When Do You Need Carpal Tunnel Release Physical Therapy?

Carpal tunnel is the term for a vessel found in the hand, which contains many other important nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there is pressure or inflammation in the nerves within the carpal tunnel.

The initial treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is non-surgical. However, if symptoms do not improve or the condition persists for more than six months, your doctor will most likely recommend surgery, also known as carpal tunnel release, to ease the pressure on the carpal tunnel.

What happens in a carpal tunnel release?

Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure, which involves cutting the surrounding tissues on the wrist to lessen the pressure on the affected nerve. The traditional method of surgery is open release surgery, wherein the doctor widens the carpal tunnel by cutting the ligament through an incision made on the wrist about two inches in size.

Another type of carpal tunnel release surgery is endoscopic surgery, which often requires two incisions, each half an inch in size, one on the wrist and another on the palm. Some doctors may make only one incision on the wrist. Next, the doctor inserts a tube with a camera through one of the incisions and by observing the onscreen view of the affected area, the doctor efficiently proceeds with cutting the carpal ligament. Endoscopic surgery provides quicker recovery, minimal post-surgery discomfort and less scarring than open release surgery.

Patients may have carpal tunnel release done on one or both hands. Patients are usually under local anesthesia during the surgery but some cases may require general anesthesia. Carpal tunnel release is an outpatient procedure so patients do not have to stay in the hospital overnight.

After surgery, your focus will naturally be a speedy recovery. It is important to note that complete recovery may take several months. Patients should go through carpal tunnel release physical therapy to strengthen the wrist. If it is not necessary for you to change your job, your therapist may ask you to change some work habits or adjust some activities that may affect your recovery.

Doctors usually recommend carpal tunnel release physical therapy when patients are undergoing surgery on both hands. In this case, the patient undergoes carpal tunnel release physical therapy in between surgeries to advance the recovery process. When recommending carpal tunnel release physical therapy, doctors look at the extent of the surgery and the condition of the operated area. While carpal tunnel release physical therapy is not compulsory, it will certainly contribute to a faster recovery.

How to Pick the Best Massage Therapist?

When choosing for the best massage therapist, you should never settle for those who have passed the licensure exam, check their medical experience, how they perform their service, and their etiquette as professional massage therapists. Searching for the right person for the job is not as easy as it seems for there are many different types of massage therapy methods to start your search with.

Knowing what massage method you want will help you a lot in trimming down your search by making the hunt more specific. In case you chose shiatsu, base your search only to therapists who know the art and have a good amount of working experience. The internet is a good place to start on searching for the best massage method that you would want to have as a regular medical care. A little bit of research will add up to your knowledge so that you will know what type of therapist you are looking for.

Make sure that you get your massage therapy from an accredited massage parlor and spa which only hires and uses licensed and certified massage therapists to perform the job on their patient. They know the anatomy of the human body thus reducing the risks of certain physical problems such as injuries during a massage therapy session. They also know whether a patient is qualified on having a massage therapy or not base on his or her medical records.

When you already have your list of top prospects, don't hesitate on giving them a call and asking them questions regarding their performance and the massage therapy method you want. Prepare as many substantial questions as you can, make sure that these are related to your search for the best one. As early as now you can find out who among them are professional enough just by entertaining the queries of a customer and who are more approachable and have a good customer relation.

After all of these screening, you will find out who among the many massage therapist fits your requirements. You can now start by scheduling for your first massage therapy session. Let your thought be known by sharing your opinion, likes and dislikes regarding the massage therapy method. By this, the massage therapist will know what he or she needs to do and what he or she must avoid to do during the massage therapy. Telling your massage therapist what you want to achieve or what you are expecting on your massage therapist is a good way for the therapist to know what you want for your massage session.

In case the therapist you chose doesn't meet your needs on the actual massage therapy session, feel free to look for another one who can meet your standards and medical needs. Never let your massage therapist talk you on keeping a regular session with him or her in case you are not satisfied with his or her performance. Remember that you are the one who is paying for the service, so look for someone who can give back your money's worth.

Massage Therapy School: A Lucrative Career for The 21st Century

Across the United States and Canada are hundreds of accredited massage therapy schools that provide hands on training programs and education massage training to health care professionals.

There is a difference between massage therapy and sensual massage as used in massage parlors. The health professionals of today are certified, insured and well trained at massage therapy schools so they are able to give massage therapy in comfortable, clinical atmospheres.

At massage therapy school, you learn that massage is part science and part art. A massage therapist applies lotion to the exposed area he/she is working on and manipulates the joints, tendons and ligaments, soft tissues and skin by using therapeutic strokes, pressing, tapping and squeezes. A session usually lasts approximately an hour.

Massage therapy is wonderful for relaxing muscles, stimulating the lymphatic system, improving circulation and quieting the nerves. Often massage will benefit people suffering with physical as well as mental disorders.

For anyone that has ever had a muscle spasm and knows just how painful it is, massage can ease the pain along with pain from cramps and tension. Stress can play havoc with your body and relaxation massages are a wonderful and beneficial way to treat stress.

At massage therapy school, you learn a variety of massages. Some of the different types of massages are:

1. Pregnancy prenatal massage

2. Swedish massage

3. Shiatsu

4. Neuromuscular therapy

5. Aromatherapy

6. Sports massage

7. Acupressure

Massage therapy schools not only teach therapists theory but also practical hands on massage. A therapist must pass a board examine and certification standards vary by state.

With the fast paced, modern lifestyles of people today, everyone needs a way to relieve stress, and relax not only their mind but also body. Massage is a wonderful way to do this.

Massage therapy school might be the career you are looking for.

PT Schools - How To Choose The Best Physical Therapy School

Physical therapists are very important to the modern health care system. They are the professionals who specialize in movement dysfunction among patients who have suffered from a certain illness or injury. The main job of a physical therapist is to help patients restore maximal function of their bodies. Needless to say, this kind of job is fulfilling, and for most physiotherapists, the satisfaction with their profession comes not from the salary they get, but more from the help and support they give their patients. If you are looking for a job that's challenging yet very rewarding, you may as well become a physical therapist. Now the question is how you are going to choose the right physical therapy school.

Look For an Accredited Physical Therapy School

The very first thing that you need to look for in a physical therapy school is its accreditation. When doing your search for such schools, you had better go through a list of all the accredited institutions from the American Physical Therapy Association. This is an important factor because schools with accreditation are those that have passed the standards for top quality instruction. What this means for you is that you will get a training and coursework which are updated and highly relevant for practical application. More importantly, good training will increase the likelihood of you passing the licensure exam.

Go For a Physical Therapy School with a High Licensure Passing Rate

No physical therapy graduate is allowed to practice without passing the National Physical Therapy examination. So you would want to study in a school that will help you easily pass the licensure test. In order to find a physical therapy school that offers the best training, you can take a look at the list of state exam passers and find out from which school they come from. The best physical therapist schools or universities will belong to the top 10 or 20 list. Of course, the higher the licensure passing rate, the better quality of the PT school.

Choose a Physical Therapist School with Great Clinical Education Opportunities

At the end of the day, your job as a physiotherapist will be all about interaction with patients. With that being said, the ideal physical therapist school is the one that can provide you with enough exposure and experience through real life training. You need to know if a particular PT college has work partnerships with certain medical institutions or hospitals. You can check out the website of the physical therapy universities you are considering and see what their affiliations are as well as the internship programs they offer their students.

How to Find the Best Physical Therapy Schools

The internet is the best and most convenient means of finding the right PT school. Look for the programs available in each school and make a comparison of the schools' coursework, entrance requirements and school fees. Confirm also the physiotherapy schools' APTA accreditation as well as their licensure passing rate.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools, Colleges And Universities

By physical therapist assistant schools, we mean schools, colleges or universities that confer Associate's degrees to students and certify them as licensed assistants.

A PTA is someone who assists a therapist in providing treatment to patients suffering from fractures, cerebral palsy, injuries, arthritis due to accidents, developmental disorder, old age or any other condition that result in immobility. In this field, the practitioner tries to improve their condition and helps them recover by applying massage, exercise and other therapeutic procedures. He or she also educates patients and their loved ones on how to use various therapy equipment and medical devices such as wheelchairs, crutches etc. Hence, the students are trained on how to perform these duties in related schools.

These schools educate students with the required knowledge, skills and clinical training and prepare them to grab that perfect high paying profession. Those who successfully acquire the degree from a physical therapist assistant school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) will smoothly get the job with a starting salary of $31,000 up to $40,000 per annum. However, this will depend on a lot of factors, such as the industry you're in, your qualification and experience, state you're in and working schedules. For instance, home healthcare services are considered to be highest payers followed by nursing facilities and so on.

Most states will require you to acquire certification from accredited physical therapist assistant schools and they may also require the students to pass state exams to start working in any medical facility. These schools also offer advanced certifications and specialization in the field of interest, such as in pediatrics, aquatic, geriatrics etc. For people who are currently working can look for these schools online. A lot of accredited online programs are available which provide the ease and facility to obtain the required education and work in the field of physical therapy. However, one needs to be sure if it's accredited, has a good ranking among other online schools available and has a good employment reputation in the industry.

