Establishing a Physical Therapy Private Practice

A practice treats pain, promotes healing, and restores movement to patients. If you want to start a private practice, you must find an affordable way to maximize referrals, revenue and reimbursement. By maximizing profit, your practice can help you to reach the independence and freedom that you want and need. With every referral that visits your practice, you will become one step closer to a decrease in workload.

Physical therapy has been evolving as a profession over the last 50 years, bringing terms like "anatomy" to the field and leaving a stronger medical connection behind. Ties to a "doctoring" profession are great for practice publicity. Embracing recent changes, many professionals are excited about this change, while others remain apprehensive. Either way, the evolution into a practice is inevitable for many working in the field.

Before establishing a practice, you need to ask yourself why you became involved in the field. What were your hopes and dreams? What goals did you want to reach? What were the most important aspects of pursuing this profession? You also need to determine how a private practice will help you work towards the aspirations you have identified.

Success is where opportunity and preparation meet. You need to prepare a personal financial statement and find out how much you can afford to put into your practice. You need to identify your competitors and see if the area where your project is located is suitable and convenient to all. If there is a practice next door, for example, you may need to revamp your marketing approach.

Marketing the services of your physical therapy practice is an essential component of success. You have to believe in yourself to overcome obstacles and work through the many challenges that you may encounter on the way. Have your products and services advertised on media so that people may get to know and understand what you are doing at your practice; by doing this you will be drawing awareness to the public.

Train your staff members and hold frequent seminars to boost the success of your practice. Think about how confident you are right now. Do your staff members posses the skills and abilities necessary to create a positive practice experience? The better equipped your staff, the better your chances of running a successful physical therapy practice. Client satisfaction is a crucial part of any business, so be sure to include great customer relations as part of your practice. With time, your practice will find its place on the map and bring you to a new level within your own life as well.

The Benefits of Cold Stone Massage

Cold stone massage is a method of massage designed to bring clients stress relief and aid them in relaxation. This type of massage is also particularly effective at allowing the mind to release feelings of trauma and anxiety. Cold stone massage is often used to reduce swelling and inflammation, making it ideal for targeting sporting injuries. The cool stones, coupled with the soothing touch of a skilled massage therapist, helps to calm the body. While cold stone massage is an ancient form of massage, it wasn't until more recently that it came back into fashion.

While this form of massage is particularly soothing and effective, it's not meant for everyone. Clients with heart ailments, sensitivity to cold temperatures, and issues with skin inflammation should definitely avoid chilled stone massage therapy. Any client questioning whether or not this form of therapy is right for them should check with a doctor before receiving a treatment.

Rocks are utilized in massage because they possess special properties that uniquely enhance the therapy experience. For clients with anxiety issues, smooth marble rocks are often used to alleviate these symptoms. These types of chilled stones aid the mind in focusing on the body rather than continuing to dwell on mental stresses.

Chilled stone massage has also shown to be successful in aiding clients with sinus problems. To address these issues, chilled stones are placed on top of a cloth that is placed over the face to protect the skin. The cold temperatures emitting from these stones reduce sinus congestion and reduce painful nasal swelling.

Menstrual pain and bloating have also been alleviated with chilled stone massage. Smooth cold stones are strategically placed in the abdominal area. This aids in drawing swelling away from the uterus and can lessen discomfort.

One of the universal benefits of chilled stone therapy, regardless of personal ailments and conditions, is its ability to improve circulation. While this can specifically help those with circulation problems, improved circulation is something everyone can benefit from. Circulation is targeted when chilled marble stones are placed on specific locations over the body as a means of improving the overall circulation in the body. For those with problems with high blood pressure, cold stone massage also proven as an effective tool when working to lower it.

As indicated, one of the benefits of cold stone therapy is its ability to address sports injuries. Its well known that apply cold compresses to the body soothes inflammation in the joints and muscles. Chilled stone therapy is a more effective method of the classic cold compress as therapists can not only apply the stones more strategically but also use the rockss as tools to gently work the muscles. Tendinitis is a condition that's been shown to be relieved from this type of massage.

The benefits of cold stone therapy are numerous. The coolness of the stones have many healing properties and aside from the above conditions cold stone therapy can assist with, this form of massage also revitalizes energy levels. By relieving bloating and removing heat from them muscles with its cool properties, chilled stone massage therapy is definitely filled with benefits.

Plantar Fasciitis Taping

The plantar fascia is a thickened fibrous aponeurosis forming the longitudinal foot arch. It provides fixed support to the longitudinal arch and functions as a dynamic shock absorber. Persons with low arches or flat feet or high arches are at greater risk of increasing plantar fasciitis. The pain of plantar fasciitis is due to collagen degeneration along with recurring tearing of the plantar fascia.

Plantar fasciitis taping is often used to relieve stress on the plantar fascia ligament. It works by limiting the movement of the fascia. It limits the amount of stretching of the foot thereby keeping it from stretching excessively and preventing tears. Thus it can relieve some pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. Athletic tape is used to carry out taping. It is available in most drug stores.

Taping is a fairly simple method used to help ease pain related with the condition. Athletic tape can be applied in the morning to decrease strain throughout the day, or just before exercise to keep it from moving too much during physical activity. It is recommended that the tape be removed intermittently as it prevents the skin from breathing. The feet should be clean and dry to help the tape stick.

The procedure to be followed for taping is as follows. The ball-of-the-foot or metatarsal area is taped. Then another piece of tape is wrapped around the heel till it meets the taped area of the ball-of-the-foot. Another X shape is applied across the mid-foot. By applying tape horizontally across, the foot should be almost totally covered from the metatarsal region to the heel. This will add the support necessary to allow the fascia ligament to rest.

The success of taping varies depending on the person and the severity of the pain. At times, taping may not help in reducing pain. In other cases, it decreases the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, however, it may not completely heal and reverse the situation.

Play Therapy & Disability Dolls Give the Gift of Disability Awareness

In the past, play therapy dolls or disabled dolls were considered primarily a clinical tool for use in hospitals and critical care units. A precious commodity, they were difficult to find, expensive, and not always accurate to the needs of the child.

Today there are many more options for children with physical disabilities who are experiencing many of the rigorous demands resulting from an illness or accident. The loss of a limb, the outward results of cancer therapy, the painful and arduous physical therapy demands resulting from an accident or surgery are made more bearable with the addition of a new friend with similar limitations!

Play Therapy Dolls - Just Like You!

There are many types of disability dolls and accessories that are now available. They come in all shapes and sizes, with physical needs that require a full range of treatments. Some of the disabled dolls and their equipment include:

Prosthesis: Dolls with removable prosthesis for amputations both above and below the knee

Wigs & hats: For dealing with the effects of cancer treatments, find dolls who are bald and come with a wig, a hat or bandana.

Apparatus: wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and braces

Physical Therapy: Life-like gym mats and therapy balls, trampolines, and parallel bars

Doctor and nurses: There are doctor and nurse dolls and outfits available that include blue scrubs, lab coats, masks, hats and uniforms

The quality of the toys currently available is one of the features that make them so unique and special. Some are created from durable materials closely resembling the real thing, amazingly accurate in detail and have intricate and life-like working parts. What better surprise for a child who has lost a limb or all of their hair than a life-like toy with the same challenges!

The Gift of Disability Awareness

For children who are suffering and experiencing physical disabilities that make them feel different, these disabled dolls and play therapy toys offer an opportunity for them to feel as though they are special in an entirely different way!

Disabled dolls offer an opportunity to teach children about the needs of others as well. They can become valuable tools for a child with a sibling who is suffering, a parent dealing with the effects of an accident or illness, or the children of military veterans coping with the difficult reality of the loss of a limb or other physical impairment. Disabled dolls are a positive way for children to process and understand that different is A-okay!

Physical Therapy Programs - Courses of Study

Find Physical Therapy Programs in the United States and Canada. There is a vast assortment of physical therapy programs from which to choose. For instance, if you have already attained a certain level of education from one of over 200 accredited physical therapy programs in the United States, you will find that that a number of schools and universities provide extended career training in Masters Degree in Physical Therapy, post-graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs, as well as Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs.

Depending on which physical therapy program in which you enroll, there are several specialized areas of study that are currently available. Various colleges and universities provide practical training in orthopedic physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy, neurological physical therapy, occupational physical therapy, cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation, and pediatric physical therapy, among others.

If you are more interested in becoming a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or physical therapy aide, there are also numerous physical therapy programs primarily designed for the future PTA in mind. Candidates learn how to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist after they have successfully graduated from an accredited Associate degree program.

Associates in Physical Therapy programs often take approximately two years to complete and are the educational stepping stone for physical therapy assistants. Upon completion, graduates can go onto attaining their Bachelors, Masters or Doctorates and earn the right to become licensed physical therapists. Depending on the degree course, students can anticipate a curriculum in anatomy, CPR and first aid, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics; and practical training in therapeutic modalities (including massage techniques, manual and mechanical therapies, etc.). While not all physical therapy schools offer the exact same curriculum, accredited physical therapy programs (by the American Physical Therapy Association APTA) must meet common, and basic educational standards; so while many may differ in specialized training, the academic foundations are very similar.

