a healthier lifestyle. These once novel and very expensive ergonomically-designed massage chairs are now more affordable than ever and are engineered with multiple hi-tech attributes to deliver a more personalized massage therapy tailored to the individual's needs while sitting or in a reclining position in the convenience of your home or office at anytime of the day or night.

Massaging chairs vary tremendously in style and intensity, from cheap "vibrate only" chairs to full intensity Shiatsu models including zero gravity full body massage chairs. While no two have the exact same design, basically, most of them contain a frame that supports an internal electronic system of motors, gears, rollers and vibration mechanisms designed to move in a 3-dimensional fashion in order to mimic and simulate the way professional massage therapists use their fingers, thumbs and palms in a traditional massage. These electronic systems of motors gears, rollers and vibration mechanisms move in patterns determined by the structure of the frame, giving the different massage strokes to apply tension and pain relieving therapy to the person sitting on them.

There are also some more advanced massage chairs that make use of a couple of curved tracks that are shaped similar to your back or a mechanical arm that can move left and right as well as up and down and even in small circles. All of these are powered by an electric motor and controlled by the chair's microprocessor which stores a number of pre-programmed movements and patterns that simulate common massage styles.

Most massaging chair today come with some form of controller to vary the type of strokes, location, or intensity of massage.

Many modern massage chairs can perform a number of massage styles similar to that a regular massage therapy offers such as kneading which improves your blood circulation and provides deep tissue relief, tapping that relieves your body aches and reduces stress, shiatsu which is a combination of rolling and kneading for your trouble spots, pressing for your stiff and tight muscles, vibration which stimulates your digestion, circulation, metabolism and lymphatic flow and stretching which improves your blood flow and releases tight muscles and joints.

Massaging chair most frequently resembles recliners that are designed with electrical and mechanical systems that can operate in multiple positions. There are some that have a motorized reclining system. This enables the user to change the chair's position by pressing a button on the control system. Others, on the other hand, require the user to pull a release handle before physically pushing back against the backrest of the chair.

This number of features further increases the feeling that the massage is being administered by an actual human masseuse. So, rather than traveling to a therapist, you can now enjoy professional massaging therapy, soothing away your back pains and tensions with your own massage chair.

The Importance of Sports Massage Therapy For All Athletes

The Winter Olympics finished earlier this year in Vancouver, and one thing prevalent at the games - besides terrific performances by the world's best athletes - was massage therapists, and a lot of them. And this prevalence of sports trainers and professional therapists was not unique to just this year's Games. Indeed, a study in The British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that 45 percent of the treatment athletes receive at major, international and national, sporting events comes in the form of sports massage therapy.

The reason for this abundance of sports therapy is clear. In the journal of Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, an article published in 2008 demonstrated sports therapy's extensive benefit for athletes, with therapy being credited in reducing levels of swelling while increasing levels of muscle strength after periods of strenuous exercise. In the same study, sports therapy also was shown to decrease the amount of energy the body must expend to heal damaged muscle groups.

What does all this mean?

It means that the world's best professional athletes will continue to use massage therapy at competitions of the highest level, which means that athletes at all levels may want to consider therapy to aid themselves and their teams in training and competitions.

What, specifically, can massage do for athletes?

- It can improve training, with therapy easing muscle pain and potential injury during strenuous days. Therapy can also keep muscles flexible and healthy during lighter days or periods of training.

- It can improve performance. Sports massage before competitions can energize muscles and aid in stretching and warm-up exercises. It can also help limit the amount of pain and potential injury after grueling events.

- It can improve health. Therapy has been proven to improve the body's circulation, essential for the removal of metabolic waste, but also important in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Massage therapy has benefits for athletes of all sports. Be it basketball, hockey, lacrosse, swimming, running, bicycling, football, golf, basketball, soccer, tennis or any of the many other athletic pursuits out there, sports therapy can be a great way to ensure the best possible health and condition of athletes, during training and at competitions. There's a reason why almost half of all professional therapists practice sports therapy, and why nearly half of all treatment given to athletes at major, international competitions comes in the form of sports therapy. Quite simply: It works.