Those interested in pursuing this career, can find the complete list of accredited physical therapist assistant schools online. Programs carried out in vocational schools or community colleges as well as online accredited schools. Students should thoroughly research their rankings and check for all the available resources to make the best choice.

Six Tips to Keeping School Grades Up - My Child's Serious Illness

Children who are going through medical procedures and dealing with chronic diseases want to be the same as their peers. That means doing what their peers are doing and going to school. Keeping your child's grades up is an important goal so that your child will not fall behind in school. It is devastating for a child to undergo a medical treatment and also to have to repeat a year in school.

1. To keep in touch with your child's school, talk with the school principal, secretary, teacher, counselor and any other professionals involved in your child's life. Let them know what is happening and how they can keep you in touch with school life. The more people that understand your situation and know how to help your child, the better it is for your kid.

2. At school you can have a primary contact person who understands the child's illness and is sensitive to his/her needs. Often the school nurse is the contact person but it can be any staff member.

3. The challenges that a child may face could be physical, cognitive, social, or academic. The support group that a child has is important to a child's success. The support group would include the school team, medical team, family and friends.

4. The school health plan is crucial as it describes the chronic illness or disability and lists medications given at school. It outlines medical procedures and describes accommodations that are needed for the success at school. The school health plan can be a 504 Plan or an IEP. The 504 is a civil rights statue that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. It is a written plan for students with disabilities requiring only reasonable accommodation. The 504 refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The IEP is a more legal document that sets out the duties and responsibilities of the school. Individual Education Program in a federal law IDEA 2004 which is Individual with Disabilities Educaton Improvement Act. It provides funding for special education.

5. The first step parents need to take is to request a Child Study Team Meeting to decide if the child is eligible for an educational plan. That is an IEP or 504 Plan. Have every conversation and discussion in writing so that you can document it later if necessary. Anyone who works with the child in the school setting along with the parent can be a part of the Child Study Team. Some parts of the country will call this team a different name ie., Student Success Team.

6. The Child Study Team or Student Success Team will decide if any of the following evaluations are needed-- medical, psychological, educational, social history, speech/language, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Accommodations can then be made that the child needs to succeed at school. Examples include the following

•Student excused from testing at P.E.
•Student allowed extra time for test taking or homework
•Student be given an extra set of books
•Student given bathroom, clinic or other passes as needed
•Student granted a rest period during the day
•Student assigned a buddy to help take notes or write if necessary.

Taking these steps will ensure that your child gets what they need in terms of help at school and this in turn increases the overall recovery.

Medical Massage Therapy - Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Help Your Body Heal

You may be able to help your body heal itself with medical massage therapy. More and more doctors are beginning to prescribe medical massage as a way to aid your own body's natural ability to heal itself. They do this to minimize, or avoid, using high doses of prescription pain medications, and sometimes it can even help avoid surgery. Sometimes the therapy can relieve pain. In some cases, it can actually aid healing.

Medical Massage VS. Relaxation Massage

It is important to understand the distinction between medical massage and relaxation massage. While both may have some medical benefits, a medical treatment will be designed to help with a particular problem.

You may call yourself to schedule relaxation massage at a day spa, resort, or beauty school. Lots of people enjoy these sessions in order to relax, improve their mood, or relieve sore muscles. A session will probably be applied to the whole body, or to whatever parts of the body you request.

Compare that to a medical treatment. This will probably be applied to the part of your body that is affected. It is very specifically designed to help treat a certain injury or illness. The treatment should be prescribed by a doctor, and it should be performed by a qualified therapist.

A medical doctor will prescribe this treatment, much as they might prescribe medication. And this type of treatment may actually reduce the need for medication too. It can also relieve pain, relax muscle spasms, and improve blood circulation. Sometimes one treatment will be enough, and sometimes a patient need to schedule regular visits over a course of time.

Common Massage Therapy Treatments

There are a variety of uses for massage therapy, and more uses are being studied all of the time. Some are to relieve chronic pain caused by illnesses or pregnancy. Some may help with bloating or constipation. Still others may help people who have been injured in an accident. Patients who get treatment also tend to report an improved mood, along with relief from pain.

Warnings About Medical Massage Therapy

Keep in mind that doctors do prescribe the treatment. This is because the massage therapists are not expected to diagnose a problem, but simply to relieve it. For example, some heart problems could present themselves as back or arm pain. But if this is the case, a massage could be very dangerous. That is why a medical professional must prescribe the treatment, and the patient cannot go out and seek it on their own.

Will Health Insurance Cover Medical Massage Therapy?

Since this is accepted medical treatment, prescribed by a doctor, and performed by a licensed professional, will health insurance cover it? Many insurers do help pay for these treatments.

If you want to find out if your plan covers this, you need to do a couple of things. First you should call your insurer to find out how they will handle payments. Secondly, you will need to make sure the therapist is on your plan. Some types of health insurance, like PPO or HMO health plans, may have a list of network providers you can use. This may actually be helpful because the therapists will have to be qualified to make the network list. Other insurers may approve your treatment, but require you to file your own claims.

What's Offered by Physical Therapy Continuing Education Classes?

Taking physical therapy continuing education classes are an important and ongoing part of the profession.

Who's A Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist is a professional who helps those with who suffer disabilities caused by injury or disease stay fit and healthy. They work with their patients to help them learn how to use their own bodies to regain strength, balance and coordination.

Professionals in this field are required to be licensed in their state of practice after graduating from an accredited physical therapist program. They will also be required to attend a certain number of hours of physical therapy continuing education classes in order to keep their license.

Many physical therapists work closely with doctors, implementing treatment plans to bring patients to a level of full functioning as much as possible after illness or injury. This means they must have an understanding of biomechanics, neuroanatomy and human growth and development.

Importantly, they must also be able to communicate with not only doctors, but patients and their families and have the capability to advise them on their treatment.

Why Take Physical Therapy Continuing Education Classes?

Physical therapy continuing education classes are a necessary part of training and development. Not only do they help to continue in professional development, the classes help them to keep up with changing rules and guidelines of the state as well as issues pertaining to insurance guidelines and regulations. A career in any branch of the medical field dealing directly with the health of another human being naturally requires ongoing learning.

Physical therapy continuing education courses are offered by reputable and accredited institutions.

What are some of the topics covered in continuing education classes?

* Vestibular Rehabilitation: as in therapies for dizziness and imbalance

* Managed Care: focus on quality and accessibility of practitioners

* Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation: physical strengthening exercises for injured shoulders

* HIPPA: regulation compliance and certification

* Stress Management: stress reduction techniques, including for the workplace

Getting And Maintaining Your License

For persons who practice physical therapy, continuing education classes are usually provided by the hospital, clinic or practice in which they are employed, often as lectures or seminars.

However, it's easy to find online sources for physical therapy continuing education classes that are conducted by accredited and reputable schools, hospitals and other institutes. These flexible online classes are designed so that state requirements can be met.

Credits obtained through lectures, seminars and online courses are measured in credit hours which are then reported to the state by the continuing education provider and documented under the licensee's name. Many states now also allow for physical therapists to renew their licenses online.

Introduction To Physical Therapy - Rehabilitation Of Amputees And The Advantages Of Physiotherapy

Amputation is a major blow to anyone, both physically and psychologically. To help a person deal with the loss of a limb a team of trained professionals is engaged - a doctor, a prosthetist, a psychologist, and nurses. To rehabilitate an amputee, a physiotherapist is also required.

When a person is adjusting to life without a limb, a physiotherapist is almost indispensable in the patient's healing process. An amputee has to deal with several physical and physiological issues the. Among these are phantom pains, which are painful sensations that seem to emanate from the limb that has already been removed, as if it still exists. These are nervous responses and require physiotherapy to overcome and treat it.

A prosthetic limb is a must-have for most amputees. Though it is a common notion that learning how to wear it is enough, most don't realize how difficult it can be to adjust to an alien appendage. There are many amputees who have been wearing prosthetic limbs for years, but can still not function normally. Such situations only underline the need for amputee rehabilitation.

The use of a prosthetic limb can be made easier with physiotherapy. Therapy allows a person to get used to the new limb. The routine followed by the patient for this adaptation depends on individual needs and abilities.

Often amputees lose their sense of balance and have to be taught how to walk or stand without support. This is seen more often in the case of a leg or foot amputation. That, however, does not mean that a person who loses an arm will not have a problem with his balance. The redistribution of weight due to the loss of an arm can also result in balancing problems for the amputee.

Many amputees do not realize that it is possible to completely mask a limp, even with the use of a prosthetic limb, if the person learns to walk in the best suitable manner. Physiotherapist are able to train amputees during the rehabilitation program and once this limp is camouflaged, the battle is half won.

It is best to begin physiotherapy immediately after the surgery, to avoid the weakening or unequal strengthening of muscles. An amputee subconsciously uses only one set of muscles as far as possible to avoid strain on the weakened set, thus weakening them further. The sooner the physiotherapy starts, the easier it will be to address such issues.

Physiotherapy for amputees is never a generalized program. It depends on individual needs and will always be a program tailor-made to suit the patient. Exercise routines are customized according to the kind of rehabilitation required in the case of each amputee.