Once training has been successfully completed in one of countless physical therapy programs, graduates can earn from $24k - $88k annually.* (Depending on level of education, experience and training.)

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding physical therapy programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

*Salary Source: BLS (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Physical Therapy Programs: Courses of Study
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The Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is essential to recovering from most types of accidents and surgeries. However its advantages are not just limited to the medical profession. Staying active in the first place can help you lead a healthier lifestyle and also help you live longer. It also makes for and long and rewarding career path for those that are interested.

First off physical therapy can be categorized as any kind of physical activity that helps a person deal with a problem. For people that have knee surgery this means that once the wound has healed enough you begin moving the joint. This is often painful at times but is essential to fast recovery. It can also be used to help people who suffer from chronic problems outside of the medical field.

Let's face it most of us aren't as active as we should be. Many of us sit at our desks for almost 12 hours a day doing work, and or checking emails. This can lead to chronic back pain, shoulder pain, and other aches and pains. Getting up and doing some exercises can help reduce the effect of these problems and can even help eliminate them.

When you start physical therapy you can expect new aches and pains to pop up here and there. This is because you're actively using muscles that you didn't before. A person who has shoulder surgery will have to move his shoulder in a variety of directions during the healing process or risk losing the use of it. Exercise in general is good for your health anyway, it helps build up your lungs, your heart, and increases your endurance.

Locating a good physical therapist is about as hard as locating a good doctor. Most of them are doctors in their own field, and you want to get a competent one. There is such a thing as bad physical therapy and undertaking this can have some harmful effects on your body. The best thing to do would be to check around and see which ones in your area have the best ratings. Many have to obtain certifications and the good ones will have awards for practicing safe techniques, and for outstanding service.

These are the ones you want to seek out and go to. As for breaking into the field of physical therapy there's a lot of work to be done. Physical therapists that work at a hospital usually have medical training as well. You have to either take nurses training, or go through medical school, and specify that you want to specialize in physical rehabilitation.

This field requires a lot of patience in order to deal with people. So if you don't get along well with people while they are suffering then don't try to get into it. You'll just end up hurting yourself, and literally hurting others. Physical therapy is not for the faint of heart, your going to see some pretty nasty wounds. You also need to be strong enough to help lift people in the event that they need assistance. If this sounds like something you would like to do then good luck in your training.

Using Physical Therapy Scheduling Software Can Improve Employee Satisfaction And Customer Service

Some practices hesitate to switch software for physical therapists, nervous that it might negatively impact the staff or the client's experience. However, with proper planning and implementation, having up-to-date EMR software can actually improve the employee satisfaction and customer experience within your office. Whether a practice is considering changing to an electronic method of recordkeeping and office administration, or just upgrading the programs being used, learn what advantages there are to making the switch.

Physical Therapy Scheduling Software Keeps Therapists Booked

Implementing physical therapy scheduling software helps keep your staff busy consistently, and helps to prevent no-shows and double bookings. This not only keeps the morale of the employees up, but also ensures that your clients are attending their appointments regularly. Patient frustration is reduced significantly when there are no double bookings, and using a scheduling suite of products keeps your office better organized. A well-run practice presents more professionally, which in turn keeps clients happy and confident that they are well taken care of, not forgotten, and a priority for their therapist.

Software For Physical Therapy At-A-Glance Display Helps Give Better Recommendations

With the many types of software for physical therapists available, choose a suite of products that offers an at-a-glance user interface. This enables the administrative staff to easily book appointments, see a particular therapist's schedule, get up-to-date insurance reimbursement information, see what accounts receivable amounts are owing, and make appointment reminder calls.

This user-friendly type of display is of great value to the therapists themselves, as they can quickly view a patient's history, past exercise recommendations, outcomes, future appointments, and discharge notes. The staff will be happier not having to maintain bulky paper file folders, flipping through copious amounts of paper documentation in front of patients for whom time is already short. With increased client satisfaction, your therapists and office staff will also be happier, and therefore more productive. In turn, improved efficiency helps increase customer satisfaction, completing a very positive cycle.

Encourage More Personal Interaction

Physiotherapy is an incredibly useful tool for patients, and helps restore or maintain bodily functions. However, it's important for the employees of a physiotherapy practice to get to know their clientele and form close bonds with them. This loyalty and trust will improve the relationship, reduce cancellations, and ideally, promote positive outcomes. Integrating this type of recordkeeping fosters an environment in which members of the practice can interact more with the person in front of them, instead of being buried in the burden of paper files and lost or unorganized information.

In addition, the efficiency that software for physical therapists provides will mean the physiotherapists will have more time in the session for what matters: helping the patient. With consistently booked days, fewer cancellations, less searching for patient history, and a happier administration staff, client satisfaction will soar. Plan well for the transition, and your physiotherapists, management personnel, and administrators will all reap the benefits of this type of program.

Using Deep Tissue Massage Therapy to Reduce Musculo-Skeletal Pain

Deep Tissue Massage is applied in a systematic way, concentrating on the deeper layers of the body's soft tissues. It aims to release chronic patterns of tension in the body, through slow strokes and deep pressure on the contracted area(s). Deep tissue massage therapy is therapeutic as well as corrective, and done properly should cause neither excessive pain for the client nor strain for the therapist. Working deeply does not equate with working harder or with more effort, but is the result of specific deep tissue massage techniques combined with knowledge of the different layers of the body's soft tissues

What Is Deep Tissue Massage Therapy?

The is a term often used by therapists to indicate that they use strong pressure, and won't just be stroking oil onto the skin. However deep tissue work is not just about the amount of pressure used; it's true intention is to work on all the layers of the body's soft tissues and particularly the structure which covers and encases them - the fascia. Injury, illness or prolonged immobility can cause fascia to become stiff, hardened or stuck to adjacent structures. This in turn causes pain, reduced mobility and impaired function.

Whilst sometimes being slightly uncomfortable, it should never be painful; a good massage therapist should always respect your pain tolerance levels, and will work with you to find a level of pressure that is comfortable for you.

Massage techniques for include the use of knuckles, fists, elbows, and forearms. The pace of a deep tissue massage session is usually slower than that of other massage work, to enable the therapist to pick up information from the client's tissues, assess the best way to address the tension and contractions found, and apply careful and sensitive pressure in order to achieve a comfortable and lasting release.

How Does it Work?

Pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints can be caused by long-term muscle tension, postural imbalance, overuse and injury. All these things can cause muscle fibres to become shortened, tiny pockets of scar tissue to form (fibrosis), and larger areas of scar tissue will get laid down as an injury heals. Shortened muscle fibres also result in reduced blood flow to the area, and inefficient removal of metabolic waste products by the lymphatic system. The net result of this is areas of the soft tissues that become stiff, hardened, and "glued together" in contracted bands - adhesions. Normal movement becomes impossible, and stiffness and pain set in. Deep tissue massage works by gently but firmly working across these bands to separate the tissues again, to lengthen shortened and contracted soft tissue structures, and to encourage efficient circulation to and from the affected area.

Who Benefits From Deep Tissue Massage Therapy?

This type of massage is highly beneficial for people who suffer from consistent muscle pain, especially in the muscles around the neck, lower back and shoulders. This can be caused by work related postural problems, leisure activities such as gardening, sports and exercise related injuries, and can also be the end-result of long-term emotional stress and tension.

The benefits of Deep Tissue Massage include:

• release of tension and stiffness from muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and fascia
• pain relief
• pain management
• increased flexibility and suppleness
• breaks down old scar tissue and adhesions
• improved mobility, posture and physical performance
• faster, more efficient recovery from injury and surgery

What to Expect During and After a Session

The technique usually focuses on specific areas. It can be offered in combination with other styles of massage, as a whole-body treatment or concentrated in one area, for example the lower back or shoulders. Your therapist will work with you to find a comfortable level of pressure, and will work with your breathing to help minimize discomfort and get the best possible release from the tissues.

When a deep tissue massage is done correctly, the benefits are experienced within the next few days. You may feel rejuvenated, or a bit sore, depending on the particular therapy session. Any slight stiffness or pain experienced after a deep tissue massage is a completely normal reaction and will subside within 24-48 hours.

It is advisable to rest and relax as much as possible after your deep tissue massage treatment, take a warm bath, and drink lots of water and/or herbal teas in order to help the body eliminate any waste products that have been released from the soft tissues. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is also to be recommended, for the same reasons.

How Physical Therapists Help You Heal

When you find yourself in need of help from physical therapists, you may be left wondering what these repeated visits to the therapy center are really accomplishing. Because it can often hurt at the beginning, and sometimes the road to recovery is "two steps forward, one step back," many are tempted to forget about therapy and attempt to heal on their own. If you are wondering about the benefits of therapy, here is what you should know about how it truly helps.

After an injury, your muscles are left damaged and weak. While you could, in theory, get your strength back doing exercises on your own, the sad truth is that doing exercises improperly could leave you with further damage or a new injury. Those weak muscles are simply too risky. Therapy helps systematically and properly strengthen those muscles so you can have full use of the limb again.

