How Massage Can Relieve Heartburn Symptoms

Heartburn is a painful, burning sensation in the chest that most people will experience at some point in their lives. Heartburn typically occurs at night, while lying down after a meal. Many people aren't aware that the foods they eat or certain behaviors can cause this uncomfortable condition, and therefore experience frequent bouts of heartburn. You probably wouldn't put the two together, but massage therapy can actually be quite beneficial to someone who suffers from frequent or occasional heartburn. Inquiring about heartburn during your intake process can offer your clients valuable therapeutic support in overcoming this condition.

If your clients indicate they experience persistent heartburn, consider offering them some helpful tips on how to counteract its painful symptoms. Ask your clients to recall the types of foods they ate before the heartburn struck. Suggest to them the foods they should try to eliminate (or at least consume in moderation) from their diets, and explain how/why these foods can trigger acid reflux in the digestive system, and subsequently cause heartburn.

If you've been unlucky enough to have experienced heartburn, you're fully aware of the painful symptoms it produces: burning chest pain, acid-like taste in the mouth, and pain when lying down, among other symptoms. These symptoms are severe, and can sometimes be mistaken for other health conditions requiring a physician's immediate attention. Be sure not to "diagnose" your clients with heartburn. Instead, refer your client to their doctor immediately, in case what they're experiencing is not heartburn, but actually a heart attack, as it is often mistaken for.

So, where does massage fit in? One particular modality that can be quite therapeutic is Shiatsu Anma Therapy, which focuses specifically on applying pressure to various parts of the body to achieve the desired result of alleviating the symptoms caused by heartburn. Shiatsu Therapy can aid in digestion, reduce nausea, and decrease stomach acidity.

Learn more about how you can help your clients suffering from painful heartburn symptoms.

Addressing Your Massage Clients' Needs

Aside from effective massage techniques, one of the most important aspects to giving a good massage is to understand and address your massage client's needs. By fully understanding your client's issues, problem areas, and preferred treatment methods, you can be well prepared to address a number of the unique client-specific issues that you will encounter during your career as a massage therapist and will ready you for consistently giving a good massage.

Conduct an Interview

It is always important to speak with your client prior to beginning a massage therapy session, to ensure that you are both on the same page about the expectations for change, focus, and treatment during the massage. Clients may sometimes come in for a deep tissue massage, even if they normally receive a light, relaxing Swedish massage. Techniques that you normally use might not be preferred in a new session, and some clients may want you to focus on their legs and back, even though you normally work on their neck and shoulders. By conducting a thorough interview with your client, you can be sure that you are well informed of their focus areas and expectations, which is essential to providing exceptional service and to giving a good massage.

Before a massage, the clients' interviews are the ideal time to speak about factors that may have led to the problem areas, to help you tailor your massage techniques. If a client comes in complaining about low back pain, find out the history of the pain, and possible causes of the problem. Do they drive often? Is there any past surgery or accident that may have contributed to the pain? What kind of pain is it - a shooting pain that may be linked to a pinched nerve, or general muscle soreness that they want addressed during the massage? Clients provide a wealth of information and when you speak with them, you can better prepare for giving a good massage.

Be Aware and Informed

Once you are in the massage, being totally aware and informed of your clients' expectations might mean changing the plan mid-way through the massage. Clients may communicate to you that they want to switch from deep tissue massage techniques to a Swedish massage, and giving a good massage means being able to communicate to the client any changes or focus areas that you believe would be beneficial.

For example, imagine a client who has requested a Swedish massage for relaxation, and indicates noticing some adhesions in their shoulders and back. If you want to change massage techniques to address these areas, you should always ask the client if they want you want to address the adhesions with deeper techniques before actually doing so - "never assuming" is part of giving a good massage! Just because a client mentions a problem area in the initial interview does not necessarily mean that they want you to spend time on it during the massage. Clients may just be giving you background information to be helpful. This can be understandably confusing, but it is a common break in communication between the therapist and the client, and can unfortunately lead to your client leaving unhappy, or uncomfortable if you use the wrong massage techniques.

Understand Appropriate Positioning

Giving a good massage means being ready and able to adjust your table to accommodate all clients. Not everybody will want, or be able, to lie on the table prone or supine during a massage. The clients you encounter will likely have a number of unique personal and medical needs. By understanding how to appropriately position clients and alter your massage techniques for any number of issues, you can be sure to give each of your clients the individual service and attention that they deserve. Some preparation recommendations for always giving a good massage:

• Stocking your room with at least two extra bolsters, or three pillows. These can be used to support a side-lying position, and can provide extra comfort to people with injuries or painful areas. In the event that you are performing pregnancy massage, techniques aided by bolsters are essential in giving a good massage.
  