Massages, otherwise called manual therapies, are also included in the physiotherapy program. Exercise stresses the muscles and manual therapy helps to ease out the tension and pain from the muscles that are being taxed to adjust to their difficult situation. Other manual therapies include acupuncture, heat compresses, ultrasound massages and electrical stimulation.

In amputee rehabilitation programs, physiotherapy is an indispensable treatment. A person having lost a limb needs such therapy and help without any question. Yet there are amputees who think it is not necessary, or are too shocked to consider recovery a possibility. It is imperative that such patients be convinced to start physiotherapy to get back to their normal daily lives without feeling at a loss.

Tips to Find a Massage Therapist Job

Massage therapy is known as a form of treatment where the practitioner uses touch and also various movements for manipulating the muscles in the body of the patient. The massage therapists should complete the training program and obtain the license before they are allowed to work legally. Moreover, the practitioners can choose for working in any one of the wide variety of settings. These are ranged from the medical offices to the beauty spas. At this time, this article is going to give you several tips to find a massage therapist job. Just take a look at the tips below.

The first thing that you have to do is to check for the job postings. Actually, you can simply check the career boards online. Besides, you also need to search the classifieds section of the local papers.

The second thing is to meet with the local chiropractors. The chiropractors frequently need massage therapist for providing their patients with prescribed remedies. If you find that there is an opening for the massage therapist, you may be placed on the payroll of the doctor or you may be asked for working independently. Moreover, if you prefer to work independently, you can set your own fees. However, you should pay for the office spice and also provide your own supplies and equipment.

The third thing is to apply at the beauty spa. There are many massage therapists who start their careers by working at spa. You can prefer to become a member of the staff or just work independently. Typically, the wages at the paid position are low, although few employers pay with competitive rates.

Lastly, you need to consider about self-employment. There are large numbers of graduates prefer working by themselves. You will need to rent commercial location for your work. Besides, you will also need to determine the start-up costs to start this business.

Careers With a Respiratory Therapy Degree

Are you consumed by a passion to help people? Do you thrive for working under pressure? Do emergency situations bring out the best in you? Do you get an adrenalin rush every time you think about a "code blue" call? Do you want to be at the forefront of using cutting edge technology for the delivery of health care?

If your response to all the above questions is yes, then you are an ideal fit for the role of a Respiratory Therapist.

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are also known as Respiratory Care Practitioners. They evaluate, treat, and provide care to patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Their work involves practicing under the supervision or direction of doctors. They also work closely and often supervise respiratory therapy technicians.

What does an RT do?

The American Association of Respiratory Care describes a day in the life of a Respiratory Therapist including activities like:

1. Diagnosing lung and breathing disorders.
2. Recommending treatments for respiratory disorders.
3. Conducting chest examinations on patients.
4. Analyzing breath, tissue, and blood samples of patients.
5. Managing ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients.
6. Educating patients and their families about lung diseases.

Respiratory Therapists provide care to patients ranging from premature babies with under developed lungs to older people suffering from lung diseases. They also respond to emergency situations like heart attacks, strokes, or shock.

How do I become an RT?

The minimum qualification to become a Respiratory Therapist is an associate respiratory therapy degree. Although an associate's degree in respiratory therapy may be enough to enter the profession, RTs need to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in respiratory therapy for career advancement.

In addition to the degree, all U.S. states except Alaska and Hawaii require RTs to have a valid license from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The board confers the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential to students who graduate from entry-level or advanced respiratory therapy program and pass a licensure exam.

CRTs that complete advanced respiratory therapy programs and pass two separate exams are eligible for a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certificate from NBRC. However, students must ensure before enrolling in a respiratory therapy program that it is accredited by a recognized accrediting body like the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

What Will I Learn?

As part of their education, students of a respiratory therapy degree learn topics such as cardiac & renal anatomy & physiology, cardiopulmonary pharmacology, pulmonary anatomy & physiology, pulmonary function testing, respiratory care protocols, polysomnography, and many more.

In addition to these clinical concepts, respiratory therapy graduates also learn management principles that respiratory care practitioners need to perform supervisory roles. These subject areas include management planning, psychology of motivation, business law, organization design and change, etc.

At the end of their program, graduates have the skills and knowledge to meet the everyday challenges that the work of an RT throws up - be it at a hospital treating patients with chronic breathing problems or responding to emergencies or at a patient's home providing preventive care.

If you want to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best brains in medical science and assist them in the delivery of health care, if you want a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding, and if you want a job with multiple advancement opportunities, then respiratory therapy is just what the doctor ordered for you!

Want to Give a Mind Blowing Sensual Massage? Here Are Some Tips to Get You Started

When you are going to be giving your partner a sensual massage it is important that you create the right sort of atmosphere to begin with. By doing this you will be able to create a place where they are able to relax and so ensure that they really benefit from the effects of the massage you are carrying out on them.

In this article we offer some tips to ensure that you create the right sort of atmosphere to carry out the massage on your partner.

Tip 1 - It is important that you make the room as warm as possible, remember your partner will be naked. By ensuring that they are warm you are going to be able to take much longer over the massage and which means they will benefit more from what you are doing.

Tip 2 - You need to make sure that you have the lighting right. Again you want to create an atmosphere in the room that they find relaxing. So turn off all main lights and instead use table lamps draped with some soft material or candles (scented ones preferably).

Tip 3 - Another thing that can help to create the right sort of atmosphere when giving your partner a sensual massage is to put on some music. Either something that they like or something that is romantic. It is important that you play it at a level that isn't too loud but which can easily be heard by you both. Again the right sort of music played in the background will help not only them to relax but you will find it helps you to relax as well.

5 Things to Know Before Booking a Massage Therapist

1. First you need to know what type of massage the therapist does. Does he/she do Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage or other kinds of massage? If you just want a relaxing message with little pain involved then Swedish massage might just fit the bill for you. Deep tissue might be a bit too intense for you. It all depends on what you are looking for. So question the therapist on the various techniques she uses. Also ask him or her, what you expect from the massage, and then he or she can point you in the right direction about the kind of massage you want.

2. Is the therapist certified to practice? He or she should be probably trained and licensed to perform massage on you. So ask for proof for his or her qualifications and training are. There is a national board that watches over massage therapists and make sure they have the right credentials. Only let one with the right credentials work on you.

3. Does the therapist have some client testimonials or contact info that they can share with you. It is wise to know what type of service others have gotten and if they have any complaints. Many times clients will not mind being contacted for their opinions. This can help you make up your mind if the therapist is right for you.

4. Check and see how long they have been in the business. Having someone work on you that has experience could increase the results you get from the massage. If they are fresh out of massage school you might want to question them further before letting them work on you. But if they have been massaging people for 1 year or more you know they have some hands-on experience. Wouldn't you feel better knowing the therapist had worked on many people rather than just a few?

5. Make sure that the massage therapist does his or her job in a sanitary manner. They should have fresh towels and hygienic supplies for your massage session. You definitely do not want to catch something from the previous client he or she worked on. If you have any concerns at all check out a different therapist.

Using the 5 things above to make your decision about which massage therapist for you to use will ensure that you have a safe and effective massage done on you. You want to receive all the benefits from massage without being harmed in any way. So do your homework and research the different therapists in your area to find the one right for you.

Massage Therapy and Its Health Benefits

Have you always believed massage therapy was just a luxury to help soothe achy muscles? Well, it's common to think that and you are were both right and wrong. It can do wonders for those sore muscles. But that is just the beginning. Massage also has many more wonderful health benefits.

The most obvious health benefit of massage therapy is it feels great! When you are in the hands of a good massage therapist, you can feel your body letting go of the tension that was causing discomfort. Its also possible to feel yourself dropping into a place of deep relaxation of both the body and mind. This state of deep relaxation and stillness can be profound. For some, learning to trust you can let go this deeply, may take a few sessions. Yet once you start to feel yourself deeply letting go, you'll be amazed at how wonderful it can feel!

Dropping into this state of relaxation and peace can be, in itself, very healing. The nervous system is brought back into balance. In Chinese medicine, its referred to how the "Chi" or energy of the body can re-balance itself, bringing about renewed health and well-being. Getting regular massage therapy can do wonders for ones mood, alleviating depression and it's health draining effects.Once you've found a massage therapist that you are comfortable with, just knowing you have that time for your self scheduled will do wonders for how you feel and will have an accumulative effect on you ability to let go of stress.

Here are still more great benefits to getting regular massage:

Massage therapy relieves stress

It improves the circulation of blood, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the different organs, systems and tissues

It stimulates the circulation of the lymphatic system- thus helping to release toxins (remember to drink plenty of water after a massage!)

It can help lower blood pressure.

It can relieve tension headaches.

Massage enhances flexibility, mobility and joint range of motion

It reduces muscle spasms

It treats musculoskeletal problems

It encourages faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments, reduces pain and swelling and reduces formation of excessive scar tissue

It boosts the immune system.

Massage reduces fatigue (emotional and physical).

It helps with pain management in cases such as arthritis and sciatica.

The above is just an overview of the health benefits of massage therapy. Taking time out, on a regular basis to let go of daily stress with massage therapy can have far reaching effects on you overall health. And the wonderful thing is, it feels great to!