Physical therapists are specially trained to study your body and find weaknesses or inefficiencies with your biomechanics. They know how to target the specific areas of weakness with stretches and strengthening exercise so that you strengthen those areas and make them no longer a point of weakness. They also have training about surgical procedures, so they know how to systematically help the body recover.

Therapy can also help stretch tight muscles and joints. After an injury and period of rest, it is common for muscles to be left tight and with limited mobility. While this is common, it is not necessarily a good thing, as tight muscles and joints can be more prone to injury. A therapist can help you learn to stretch these joints in order to limit this tightness. This also works to break up scar tissue after surgery or an injury that caused a scar. Breaking up scar tissue will help improve mobility and range of motion for you.

Physical therapists can also help you know what you can do at home to help promote your healing. For instance, ice and heat can both be helpful to the healing process, but only when used appropriately for your injury or recovery. A therapist will know how to help you properly use these tools, and will give you instructions as to what to do at home. Another area is with at-home exercises. The therapist will teach you how to do the right exercises for your particular difficulty, and give you the instructions and tools for doing it properly at home. Follow up appointments allow the therapist to see if you are properly following directions to aid in your healing.

Finally, physical therapists have access to tools you cannot use at home. Ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation, for instance, have been found to be quite helpful in boosting blood flow, limiting pain, and promoting healing. They can also break up scar tissue. However, it would not be safe for you to use these tools at home without proper supervision. Only by going to therapy regularly will you have access to these valuable healing tools.

Warning - Before You Become a Massage Therapist

I was in the last week of my Remedial Massage course. The teacher stood before the class and said, "Now, the average life of a therapist is between two and five years!"

What? I've just spent 6 months and over ten thousand dollars for a new career - and statistically I'm going to last just 2 years!

The class of 20 discussed it and we all decided that we would prove it wrong. We all planned to be successful and rich therapists living a great life, choosing the hours we want to work and the clients we wanted to work with.

Well... two years have now passed since that day. And the results are surprising - considering we were all so committed the proving the statistics wrong.

In brief, one classmate wouldn't give up their night filling job and commit to her new career. She didn't wake until lunch and never got going. Another was waiting until they could afford the best massage table on the market, and never got going. Two others went straight back to the jobs they had before studying as they liked the security. Another young man worked at a 5 star clinic for a few weeks before realizing he didn't like feeling 'oily' all the time. Two more injured their lower backs from wrong table heights and bad posture and found it too hard to continue. One by one I ticked them from the list.

Two years later and of the twenty in my class, only four of us are still massaging. I have just spoken with them before writing this article, and 'They all love what they are doing - but haven't yet met their financial goals.' We thought we would be able to choose the hours and clients we wanted, but the reality is that we are at the beck and call of anyone who calls.

Looking at it now with perspective, the four of us still working as full time massage therapists were the natural healers of the class. We have warm hands when we work and really care for the well-being of all those we meet. Not that the others in my class were not nice people... maybe not just natural healers.

I just wanted to give a quick warning to those considering the profession. Don't believe the brochures without doing your own research. Be sure to get several massages and talk with therapists in your area before you sign.

My class thought we would prove the statistics wrong. We didn't.

The Benefits of GIVING a Massage

Most of us know about the benefits of getting a massage but what are the benefits of giving a massage?

When I was in massage school I started to notice a very interesting phenomenon. What I noticed was that when I finished doing a massage I had more energy than I did before I gave the massage. It wasn't really evident at first because I was concentrating so hard on trying to remember everything and getting it right, but after a few months it became apparent that I was receiving as much benefit from the massage as I was giving.

I talked with my teachers expressing concern that maybe I was somehow sucking energy from my clients. They assured me that this was not the case. Once I became aware of this blessing of massage I started paying more attention to it. What I noticed was that the more massages I was giving the more I was getting out of those massages myself.

What I have realized over the years is that giving a massage is somewhat like a meditation. When I work I am totally focused on that person and particularly on that body for at least one hour. At times when I am working if there is a loud noise or something it usually startles me more than it does the person on the table because of the level of focus that I put into a massage.

I started asking around to see if other massage therapists had this same kind of experience with massage. What I have found is a resounding yes. That is exciting. At our massage school we teach weekend classes once a month for the general public to learn basic Swedish massage. Again and again we have students commenting that they can't decide if they would rather give or receive the massage.

Here are the findings from a study from the TRI about this. Elderly Retired Volunteers Providing Versus Receiving Massage

Elderly retired volunteers were assessed after giving Infants massage for a month versus receiving massage themselves. Results were: 1) they reported less anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms and an improved mood after giving infants massage; 2) their pulse decreased; 3) their cortisol levels decreased; and 4) they reported improved self esteem and a better lifestyle (e.g. fewer doctor visits and more social contacts) after the one month period. These effects were stronger for giving infants the massages than receiving massages themselves, suggesting that the massager can benefit from simply giving massages.

"Elderly Retired Volunteers Benefit from Giving Massage Therapy to Infants", Journal of Applied Gerontology, (1998), 17, 229-239

So as you can see it was not just me! I asked some massage therapist friends about the benefits they felt like they receive from giving massages. The list looked like this.

1. People are happy to see you
2. I love hearing that people are doing better because of massage
3. I don't have to sit while working
4. I feel I am promoting healthy life choices
5. General frequent compliments on my work
6. Being able to trade with other people for massage, haircut, waxing, computer work.....
7. Teaching people about the body
8. Being able to offer advice or referrals ie: certain doctors for MRI or X rays
9. One of uninterrupted time, no phone, email, knocking etc.
10. I go to work to relax.

One therapist did mention that she always felt a little jealous that it was not her on the table! I guess we are all human after all.

I think this is a pretty impressive list of benefits for any job. Next time you decide to receive a massage maybe you should ask your therapist what he or she getting out of it? Hopefully their answer will be a very enthusiastic- TONS!

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program

With the growth in the physical therapy field, physical therapist assistant programs are becoming more and more popular. The attractive salary and benefits that it offers and the uncomplicated nature of procedures involved in this part of the medical field, makes it a popular choice for graduates these days.

Also on account of the current economic situation in the US, a lot of people are being forced to stay in careers that are in danger of disappearing. Many people have been laid off during this time and now find it difficult to make ends meet. Utility bills, mortgages, medical, food etc are a few of the many financial and social pressures people have come into. With this, people are considering occupations they had never before thought about and are switching away from fields that are having less jobs as compared to the number of candidates swarming in.

A job as a physical therapist assistant is an area in healthcare that people are showing interest in. An initial training of just two years can get you this great position and can provide you with starting salary of $40,000 per annum. Hence, by acquiring an Associate's Degree you can more than replace the average salary. Also, this career is not limited geographically. Physical therapy is not only practiced in all states in US but also all over the world.

Now having decided to pursue this medical field, there are some important choices we have to make.

• Firstly you need to decide that whether you'll go for a vocational school that focus on healthcare programs or a Community College or University that offers training in this specialty.


• Then if you can be a full time student or a part time.


• Also, if you'll be an on-campus student or if you want to go for online physical therapist assistant program.

Measure the pros and cons of every choice and then decide depending on what suits your lifestyle and pocket.

Vocational Schools

The most important thing to consider for vocational schools is accreditation. Unless the American Physical Therapy Association accredits the school, their students cannot take the licensing exam to become certified and hence to lawfully practice with a physical therapist.

Another thing to consider is whether the credits acquired are transferable to most state colleges or universities. This is important because if later you decide to pursue your career as a physical therapist then you'll have to start from the beginning to acquire a bachelor's degree and then a master's degree, if your credits from the vocational physical therapy assistant program are not transferable to a regionally accredited college.

Online Physical therapy assistant programs

Technology has made our lives easy in many ways. If you're working and can't commit as a full time student, online programs give us the convenient opportunity to complete the required coursework. They are less expensive and flexible.

Today, we have a wide variety of physical therapist assistant programs to choose from and be part of a rich and rewarding career. Despite the tough economic times, this rapidly growing field assures a satisfying future in meeting our financial as well as social obligations.

How to Find the Right Massage Therapist

Message therapy is a holistic approach that works best to improve the health of an individual through hand-on techniques and integrative Manual Therapy (IMT). Massage therapy helps aid the healing of the body on the cellular level and support it to repair its own tissues. Opting a massage therapy for the whole-body system can improve the ability of the body to heal itself, reduce pain, decrease muscle tension, restore joint mobility, relief stress and is helpful in other myriad health concerns. Ultimately, it leads to the significant improvement in the whole body functions.

Once you decide to get a massage therapy, probably, the first question to think about is how to find the right massage therapist. With so many massage styles available out there, to choose the right and professional therapist is of course not an easy task. To find out the right massage therapist, try to consider the following useful tips which will definitely help you out.

Get Some Recommendations

When looking for a massage therapist, you may want to get some referrals from your relatives or friends that have had experience with a particular injury or ailment that subsequently required a massage therapy. Sometimes tittle-tattle is one of the relevant advertisements you will come across. Possibly your friend or a relative will provide you the contact details of a professional therapist.