Massage Therapist Tools

When you think of some massage therapist tools what are the first images that come to your mind? Do you think of tools that are used instead of hands such as a back or a neck massager, body and foot rollers? Well there are other tools such as portable massage chairs and desktop massage support where you still get to use your hands.

There are also other ways for massage therapists to use tools that will help them give clients an enjoyable massage. Tools such as good advertising and promotion. Tools such as directories that list massage therapists are extremely profitable because they advertise your business. They are actually more effective than one might think. I had a friend who placed his information on a directory featuring massage therapists and in a week he got a response in the email from a couple who wanted his services. He was surprised because he didn't think he had enough credentials and he certainly didn't put his whole life story in his listing.

Some massage therapists use other tools that will no doubt help your business, but a combined effort of both advertising and additional tools will help in both boosting your presence on the web and giving your clients the best work you can. Portable massage chairs give a chance for the therapist to come to the client. It is a very effective massage therapist tool to use and for marketing. If your clients know you have a portable massage chair they'll be more willing to hire you as their massage therapist because they know they don't have to go to a new location because you can just come to them.

A desktop massage support is exactly like a portable massage chair. It's easy to carry, and you can take it anywhere and everywhere. It gives your client head and neck support while you get to massage their upper half. The main differences between a desktop massage support and portable massage chairs are that a portable massage chair is stronger and it can also be used to support to a client's lower body weight so you can also work their upper body and lower body.

Massage therapist tools are good for advertising and using in a massage therapy session in order to boost your presence in your community or on the web and also to maximize your business potential. I hope these tools will work for you and your business.

Massage Therapy Jobs - A Career Worth Pursuing?

I should have married a massage therapist. Don't get me wrong, I love my wife; but how amazing would it be to have that kind of expertise at your disposal each and every day? Of course, there's no telling what the quality of your massage would be compared to your therapist spouse's customers; they are after all, paying for the service. So what goes into being a massage therapist? How the pay is and what kind of training do you need? Let's find out!

It's All About the Money

Back in the days of me being an EMT, I was required to briefly touch people. Having a job where your only requirement is to touch people on a personal basis; I'd need a lot of money to do that. Fortunately for massage therapists, the average annual intake can be around $43,000. This all depends of course on in what capacity you choose to work as a therapist. Right now, the massage industry is said to be booming so it could be a good time to get in on the ground floor if you already haven't. Of course, it's not as simple as walking out the door and saying "I'm a massage therapist now." No. There is training and required certification to be considered.

Licensure and Laws

Currently, the District of Columbia and 37 states require licensing to work as a massage therapist. There are two types of national certification exams and transferring your license from one state to another state is pretty much determined on a state to state basis. Some require retesting, some will transfer with no obligations and some are decided on a case by case decision. There are several categories in which you will need to be knowledgeable:

繚 Professional ethics, legal practices, professional standards and general business
繚 A basic knowledge of the body
繚 Therapeutic massage application
繚 Detailed knowledge of physiology, anatomy and kinesiology
繚 Therapeutic massage assessment
繚 Pathology

If you are nationally certified, you are required to renew that certification every four years. Options for recertification include retesting or a 50-hour refresher course and 200 hours of therapeutic massage experience throughout the four year period.

So You Say You Want the Job?

Even though the industry is, as I said, supposedly booming right now, positions are curiously hard to come across. Maybe it's the evenings and weekends required. Of course, starting your own business is always an option, but that's usually a little further down the line. There are so many facets of massage therapy, including but not limited to:

繚 Hospital massage therapist
繚 Physical therapy/rehab massage therapist
繚 Spa or health club massage therapist
繚 Chiropractic massage therapist

You will also be amazed that there are actually over 160 methods of massage. The Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, hot stone massage (highly recommended), acupressure and Thai massage are only a few of those available.

The benefits of getting a massage from a qualified massage therapist are too numerous to mention. The benefits to those who choose to pursue massage therapy jobs are probably not as many. But if you can get into a stable place of employment and possibly break out on your own eventually, the job of massage therapist can be rewarding and even truly profitable.