Basic Massage Therapy Techniques

Relaxation and rejuvenation are paths to health and wellness and there is one activity to get to that place of peace and tranquility. Massage Therapy is one aspect that is very beneficial to prevent pain, muscle spasms, and stresses from the daily grind of life. The introduction of several of our outstanding massage videos show the importance of basic to advanced massage techniques. A registered massage therapist with the expertise and knowledge of the various techniques professionally narrates and visually teaches on these massage videos.

In the 19th century, Swedish Professor Henry Ling rationalizes that massage is a combination of three movements: Effleurage, Petrissage and Kneading, and Percussion. In modern times, the massage techniques are an updated combination of Effleurage, Petrissage and Kneading, Percussion, Friction and Vibration. In our massage videos they are highlighted thoroughly by our Registered Massage Therapist.

Strokes -

1. Effleurage (stroking): Use the entire flat surface of the hands. Long strokes with smooth and gliding motions helps with circulation and heightens the amount of relaxation.
2. Petrissage (kneading): Use the thumb and fingers, grasping skin and surface muscles with firm and gentle motions. Wringing, rolling, squeezing, and dropping them back into place. The very precise movements are very good for older adults and children.
3. Percussion: Use both hands in rapid and stimulating movements. a) tapping - the use of fingertips; b) cupping - use of cupped hand movements; c) hacking - use of karate (open hand) type chopping movements; d) slapping - use of open, flat palms; or e) pounding - use of both fists; f) Tapotement - use of the fingertips in percussion type drumming movements. This stimulates the muscles and nerves.
4. Friction: Rolling circular movements done with slow, long, firm strokes. Contact with skin in which superficial tissues are moving over the deeper tissues. Improves congestion and build up of toxic waste and the breaking down of adhesions around joints and bony areas. Effleurage should be used after this stroke since the local temperature is raised.
5. Vibration: Use of the whole hand or fingers with very fast back and forth trembling or shaking movements. Especially used for upper back, buttocks and thighs. This is very effective in stimulating terminal nerve branches or nerve centers.

The effects of Basic Massage Therapy Techniques have been known to treat a wide range of conditions from insomnia, stress, muscle spasms, aches and pains associated with pregnancy, and a myriad of other conditions. Our massage videos show that this form of activity will show the positive side of a preventative and alternative healing method of the mind and body. Instructional DVD's available at http://www.mymassagevideos.com.

4 Ways On How Male Therapists Can Enter This Woman-Dominated Career

It may sound like a gender discriminating career, but the reality is massage therapy is still a career that accepts more women than men. Considering that massage involves skin to skin contact, regardless of gender, patients feel more at ease when women are the ones doing the massage.

Why Patients Choose Female Massage Therapists

- Female patients are afraid of sexual harassment or being taken advantage of by male therapists

- Male patients are not comfortable being touched by fellow men

- Both male and female patients prefer the soft and sensual touch of female therapists

Given the above reasons, does that mean then that if you are male, you can no longer practice as a massage therapist?

Of course not. Therefore, how can you break in this career if you are a man?

How to Increase your Chances of Working as a Male Massage Therapist

There are many other options and places of work where males are preferred over female massage therapists.

Learn more massage techniques. Despite the trend that shows more women are hired as a massage therapist, some clients or patients prefer the strong hands of males when it comes to giving massages. Therefore, you should be well versed in various massage techniques such as deep-tissue massages and Swedish massage, among others, so that you can also work in this industry.

Obtain higher education. Graduating from a 1-year or 2-year massage therapy course can help you land a job. However, obtaining higher education shows how serious you are when it comes to your chosen field, thus, this could be a way t attract potential employers. In addition, you do not have to limit yourself to work as a massage therapist because with higher education, you can work as office manager, massage therapy instructor, or even as physical therapist if you pursue a different path.

Find employment as a sports massage therapist. Nowadays, sports teams include a resident massage therapist in their payroll because after each game, athletes usually need to relax their bodies o tensed muscles to get ready for their next game. In addition, athletes are known to like hard massage than soft or medium massages, and because of this, teams usually hire male therapists.

Likewise, you may find employment in fitness centers, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers where patients are more likely to "see" you as a medical personnel rather than a masseuse.

Don't be discouraged by "trends". Trends are indicative of a number of people's preferences, but it does not necessarily mean you cannot enter the field. Be professional when it comes to dealings with your clients and build a professional reputation so that people will go to you regardless of your gender.

Make yourself indispensable by learning as much massage techniques as possible. This will be your key to a lucrative and fruitful career in massage therapy.

Mechanical or Human Physical Therapy - Which is Better?

Physical therapy helps sufferers of a variety of ailments to maintain or improve functionality of the body. Physical therapists work to prevent, treat, and rehabilitate patients with physical problems and reduced mobility. There are a large number of physical therapy treatments out there, and the right one for you depends on your specific condition. Physical therapists treat patients for anything from headaches and back pain to spina bifida and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-- as well as helping many other patients to recover as much mobility as possible after an accident or other event.

There's been a lot of talk lately in the health care community about physical therapy robots. Because of this, you may be wondering which is better, robotic (mechanical) physical therapy or physical therapy done by human therapists. The answer is neither. A human therapist is always necessary when embarking on a long term physical therapy aide program, no matter your condition. However, studies done with hundred of stroke victims show that robotic therapy definitely has a place in the future of physical therapy-- a very important place.

Robotic Therapy

Robotic Physical therapy is a brand new field. Discoveries and inventions have been made in places like MIT that have had some very promising results on stroke victims.

Victims of a stroke are generally weeks, months, even years in physical therapy. Even though many attempts are made to return mobility to them, most stroke victims make no real visible improvements in mobility. Robotic therapists, however, are changing that. The advantage robotic therapy has over human therapy is constancy. It's very difficult for a human therapist to take the time necessary to make true strides in improving a patient's mobility. Robots, however, never tire, slow, or change pace-- of course, the repetitive motions needed in order to properly work the affected parts of body of the stroke victim don't affect a machine. In addition, robotic therapists generally have bio-feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms help to increase improvement in the affected parts of the body.

Some robotic therapists are even designed to act as both coach and therapist, using jokes, humor, and encouragement to help patients get though the long and tiring process of physical therapy.

Human Therapy

While strides are being made in the field of robotic therapy, and robotic therapists will at some point be available to help with many conditions, human therapists are and will always be necessary. For most conditions, a human therapist is your only option. However, even if using robotic therapy aide, you must have a human therapist in order to diagnose your movement problems and develop a long-term strategy for treating them. It's also necessary to visit human therapists to evaluate progress and make further plans for both human and robotic therapy.

Physical Therapy School - Things to Know

Once choosing to attend the classes of a physical therapy school you must know already that this will qualify you into learning the clinical traits involved in a therapy and rehabilitation sessions. Apart from this you will learn skills into assisting patients to recover from their injuries.

But one thing you are not taught while attending these classes: how to market your business in case you want to operate in this field with your firm. You won't get the chance to learn how to make your clinic known to various patients who could need your services. And being known is of a great importance if you want for your business to be successful.

A good thing to do this, even if physical therapy school is not teaching you, is to firstly find a job position in this field. In this way you can get in touch with many people, inform them about your plans and what you are planning to provide through your services. It can be a first step to make yourself known while preparing also some business cards to spread them within your community. All these shouldn't stop here, as you would have to maintain a constant plan of implementing and developing your business initiative.

You should be aware of the fact that marketing your physical therapy clinic is a fact that involves various strategies and promotional practices. You must find out the type of marketing that can work successfully for your practice.

Each month many therapy clinics invest a great deal of money on marketing strategies and plans to keep their business going, especially that these ones are not displayed in any of the physical therapy schools. But as many of these strategies are out there, this doesn't mean that each one of them brings good results.

Do not rely on these strategies, such as spending a lot of money on printing expensive colorful brochures that are further spread within doctors' offices. Yours would be just another one piling up with others existing already ahead of you. It is however quite hard to penetrate in a market that is sometimes saturated with these sorts of businesses. Not to mention that is hard to compete with the already established ones.

Instead, try to approach a different marketing strategy that is also not taught within physical therapy schools classes. Try to stand out from all the rest such as specializing in services that are unique and diverse as compared to other clinics.

Night schools can be a way through which you can learn various effective marketing strategies for any kind of business one might run, physical therapy center being as well included. Successful marketers are always the ones to teach these classes allowing business people to learn new advertising methods for their particular business.

Targeted Or Full Body Massage Therapy, Which Is More Effective?

Deciding what type of massage is best for you is not always an easy task. Normally, massage therapists will either focus on targeted or full body massage.

Targeted therapies focus on a specific part of the body that needs massaging. We often call these areas trigger points. When they are massaged properly they release any built-up knots in your muscles that have been triggering discomfort and pain in other areas of the body. But massages are not done solely for pain relief. Reflexology is the act of massage for targeting specific areas on your body to aid in regulating your body systems. This type of massage is not for relieving pain, but for making your entire body healthier from the inside out. Another targeted massage therapy technique focuses on the cranial sacral area of your body. This refers to your head and neck. It is most effective in healing TMJD, headaches, and back and neck pain. Targeted massage therapy is perfect for anyone with a specific area of discomfort.