Ask a Professional

Another best source for referrals is your health practitioner or a medical specialist who may have a list of massage therapists that have expertise and specialized training in hands-on techniques and alternative therapy that will be helpful in treating your particular ailment. You can also find a right therapist via wellness centers, fitness or health clubs and through websites, yellow pages, magazines or newspapers.

Give Emphasis to Your Personal Preference

When you are choosing a therapist, you should consider your personal preferences like whether you would be comfortable with a male or a female therapist. This totally relies on your personal choice and about whom you feel more comfortable with. So that, before providing a massage therapy there must be a clear understanding between you and your massage therapist that will result in a fruitful massage therapy experience.

Ask about the Massage Therapist's Certification

After selecting the preferred gender of your therapist, ask him/her about his/her certification, style or techniques that he/she uses. Get an understanding about his/her philosophy of care, years of experience, training and advanced certifications. Every massage therapist has his/her own specialty and expertise to offer. Take this basic information of your therapist on priority basis.

Discuss Your Health Status

Prior to getting a first session of massage therapy, talk to your therapist about your medical history and current health status. This will make it easier for the therapist to provide the best possible treatment of your particular ailment. As a therapist is the one who has the solution to your health problems and can provide complete assistance to tackle various ailments.

The above mentioned tips will be useful in finding the right massage therapist. When you observe that the therapist fulfills your requirements, you will be glad that you took the time to seek somebody you feel relaxed and more comfortable with.

EMR: Will It Help or Hinder Your Medical Practice?

Making changes within your PT clinic may leave you feeling uneasy at first - especially if what you've been doing is working fine. Don't fix it if it isn't broken, right? Web-based practice management software may not be the best option for everyone, but many PT clinics have reaped its benefits. Let's take a look at a few advantages and unexpected costs of EMR software, as well as a few important questions to ask your provider before making the final purchase.

Advantages

1. Lowers Cost

Initially, EMR software seems expensive. However, it saves more money over time. Because electronic or web-based practice management software not only leaves less room for error, but generally take less time to correct such errors, less time and resources are being wasted in the process.

2. Accessible

Because this software is online, it can be utilized anywhere that has Internet access. This means that house calls are not only more productive, but cut down on the time doing reports back at the office. For example, if your office invested in physical therapy note taking software, the notes that you take can automatically be aggregated within the online software, which means you can easily edit for mistakes on the spot, and there is no need to rewrite any patient information.

3. Easy Data Retrieval

Using web-based practice management software to store information means data can be aggregated in a way that retrieval is easy. With the proper filters added, physical therapists can get information based on a set of criteria. Also, if local pharmacies are a part of the system, doctors and physicians can prescribe medicine using the software instead of having to go through the pharmacist.

Unexpected Costs

Licensing: A software license could either be a one-time purchase or one that needs to be renewed on a monthly or yearly basis. Be sure to ask your provider!

Virus protection: Because you data will be kept completely online or through a software program, it's necessary to have virus protection and a backup file drive implemented for security reasons.

Storage: Most providers allow you to store data for free, up to a certain amount. After that point, many providers will begin charging, depending on how much data you need stored.

Audits: To be sure your practice management and physical therapy note-taking software could survive an audit, you'll need to get a screening from a consultant. This is a necessity so be sure to explore the cost before implementing EMR software,

EMR software may be the perfect solution to making your clinic more efficient, but before implementing any new changes, be sure to review the complete cost of the endeavor - as well as the potential pros and cons.

Treating Athletes Using Massage Therapy

Over the past ten years it has become more common to find massage therapists treating athletes using massage therapy. The therapeutic advantage of massage not only eases the pain in sore muscles, but actually strengthens an athlete prior to a game or event. It is not uncommon for professional athletes to have their own personal massage therapist.

There are many different massage therapy techniques used to treat athletes. Many therapists use deep tissue massage to treat athletes who are injured. Deep tissue massage is often used as relief for injured muscles. In order to perform a deep tissue massage a therapist must use either the fingers, thumbs or even the elbows to get into the grain of the muscles. In order to practice a deep tissue massage, a therapist must be thoroughly trained as if not done properly, it can cause additional pain or injury. this type of massage is very effective as it works beneath the surface muscles and is a popular method for relieving not only injuries, but also chronic pain and even inflammation.

To prepare an athlete, a massage therapist will concentrate on the muscles most often used. By using various sports massage therapy techniques, the muscles are relaxed. Being tense will make an injury worse. It is the reason why so many drunk drivers walk away from car accidents while those they hit die. It is because the driver was completely relaxed. The muscles were relaxed. It works the same way with an athlete.

An athlete who goes into a game with muscles that are relaxed and toned is in much better condition to avoid greater injury to those muscles if they are tense. This is why so many athletes use the benefits of massage treatments, such as relaxing spa treatments, prior to sporting events.

A good massage therapist can have a thriving practice in the field of sports medicine if he or she is well versed in treating athletes. They must have complete knowledge of the anatomical structure of the human body and need to know which muscles are most prone to strain and injury. They not only need to know how to relieve the pain from injury, but also to prepare an athlete so that he or she does not get a greater injury. Sports massage techniques include both deep tissue massage and a variety of relaxing massages and stretching techniques. While a physical trainer works with an athlete to improve his or her skills on the field, the therapist works with the body of the athlete to prepare the body for the exertion it will soon endure.

Treating athletes using massage therapy is very common and has been practiced for years. Without the massage techniques performed prior to the game, the athlete may not be able to sustain the beatings that some of their bodies take during a sports competition such as football. This is a growing field and very prosperous for a person who is willing to learn the proper techniques.

Tips on Leadership - How to Build Corporate Culture in Physical Therapy Private Practices

Let's begin this conversation on corporate culture by defining what it is.

The more formal definition is:

"Corporate culture is the collective behavior of people using common corporate vision, goals, shared values, beliefs, habits, working language, systems, and symbols."

The less formal definition of corporate culture can be said in 6 words:

"How we do things around here."
Why does it matter?

Because good corporate culture fosters good employee satisfaction and good employee engagement. Satisfied and engaged employees deliver the highest quality services. And satisfied customers build your business!

How to build corporate culture.

1. To build corporate culture you need a clear vision of how you want your clinic to look and feel and what values you want reflected in your clinic.

This vision must be communicated to your team; your team members need to see the connection between this vision and what they do.

I would even suggest that you formulate your business and practice vision jointly with your team, so that the vision is a part of them and their daily practice.

2. To build corporate culture you, as the practice owner, need to believe in and offer praise and a positive attitude, at all the times.

When we praise someone, they want to repeat the experience.

When we fail to reinforce employees for doing the right things, they unconsciously say, "There's no benefit to doing this, so why bother".

Human beings crave feedback and will avoid situations where they don't get it.

3. Building corporate culture means that you are transparent with information, you explain things to your team, you seek input, and you build trust by doing what you say you are going to do.

Consistent, frequent and meaningful communication is fundamental to building positive corporate culture.

4. Recruit and select the right people who embrace the type of culture you are creating.

It is important to make this a part of your hiring process by asking questions related to practice values, team values, and personal aspirations. Ask for examples or experiences the person has had in these areas to demonstrate what she/he is saying or espousing.

5. Creating social traditions and bonding opportunities for your team also builds your corporate culture. For example, holding annual staff recognition events.

The Golden Nugget:

At the end of the day, your effectiveness as a leader is determined by how well you surround yourself with great people.

You too can become a great leader. Learn from other great leaders!

Massage Therapy Popularity

The stresses of life whether good or bad, more times than not, accumulates itself into some form of physical pain. Massage therapy has been proven to bring a high level of relief from pain. This fact is sparking a wave of massage therapy popularity.

The U.S. Department of Labor has estimated a growth of 20 percent for employment in massage therapy from the years 2006 to 2016. The number of individuals who received the therapy increased from 91 million in 1999 to 136 million in 2003. These numbers are proof that more people want the therapy, which in turn is making schooling options rise in popularity and more of them are appearing throughout the country.

In 2009, all but eight states offered licensure requirements, meaning that in those states the therapy is regulated on a local level. In the current job market more than half the therapists use massage as a second income to their primary source of income. Being a therapist allows individuals to do this because they make their schedule and choose to provide services in:

• their own home


• salon


• spas


• offices


• health clubs

The health benefits and the effectiveness of a massage to relieve pain are being pushed by more doctors annually. The number of hospitals who offer the therapy rose 30 percent from 2004 to 2006. The rise in attendance to schools is a direct correlation of the fact that more and more people want and are enjoying massages. This correlation will continue to grow as more individuals gain a certificate and more schools offer this program.

With more individuals wanting and needing the therapy, the number of therapists will have to increase at the same rate. These facts will also make it possible for many therapists to use this as their primary source of income. In every aspect of the business consumers are satisfied and turning to this therapy for pain, stress, and pleasure. This is also having a direct impact on the number of people wanting to become therapists and the number of schools implementing this certificate into their overall course work.