  
• Positioning also includes ensuring that the client is enjoying a comfortable temperature during the massage. Clients should always be asked whether they are too cold or too warm. Be prepared to accommodate them with extra blankets of varying thicknesses and warmth.

Preparing for Emotional Issues: Existing or Brought on by Massage Techniques

Giving a good massage also means being ready to address clients' emotional issues. Sometimes, an emotional memory may come up during an otherwise routine massage. Clients experience muscle tension due to emotional stress, and when addressing the physical ailments of a client, thoughts and memories of the related cause of the stress may occur.

Even if your client is not emotional when they arrive for the massage, techniques used during the session may bring up feelings or memories related to an event or injury. Don't worry! This isn't necessarily a sign that you aren't giving a good massage; most people have varied reactions to touch, and some of these emotions may manifest as crying. It's important to understand that while these situations can be awkward and potentially embarrassing, they are fairly common and should be treated with respect and compassion before, during, and after a massage. Clients should not be counseled by you during these emotional situations, as this is outside of your scope of practice.

As a massage therapist, it is your job to use effective massage techniques to the best of your ability, while giving a good massage, and maintaining a professional relationship with your client. Sometimes, it may be tempting to give advice to someone experiencing an emotional trauma or problem, but a better way to support your client would be to simply provide them with focused, caring touch therapy through massage. Clients, whether dealing with emotional issues or not, deserve your open communication with them to either address, or redirect options for therapy.

Use a Closing Technique

Finally, it is best to select closing massage techniques that bring the massage to a relaxing and mindful end. Simply stopping can feel sudden, and leave the body feeling unbalanced at the end of giving a good massage. Clients each enjoy specific methods, but light tapotement, a series of light effleurage strokes, or perhaps traction of the neck and legs can leave your client feeling whole. As always, be sure to let the client know how you plan to close so that they're informed and aware of your massage techniques. Clients who have a smaller frame may not enjoy tapotement, and clients with a larger frame may not enjoy light effleurage. By utilizing a closing technique at the end of the massage, clients will feel whole and leave happy and relaxed.

The Deep Tissue Massage Myth

Many people believe deep tissue massage is supposed to be painful in order to be beneficial. As the saying goes, "No Pain, No Gain", does not always apply to massage. In fact, many people fall into a deeper state of relaxation when they receive a deep tissue massage.

So what is a deep tissue massage? Deep tissue massage involves the manipulation of the deeper layers of muscle and soft tissues of the body. It requires the massage therapist to melt into the tissue before reaching these deep layers by warming up the superficial layers of muscle that are on top. Reaching the deep layers of muscle and soft tissue may not always be accomplished in the first session. Depending on each particular situation, the session may have to be modified in order to keep the client comfortable so they do not unknowingly or unconsciously resist the work.

Our muscles have a natural reflex reaction to resist pain. When a muscle thinks it is about to be injured, this reflex is triggered. When too much pressure is applied, for example, during a massage, the muscle or group of muscles will naturally resist the force by tightening even further. This is the opposite effect of what massage is all about. Effective massage relaxes and releases areas of tension.

Most people will naturally try to avoid painful situations. For instance, not many people look forward to going to the dentist since many people associate pain with the dentist. Receiving a massage should not be one of those instances. Everyone has a different level of comfort and tolerance for pain. Each person can perceive pain on a different level depending on their pain tolerance. When the body is experiencing pain, the body reacts through tension. During a deep tissue massage, discomfort is normal and will be felt especially if there are inconsistencies within the tissues. Discomfort is described as a "good hurt", the kind that hurts and feels good at the same time in a strange kind of way. On the other hand, pain can be described as uncomfortable and not well tolerated by the body.

There are many techniques or modalities that can fall under the category of deep tissue work. Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) and Myofascial Release are just two that can be described as advanced deep tissue techniques. NMT focuses on creating a balance between the central nervous system (comprised of the brain, spine, and nerves) and the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints of the body through specific methods. Myofascial Release works on stretching and lengthening the connective tissue coverings called fascia that surround every part of our internal structure including our bones, muscles, and organs. Tight fascia can cause pain and restrict joint mobility.