Sports Massage Therapy - The Benefits For Athletes

Sports massage therapy can be a great help to athletes like Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner of the Phoenix Cardinals football team. The therapy can help athletes prepare for the game, both physically and mentally. Because athletes are prone to injury, take Warner's rough tackle which left him with a concussion or Fitzgerald's blown out knee in a few games, this therapy is used during games, when injuries occur, and after games, to calm the athlete's body. This therapy must be applied by a licensed masseur or physical therapist because of how deeply it affects the muscles and body tissue.

As mentioned above, this therapy is used before games. This is a preparation techniques for the athlete and his body. It helps him prepare to perform at his best during the game. It also helps the athlete be as flexible as possible because his muscles are relaxed and his adrenaline is flowing. His focus can remain on the game, instead of a nagging pain in his leg, which was bothering him before the massage. During the game, a player may need a massage treatment to eliminate any feelings of fatigue they may be suffering form. It could also reduce the swelling of an injury and possibly help eliminate receiving any more injuries during the game. The use of the massage after the game will, no doubt, help the athlete's body relax from the strain, both physical and mental, of the game. It will help the stress and tension, which had built up in the athlete's body during the game, be released from the muscles and tissues.

The benefits of the sports massage therapy are specific to what an athlete needs before, during and after a game. Not only does this therapy slow a possibly erratic or racing pulse, but it also brings the athlete's blood pressure back to its normal levels in a healthy way. It helps the blood flow increase, so that circulation to the limbs and brain return to healthy and normal levels while allowing the lymph flow to follow suit. If any injuries were received during the game, this will help reduce or even eliminate the pain of those injuries, along with any lingering muscle tension left over from the physical activity of the game.

This type of massage therapy is recommended for athletes and not the casual or recreational person seeking a massage. Because this is a mix of a Swedish massage and a Shiatsu massage, the techniques can be quite rough and intense on someone's muscles who are not used to this type of massage. If one is choosing this massage, be aware that it will involve deep tissue therapy, which could hurt.

Parkinson's Disease and the Benefits of Massage Therapy

Bodywork therapy can provide tremendous relief to people suffering from a multitude of diseases, Parkinson's disease being one of them. Parkinson's disease, also called Parkinsonism, is a disorder of the central nervous system, and results in involuntary movements of the body. The disease results from the degeneration of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Some symptoms include tremors, slow movement, rigidity, and poor balance. Since western medicine has yet to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, many people are turning to various forms of alternative treatment methods for relief, including massage therapy.

Although massage therapy is not to be considered a cure for Parkinson's disease, it can offer valuable therapeutic symptom relief. Many people suffering with this disease experience severe muscle pain and tightness, which can be alleviated with manual therapy. If you are already working with, or are thinking of working with a client who has Parkinson's disease, make certain you are aware of ALL medications they may be taking, as there may be serious massage contraindications present. Many medications prescribed for those with Parkinson's disease often have side effects that can deter certain forms of massage from being performed. It is also important when working with these clients that you maintain close contact with their physicians.

You may need to alter your normal massage session slightly to better accommodate your Parkinson's patient, but the results will prove worth the effort. Studies have shown that receiving regular massage treatments can reduce tremors and improve overall daily functioning, which is a huge triumph for someone with Parkinson's disease. Your clients will be grateful for helping them reduce their frustrating symptoms, making massage therapy an ideal form of treatment.

Health and Advanced Physiotherapy

Healthy living is a combination of many things, including good nutrition, regular exercise and a positive attitude. Taking care of your body and feeling pride in your accomplishments can improve both your physical and mental health. There are many things you can do to improve your quality of life. No matter how small you start, you can make a big change and an improvement in your life.

In accordance to the present time and needs, a health care giver is an individual or an institution that provides preventive, curative, promotional or rehabilitative health care services in a systematic way to individuals, families or communities. To forsee, Allied Health Professions are clinical health care professions distinct from medicine, dentistry, and nursing which are making up 60 percent of the total health workforce. They work in health care teams to make the health care system function by providing a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and direct patient care and support services that are critical to the other health professionals they work with and the patients they serve.

Physiotherapy alias physical therapy is considered as one of the fastest growing allied areas of present generation medicine. Being an important rehabilitative service needed in a community and a vital therapeutic supplement of the medical profession, it's the treatment of diseases and disabilities using physical exercises, heat radiations, cold therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and therapeutic massage. It is a health care specialty concerned with evaluating, diagnosing and treating disorders of the body to restore maximal functional independence for the patient by enhancing their ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent any or further disability.