Consumer confidence is steadily rising from the continued health benefits of alternative healing training that prepares students for massage in their health care regimen. In 2005, 21 percent of consumers surveyed by the American Massage Therapy Association stated they discussed the therapy with their doctor. With even more support now for the benefits of massage, jobs and natural healing training programs who offer the opportunity to gain a certificate won't slowly fade but rapidly grow.

Jobs will be increasing for therapists in the health care field every year, but outside of the health benefits massages are extremely popular for relaxation and pleasure. Resorts, spas, cruise ships, and vacation hot spots all offer this as a perk to have while getting away from the office and the stresses of life.

Massage is dipping its toes in every aspect of life from health, to fun, to relaxation, and pleasure. The popularity will continue to rise and as a result more accredited schools of massage therapy will offer training. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (http://www.comta.org/) accredits programs that can give students the quality training they deserve. The correlation is positive and will equip any individual with the skills to turn their passion into a career.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised on HolisticJunction.com.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by HolisticJunction.com.

Back To School For Adults Brings Excitement And Concerns

While kids of all ages are getting ready to head back to school, they are not the only ones who need to grab their pencils and books. Back to college for moms is also an exciting time, but can be a little scary - especially if these moms haven't been in school for a while and don't know what to expect.

Moms are going back to school for good reason. Maybe they want to get the education they never were able to as a young adult or perhaps that are interested in changing careers and want to try studying something new. Moms can also be going back to school because they want to start a career now that their children are grown.

When many moms think about going back to school, they immediately think about the cons; worrying if she has enough money to be spending it on herself and wondering if she will actually have enough time to go to her classes. There are many concerns a mom can have when planning to attend school, but the thing she has to remember is that getting an education is the most important step to a rewarding career.

A mom might be worried that she won't be able to handle the class or the workload since it has been ages since she attended school. This can cause a problem because if she is scared she may not end up going back to school, even if it has always been a dream of hers. However, students can take a free online course before heading back to school to see how they will be able to perform and to determine if online education is the right choice for them.

A student who is interested in learning more about this should go online and conduct a search on "free college courses." Once a student has found the class that deals with her particular field of interest, she can contact them and find out what the application process is.

Paying for college is always tough, and being a mom can make it harder since she might not have enough extra money to help pay for her school with all the other expenses she has. In this case, a mom should look into different grants, scholarships and financial aid opportunities. If the mom is single, she can also apply for single mother grants to help pay for her education.

Of course, having the time to go to school is also important and sometimes, when having to drive to a campus, taking time away from kids and home, it's just not feasible. Many students who want to go back to school feel as though they can't do so because they have a full time job or other obligations that will prevent them from getting to class. This is exactly where online education comes to the rescue of busy working adults. Getting a degree online is easy and convenient, especially for the people who don't have too much flexibility in their daily routine.

Healing Injuries With Massage Therapy

This sounds weird, don't you think so? Injuries mostly mean wounds. Sometimes, after the wounds are healed up, there are remainders that cannot be healed so easily.

Massage therapy might be the solution. I would like to talk to you about a massage that is called qi-ssage. This name is a combination of two words. And of two methods. The first word and method is qigong and the second word and method is massage.

Chunyi Lin is the developer of both methods. They are based on ancient Chinese wisdom and practice and translated into a method that is easy to use by the Western world.

Both methods work on the energy that flows through the human body. It flows through channels that are also called meridians.

Whereas qigong uses the whole body for its exercises, qi-ssage is done on certain points along the energy channels.

There are sets of points in various areas of the body. These points will be massaged with a certain pressure, just enough to not hurt the patient. The points belong to various organs in the body. Most of them help heal more than one organ or area. Some of them are very specific. Let us assume that a person has suffered an accident and their injury is on the head. You can press the two eyebrow points They are located at the inner side of the eyebrows. You place your left thumb on the right eyebrow point and hold it there. This point is just outside the bridge of the nose along the edge of the bone that forms the right eye socket - actually where the right eyebrow begins.

By holding your thumb on this point, you keep the energy on the right side of the body focused in the right center of the head and brain. This helps stimulate the area that produces endorphins, the body's natural pain- killer. Endorphins help you relax and just feel good.

Then you place your right thumb on the left eyebrow point. You press and massage it in small circles three times. This point is just outside the bridge of the nose, along the edge of the bone that forms the left eye socket.

This movement sends the flow of energy from the brain down the entire left side of the body to the left leg and foot and then back up to the left center of the brain The person who is treated should feel comfortable with the pressure you exercise.

Visualize the healing energy flowing from your heart into your hands, then into the energy points and throughout the body.

A very important point in doing this kind of massage, is the message you use to help heal the injuries suffered by the person you are treating. The message is LOVE. Love is the best healing ingredient in whatever method you use. Love can be seen as light. And it comes out of your heart and goes into your thumbs. From your thumbs it flows into the energy points you are pressing and massaging.

This is just one part of the whole procedure. It can already be enough to help the injured person.

If you want to do more, move the energy up with your right thumb to the top of the forehead. This energy point is right in the center of the forehead about four inches up. It is usually where the hairline begins.

Then lift your right thumb, place it back on the left eyebrow point and repeat this movement seven times.

With your right thumb on the left eyebrow point, you move the energy up the forehead, continuing to the middle of the top of the head. Give a little extra pressure on this point. Pressing on this point also helps to send energy to all of the internal organs.

Lift your thumb and repeat the movement seven times.

Once you have completed moving energy to the top of the head seven times, lift both of your thumbs and allow the energy to flow throughout the right side of the body. This rush of energy stimulates the energy flow of the entire body.

You see, these are little movements, but they can heal injuries on the head and even in internal organs.

Physical Therapy For TMJ - You Don't Need a Therapist?

She asked her dentist, she asked her doctor, she asked her friends and they all gave equally unhelpful answers. So, finally, she asked Google. Who else could she ask?

Does physical therapy for TMJ actually work?

She received an answer she didn't expect, she couldn't quite believe it, but she decided what else was there left to lose. She found out that you didn't even need a physiotherapist to cure TMJ. All you needed were a set of specific TMJ exercises that are designed to relieve stress on the jaw by stretching, massaging and strengthening certain muscles in the body.

But the shocking part was that people who have been using these exercises have had their TMJ symptoms disappear in only three days. Remaining skeptical, she researched further and found that most of the time it actually took about 2 weeks for the exercises to relieve symptoms fully.

This seemed a bit more realistic and even a bit exciting, in a couple of weeks, this nagging pain will finally go away.

She found a book full of exercises and massages for TMJ and she decided to start right away. The exercises ended up only taking about 15 minutes to do. They were very easy to follow and didn't hurt at all.

What she liked most of all were the massages. She found that rubbing certain places in her mouth eased the pain in her jaw instantly. Everything else felt quite nice and she decided that it must be working.

She continued doing the exercises for the next 10 days and without realising it was chewing on a rather tough piece of steak with no pain in her jaw!

Can Bellabaci Massage Therapy Be Used for Natural Fibromyalgia Relief?

Common side effects for fibromyalgia medications include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, hypertension and difficulty concentrating. Side effects can also include suicidal thoughts and the medications can also have dangerous interactions with other drugs. Because of this, a lot of people are looking for a way to get some natural fibromyalgia relief.

Bellabaci massage therapy may be a way for people that suffer from fibromyalgia to get relief from some of the common symptoms. Bellabaci massage therapy is a form of cupping therapy with some advantages over the older, traditional cupping therapy methods.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine that dates back hundreds of years. Cups are applied to parts of the body and a vacuum is created to cause suction. The suction penetrates up to 4 inches into the body's tissues causing the tissues to release toxins. This suction is also supposed to activate the lymphatic system and help clear blockages in veins and arteries. In order to create a vacuum and cause suction, the air inside the cups is heated and then the cups are applied to the body. As the air inside the cup cools, pressure inside the cup drops, creating a vacuum.

What Is Bellabaci Massage Therapy?

Bellabaci massage cupping therapy for fibromyalgia uses the same theory of creating suction to remove toxins and blockages but the suction is created in an easier and safer way. Rather than heating up cups that could actually cause burns if you are not careful, Bellabaci cups are made of silicone and all you need to do is gently squeeze the cup with your hand and then release pressure as you apply the cups to the surface of the body. With Bellabaci cups you get the same benefits that you do with traditional cupping therapy but it is safer and simpler to apply.

Can Bellabaci Therapy Help with Fibromyalgia Pain?

An article on the Mayo Clinic website says that there are some studies that indicate that cupping therapy, when combined with acupuncture may actually reduce fibromyalgia symptoms more effectively than conventional medications. The studies that have been performed measure the cupping procedures effectiveness by comparing it to other forms of treatment. There is a need for more research and additional studies but the article states that "some of the available studies do suggest a possible role for cupping in treating fibromyalgia".

One way to know if Bellabaci cupping therapy will work for you is to simply give it a try. Unlike traditional medications you don't have to worry about any dangerous side effects and with Bellabaci cups you don't have to worry about being burned and you do not have to have a lot of skill in order to use Bellabaci cups. There is no risk other than spending a few dollars on the Bellabaci cups themselves so if you are suffering from painful fibromyalgia symptoms and you would like a natural way to get some relief, you may want to give the Bellabaci Body Massage Therapy a try.