When we traditionally imagine massages, most people picture full body massage techniques. A Swedish massage is a very popular therapy technique that involves massaging the deep tissues in your body. This aids in releasing any metabolic build up and tight muscles that may be ailing you. It also realigns your entire skeletal system and improves your overall mobility. Athletes are very common with another type of full body massage called sports massages. This therapy technique releases metabolic build up and tight muscles, while improving your level of mobility by re-aligning your skeletal system. It is much like a Swedish massage, though it is geared more towards athletes or very active people. The final type of full body massage therapy is that which is geared towards specific conditions. For example, prenatal and geriatric clients can get massages that are designed just for them. These massages are very gentle. They focus on gently releasing metabolic build up and tight muscles, while also gently realigning the client's skeletal system. The ultimate goal in mind is to improve the prenatal or geriatric client's overall mobility.

So how do you choose between targeted or full body massage therapy? Determine if you are focusing on the overall wellness that a full body massage offers, or if you are simply looking to correct a region of chronic pain or a specific condition that is greatly impacting your life. Specific regions of your body are normally better treated through a technique like reflexology. If you are still unsure about which therapy technique is best for you, then stop in to your local massage parlor and speak to a therapist. He or she should be able to determine which technique will be best for you.

Injury Prevention Tips For Massage Therapists

Massage therapy seems to have evolved into a big industry. Today, massage is no longer limited to athletes or to celebrities. It is now being used for treatments and also relaxation of injured, wounded and also healthy individuals alike. Standard allopathic remedies often integrate massage in their plans and because of this there is a great need for licensed as well as experienced massage therapists. Across the US along with other parts worldwide, a large number of Massage treatment faculties are producing therapeutic massage practitioners each year. There is, thus, a huge pressure to provide massage services at the highest degree to remain at the very best. This kind of expectation is definitely the significant contributing factor to the striking surge in personal injuries like arthritis of wrist and even fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome and other work related spasms.

Bearing this factor in mind, large businesses, health care spas and even massage faculties are putting in ergonomic workstations to permit the students as well as their experienced workforce to be able to work perfectly.

Here are a few suggestions for Therapeutic massage practitioners to hinder work place injuries.

1) Allowing Relaxation to your body: Not that long ago, the workforce at spas as well as salons was not as well informed and prepared as therapists are these days. In order to reach for the financial pursuits of their organizations, massage therapists performed a lot of massages without taking more than a five minute break. Additionally, they performed services in crowded and uncomfortable therapeutic massage areas. These days massage practitioners are a lot more educated. The massage faculties are even incorporating Injury reduction programs into their curriculum. A physical therapist understands how to use breathing and also enjoyment approaches amid massages. This really is necessary for permitting the muscles loosen up along with minimizing the tension that gets built up due to massage appointments. It is also very important that a therapist monitors and controls their massage schedule to ensure there is no rise in number of massages with decreased break time in-between.

2) Including exercises and using high-quality massage tools: A therapeutic massage therapist must be physically energetic. This is very important to strengthen the muscles as well as also to increase blood flow. A massage specialist should get involved in aerobic exercises, stretching out and also some other physical activities at the very least three times a week. It will help in growth of good body mechanics. Using proper therapeutic massage equipment and even tools having ergonomic designs can also be most important.

3) Discontinue the massage strategies which injure: Any process that causes distress or pain must be discontinued right away by the therapist. It is also recommended that you vary the massage methodology to prevent repetitive activity to one part of the hands and even arms. Also, therapists having pre-existing injuries in addition to ailments like back in addition to neck injuries should execute only those massages that won't require much strength and also pressure. Hydrotherapy and Aromatherapy are a couple of massage forms that may maximize one's clients and even also do not demand much extreme hand-work.

4) Do Not disregard pain as well as discomfort: A regular mistake which a massage therapy professional makes is to neglect the pain as well as discomfort that one suffers from. Typical thought process is often that "If I ignore it, it is going to subside." At the slightest ache as well as discomfort one must get the injury or pain taken care of by a qualified professional. One must be aware that one is a human as well as needs to establish a practical attitude in direction of this job.

Eventually, a physical therapist should do not forget that injuries is usually a complex issue. There isn't a formula to keep one protected from work-related incidents. One must educate oneself in addition to use refresher CE courses that will help them up-date the Injury avoidance strategies learnt at faculties, which can be ignored with time. One must enhance body mechanics, allocate time for exercise, take well-timed breaks between massages and also make use of the preferred educational resources available in the market.

Healthy Prostates Can Also Benefit From Massage as Preventative Therapy

Prostate massage is different from the medical procedure digital rectal exam as performed by a medical professional. Prostate massage is once again gaining popularity as doctors discover that prostate massage increases the effectiveness of antibiotics, antimicrobials or herbal remedies by facilitating circulation to the prostate gland. Research studies report that prostate massage is effective in reduction, and in some cases, curing prostate issues without drugs or surgery.

The whole purpose of this external prostate massage is to bring some new fresh circulation to the area and keep it fresh and healthy. Prostate massage is NOT recommended for men with prostate cancer, as you can cause the cancer to metastasize, or for men with a prostate infection, since the infection can spread through the release of bacteria into the blood stream.

According to the precepts of Oriental medicine, massage of this acupressure point is beneficial for optimal prostate health and sexual function. Prostate massage has long been used as a means of maintaining prostate health and to promote increased sexual health. Quite simply, prostate massage stimulates the prostate with a finger or massage tool with the intention of relaxation and/or pleasure. Healthy prostates can also benefit from massage as preventative therapy.

I have always suspected that massage is the key to a healthy prostate anyway and may prevent prostate cancer. It is nice, for once, to find something that is good for your health that does not have to be unpleasant or uncomfortable to use and really feels great. Get more healthy blood to the prostate gland and most prostate problems will disappear. Prostate health is essential for lifelong sexual pleasure and function. Regular ejaculations keep the prostate healthy by stimulating production of fresh prostatic fluid and bringing fresh blood to the area.

What are the benefits of doing this massage. The internal massage is by far the best massage for deep long term benefits. Prostate massage has since long been used as a means of maintaining prostate health, and to promote increased sexual health. Additional benefits of prostate massage include: creating positive energy, burning calories, reducing tension, and eliminating negative emotions like guilt and anger. However, most importantly, it is believed that regular prostate massage can provide numerous benefits like preventing prostate cancer and other prostate problems.

Prostate massage is considered a healthy activity for all men who are not experiencing severe symptoms of a prostate condition and is once again becoming more widely recommended as researchers discover that prostate massage complements and increases the effectiveness of antibiotics, antimicrobials or herbal remedies by facilitating circulation to the prostate gland. Today, it is fast becoming widely recommended, as prostate massage has been discovered to complement and enhance the effectiveness of antimicrobial, antibiotic and herbal remedies by facilitating prostate gland circulation.

Prostate massage is not recommended for men with prostate cancer, as you can cause the cancer to metastasize, or for men with a prostate infection, since the infection can spread. Even if you do not have any problems with your prostate yet, it is recommended that you do a massage once a month to prevent problems. Therefore, the American Urological Association has recommended a yearly prostate examination for every man over age 40 and an immediate examination for any man who develops persistent urinary symptoms If your physician suspects that you have prostatitis or another prostate problem, he or she may refer you to a urologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system) to confirm the diagnosis.

Pay attention to personal life, and cultivate good living habits to prevent excessive fatigue, flu prevention, cut tobacco, alcohol, spicy bogey stimulate diet. A healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards supporting lifelong prostate health. A diet rich in fiber and a clean colon will contribute enormously to a healthy prostate. You can put a stop to this harmful prostate problem from occurring by merely adjusting the things you do today in your life will make a huge difference tomorrow like changing your diet and exercising to deal with enlarged prostate.

A prostate massage is a great way to maintain a healthy prostate or to treat a swollen, painful prostate gland. If you have prostatis, prostate massage is recommended on a weekly basis. Prostate massage is both a therapeutical procedure, when it can relieve some of the prostatic pains or affections, as well as what is the well known prostate exam DRE [Digital Rectal Exam] in the world of prostate gland investigation methods.

The Woman Who Can Revolutionize Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy

Conventional therapies are good but not good enough.

My son Liam was diagnosed with Cerebellar Hypoplasia at ten months old. He received early intervention therapies (PT, OT and SP) from ten months old till he was two and a half years old. We saw some progress in the beginning but the developmental milestone gap widen as he approached his second birthday. He happily participated in most of his therapy sessions, but we noticed strange habits forming like knee locking after a few months of therapy. This was brought to the attention of his therapist and a series of exercises were assigned to help with the knee locking. We tried the suggestions but we didn't see any changes.

When I first learned about the Anat Baniel Method (ABM) I asked my son's doctors and therapists if they were familiar with this therapy and the answer across the board was no.

The Anat Baniel Method for Children has been around for over ten years. The method evolved from the groundbreaking work invented by Moshe Feldenkrais. The ABM for Children method was the brain child of Anat Baniel. Her method found an effective and efficient way to communicate with the childs' brain. The method creates a brain that learns, it transforms the body, the mind and the spirit. Some kids if seen early enough by ABM practitioners no longer suffer from their brain injury. The Anat Baniel Method for children has been so effective that the brain absorbs the injury.

The Anat Baniel Method is endorsed by leading brain plasticity researcher and neuroscientist Dr. Michael Merzenich. The co-founder of Fast ForWord. The Fast ForWord software program has helped many children overcome learning deficiencies by targeting the temporal processing area of the brain.