As doctors, physiotherapists or physical therapists are essential in helping the patient to recover and rehabilitate from a state of incapacity, due to genetic defect or the result of an accident or an illness. They must have a thorough knowledge of the human anatomy and the way the bones, muscles and nerves move and function. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of ailments, so specialization is possible in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, integumentary, orthopedics, sports physical therapy, neurology, vestibular, women's health, clinical electrophysiology and, cardio-vascular and pulmonary therapy. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy. They can practice in outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation trainings, private homes, education and research centers, schools, hospitals, industrial workplaces, occupational environments, fitness centers, sports training facilities, health policy, health care administration and as health care executives and medical-legal field experts.

This therapy is the interaction between physical therapist, patients/clients, other health professionals, families, care givers, and communities using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapists. Physical therapy or PT management includes prescription of or assistance with specific exercises, manual therapy, education, manipulation and other mentioned interventions.

In order to work as a physical therapist, one must first graduate from a physical therapy educational program with a Master or Doctorate degree. Coursework includes biology, chemistry, and physics, biomechanics, anatomy, neurology, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, therapeutic procedures and clinical sciences (e.g., content about the cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, metabolic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, integumentary, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular systems and the medical and surgical conditions frequently seen by physical therapists). In order to practice, graduates from physical therapy programs must pass international, national and state licensing exams. In order to retain their licenses, many states require PTs to take continuing education classes and workshops. A good physiotherapist should be familiar with the standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field and should rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Capability to perform a variety of tasks and certain degree of creativity and latitude is also required. The median expected salary for a typical physical therapist holding a masters degree in the United States is $74,336.

On a typical day a physical therapist -examines patients' medical histories, tests and measures the patients' strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, performance, respiration, sensory and motor function, determine patients' ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness and develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome.

Historically, Hippocrates and later Galenus are believed to have been the first practitioners of physical therapy, advocating massage, manual therapy techniques and hydrotherapy to treat people in 460 B.C. The earliest documented origins of actual physical therapy as a profession date back to Per Henrik Ling, "Father of Swedish Gymnastics," who founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics (RCIG) in 1813.In 1887, PTs were given official registration by Sweden's National Board of Health and Welfare. Modern physical therapy was established in Britain towards the end of the 19th century. The first school of physical therapy was established at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington D.C. following the outbreak of World War I. In 1974, the International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapists was formed,which plays an important role in advancing manual therapy worldwide.

The speciality and common treatments of the profession include, Cardiovascular & Pulmonary (cystic fibrosis, heart attacks, post coronary bypass surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis), Clinical Electrophysiology(EMG/NCV), Geriatric (arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, hip and joint replacement, balance disorders, incontinence), Integumentary (conditions involving the skin and related organs), Neurological (Alzheimer's disease, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke and common impairments including impairments of vision, balance, ambulation, activities of daily living, movement, muscle strength and loss of functional independence), Orthopedic (post-operative orthopedic procedures, fractures, acute sports injuries, arthritis, sprains, strains, back and neck pain, spinal conditions and amputations), Vestibular (vertigo, disequilibrium, mobility and balance disturbances),Pediatric (developmental delays, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, torticollis may be treated), Sports (athletic injury management, including acute care, treatment and rehabilitation, prevention, and education), Women's health (issues related to child birth, post partum, lymph edema, osteoporosis, pelvic pain, prenatal and post partum periods and urinary incontinence).

It is a vast field of exploration and gradually, physiotherapy is achieving a non conservative approach as an important human health and rehabilitative resource and holds a tremendous scope for quality. What all it lacks is the awareness.

Massage Therapy: Physical And Psychological Effects On Stress and Pain

Stress

Stress can have many triggers and many different effects on people. In our modern world, people are often under daily pressure to achieve increasing numbers of tasks in shorter periods of time.

Stress may contribute to lowered immunity and can be a significant factor in the development of symptoms of both physical and mental illness.

One common physical symptom of stress is muscle tension. This often results in pain such as headaches, backache and a sore neck.