Flatulence Remedy You Can Use at Home

In this article, I will discuss 6 points on Flatulence Remedy and tell you the solution to flatulence.

1. Sufferers of flatulence problems may look far and wide for a solution to the problem, and may consider all manner of things before they will go to a doctor - many will change their diet, others will take exercise, and some will plump for homeopathic solutions. However, the use of massage as a flatulence remedy could be the best weapon in your armory if you are finding that you cannot seem to get to the marrow of the problem. Forms of massage such as Shiatsu and acupressure are among the most reliable cures for flatulence because of their direct approach to the problem.

2. Flatulence Remedy & The Exercises That Will Do The Job

Much of the problem in many cases of flatulence is that the stomach is doing very little to digest food - possibly as a result of an enzyme deficiency. In these cases, it is advisable to release the stagnation by finding a pressure point beneath the kneecap in between the two bones of the lower leg. By pressing on that point you can relieve digestive problems and minimize flatulence. The exact location of the point should be about the width of four fingers beneath the kneecap, and pressure should be applied so as to be felt but not painful. This is a reliable flatulence remedy.

3. Oftentimes, flatulence will be caused by an unsteady digestive process that leads to feelings of butterflies and disruption in the stomach. This will often be caused by poor circulation and will make itself known to the sufferer in the form of gas. It can be eliminated by a simple foot massage which consists in finding a pressure point on the inner arch of the foot, about a finger's width behind the ball. Pressing on this point with the pad of your thumb will have the desired effect.

4. Gas is, of course, the major factor in flatulence and central to flatulence remedies. It can be caused by a range of factors. You may have swallowed air due to eating too quickly, being nervous, or taking strenuous exercise. In such cases, flatulence may not be smelly, but will certainly be noisy, and can be extremely embarrassing. The point to focus on here is the spot where the two metatarsal bones which are found between the big toe and its neighbor. Pressing on this point will eliminate gas and will go a long way to negating the problem of noisy flatulence.

5. Tuning Up The Band

Many people will be familiar with an acupressure exercise which is used to reduce travel sickness and has even resulted in the sale of wrist bands to affect the problem. The pressure point that is focused on in this exercise is about three finger-widths from the inner crease of the wrist, between the two thin bones in your forearm. If you move towards the hand by one finger-width, you will find the pressure point which removes stomach congestion and frees up the digestion.

6. You may find that the wrist bands sold to solve travel sickness are easily adaptable to become a flatulence remedy. Other massage treatments work too, but for a solution you can (and may want to) practice on your own, these are among the best.

Foot Massage - What Are The Advantages?

You may have seen the advantages of a full body massage in the past, but were you aware that a foot massage can help the body heal itself and eliminate certain ailments? The usage of reflexology, a traditional Chinese technique used for healing of the body and to unwind the muscles, is the basis of foot massage, and if you have had frequent colds, headaches, joint or muscle pain a quality foot massage might be just the thing you need.

How Does It Work?

The foot massage, which is also known as the sole massage, is the technique of massaging specific areas on the foot so that you can cure certain diseases. Reflexology based in China suggests that each section of the foot is associated to an internal organ, and that this area will heal the organ through the use of massaging the foots specific spot that is associated with the organ that is damaged. This makes the process unlike most other body massages because your therapist will only be rubbing areas on your feet, but you can feel the effects in all other corresponding parts of your body.

Your session will probably start by soaking your feet in a hot water bath and a mixture of Chinese herbs which nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Your therapist will typically use strong, fast movements (commonly with the use of their knuckles) to work your feet, which is undoubtedly a change from the long sliding type of movements that you will typically feel for a Swedish massage or a sports massage. A body lotion or oil can also be employed during your foot massage to help you feel more at ease.

What Can You Expect During Your Session?

When your therapist touches an area of the foot that induces and discomfort in you, they are more than likely to share with you the reasons you are experiencing any discomfort, and provide you with tips for healing that specific organ that might be giving you problems. For example, if you have stomach or abdominal pain, you might be having a problem with the liver or kidneys, which is suggested by the sensitivity of an area on the foot, the same holds true even for headaches as well as fatigue.

If your therapist touches an area too fast or too deeply, it can cause discomfort because your muscles contract automatically, which can also be indicative of health problems that you might not be aware of. During the session, you should begin to feel much better, because the spot on your foot, which is causing you problems should start to feel better at the end of your session.

If you want to use the foot massage to help heal you of any health conditions, be sure to talk with your physician about massage techniques that will suit you best. You might also want to consider a massage chair to use in your home, so that you can get a massage at any time to gain energy as well as cut down on any type of pain you may be having in certain areas of your body.

3 Massage Therapy Alternatives to Relieve Pain Due to Shin Splints

Treating shin splints can be difficult when the pain is too much to handle. From the vulnerable nerves to the inability to put pressure on the lower leg, it is one of the excruciating foot conditions. Nevertheless, with the right treatments, shin splints relief is possible in most cases. Including the proper use of orthotics and several innovative massage techniques, relief is finally in sight.

Learn How You Can Make a Difference for Your Shins

Shin splints are commonplace injuries that are caused by some of the following major factors:

• Weakened anterior or tight posterior leg muscles


• Sprinting on a hard surface or a recent increase of physical activity


• Wearing shoes that are too tight or small including lack of heel cushion or shoes with little support


• Suffering from flat arches

These factors can become a life-changing injury if your career depends upon your fitness level or being on your feet for prolonged periods. In the case of police officers, for example, they must stay fit and strong so they can keep up with their requirements on the job. With better upkeep of fitness, however, shin splints can quickly become an issue.

Orthotics Help Foot Pain in More Ways than One

Research studies have concluded that shoe orthotics help relieve shin splints by cushioning the heel as well as providing arch support. These are several of the major factors listed above that can be taken care of starting today. Some athletic shoe orthotics are specially made to cushion the heels and support the feet. These devices diminish the stress to be absorbed into the insoles instead of forcing the joints to absorb most of the stress. For people with flattened arches, shoe orthotics designed for athletes can be purchased with firm arches so that normal arch support is provided to the feet. Wearing adequate foot arch support is critical to normal foot function.

Treating Shin Pain Involves More than Resting

More can be done for the lower legs aside from strengthening and stretching the muscles as well as keeping the affected area iced and rested. Massage treatments can make a huge difference in the overall healing time. One recommended exercise is to massage under water. Water massage using cold water is highly recommended, since it can help to reduce fluid retention in the area.

Shin Pain is Easy with Massage

One underwater massage technique involves first soaking the lower legs in a bathtub with some ice cubes. This will lessen the swelling and also help the nerves to be soothed. Never press thumbs into the shins, since this can send the injured person through the roof in pain. Instead, with a hand-off approach, have them point their toes and flex their foot alternately underneath the water. This not only self-massages the inner muscles, but helps bring blood to the area. It also strengthens the anterior muscles while stretching the posterior muscles in tandem.

Learn How Massagers Can Remove Shin Pain

Another massage that helps tremendously for shin splints is by way of a battery-operated or plug-in massager that provides vibration massage. With nerves ultra-sensitive to being touched, giving a skin-to-skin massage simply isn't the best option. Some types grip the leg via a neoprene sleeve while others are in the shape of a square and can be placed flat on the floor or on top of the shin. For tight posterior leg muscles, a roller-type massage machine (handheld) can also be excellent for massaging calf muscles.

You no longer have to let shin splints stop you from living. With the frequent use of shoe orthotics and these two massage techniques; shin splints can be painless and extremely effective.

Massage Therapy Schools, What To Expect And Watch Our For

Massage therapy schools are proliferating across the country as more and more people decide to become licensed as massage therapists. There are schools in nearly every state, and there are a variety of programs that focus on particular types of massaging, so you can become specialized in certain areas.

Before enrolling in a massage therapy school, it is probably a good idea to do a bit of research into the different types of massaging, so you can decide if you would like to specialize in any one area; then, you can choose your massage therapy school accordingly.

Once you have determined what you want to do, you can begin researching schools in your area. Different factors like tuition prices, length of the program, and the experience of the instructors should come into play.

When choosing a massage therapy school, it is best to look for one that is accredited; that is, those schools whose programs have been evaluated and determined to be teaching the correct methods in a universally acceptable way. Many schools, though, rely on traditional Chinese theories for massage.

In general, when you enroll in massage therapy schools, expect to spend around six to eight months learning and practicing. Of course, there are more lessons to be learned than just the massage techniques, though. You will find that coursework may include basic anatomy classes, techniques for massage, legal requirements and responsibilities, management and finances, and even health and regulatory practices.

These are all in addition to practicum's wherein you will have the opportunity to practice your newly acquired skills. Performing an internship may or may not be required; nonetheless, it is a great idea to shadow a massage therapist who has achieved success to see the techniques in action, in a real-life setting.

Massage therapy schools that are accredited and are regulated by state standards will ensure that you receive a top quality education in your new career path. In those few months that it takes to learn to become a massage therapist, you will acquire skills in everything from pressure points to opening and managing your own spa or salon.