There are times when deep pressure is necessary and can be painful, and that is in the case of scar tissue. Scar tissue or adhesions, as they are sometimes called, are thick areas of bound up connective tissue that is created during the healing process from an injury or some form of surgery. Scar tissue work requires deep pressure in order to break up the dense nature of this tissue. However, massage therapists should work within the clients comfort level and pain tolerance at all times. If a person cannot handle a high amount of pressure, it may take several more treatments to achieve the same results as someone with a higher threshold for pain. Results will occur, only at a slower rate.

Not everyone needs or should receive a deep tissue massage. Some people simply enjoy the sensation of deeper pressure to their muscles and others prefer a more gentle touch. Someone who has never experienced a massage before may not want to request a deep tissue massage. It is the responsibility of the massage therapist to determine if a deep tissue massage is appropriate and necessary by way of a thorough health history and evaluation. A massage is only effective when the person on the table is comfortable and relaxed.

Physical Therapy Majors

Students, who major in Physical Therapy can look forward to a bright future when they start practicing in their chosen profession since Physical therapy is considered to be one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. There has been a lot of growth in the profession since its inception during the end of World War I and with an abundance of employment opportunities along with lucrative starting salaries, a major in Physical Therapy is well worth the investment.

The main role of a physical therapist is that of rehabilitation. Therapists work with physicians and other therapists to rehabilitate people with injuries, those with impairments and those afflicted with diseases to improve motor functions, stimulate muscles and relieve pain. Many therapists focus on rehabilitation following injury although there are Board-certified specializations available in various areas like sports-related physical therapy, pediatrics and orthopedics.

Physical therapists are trained to rehabilitate people through a variety of mediums. They may use heat, electricity, cold, sound and water during treatment sessions depending on the patient's problems. After the clinic session, they prescribe exercise schedules to help condition and strengthen the problem areas to allow for continuous healing in between clinic visits.

Part of a therapist's training includes mastering and passing a national, standardized test before they can get out there and try to establish a practice. In order to practice, a therapist may also need a master's degree or an advanced degree that is beyond a bachelor's degree. Therefore, majoring in PT will definitely require you to stay longer in school.

A master's degree in PT takes at least six years to complete. The programs are split into two parts. The first part consists of a traditional undergraduate program that takes 3-4 years to complete. The second part consists of the Physical Therapy graduate program, which takes three years to complete and includes participating and completing practicum training, which is where you will receive a lot of your first-time exposure to the actual practice of PT.

The training you receive as a Physical Therapy major may take a little more longer than the other degree programs being offered today, however, the resulting career you can build can be extremely rewarding, not just compensation-wise, but also profession-wise.

Technology Related Pain: A 21st Century Epidemic

The growing popularity of smart phones, tablets, computers, laptops, mobile phones, and other such gadgets has both positive and negative effects. While it makes it easier to stay in touch with the people that matter to you it can also lead to several physical pains that result from prolonged use. The American Chiropractic Association reports that tens of thousands of Americans currently suffer from a debilitating condition called Text Neck. Americans send 4.1 billion text messages everyday which is why it comes as to no surprise that this physical complaint is getting more rampant each day.

What are the body parts that are affected with Text Neck?

Studies show that constant texting and typing causes inflammation of the tendons and wrist. There are even some cases wherein teenagers and young professionals, which is the demographic that sends text messages the most, are diagnosed with arthritis in the thumb.

In addition to the tendons and wrists other injuries that could come up from prolonged use of these gadgets are neck and back pains. Doctors and chiropractors have all agreed that this stems from poor posture. Users of these gadgets especially the cellular phones and tablets often hold these between their waist and shoulders so there is a tendency for him to look down and lower his head all the time. This causes strains on the neck and the back.

If you are one of those people who experience these symptoms then you should see a doctor right away. If these go untreated and if you will not correct your posture you will eventually develop more serious conditions like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

How can massage therapy help ease the symptoms of Text Neck?

A massage is highly beneficial to anyone who is feeling some aches and pains on his back or neck. Years of studies has shown that a massage can help alleviate tension build up in your body and will help reduce stress. Having a massage will result to feelings of deep relaxation because it improves the circulation of blood flow in your body.

Technology will continue to bring forth a wave of new gadgets and gizmos that will make life easier and more convenient. Smart phones and tablets appeal to every demographic. With this in mind, understanding the potential threats and injuries these devices may cause us from over use is important and should be expressed to all who use them.

Physical Therapy Association - Prime Information Resource For Prospective Therapists

Whether you are just starting to map-out your career plan or considering an occupational change, hands-on health care is a profession worthy of exploration. In a field where demand exceeds supply, it becomes a matter of personal interest and commitment.