Anat Baniel's groundbreaking work with special needs children was published in multiple professional trade magazines. There are numerous parental testimonials that state how this method transformed the lives of their children when doctors or other medical professionals told them there was no hope. There is scientific proof that the Anat Baniel Method works.

This excerpt is from Norman Doidge's book, The Brain That Changes Itself

"In the course of my travels I met a scientist who enabled people who had been blind since birth to begin to see, another who enabled the deaf to hear; I spoke with people who had had strokes decades before and had been declared incurable, who were helped to recover with neuroplastic treatments; I met people whose learning disorders were cured and whose IQs were raised; I saw evidence that it is possible for eighty-year-olds to sharpen their memories to function the way they did when they were fifty-five. I saw people rewire their brains with their thoughts, to cure previously incurable obsessions and traumas. I spoke with Nobel laureates who were hotly debating how we must rethink our model of the brain now that we know it is ever changing."

What Anat Baniel figured out before the scientists

There are nine simple elements Anat identified that can be incorporated into all aspects of life that creates a learning brain. The byproduct of this new and improved learning brain is a release of inner spirit and energy that can be visibly seen and felt. Anat calls these fundamentals her nine essentials for vitality. When using any of these nine essentials, a brain MRI will show a visible change in that persons brain map. New paths have been created in the brain and a shift from impossible to possible was made. That is the goal of ABM. ABM aims for transformation.

I attended Anat's three day Move Into Life Seminar in June. A 94 year old woman attended the same workshop. She had a severe curve in her back known as kyphosis or humpback. When we met her on the first day, I only saw the top of her head when standing. Over the course of three days we listened to inspirational stories and experiences and we were guided through a series of movement exercises. On the second day this woman transformed before our very eyes. On the last day of the seminary she stood tall and proud in front of the group with a beautiful smile on her face as she shared her thoughts. She did not believe she would be able to perform the movements in class because of her curved back and arthritic knee. She made a conscious decision to change her attitude and to just go for it. As she continues with her voice cracking and tears in her eyes, she thanks Anat for what she has achieved and for the wonderful gift she has given to human beings.

Do conventional therapy methods work?

Yes and no.

Yes, if the child is almost there and they are being guided by these well intentioned therapist in the right direction.

No, because some of these guided exercises have no meaning to the children. I've seen Liam zone out, move away or cry. What is the point of propping a child up to stand when that same child does not know how to transition from sitting to standing on their own. How will this help the child walk? How does drilling the same movement or sounds over and over help him understand what it means and how to use them. It doesn't unless the child receives these signals from within their brain to initiate these movements. Then they will truly know what it feels like to be standing on their own bones.

Physical, occupational and speech therapist are the best people in the world with the best intentions and enormous patience and dedication. But something is missing from their training.

We made the decision to use ABM in lieu of physical therapy. After making this switch we saw a boy that figured out how to pull himself up to standing. Shortly after we stopped all conventional forms of therapy and we witnessed a more confident Liam taking his first three independent steps.

During our intensive lesson at the Anat Baniel Center in San Rafael, California. The first lesson Liam had with Anat was spent throwing a book on the table hard than soft. He came away with a full understanding of how he affects his environment and people by his touch.

How can we embrace the Anat Baniel Method and bring it to the mainstream?

As PTs, OTs and SPs trained in the ABM for Children method, you have the power to transform the lives of children that come to you direct or through Early Intervention programs.

As a parent of a special needs child, I encourage ever therapist (PT, OT, SP) to sign up for the continuing education classes offered for credit at Anat Baniel's center in San Rafael California. Her methods combined with a therapists dedication and efforts can bring about a revolution.

Continuing Education Physical Therapy - Get Your Physical Therapy CEUs

As with everything in life, to stay ahead of the competition one must continue to learn and better themselves. This also rings true for the physical therapist. Not only is it a requirement to obtain continuing education credits, the number of credits needed vary from state to state making it important for the physical therapist to know and understand his or her individual needs to keep his or her license current. Continuing education physical therapy must also be accredited. Meaning that the course must be recognized by the individual state board of licensing to allow for applicable credit.

For anyone searching for ways to get your physical therapy CEUs, you will find that the options are almost endless. You may opt for the traditional campus based classes to obtain the necessary credits. In this instance, you will physically be present in the classroom and listen to lecture for a set amount of time, pass the given exams to acquire your CEUs. However, you may also opt to use the online version when obtaining your physical therapy credits. Making sure the online class that is offered is accredited is the most important aspect prior to signing up for the class. Then you will be able to access the class from the convenience of your home on your home computer. Allowing the flexibility to fit the class around your current schedule.

Not only does refreshing your skills or learning a new technique better you as an individual physical therapist, it also keeps you in line for the possible promotion or wage increase. Something every working persons desires. In addition, these continuing education physical therapy credits are required to maintain and continue to keep your license active and in good standings. Causing the CEUs to be an imperative yearly occurrence to secure your current job or position.

If taking classes is less than exciting for you, look for engaging and ground breaking courses that will hold your attention and interest making the task o taking continuing education physical therapy courses more enjoyable and tolerable. There are a number of schools that offer some of the newest ideas and techniques as well as updated ideas about the standards of the practice and are able to present them in an attention grabbing fashion. Regardless of your excitement level of taking CEUs, they are a requirement that must be met on a timely basis to keep your license and better you as a professional.

Louis Zhang, Accrmassagetherapycourses.com

Massage Therapy - Soldiers Can Benefit Just As Athletes Have Relied Upon Massage Therapy For Decades

Massage has numerous physical, mental, and physiological health benefits. Therapeutic massage is especially important for athletes and military personnel, not only helping the body recover from injury, but also preventing injury and helping to promote increased blood circulation. A well-trained masseur can help keep athletes and soldiers in peak physical condition at any stage of training through sports oriented massage techniques.

Through massage therapy, the body increases blood and lymph cell activity to damaged and deprived areas to stimulate repair. The deep tissue types of massage can help to reduce lactic acid build up and enable muscles to recover easier. Massage can even be used to stimulate breakdown of previous scar tissue and increase the elasticity of the muscles. The benefits help to physically repair and maintain an athlete or soldier's body.

Physiologically, an athlete or soldier's body can endure quite a beating at times. Massage can help reduce tension in the muscles that can cause pain and inflammation. Therapeutic massage can even be preferred over pain medications. Before or after a body's exertion, massage can help to soothe, calm, and relax the individual.

Mentally, an athlete or soldier needs to be constantly prepared. Constantly being on edge or at-the-ready causes anxiety and stress. Theses stressors, though ensuring alertness, also impact performance. Massage can assist in reducing these feelings of anxiety and help with mental acuity.

Working with an experienced masseur and practicing a proper massage routine, many athletes and soldiers can keep their body in peak performance condition. Both athletes and military personnel are dependent on their bodies to keep them in action, and each relies on their body to overcome and succeed beyond normal mental and physical limits. By preventing injuries and stimulating muscles through massage, their bodies will reward them with peak performance.

The History of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is rooted in Physical therapy; therefore, in order to fully understand where it came from, one must first probe into the history of physical therapy. Physical therapy or physiotherapy can be traced as far back as ancient history. However, irrespective of the time frame, the primary goal of physiotherapy has always been to restore mobility and rehabilitation of the patient. The modern-day definition of Occupational therapy is define as the "use of productive or creative activity in the treatment or rehabilitation of physically or emotionally disabled people", based upon this definition, it is fair to conclude that nothing has changed.

For the sake of clarity and understanding, we will use the words 'occupational therapy' in exchange for 'physical therapy to explain where it came from. The first identification of Occupational therapy was recorded in the days of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. It was during 460BC, when Hippocrates introduced the idea of manually manipulating or massaging to relieve pain. This is also known in some fields as hydrotherapy. From early times the advantages of using this technique was understood and taken to heart to this very day. However, it wasn't until the 19th Century that a unified group of physical/occupational therapists or practitioners surfaced in England as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Now the therapy practiced in America is identical to the physiotherapy practiced in other countries.

During World War I, many people educated in providing occupational therapy, or reconstruction aid during that time period, assisted injured or hurt soldiers ease their pain. But it wasn't until the early 1920s that the first OT organization was formulated in America by a woman name Mary McMillan. It was formerly known as the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association. It wasn't long before men joined the group and the Association became known as the American Physical Therapy Association. The change of name brought about a change in curriculum and different requirements had to be met by physical or occupational therapists.

What Is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

Do you know what is Iliotibial Band Syndrome or ITBS? To understand more about ITBS, it's essential to learn about the iliotibial band. The iliotibial band is a ligament that runs down the hip to the shin on the outside of the thigh. Working in conjunction with other thigh muscles, the iliotibial band offers stability to the knee joint. This band becomes narrow when it comes near the knee, and it can rub against the bone, causing inflammation.