In fact, these business skills can aid you in developing a business plan and marketing methods that will be transferable to your real life, where you can take everything from the classroom and make it work for you. Beyond the business aspect, expect to get some history lessons as well.

Massage therapy schools, particularly the ones that help you specialize in particular methods, will not only instruct you in those methods and techniques, but will also teach you all about their origins and evolvement over time.

Knowing not only what you are doing but how it has been developed and molded over time will make you an expert in your field of expertise. Beyond that, expect to find out everything you need to know about the law and regulatory practices of your state and/or region. This way, massage therapy schools are certain that they teach every possible aspect of massage therapy, including what it takes to have a successful, law-abiding practice.

Physical Therapists - Do Physical Therapists Like Their Jobs (You May Be Surprised)

While you can find a person who likes just about every kind of job out there, not all careers enjoy very high levels of job satisfaction as a whole. It's important to know how people end up feeling about their careers as they are in the midst of them, because it can give you a clue as to how you might feel too, and whether or not a particular line of work is the right path for you. Physical therapists, for example, enjoy extremely high levels of satisfaction, making the prospects of entering this field even more exciting for prospective students.

One of the key facts behind this comes from a 2007 survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center. This survey found that over three quarters of physical therapists responded as being "very satisfied" with their jobs. That's more than 75%, and it shows you that if you end up pursuing physical therapy, it's extremely likely that you'll end up feeling happy about your line of work.

Not only is this an extremely high percentage, but it's actually the number 2 highest rated profession for job satisfaction across any industry or area. Number 1 belonged to clergy, and no other health care related profession ranked in the top 5.

But there are a few other surveys and rankings which help to bolster the case for physical therapy even more. In November 2010, CNNMoney.com ranked physical therapy as the number 4 best job in America, in a top 100 list. A year before that, the U.S. News and World Report included physical therapy on their list of the best careers for the year.

Now that you know how highly satisfactory physical therapy can be for most of the individuals in the field, it's important to know why. Right at the top of the list is that physical therapy is extremely rewarding in terms of helping people and improving their lives each and every day of your working life. You'll always feel positive and like you're doing something worthwhile as you work as a physical therapist.

Intrinsic rewards are great, but let's be honest, earning a good salary is also very important for the career that you'll have. Physical therapists bring in very high salaries, and there are also great job opportunities right now for new professionals. That means you'll be able to land a great job very quickly, and once you do, that job will pay you what you deserve, on top of all of those other great benefits and rewards.

Some careers have job satisfaction rates of about 50-50, and many others fare much worse than that. So when you see that 75% of physical therapists love their jobs, the 2nd highest ranking career of any, then you really have to take it seriously. If you haven't been considering physical therapy before, you might definitely want to consider it now, from the high salaries and numerous job opportunities, to the intrinsic rewards of helping people every day.

4 Things to Consider While Choosing Massage Therapy School

To become a masseuse you need to go to a massage school where they give a specialized course on massages. A good massage school clinic will help you get really good and professional training and will be provided with a certificate at the end of the training too. These too are essential for the growth of your career in this profession. Four things that you must consider before you join a massage school are

• Economy
For any type of education the cost plays an important role in determining whether the course would be worth the cost. The overall cost of the school is to be considered. The school normally provides training and these schools are mostly privately owned and run. Therefore the tuition fees are very dependent upon the type of school. You should ask about the fees about the schools and the extra costs that are associated with the school. Do inquire about any scholarships that might be offered for financial aid.

• Licensing Requirement
Before you select one particular school for the one where you will study you should check the licensing requirements that the school needs to fulfill. If the school has not fulfilled the requisite license then avoid going to that school. Get yourself admitted into a certified school and it should be one that is recognized everywhere and thus can help you get a job.

• Curriculum
There are many variations in massage schools and there are many vocational schools that offer these programs. You should be going in for courses that cover specialized styles of massages. There are some schools that offer an associate degree along with the major degree which is provided to you. Also look for additional diplomas that you might be able to earn while pursuing your course. There is a certain 500 hours quota that one needs to fulfill to be able to get the diploma but that again is something that is dependent upon the school and thus it varies from place to place and college to college.

• Course
This is one area where you need to have done prior research before hand to have been able to properly understand this. The selection of the right type of courses will ensure that you will be more experienced and knowledgeable in those areas. There will be courses which have their practical counter part along with the theory areas these subjects are the ones which you must apply for. Courses which include advanced massage techniques and all about physiology and psychology are absolutely essential for every masseur.

You need to be able to thoroughly check all these requirements before you decide to pay the fees and enroll in the school. The type of education that you get from places like these will be determining how are one is going to be existing for the rest of one's life, and one do not need to take a chance with such a decision without research.

The Benefits of Therapeutic Massage and Therapeutic Touch for Couples

In the spa in Redding where I have a massage studio, both men and women come into buy massages for their significant others. The intent of these gifts are wonderful. The significant others are always grateful. However, there are times in massage sessions where a client will say, "I wish my husband or wife could massage me the way you do". They say, "you have this way of connecting to my body that my partner does not". Those comments illustrate what is often times missing between many couples- a deeper, loving. physical connection.

Because they want that level of connection with each other, many couples are requesting that I teach them how to massage each other. There is a deeper message that is being communicated to me from couples, not just male and females couples either, all variation of couples. Women tend to receive massage more, so for their men I teach them that one of the greatest gifts they can give their woman is the magic of being a man who gives touch and massage with the intent of having her feel good, all without wanting sex afterwards. This intent can apply to any variation of couple. It's simply genuine intent and open heart space that people wish to feel, whether they are consciously aware of it or not. This is why professional massage feels so good. Many of us massage therapists have trained ourselves with that level of intention and presence. I teach clients that giving your partner loving, therapeutic touch is much less expensive(and more fun) than buying "things" like an expensive dinner or flowers, especially if funds are limited.

Lately, stress levels for so many are higher than ever. For couples though, during high stress times, the physical, intimate connection is what often times gets neglected first. Luckily now in society it is becoming widely accepted that therapeutic massage and touch are way to decrease stress levels. Loving, therapeutic touch can always be available between two people. The benefits of massage are infinite; physiological, emotional, and physical. In addition the boundless loving energy that can be exchanged between two people is amazing. Everything is linked. The mind/body are one, when you affect one area, you always affect the others. Here are just a few of the benefits of massage; A physiological benefit is that touch releases serotonin in the body, and serotonin is the "feel good" chemical. This connects right to the emotional benefit of touch, it feels good, it brings happiness. The physical benefit when the body is touched, is that muscles will relax, thus decreasing tightness. This decreases pain in the body. It's always a cyclical effect.

Clients will say to me I can't massage my partner because I don't have strong hands or my partner just doesn't know how to get to those tight spots. There are ways to train oneself so those problems do not affect the level of connection between a couple. The real goal is staying connected with the intent of love and presence, because energy goes where thoughts (intent) flows. You can have tiny hands and still give an excellent massage.

Like I mentioned above, nothing beats getting a high quality therapeutic massage. You get presence, experience, plus the breadth of knowledge of a professional massage therapist. All this, without having to give back. You lay on the massage table and drift off into dream land, trusting that the massage therapist will attune to you, your body and give you the love and focus you need. If you have a truly skilled massage therapist, then he or she will know the power of giving massage from an open heart. You can sense in anyone's touch what their intent is. The warmth of their heart will flow through their hands.

Imagine that you and your partner have all those qualities. It is possible. This is where intent comes into play. In your mind's eye imagine how wonderful it feels receiving loving, therapeutic touch from a trusted partner. You can still drift into dream land. Trust that your partner is giving to you because they want to make you feel good and you don't have to give back. Then practice giving touch to them the same way.

There are many skills and techniques one can learn to give excellent therapeutic touch for helping each other de-stress and relax. First though it really comes down to heart space with the ebb and flow of giving and receiving. Like I said, energy flows where intent goes. If you want to make your partner feel good, then your partner will feel good. This open heart space coupled with communication are keys for navigating the art of giving and receiving.

Especially during stressful times, staying lovingly connected is one of the most important things we can do for each other. This loving connection often replaces material things. Plus that abundant energy is returned to us in profound ways. Next time you are stressed, maybe just let that stress go. Focus with your partner on giving and receiving therapeutic touch. You might be surprised at how it can relax both of you.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools - How to Choose the Right One

There is a wide range of physical therapy assistant schools to choose from for those who plan to pursue a career as a physical therapist's assistant. However, there are several considerations to take into account when selecting a school. One of the most important things to consider is the school's status with regards to accreditation.

Because they are acknowledged and held in high regard by virtually every healthcare facility, accredited programs are the wisest option for one's education. There are over 265 schools throughout the country dedicated to teaching students the knowledge and skills required to work in the field, meaning the relevant training can be obtained by almost anyone.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

Accreditation Considerations

In August of 2010, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-CAPTE-obtained permission from the American Physical Therapy Association to grant accreditation status to such programs.