Common psychological symptoms of stress are depression, anxiety, or general difficulty coping with everyday tasks

Stress can also increase the severity of existing health complaints such as problems with digestion, period pain, and asthma.

Often, the physical symptoms of stress themselves can lead to further feelings of stress, which can result in a vicious cycle. This cycle can put people at risk of serious health problems such as stomach ulcers or severe anxiety and depression.

By treating the physical symptoms of stress, your Massage Therapist can help reduce muscle tension and pain. This allows you to feel physically more comfortable and can help make things seem easier to cope with. Massage Therapy can also make sure that the systems of the body (eg: digestive/ respiratory/ circulatory), are all working efficiently and effectively to help reduce other symptoms that may be caused or aggravated by stress

Massage Therapy can also have a profound effect on the mind. It can help to improve the circulation of "feel good" hormones around the body, affecting the way you think and feel. This can help to promote a sense of calm and wellbeing.

Soothing touch encourages a natural and positive psychological response. A mother comforting a crying child by gently rubbing its head would be an example of this.

Massage Therapy can help to soothe your stress away.

Pain

Pain relief can be brought about by a reduction in muscle tension.

The following types of pain can be treated by your Massage Therapist by reducing muscle tension in muscle groups surrounding/ connected to the area of pain:

• Headache


• Backache


• Period Pain


• Muscle Strain


• Some types of Arthritis

Some other types of pain may also by reduced by massage therapy:

Cramps can be reduced by reducing the involuntary contraction of muscles.

Abdominal pain caused by digestive problems may be reduced by improving the efficiency of the digestive system.

Sinus pain can be reduced by encouraging the drainage of fluid from the face, thus reducing pressure build up.

In cases of severe pain and discomfort, the area may be too painful to allow your Massage Therapist to touch the affected area. In such cases, you must discuss this with your massage therapist, who may advise you to consult your doctor.

Plan Ahead Before Going To Graduate School For Physical Therapy

A career in physical therapy is extremely rewarding for most professionals in this field. You will get to help others to improve their functioning, overcoming illness, injury, or disabilities. You'll get to see your patients regain their normal lives after traumatic experiences, and you'll help them to reach their full potential. Obviously, a career in this field is very demanding and requires a great deal of education and training to prepare you. You will need to go to graduate school if you want to become a physical therapist, but are you ready? You'll need to know the prerequisites for entering a graduate program in physical therapy before you begin the application process.

Physical therapy is generally not a career you can enter on the strength of a Bachelor's degree. In fact, only graduate programs in physical therapy are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education. The majority of accredited programs are doctorate degrees, as this is the most desirable degree to hold if you would like to become a physical therapist.

It is not necessary to have completed an undergraduate degree in physical therapy before pursuing your graduate program. Rather, you should have an academic background that has prepared you for your rigorous graduate coursework. Most students who go on to graduate school in the field have an undergraduate degree in an area of science.

Many schools require students to have taken at least a year of anatomy, chemistry, biology, and even physics during their Bachelor's degree program. These classes will serve as a jumping-off point for the rigorous science courses you will be taking in graduate school. After all, you cannot succeed in a musculoskeletal graduate course if you do not understand the basics of human anatomy. If you are still working on your undergraduate degree, keep graduate school prerequisites in mind when you select your courses.

Many physical therapy graduate schools expect students to be certified in First Aid and CPR. These skill-sets comprise medical training at its most basic. If you are still working on your undergraduate degree, you may have a chance to take CPR and First Aid classes at your college. If your school does not offer these courses, or if you have already completed your undergraduate degree, you can likely pursue CPR and First Aid training at your local community college.

Something else that can help you to be accepted into an excellent physical therapy program is work experience. You will probably not have any direct work experience in the field of physical therapy. What a school may look for, however, is experience related to working with people in many capacities. For example, a volunteer position at a hospital or even a customer service job can demonstrate that you have a good work ethic and people skills.

Many physical therapy departments of hospitals or health care centers ask for volunteers, which would be the best choice of work experience for you. Seek whatever opportunities you can find to spend a day shadowing a physical therapist or even directly assisting him or her in her duties.