ITBS is a common injury for serious runners, cyclists or hikers. When the leg is repeatedly turned inward, the iliotibial band is inflamed, and the result is Iliotibial Band Syndrome. This inflammation usually takes place on the outside of the knee joint at the end of the thigh bone where the lateral epicondyle is located. Under normal circumstances, the smooth gliding motion of the iliotibial band is facilitated a bursa which is found between the muscle and the bone. Once the iliotibial band is inflamed, it cannot glide quite as smoothly, resulting in pain in the knee. Since the pain occurs on the outside of the knee, many people who suffer from ITBS mistakenly assume that they have a knee injury.

One thing about ITBS is that it affects both amateur and seasoned athletes. When iliotibial band is inflamed, you will feel pain when you exert pressure on your knee joint. Some people stubbornly try to work through the pain but they will discover that the pain becomes more intense as they continue running, walking, or cycling as they exert more pressure on the knee joint. What are some of the symptoms of ITBS? The most common symptom of ITBS is the detection of pain on the outside of the knee. In the beginning stages, you may feel a pricking or stinging sensation, and then, you will feel some pain when your heel hits the ground. As the situation becomes worse, the pain may be so excruciating when you climb or descend a flight of stairs or even when you walk. In some cases, there will be a popping or snapping sensation when the knee is bent, and there may also be some swelling in the affected area.

How do you treat ITBS? The easiest treatment is rest. One of the main causes of ITBS is overexertion of the iliotibial band so it makes sense to rest the band to allow it to recuperate. Another treatment is to use ice on the affected area. This will help to settle the inflammation and relieve the pain. You have probably seen some professional athletes with ice packs on their knees so it's an effective treatment. There are also anti-inflammatory medications which may be helpful like naproxen and ibuprofen. It's best to consult your doctor before you take these medications because they may have side effects or interactions with other medications. Other types of treatments for ITBS include massage, physical therapy, and some special stretches or exercises. Depending on the severity of the ITBS, it can take weeks or months to recover fully so it requires a certain level of patience.

5 Benefits of Shiatsu Massage Therapy

Of all body work techniques Shiatsu is commonly known to the western world as acupressure. Which is not completely accurate because acupressure involves using needle pressure. However there are no needles used in Shiatsu, instead you use the thumbs, heels of the hands, elbows, knees and even feet.

Shiatsu is usually done on a mat on the floor and the client is always clothed. Different points along the body are compressed, working along the median of the body and the person's Ki, also known as energy points.

Often times a lot of the work is done on the soles of the feet and other acupressure points along the body that as a result stimulate different healing sensation.

Always be aware of your own body when you are working on someone. Make sure that you are centered and you are not over reaching and that you are coming from a place in your lower abdomen. At all times during the massage you should maintain contact with the subject with one of your hands, which is called the mother hand.

The are many benefits of the Shiatsu massage especially when we dealing with the fatigue, pain of the lower back, headaches, tension in the shoulders, anxiety and various other physical conditions.

These benefits include increased circulation, more relaxation, easing tension and discomfort in the body. Bringing blood to the area helps release tension and ease knots. Other benefits are increased flexibility and range of motion and getting more in tune with ones body. Some people claim to have decreased their blood pressure from massage.

Ohio Massage Therapy Licensure

As of January 2012, the State of Ohio Medical Board, which licenses a person to practice massage therapy, will be accepting the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) developed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, as its "credential" for practicing in the state. It will actually be a two-step process. First, a person will have to apply to take the exam. It costs $195. Secondly, after passing the exam, the applicant will have to apply to the State of Ohio Medical Board for licensing. This fee will be an additional $150.

Currently, the MBLEx is a licensing exam that is recognized in approximately 30 states and the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. It should not be confused with the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork that is offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). Passage of the MBLEx exam will permit a person who desires to practice massage in Ohio to APPLY for licensure. The NCBTMB exam will not.

If you are preparing for the MBLEx, you will find that there will be 125 multiple choice questions and you will have 140 minutes to complete the exam. The exam is taken at a PearsonVue testing center and you register to take it based on your available days/times. Twenty-five percent of the questions will be on basic anatomy and physiology content, 13% on pathology, 5% on history of massage, 10% on professional practice, 13% on ethics, and 34% on massage techniques, client treatment plans, etc. You receive your results upon completing the exam.

After passing this exam, you will apply to the State of Ohio Medical Board for a license. The application, once completed and money paid, will take about 10-12 weeks to process.

For more information about the MBLEx, go to http://www.fsmtb.org/index.html

The usual procedure for licensure as a massage therapist in Ohio has been to "sit" for a paper-and-pencil test either in December or June of each year. There have been two sections of this test, one for Basic Science and the other for Limited Branch (massage). If a person did not pass either section, they were not granted a license to practice. If a person did not pass either part of this exam after three attempts, they were required to get additional "schooling", what was known as a certificate of competency. Only after passing each exam part was the person granted a license to practice in Ohio.

For more information about the State of Ohio Massage Therapy licensure, go to http://www.med.ohio.gov/mt_about_massage_therapy.htm

How to Find Your Perfect Massage Therapist

Are you in need of a 'good' massage?

Massage has become one of the most popular treatments over the past few years and the need for a good massage is only increasing as more of our work and even some of our social activities are desk or computer based.

When I first trained in massage therapy in the early 90's, clients would normally visit the salon or spa for waxing, facials or for slimming treatments. Massage was one of the treatments which were considered as being a luxury or a special treat once in a blue moon.

I must admit back then life was very different for people generally, many clients would have a secretary or assistant to type up work. For some, once you finished work that was it as there was no emails to check as not everyone had the internet. Very few people had laptops so sitting on the sofa or in bed whilst working was very minimal and finally 'Googling' and social networking was near non-existent.

Coming in today things have changed. Many no longer have secretary's so they have to deal with admin themselves, most work is done on the computer, some at desks and some in awkward positions whilst sitting on the sofa or lying in bed. Long gone are the days when once you left the office your work would be over, now we can be contacted on our mobiles or can check our emails at home if not on the way. Our working day still continues even after we've left the office or even before we've reached the office.

There are a variety of massage based treatments are available in clinics, spa's, salons and health clubs. We've even seen massage in clubs, shopping centres as well as massage therapists who come to the work place.

With so many places offering massage, how do you know which is the best place to go and how can you tell if you are likely to get a good massage?

1) Online Reviews

Firstly, online reviews are a great way of finding out about what people have to say about a particular business. Do bear in mind though, sometimes the reviews may be something negative about the establishment or one member of staff so you could potentially miss a great massage from another member of staff who hasn't been reviewed. Also there is a saying which goes 'a customer who has had a bad experience will tell five people but if they've had great experience they may not even tell a soul'. So sometimes you can't always get a true indication whether you will get a 'good' massage treatment or not from a review.

2) Qualifications

A good massage therapist will have the following qualifications: NVQ level 3, HND Health & Beauty, ITEC, CIBTAC or CIDESCO, there maybe other recognised bodies too but check whether they have a qualification and not just a workshop certificate. Anatomy and physiology is a big part of the training as knowing the muscular system, skeletal system and their functions can make the difference in the quality of massage.

3) Licence

Businesses within many area's especially London cannot operate without a valid massage license. In certain borough's even the therapist needs to be licenced. The only way a therapist can get licenced is if they have the relevant qualification. Sometimes you can see the premises license displayed on the wall.

4) Medical Questionnaire & Consultation

Your massage therapist should ask you to fill in a basic medical questionnaire to establish any medical conditions which may prevent you from having massage. For example any recent injuries or operations, wounds, infections etc. For certain conditions you can still have a massage but may need written permission from your Doctor that its OK to still have massage.

If you are in your first trimester of pregnancy, its advisable not to have massage and a professional therapist will know this should they see it on your consultation form.

Consultation time is also a great time to establish what your main concerns are or if there are any area's you'd like your massage therapist to work most on. Its also a time to ensure you've been booked in for the correct type of massage for you, for example you may have been booked in for a 'Swedish Massage' but maybe wanting a 'Deep Tissue' massage.

5) Your Massage Therapist

Sometimes the size or age of a massage therapist can be decieving. I'm 5 ft and only six and a half stone but i'm use to massaging bodybuilders so my pressure is very strong even though I look very small. Massage therapists develop their pressure by using a combination of strength as well as their own body weight to perform a good firm massage.

Also i've trained a number of 18 year olds who are just as good as massage therapists who have years of experience. It depends on how passionate your therapist is about her job. If she enjoys massage and is passionate then you will most likely have a great treatment.

6) The Massage Treatment

Its not uncommon for changing time to be included in your massage time so do make sure you try to settle onto your treatment bed as quickly as possible so you get more hands on time.

Your massage therapist should check if you are warm enough and comfortable before they begin your massage. Many salons and spa's have soft relaxing music playing in the background which really enhances the experience.

You can often tell the difference between a really good massage therapist and one who is not as good. A really good massage therapist will be connected intuitively and will know the correct pressure to apply, they will also know which area's need to be worked on the most without the need to stick to a robotic routine of just massage movements.

7) Aftercare

Your therapist should give you the correct aftercare which includes drinking plenty of water to keep hydrated and help to flush away any toxins. Your massage therapist should also warn you that you may be a little sensitive the next day on the areas they have worked on.

Massage has become more of a necessity rather than a luxury now for many people. Its become one of the most popular treatments in many spa's and salons now. Its definitely a good investment for the physical and emotional benefits.