Each learning institution is judged on its program's quality, the instructor to student ratio, IT features and administration considerations. For this reason, choosing a CAPTE-accredited school is the best way to ensure that one receives a quality education.

Although the school selected will depend on a variety of factors, the following two schools are inexpensive and offer a high quality of teaching:

Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University offers an Associate's of Applied Science program for those interested in becoming physical therapist assistants. An individual can earn his or her degree in five semesters and the university provides job placement assistance. The cost of each credit hour is approximately $74 as of January, 2012.

College of Southern Nevada

The College of Southern Nevada also offers an Associate degree program in Applied Science. The degree can be earned in four semesters, and the average tuition cost as of April, 2012, is approximately $69 per credit hour. The college also provides several financial assistance programs for students that are deemed to need it.

Curriculum

Although coursework will vary at physical therapy assistant schools, almost all programs will include the following: anatomy, physiology, biology, neurosciences, behavioral sciences, pharmacology and therapeutic procedures.

Students will learn through classroom lectures and clinical experiences, the latter of which is taken under the direction of a physical therapist or other licensed health care practitioner. With most programs, essentially 100% of the final semester will consist of hands-on training. Clinical rotations are typically taken in clinics and hospitals in the general vicinity of the learning institution where one is enrolled.

Online Options

Students can also choose to complete their education at one of many physical therapy assistant schools available online. This option has become increasingly popular over the past 10 years. However, it is important to note that only accredited online schools should be considered. The following is a popular school which meets this criteria:

Online PTA Program at San Juan College

Prospective students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree at San Juan College's online campus. The New Mexico based college is CAPTE-accredited and specializes in assistant programs. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges has also accredited this School. As of 2011, tuition stands at approximately $50 per credit hour.

Those who are interested in becoming an assistant in this field will discover that physical therapy assistant schools are available to suit virtually every lifestyle and budget. Therefore, those who wish to realize their goal of working in this profession should enrol in an accredited school to take the first step toward securing meaningful employment in the field of physical therapy.

Hot Stone Massage Explained

Hot stone massage is a popular combination of a light massage technique aided by hot stones for relaxing stiff and tension muscles all over the patient' body. Swedish massage is probably the most commonly used massage therapy for this type of therapeutic massage as it is done in a gentle and smooth manner. The most common type of stone used on the patient's body is basalt rock. The reason for this is because of its ability to retain heat for a long time unlike the other stones. These stones are usually sanitized before being used on the patient's body.

The person responsible for making this massage type popular all over the world is an Arizona massage therapist named Mary Nelson. However, this massage technique is used for many centuries ago as an alternative medicine to promote a healthy condition. La-Stone Therapy was a modified version of hot stone massaged developed by Mary Nelson.

The basalt or other types of stones used are usually placed on a preheated water container until they reach the desirable and appropriate temperature suitable for this type of therapeutic massage. An electric heating device is commonly used as it is more convenient to heat things there than any other type of heating device. Stones that are not warm enough or lost their warmth are replaced and immersed back in the water and heated again in the electric heating device.

In a hot stone massage therapy session, the process is similar with any of the conventional massage therapy where the patient is required to undress and comfortably lie down on the massage bed. However, unlike the other massage styles, hot stone massage starts its therapy by warming up the patient's body with the help of hot stones positioned on the various meridian points located all over the body. The warmth of these stones helps a lot in releasing tension and calming the body parts of the patient as a preparation for a good massage therapy. The massage therapist also uses oil or lotion as a lubricant on the patient's body for a smooth and friction-free manipulation of the various massage strokes. The therapist has the liberty of using hot stones placed on both hands as he or she massages the patient. These stones are replaced with new stones in case the heat doesn't meet the appropriate temperature required for this massage therapy method. Most of the time during a massage session, the massage therapist doesn't remove the hot stones on the patient's body key points as he or she works all over the body.

Many people are getting hooked with this type of massage therapy because of its wonderful effect on the patient's body after the massage therapy session. This type of massage therapy is suitable for individuals who prefer to relax with a lighter and gentler massage therapy. People with body pain often find this technique relieving, relaxing and energizing. It is also a good way of removing emotional and physical stress by getting your energy re-balanced for a healthier body condition.

Various Physiotherapy Equipments and Its Uses

Physical therapy or physiotherapy involves treatment of diseases, disabilities and disorders by evaluating, diagnosing and treating the diseases using physical treatments. For the treatment of different types of disabilities and diseases, various types of equipments are used by the physical therapists. These equipments are known as physiotherapy equipments. Most of these equipments and machines are mainly used to complete daily tasks easily and painlessly. Various types of therapies are used to heal different parts of the body.

Different Types of Physiotherapy Equipments

A therapist may require various kinds of machines and equipments to treat different types of disabilities. Some of the most important types of equipments used by the physical therapists are elaborated below.

Exercise equipment: Exercise is one of the most common and widely known varieties of physical therapy. Different types of exercise equipments are used by the therapists to heal bone and muscle disorders and disabilities. Treadmills, exercise bikes, pedal exerciser or elliptical trainer are some of the most common types of physiotherapy equipments used in most of the therapy clinics and hospitals.

Another type of exercise equipment includes the Upper Body Ergometer (UBE). It is quite similar to the stationary bikes in appearance. The UBE is mainly used to heal and strengthen the upper body, shoulders and arms. Stationary bikes are mainly used to strengthen the legs.

Balance ball and chair: One of the most useful varieties of physical therapy equipments includes the balance ball chair which is quite essential to patients exercising with the balance ball. It helps to keep the body and spine in proper alignment while performing exercises. This ergonomically designed chair helps to prevent muscle strains while exercising with the balance ball.

Trampoline: Physiotherapy equipments also include a mini portable trampoline which is quite essential for patients during therapy sessions. One of the greatest advantages of the portable trampoline is its adjustable inclines. It can be adjusted according to the requirements of the patients. It is mainly used to strengthen the muscles of the legs and helps patients with leg injuries.

Mobility equipments: Various mobility equipments are also used in physical therapy treatments. These physiotherapy equipments are used to improve mobility, strength, balance and coordination. Staircase trainer is one of the most important mobility equipment used in physical therapies. It helps to regain strength and mobility of the lower part of the body. Parallel bars are also used in physical therapies to improve strength and range of motion.

Hot and cold therapy equipments: Physiotherapy also includes hot and cold therapy to relieve pain from inflammation and arthritis. It also improves post surgical recoveries. Standing and sitting whirlpools are used in these therapies to heal and strengthen the limbs. Heating pads are used to relieve pain. Cold compressors, which are available in the form of wraps, help to reduce swelling of the elbows and knees.

Apart from the above mentioned equipments, various other types of equipments and machines are also used in physical therapies. TENS or the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation machine, laser machines and Ultrasound machines are the other most important equipments used by physical therapists to relieve chronic pain.

Massage Treatment Intake Forms - Reasons For Their Importance To Therapists

Massage treatment intake forms play a critical role where both the client and the therapist are concerned. Massage treatment intake forms convey a wealth of useful information that provides the starting point for treatment.

Why Massage Treatment Intake Forms Are Required By Therapists

Massage treatment intake forms are what go into the client's file first; they are intended to supply the therapist with the necessary information that will enable him to treat you for you problem in a sound and careful manner.

All patients do not receive the same massage treatment. There are a number of things that can influence the extent/regularity of treatment that you get, including the degree and duration of each session. Now what seems appropriate for you may in fact lead to injury in another person with a particular problem. The queries mentioned in the massage treatment intake form are intended to enlighten the therapist regarding your:

a. Medical history
b. Present medical problems
c. Extent of motion
d. Purpose of treatment
e. Personal viewpoint concerning massage therapy (for instance, do you consider massage to be a practicable physical therapy or just a soothing, relaxing, indulgence?)

Moreover, massage treatment intake forms also list the elementary requirements like contact data as well as confidentiality disclosure.

The replies given by you against each of the queries listed in the form will reveal to the massage therapist which specific areas require greater focus, the type of massage that will work best for you and tend to make you feel more comfortable, and if any products, techniques, or stimulations are contraindicated where you are concerned because of your problem or allergy and such others.

The objective of massage treatment intake form is certainly to make available a unique massage treatment experience with the best possible results.

What Queries Are Included?

Now, your massage treatment intake form should by no means be excessively intrusive, but some basics are required. The standard massage intake form generally will comprise of queries that inquire about:

1. Your address and contact data

2. Levels of stress

3. Strain

4. Headaches

5. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, circulatory and cardiac conditions

6. Latest procedures or problems such as surgery, broken bones, pregnancy, back problems, tissue damage

7. Problems with pain like back pain, sensitive areas, numbness, pressures, or piercing pains

Furthermore, you will have the chance to inform the therapist by means of the massage treatment intake form what your particular area(s) of distress is (are) and in what way you think massage therapy will benefit you.

Your massage therapist just requires you to complete a massage treatment intake form before your initial appointment, and at regular intervals following ongoing treatment. With the help of the information supplied by you, the therapist develops a massage procedure especially for you in order that you attain whatever you set to accomplish from your personal massage treatment experience.