Occupational Therapy - A Career Helping People Recover

General Overview

The main role of the occupational therapist is to assist people who have been injured or who have been disabled since birth to recover or learn the skills using adaptations that will help them be more independent in everyday life. Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy are often confused. OT deals mainly with fine motor skills, such as using hands; physical therapy deals with the big muscle groups and associated skills, such as walking. Occupational therapy was rated the ninth least stressful job in America by "US News and World Report."

Patients may make slow progress towards their goals. They may ignore instructions to practice therapy at home. Sometimes they even resent the time spent going to therapy and are angry that they even have to be there. In all of these situations, the occupational therapist must remain patient and try to motivate the patient and give him or her a view of what the future could be like if they follow through with instructions from the therapist.

Required Education

All OTs in the United States have gone through a master's-level program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). To graduate a pre-service occupational therapist must demonstrate his or her knowledge in a clinical setting for at least 24 hours. This field work is supervised. After graduating with a master's degree, the next step is passing the national certification test. If passed, this test entitles the therapist to use the title "Occupational Therapist Registered" or OTR after his or her name.

Students who plan to continue their education in an OT master's program can get undergraduate degrees in sociology, anthropology, psychology, liberal arts, biology or anatomy. Other similar bachelor's degrees also go well with a master's in occupational therapy. The actual OT courses include study of the behavioral sciences, physical sciences, life sciences and applying OT theory.

At present, ACOTE accredits four doctoral programs and 150 master's and combined bachelor's/master's OT programs in the United States.

The top five occupational therapy programs in America, as ranked by "U. S. News and World Report" are as follows: Boston College Sargent, Washington University St. Louis, University of Southern California, University of Illinois Chicago, Tufts University Boston and the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Job Growth Expectations

Ranking as one of the top 50 best careers of 2010 by "U. S. News and World Report, " occupational therapy is predicted to grow faster than other jobs. This is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Work with the elderly in the OT field will be a large part of the increase.

Between 2008 and 2018, the number of OTs is expected to rise by 26%. In 2008, 105,000 people worked as OTs. By 2018, 131,300 people are expected to be working as OTs.

Pay

Mental health facilities, home health care services, public and private schools, hospitals and nursing homes are the main places where occupational therapists find work. A few work for themselves.

The average OT salary in 2008, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $67,780. The bottom 10% of therapists earned below $42,820 and the top 10% earned over $98,310 per year.

The average salary of an OT working in home health care services is $74,510 a year. OTs working in nursing homes earned about $72,510 a year and those doing occupational therapy in schools earned considerably less at $60,020 per year.

Physical Therapy Marketing and Buisness Success

Welcome to the first step in the understanding of how to grow a successful physical therapy practice. First of all we should define what a successful practice is. Is it a practice that sees a large volume of patients? Is it a practice that is financially lucrative for all involved? The ideally successful clinic, is one in which the patients get the best possible care, referral sources are happy with the services provided, the employees have a high sense of ownership and love what they do, and yes it is extremely profitable for all that are involved because they have an underlying sense of ownership.

This is a huge opportunity for all of us. We did not choose this profession to get rich. We chose it because we have the desire to help other people. This was and still is a very honorable thing. What we have to understand is that we can absolutely have both. The inforamtion from the Physical Therapy Success 'System' will give you the tools you need and teach you to think outside of the box to gain financial success.

Three Marketing Strategies that are Guaranteed and Proven to increase your referral base.

Marketing- How to get the Absolute Most out of Your Marketing Efforts.

We have provided for you 3 Marketing Strategies designed specifically for Physical Therapy. Which are Guaranteed to work for you.

*It must be noted*

No amount of Marketing will ever help you in the long run if: You are not a good therapist or do not deliver a high quality patient care. The Physical Therapy Success Marketing 'System' is intended for You only if you strive for the best functional outcome for your patients.

If you provide "Shake and Bake", then you are wasting your time with this website.

Sorry for the tangent. Back to the 3 Marketing Strategies designed for Physical Therapists.

The first Strategy is essential:

You must know how to recognize and get time with your referral sources. Once you have time with your target Doctor, you need to know exactly what to say, how to say it, and what not to say. The real key is the ability to CAPTURE NEW PATIENTS for your practice. You will have provided for you actual dialogues that can be used to secure new referrals. These are dialogues that will help you to competitively differentiate you from your competition and are proven to get you patients. You will be able to effectively get referrals from a "new Doctor" and increase the number of referrals from the Doctors that are already sending you patients.