From a broad perspective, physical therapists (PT) top the list of critical personnel shortages in comparison with other areas of patient care. Right away, it's easy to discern job security is a given. After becoming accredited, you can just about write your own ticket. Literally! Job openings are plentiful across the globe.

However, it's prudent to understand that any life-altering decision requires more than a blind leap-of-faith. Take note that a significant amount of money, time and sweat-equity is required to complete your necessary physical therapy education. Are you willing to make a promise to yourself that you will finish what you start?

First, do you qualify for this physically demanding occupation? Can you lift 50 pounds? Do you have physical challenges that would pre-empt you from repetitive motion such as: stretching, stooping over, bending and/or kneeling? Do you have the stamina to stand on your feet for prolonged periods?

If your interest has peaked by this point, you're ready to gather information. A good starting place is exploring valuable online resources using the keywords: "Physical Therapy Association".

For example, you'll find: role of physical therapist, career advice, self-check indicators, exam information, handbooks, testing dates for your state, education criteria, assistance programs and much more.

Once you've tapped-out the association's resources - STOP - and ask yourself "Why do I want to become a physical therapist?"

Most people respond, "I like helping people."

Be mindful this is your future life. Helping people is not a valid reason to embark on this career path. You could become a fire fighter and help people. You could serve soup at a homeless shelter and help people.

Take pen in hand and make a list of every reason that comes to mind. Did your list include something to the effect of "I'll make a lot of money"? Money is good and you will make a lot of money as a PT.

But, the very best reason is that you can imagine yourself doing this job because you love it.

If this is true, it's time to visit several physical therapy schools in your area. Among required classes are: chemistry, biology, anatomy and pathology. You'll receive hands-on training in various therapeutic techniques. Some schools require clinical training.

After completion, you must obtain a license if you plan to practice in the US. Then you'll have the delightful experience of determining where you prefer to practice, such as a hospital, rehab center or an alternative healthcare setting.

5 Major Health Benefits From Dog Massage

The majority of us all have felt some great benefits of massage for ourselves and recognize the health rewards for people. As a result one could wonder then if dogs or other mammals could get the equivalent added benefits. Amazed? For a variety of issues, dog therapeutic massage has been used for quite a while with special benefit. From physical therapy, to relaxation, to illness recuperation, canine massage has been used with good result.

1 Life Expectancy Increases

Stress in dogs is a primary cause of disease, and ailments, much like human beings. Regular massage helps dogs to recover from sickness, ward off potential disorders and also eliminate stress. By simply helping your dog to stay low stress, in good shape and flexible they are able to live longer compared to those that are not.

2. Enhances Blood and Lymph Circulation

Improved blood flow and lymph circulation are confirmed advantages of therapeutic massage. Improved blood flow facilitates in promoting oxygen intake to tissue. Boosting lymph circulation is quite necessary as well. Cleaning the contaminants in the body is the primary purpose of the lymphatic system. The body stays clean and strong by consistently stimulating the blood and lymph circulation of the body.

3. Enhances Flexibility and Arthritis

With arthritis predisposed joints become inflexible or painful to move. Arthritis in dogs is much like arthristis in humans. It feels very similar and impacts them the same way too. Some of the advantages of correct massage involve relaxing the joints, loosening tight ligaments and improved flexibility. Regular massages are beneficial and may also postpone the oncoming of discomfort which arthritis and inflexibility can bring. Endorphins, a drug free pain killer, is also released as a result of massage.

4. Calms Your Dog

There's a simple validated calming effect from massage therapy. It is ideal for canines that are hyper, have problems with separation anxiety as well as anything which produces emotional tension. The reason being massage is really a stress reliever. The relaxing results of massage therapy last between sessions since it helps to alleviate aching muscle tissue and improves the strength of their immune system.

5. Creates a Deeper Relationship

Developing a stronger feeling of trust is essential to every relationship. By understanding the way to give a proper canine massage yourself you save a lot of money as well as develop that relationship yourself. As it becomes a natural part of you and your pet's standard routine he or she will begin to look forward to them. By growing more aware of small shifts in your pup's physical shape and overall health you also will probably grow closer and more connected towards your dog.

You can study expert dog massage techniques very inexpensively instead of spend the money on expensive certification classes or frequent treatment.

Kids and Physical Therapy

There are many reasons as to why children may need physical therapy. It could be because they have cerebral palsy and they need physical therapy to help them move their bodies easier or perhaps they broke a leg, or they may have weak muscles somewhere in their body. Even those with brain injuries may need to see a physical therapist since the brain has a lot to do with the functioning of muscles and knowing how to do things such as sit, walk, and roll.