Physiotherapy Treatment For Proprioception

A previous article has identified the importance of joint position sense and here we move on to considering the assessment of a deficit and what the physiotherapist is likely to do about it. The physio will very likely concentrate on the problems the patient has most commonly after trauma or illness, namely muscle weakness, loss of joint mobility and pain. Once these are responding to treatment the physiotherapist will consider whether proprioceptive treatment is required. Complete rehabilitation of the patient to their normal activities, whether sporting or functional, cannot occur without retraining the body's nervous and joint systems to accurately receive, interpret and act on proprioceptive inputs.

Our arms are designed for one main function, to position our hands in a functional posture in front of our vision so we can see our activity and correct it. An effective and accurate feedback loop is necessary so we can assess the results of our efforts in real time and re-design our motor activities to get us closer to our goal. A major part of being human is being able to manipulate the world with our incredibly precise hands and detailed binocular vision. Understanding where our individual hand joints are at any one time is vital if we are going to use them effectively. Touch typing, which I am doing now, is a skill for which I must be certain where my hands are and where my fingers are going next.

Upper limb proprioception can be tested by the physiotherapist getting the patient to shut their eyes and then by putting their good arm into a specific position. Once the position has been set by the physiotherapist the patient is asked to put their other, affected, arm into the same position as closely as possible. A person whose joint position sense is unaffected can mirror position of one arm by using the other, very accurately. Any deficits in the ability to understand the position of the arm joints will be apparent after this test.

Proprioception in the legs and lower body is adapted for a different use than in the arms, lower body function being concentrated on bearing weight and walking. The disability from loss of proprioception in the legs can be very damaging as it affects independent mobility and balance. A good illustration of this problem is demonstrated by a multiple sclerosis patient I used to treat who had problems when it was dark.

My patient recounted a situation which has probably occurred to many of us: we go into a toilet and the light is already on but as we lock the door we turn the light off automatically. For us the solution is easy, we just turn the light on again. For him it was more difficult. Because he was denied the visual feedback he needed by the darkness he fell over. His nervous system could not accurately tell him where his legs were so he had no idea whether they were bent or straight and could do nothing to correct any change in their position.

Physiotherapy assessment of the joint position sense can be performed by practical physical tests. The same test as performed on the arms, mimicking the position of one limb by using the other, can be used by more typical tests are performed in weightbearing. Checking the patient's gait can give valuable clues as to what deficiency in proprioception is present. If there is a less clear deficit testing can take the form of asking the patient to maintain their balance in steadily more difficult conditions. Feet together, balancing on one leg and then with the eyes shut is a possible progression.

Physiotherapy treatment to increase joint position sense includes steadily more challenging work for the limb whilst carefully watching with eyes. As the patient improves they are taught to rely more and more on the information flowing in from the ligaments, muscles and joints to correct their movements. Weight bearing through the joint can increase the position sense and this is used to progress the treatment, teaching the brain pathways to reinforce the patterns for coordinated movement. Continued improvement is possible by continuing the exercises given by the physiotherapist but there may be some long term restriction.

Is Massage Therapy the Best Treatment for Back Pain?

A recent study suggests that relieving back pain might be better accomplished through massage than such traditional formats of bed rest, medicine, and exercise. Although massage is a short-term relief, it may serve well until back pain can be alleviated by other means.

The research that brought the conclusions was conducted on 400 patients with pain in their lower back. Most of the test subjects were female Caucasians who were middle aged. Some of the subjects were given traditional medicines for their condition along with physical therapy, while the others received only massage therapy. Those receiving structural and relaxation massage were more active and consistently better able to perform job duties than those who were treated with drugs.

Three Test Groups

There were actually three groups of patients in the study. Two groups received massage, one the relaxation type and the other the structural type. Those receiving the massage had therapy for one hour each week for ten weeks. After the test period, more than a third of the test subjects who received massage therapy reported their pain was gone completely or better than before the test took place. Only 25 of the patients given traditional care reported an improvement in their condition.

Another key that massage was a better treatment was exemplified by the fact that those patients were twice as likely to:

* use less pain medication
* have spent less time in bed rest
* have taken part in more activities than the other test group

Patients after the Tests

The benefits achieved from massage lasted for some time after the 10-week test period. For as long as six months after the study, patients continued to have better functionality. However, this did not hold true one year after the study, indicating that massage therapy is more of a treatment than a cure.

There was no noticeable difference between relaxation and structural massage as in pain relief. This fact is puzzling to some who support the structural massage because it pinpoints the areas of ligaments and muscles where the pain originates, while relaxation massage is a much more general technique.

In Conclusion

Although the general feeling by those responsible for the study is that massage therapy appears to be the better choice for short-term back pain, the results are not conclusive enough to convince everyone. It is difficult to measure actual improvement when findings are based solely on the opinions of the test subjects. Recommendations are to give massage a try and see if it is effective for relieving your back pain and if so, a regular massage routine may prove to be beneficial for you.

Massage Therapy - A Multitude of Benefits and Advantages

Massage is an age old therapeutic technique that has been practiced by the Chinese and Indians for centuries. This has become extremely popular in the West too and is a great way to beat the stress and fatigue associated with the modern day lifestyle.

A massage can be used as a therapeutic tool to get relief from various disorders; it is extremely beneficial in alleviating back pain and also helps the body to become more flexible and supple. Prenatal massages are recommended for pregnant women as it helps to shorten labor and eases contractions. Massages can also improve the flow and circulation of lymph in the body and thus boost the immune status which helps to ward off and keep diseases at bay.

If you have tired and weak muscles which have become tight or atrophied, this healing technique is the best way to loosen up the muscles and make them firm and toned once again. An Ayurvedic massage with traditional oils is highly recommended for this purpose and is often sought after by sportspersons as well as those recovering from injuries and accidents.

Massages are an awesome way to soften and nourish the skin which is constantly exposed to the pollution and harmful radiations of the sun. Get a trained masseur to give you a massage for your entire body from head to toe for a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. The therapist usually employs natural extracts, creams or aroma oils to nourish and soften the skin which will leave you glowing for days afterwards. A foot massage, popularly known as reflexology, is a wonderful way to de-stress after a tiring day; the therapist gently kneads the various pressure points on the feet to give you a complete relaxing experience and is also beneficial for good health.

Studies have now proven that a massage can also help to get relief from depression and anxiety as it is soothing and calming for the soul. This is the reason why we have many spas and wellness centers situated in exotic and beautiful locales; most spas are also designed to provide a peaceful ambience where one can de-stress and get relaxed completely.

Massages are also helpful to reduce stretch marks and hence are recommended for women post delivery and also for people who lose weight rapidly. It also helps to reduce the scar tissue that is left behind after injuries and surgeries helping the skin to get back its elasticity and suppleness. If you suffer from migraine and chronic headaches, this therapy is highly recommended especially by Ayurvedic practitioners for quick relief and comfort. Athletes and sportspersons make use of massages to relive the spasms and cramps that affect the muscles and also to relax and soften tired and overused muscles. Increased energy levels and improved concentration are the other benefits that a good massage can offer you.

In short, a massage offers multiple benefits and advantages; it works in different ways in different people and can be customized according to one's needs and wants.

Training for a Career in Aromatherapy Massage

Starting the path to a new career can require a number of steps. You will first need to find an accredited aromatherapy massage school to enroll in. Once the decision is made to obtain a higher education in this field, you can choose the level of training that is best for you as well as the career that you wish to pursue. Various opportunities are presented to you in order to provide the chance for you to select the career training path that meets all your individual needs. Accredited schools, colleges, and degree programs can help you to obtain the training for a career in aromatherapy massage.

Educational training opportunities provide you with the skill training that is necessary for entrance into professional employment. You can learn to use different oils to relieve stress and pain, as well as promote a healthy immune system and mind. In order to learn the various skills needed, you will need to select a level of education to obtain. Aromatherapy massage studies can be completed at the certificate and associate degree levels through enrollment in an accredited higher education program. Accredited training facilities will provide the coursework and training that is required for you to obtain the knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career.

Career options will vary based on the degree or certificate that is obtained. You can enroll in a program to receive the educational training that is necessary for the career you dream of entering into. Possible professions that you will have the chance to choose from once training is complete include:

• Massage Therapist


• Aromatherapist


• Holistic Healer

When choosing a profession to pursue, you will need to make sure that the school or college of enrollment offers the training that is necessary for that career. Accredited educational programs can give you the quality educational experience that you long for. In order to enter into these types of careers, you will need to complete the coursework provided and all necessary hands on training.

Pursuing a career in aromatherapy massage can give you the chance to learn numerous skills. You can expect to complete coursework and training that will help you obtain the knowledge to enter the workforce and pursue employment. You can train in natural healing, aromatherapy methods, anatomy, chemistry, and various other subjects. Accredited programs also offer the chance to study massage therapy, essential oils, psychology, physiology, and other topics. By obtaining new skills and knowledge through studies in these areas, you will be ready for the future and professional career that you desire.

Accredited aromatherapy massage schools and colleges are designed to help you receive the quality educational training that will be necessary for entrance into the professional world. Programs that carry full accreditation from agencies like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (http://www.ncbtmb.org/) are approved to offer you the best educational training available. You can research programs to learn more about enrollment options and how to pursue a career in this exciting field.

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 at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.