The second technique is more highly advanced:

This technique focuses on getting your own referrals via direct consumer marketing (Partial Direct Access) and is applicable in any state. This is an invaluable technique and is how you should try to accumulate at least 50% of your patient base. There are literally countless ways to market your services. You need to use the most effective Marketing techniques that work for Physical Therapy.

Thirdly, Learn how to tap into perhaps your biggest opportunity:

You will learn how to significantly and easily increase your case load without directly marketing to your doctors or to the public. It is a mystery to us why people do not take advantage of this powerful marketing tool. Remember, you have external as well as internal customers. All three of these techniques are Guaranteed to work and when used in combination, you can look forward to steadily increasing the effectiveness of your Marketing efforts.

We Know That Not Everyone Relishes the Idea of Marketing Your Physical Therapy Services. You Need to Get over It! You Will market yourself, your clinic, and your other staff Physical Therapists, you simply have to do it. Guess what, you will also occasionally get shot down. The Physical Therapy Marketing "System" will simply show you how to market yourself more effectively.

Marketing made easy:

Why make it so difficult? Use these time tested and proven marketing techniques to drive Your Practice into an extremely profitable venture.

There are also very effective business strategies that any Physical Therapy Practice can use right away and see almost immediate financial rewards.

Instilling a Sense of Ownership in the Physical Therapist and the staff in general. This may be the single biggest opportunity to increase profits and retain a high quality staff.

A staff physical therapist can be one of your biggest sources of revenue or become your biggest financial drain. The therapist who can not consistently keep a full schedule is costing you money! Conversely, the therapist with an ownership mentality, will do everything in their power to keep their schedule full and their clients satisfied.

You will learn why and how to provide an incentive program for you clinicians. This technique will make your staff more money than they ever thought they could earn and will provide a substantial boost to the clinic's bottom line. The Physical Therapy Success 'System' will show you how to instill the ownership mentality.

Good Luck in your future endeavors in the field of Physical Therapy.

Sincerely,

How Much Do Physical Therapists Get Paid?

For some people, the amount of salary of a particular job is not always the reason for them to pursue such a profession. More often than not, we are looking for a career that we will enjoy and love, and of course one that will give us job security. Nevertheless, it is still important to know how much you can expect from a certain profession, just to have an idea as to how profitable it can be in the future. If you are planning to build your career as a physical therapist, you may also be wondering how much physical therapists get paid.

The most reliable source of information you may use to know the salary levels received by physiotherapists these days is the US Bureau of Labor Statistics along with their information on Occupational Employment Statistics. The latest data available from the bureau is the result of the survey conducted in May 2010. From this data you will find that the salary of a therapist is relatively high, and has actually gone even higher in the last couple of years.

Presently, the median annual salary of a PT is $76,310. The upper 25% of this figure gets as much as $90,350 while the upper 10% has the potential to earn more than $107,920. On the other hand, those therapists in the bottom 10% can earn up to $53,620. There is no doubt that these are amazingly huge numbers. These numbers also imply that regardless of how long you have been in the industry, you can really get a huge salary.

Aside from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a couple of other means we can know how much PTs earn on average. One is by looking into the various workplace settings a PT may choose to work at and how much these industries pay their therapists. Among the most popular places or work for a physical therapist is in the office of healthcare practitioners, where they can earn a median wage of $76,860. This is almost the same amount of salary PTs receive form general hospitals.

There are many other areas that can be chosen by a physical therapist to work in, and they vary greatly in terms of the average salary of their PTs. If you decide to work in a home health care facility for instance, you can expect to receive up to $86,590 a year. Meanwhile, for private services, you can earn as much as $81,970. The field of technical and management consulting services is actually the one that offers the highest physiotherapists salary, which is around $91,220.

As you may have seen, the career in physical therapy is indeed a promising one especially in terms of the salary. Even physiotherapists who come straight from school can enjoy really huge salaries. And what's even more amazing about this profession is the fact that taking care of people with physical disabilities is already a rewarding job to do. And considering the great salary levels available for a physical therapist, you will find no reason at all not to consider taking this path.