There are a number of different conditions and injuries that require physical therapy in children. There is even one such condition called Jumper's knee that becomes a problem for a lot of children and adolescents. If the child complains of tenderness and pain around the bottom of the kneecap, then this might be the problem. Kids who are involved in sports tend to have this problem during growth spurts. A physical therapist may use heat and ice as well as ultrasound to gain control over the pain and any inflammation. The physical therapist also works on strengthening the knee and creating a balance through exercises such as posture exercises.

However, children are always severely spraining ankles, breaking legs, arms, hands, and feet. They may pull something somewhere or tear a muscle during physical activity. All of these incidents call for some kind of physical therapy whether short-term or long-term. Physical therapy is important in children who have injured a part of their body because an injury can actually stunt growth, so it is important to make sure proper growth is inhibited by creating proper alignments and balances within the body.

Equipment

There are different types of equipment that may be used with children who are going through physical therapy. An example is a safety belt that prevents the child from falling down or stumbling when they are learning how to walk. Crutches may also be used and the child and parents will be instructed on how to use them when the child encounters such obstacles as stairs. Children may also be required to wear a safety belt while learning how to walk on crutches so they do not injure themselves further.

Other types of equipment include:

o Walkers made just for children that help them learn to walk.

o Toys such as balls, swings, benches, and slides. Toys are an important tool because it encourages the child to work their muscles through fun.

o Ultrasound devices that are used in controlling pain and inflammation.

o Therapy balls are kind of like exercise balls, but they are made in smaller sizes for children

o Therapy rolls are like long noodle type objects that the child can lean on, roll on, and simply have fun with.

o Steps, incline mats, and hurdles can create a great physical environment for a child because these objects encourage them to climb and jump.

Many of the different types of physical therapy equipment that is used promotes physical activity in some way. Then there are others types of equipment that is used in reducing pain and inflammation and helps restore a balance within the injured area. There seems to be a little something for every situation for every single age, whether it be devices to help a child walk or to rehabilitate a muscle that has been torn. With sports becoming so intense nowadays, sports injuries are very prevalent and a physical therapist is required for the healing process. Then again, children are born with conditions that physical therapy equipment can provide relief for. That is why it is important that the proper equipment be available to help these children.

Massage Therapy - Therapeutic Sports Massage & Muscle Manipulation

Beating the pavement in a dead run may improve your speed, but every runner understands the need to slow down, relax and let the muscles rest. Massage therapy offers the kind of relaxation that helps muscles to relax fast, allow circulation to remove the toxins generated from exertion and improve muscle stability and growth for overall good health.

Deep muscle massage stimulates circulation and encourages an athlete to relax and allow his body to rest. While nothing feels better than a hot bath, intuitive massage increases blood flow and stimulates healing within the body to create a sense of well being that even a hot bath can't accomplish.

When your mamma told you to get the lead out, she was really talking about the toxins that slow down the body and creep into the system. These toxins become sluggish and lazy if allowed to reside in muscle tissue. A deep muscle massage by an intuitive massage therapist brings relief to strained muscles and a combination of other healthy benefits to the body.

While not everyone needs a sports massage, the concept of relaxation is important to everyone. If you have tight sore muscles, getting a massage may help. In fact, getting a massage should be your first response to achy sore muscles and exhaustion, because the massage releases tension and allows your body to relax.

Follow any massage with plenty of water to wash away the toxins and replenish your body's hydration. Get plenty of rest and enjoy a nice hot bath or shower to release any residual achiness that you may be feeling.

Shiatsu Massage - Does it Really Work?

It means "finger pressure" in Japanese and that's exactly what shiatsu is: a Japanese type of body work, or massage, which uses the pressure of fingers to relieve aches and pains throughout the body. Some say it's helpful and others say it's hogwash, but the fact remains that any type of massage can be relaxing, calming and pleasant. So what have you got to lose?

Benefits of Shiatsu

The origins of shiatsu go back at least 5,000 years. It originated as a traditional Chinese form of healing called Anma, which came to Japan and began to develop into something more unique. In the 20th century the word shiatsu was coined, and by the mid 1950s the government in Japan officially recognized it as a legitimate type of therapy.

Like acupuncture, this type of bodywork or massage is carried out by concentrating on the body's system of Chinese meridians, or specific pressure points. When pressure is applied along these very specific meridian lines, it is thought that the body is able to realign its natural qi, or energy flows.

People who practice shiatsu use these pressure techniques combined with assisted stretching to stimulate the lymphatic system and help the blood flow circulation throughout the body. It is thought that by doing this the body will eventually release built-up toxins, and that the muscles will get rid of accumulated tension.

Proponents of this age-old technique believe this release can help the body heal itself overall through building up its hormonal and immune systems, which in turn have a positive effect on the nervous system. So shiatsu is supposed to be not only have immediate results when we feel instantly better, but also long-term ones that can help us overcome a variety of ailments. Benefits can include:

Reduced blood pressure

Reduced muscle stiffness

Increased blood circulation

Increased vitality and energy

Better stamina

Increased flow of lymphatic fluid

Better circulation

How Does Shiatsu Work?

Experiencing shiatsu is as easy as finding a qualified practitioner, and there are many. Once you find someone you like, he or she will ask you questions about your general health, carry out an examination which usually includes looking at your tongue and listening to your voice, and then perform several techniques to improve the flow of energy around your body.

Each treatment lasts usually around one hour, and will include the practitioner applying pressure to various parts of your body using his or her hands, thumbs, fingers, palms, knees, feet, elbows etc, and also carrying out some assisted-stretching techniques. There are several different schools of shiatsu and the treatment you have will be tailored to suit the school, which include:

Namikoshi Shiatsu. Uses rubbing and pressing techniques to aid in healing. Developed by one Mr Tokujiro Namikoshi, who supposedly cured his mother's rheumatism and became a known and gifted healer at the ripe old age of 10. It uses pressure to rid cells of toxins, concentrating on both deep and superficial tissues. It is thought that repeated pressing generates electrical charges which help to stimulate energy levels, and get rid of adhesions that have held the body back.

Zen Shiatsu. Most popular kind of shiatsu, which concentrates on the entire body and sometimes requires abdominal massage. Developed by Shizuto Masanuga, a psychologist and shiatsu practitioner who died in 1981. Lifestyle and dietary advice may be given. The practitioner will listen to how the body responds to certain pressing, which will dictate the steps he or she will take next. The recipient usually lies on a futon or mat on the floor, and no massage oils are used.

Tsubo Therapy. Not as popular in the States as it is in Japan, this was developed by Katsusuke Serizawa and concentrates on tsubo, or acupressure points. It is thought that the skin has an electrical resistance which changes over specific tsubo points, so a tsubo therapist will use a variety of techniques to prove this, including needles and electrical devices as well as plain old massage. Acupressure shiatsu is largely thought of as a derivative of Serizawa's techniques.

Please note that shiatsu is not for everyone. People with certain skin rashes, who have just had surgery or who are prone to blood clots should refrain from having it. Pregnant women, people with osteoporosis, and those who have just had chemotherapy or radiotherapy should consult their doctor first. And use common sense: avoid having it if you have large bruises, have just had a hernia operation or an open fracture etc.

Does it Really Work?

Proponents of shiatsu believe it can "cure" everything from constipation to insomnia to back pain, and say it also works well on depression, sports injuries, poor digestion, anxiety, stress and fatigue and other muscle pain. Others say it works primarily as a relaxation technique, and while it certainly can temporarily relieve pain - especially that associated with muscle stiffness because of its massage element - it cannot actually help the body heal itself.

"Ordinary massage and the legitimate practice of massage therapy can help people feel better. However, many practitioners falsely claim to do much more, and the agencies that oversee the educational and licensing systems display no evidence of concern about this," writes Dr Stephen Barrett on his Quackwatch website, which is advertised as "Your Guide to Quackery, Health Fraud and Intelligent Decisions."

"I've been astounded over the years at the outlandish claims made by many body workers. It's wonderful to get a great massage. It does increase circulation, gives temporary relief to pain, provides a sense of well being, and promotes relaxation, but I don't know of anything (other than the blues) that it has ever cured.

"People need to realize that just because it is a wonderful pleasure that does not make it good medicine."

If you want to try shiatsu yourself, make sure you get a trained practitioner in a safe and clean environment. But remember that this type of complementary therapy should not be intended to replace conventional medicine, and that if a shiatsu practitioner tries to diagnose a specific health problem or prescribe medicine, they are breaking the law. Apart from that, lie back and enjoy it!

Hype of Hydrotherapy / Aquatic Physical Therapy

Doesn't water suggest life? Since the dawn of time, water has possessed an overflow of revitalizing healing properties. Water cleanses, purifies, soothes. In more medical terms it eliminates inflammation and infection. Helping healing better, and more cheaply, than many of our chemically advanced concoctions, the simple molecule does so much more it may be futile to ask why - just how.

In hydrotherapy or aquatic physical therapy, patients are gently immersed in warm water. This form of underwater therapy aims to assist patients to overcome conditions where movement is limited because of paralysis or pain, or where the patient's muscles have been weakened due to injury or illness. Water immersion allows patients to exercise painlessly, even pleasurably, aiding a hasty recovery from a wide variety of conditions.

Aquatic physical therapy has been used for decades as an integral part of treatment for severe arthritis or post knee or hip surgery. Fibromyalgia or rheumatic syndrome, a condition characterized by body aches, pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and anxiety, combined with tenderness and whose cause is unknown, is also healed by aquatic physical therapy. Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of arthritis where the spinal vertebrae become progressively inflamed and the spine eventually becomes fused, making movement very limited, also benefits from the hydro treatment. Even in some serious neurological conditions, the aquatic physical therapy can increase mobility as well as the power in the muscles by allowing movement in muscles normally unable to move. Though it cannot help the illness, aquatic physical therapy can also help to re-instruct muscles to get over damage from stroke or accidents.

Regrettably, aquatic therapy still has its share of limitations. Pure water therapy cannot help patients who are incontinent for hygiene reasons, as well as those with skin conditions or allergies to chlorine. And it is unsuitable for people who have high blood pressure as hydrotherapy raises the blood pressure.

Nonetheless, hydro/aquatic physical therapy especially helps therapists help their patients because being immersed in warm water makes the buoyant movement much easier as the water lifts the limbs, improving joint movement and getting the joints working effectively again, in contrast to painful movement against gravity.

The qualified aqua therapist has three primary objectives in performing therapy in warm water for his patients: to abolish gravity, allowing the body to float and amplifying the power in the muscles, and providing greater movement of a specific limb or joint; to conduct gentle exercises because of its effective resistance to movement; and to relax the muscles and ease the pain with the water's warmth and healing powers. And to look at it simply, hydrotherapy is just an underwater exercise...

One Woman's Healing Journey

I never thought I would become a Holistic Practitioner using an ancient technique passed down by Healers and Midwives to help women with fertility, PMS and endometriosis, among many other maladies such as constipation, lower back pain and the like.

I became a massage therapist in 1999. After receiving my degree in Psychology in 1997 I realized for myself the best way to release emotion was through the body, not by talk alone. Becoming a massage therapist opened many healing doors for me. I realized that every person I touched also touched me and in doing so deepened my compassion for people and for my own healing process.

During my last semester of massage school I was taking a class given by a wonderful Holistic Nurse practitioner and Amma Therapist. During that semester my daughter woke up from a nightmare and came to my bedroom, scared and crying. My first response was to rub her belly. I honestly didn't know what I was doing, but it seemed to help and she went back to sleep.

The next day, after class I spoke with my teacher about what happened the night before and asked her what suggestions she had if she had been in that situation. She asked me to show her what I had done so she could give me feedback. I showed her how I rubbed my daughter's belly and she asked, "Where did you learn this technique?" I told her I was half asleep and didn't know. She then told me she had just gone to learn this ancient technique in Texas called Maya Abdominal and Uterine Massage. I was speechless.

I knew I needed to find out more about this for myself. I had a prolapsed uterus since I was a child caused by a fall from a tree. I had a history of ovarian cysts and fibroids. I had developed Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in 1991 and had exploratory abdominal surgery, which caused my Uterus and Bladder to further prolapse and adhere together. I was told I would need a pessary, a plastic invasive device to hold up the uterus, if I didn't do surgery.

I took this as a sign to heal myself. I gave it a try and after three months of weekly sessions my uterus and bladder were no longer adhered. My hands were always cold for as long as I could remember, but after the Maya Abdominal work I had circulation. I was truly amazed at how quickly I was healing.

I knew that I needed to learn this work and share it with others. I knew this would become my life's work.

Maya Abdominal Massage has been practiced for centuries in Belize, Central America. This gentle uterine correction is a painless, external, noninvasive technique where I guide the uterus into its correct position through massage of the pelvic area. The technique aims to relieve obstruction to the flow of Qi (bioenergy), blood and lymph. The benefits of Maya Abdominal & Uterine Massage are improvement of circulation of blood, lymph, & Qi as well as optimum nerve function to the Uterus, Bladder and Rectum. Emotional armoring is released and Chakras are balanced. An overall sense of well-being, harmony and vitality is attained.

I am happy to say I have completed the Professional and Certification Apprenticeships as well as Teacher Training for The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal & Uterine Massage with Dr. Rosita Arvigo in Massachusetts, Belize and New Hampshire. It is an honor to be able to practice a tradition that is ancient and yet timely; helping women empower themselves by teaching them this ancient technique. I feel a real sense of honor with each new client that opens her heart and her belly to me. It is a very vulnerable place, a place we all like to keep covered and hidden. It is also our place of creativity and power. A healthy belly creates a healthy life.

My teacher's teacher Don Eligio Panti said it beautifully:

A woman's uterus is her center, if it is out of balance, then her entire life will be imbalanced. The uterus is a woman's "second brain" and comprises the spiritual center of her being. - Don Eligio Panti

Physical Therapy Tips - Everything You Need To Know

Even though physical therapy information has now been available for quite some time and physical therapy is growing in popularity day by day, it still is not the first thing that comes to mind, unless the doctor recommends it. There are so many benefits of physical therapy that it can be good for a patient in a number of ways. Physical therapy information is easily accessible and should be studied before starting sessions so that you are fully knowledgeable about what to expect.

Improving and maintaining the body's mobility is physical therapy's primary objective. This objective is attained by applying various treatment methods. Only person evaluation by the physical therapist can help in deciding the most suitable treatment plan for individual requirements since like doctors, physical therapists are also specialists. Physical therapists may specialise in orthopedics, pediatrics or sports physical therapy, among others. All of them are suitably trained for their particular specialisation and are capable of recognising the symptoms and suggesting customised treatment plans. A doctor or a physical therapist can tell you whether you need the services of a specialist physical therapist.

Physical therapy information is listed in the phone book, so is easily accessible. All details such as location, specialisation and charges of physical therapist are available from the phone book. Once you have short listed a physical therapist, consult with your doctor. Even a joint consultation with your doctor and the physical therapist you have chosen may be beneficial as the physical therapist can suggest treatment and the doctor can provide the evaluation and monitoring.

There is plenty of physical therapy information available online as well. There are specialist websites that list information about physical therapists and also about what they do and how they perform their wonders, in case you want to learn more. The website of American Physical Therapy Association gives information on physical therapy and lists details about therapists by state, so that it is easily accessible. The techniques and procedures adopted by physical therapists and their benefits to the affected parts of the body are described in detail. It makes it easier to understand treatment through physical therapy.

Being inquisitive, getting the physical therapy information and understanding it well will ensure that you know what you are getting into. It will also make you comfortable with your physical therapist and significantly increase the quality and speed of healing. Getting physical therapy information not only will make you well informed about the treatment you are getting but also improve your health and secure your peace of mind.

Medical Benefits of Massage Therapy

Health experts and professionals estimate that up to ninety percent of disease is stress-related. Perhaps nothing ages us more quickly, both internally and externally, than high stress. The effects of stress can affect many systems of the body from the central nervous system, the muscular system, the reproductive system, the respiratory system, the cardivascular, the immune system and even the lymphatic system. Stress can affect hormone levels which can result in a low or non-existent libido to trouble conceiving or infertility.

The effects of overtaxing the parasympathetic nervous system can also result in muscle tightness which causes pain, stiffness and leaves peoeple feeling tight and stiff. Stress can disrupt healthy breathing patterns which result in shortness or constrictedness of breath which results in less oxygen to the muscles and organs which impairs its ability to heal, repair and rejuevenate. The cardiovascular system can also be affected which can result in higher blood pressure which puts one at risk for cardiovasuclar disease or heart attacks. People often eat more as a coping mechanism when they feel high levels of stress which can result in obesity and all the other comobidities that often accompany weight gain such as cardiovasulcar disease, diabetes and stress on the joints of the body carrying excess weight such as the knees.

There are a variety of integrative health care or holistic health care modalities that can help to manage stress such as yoga, meditation, controlled breathing exercises and massage.

Massage has proven to be an effective tool for managing stress, which translates into decreased anxiety as well as enhanced sleep quality. Sleep is one of the most important biological processes for the body and mind since that is when the body is able to heal and repair on a deep and sustained level. One of the most ideal times to receive a massage is just before going to sleep.

Other benefits of massage include:greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulatio as well as reduced fatigue. Therapeutic massage can also help specifically address many chronic health issues. Regular bodywork can: alleviate low-back pain, correct imbalance and poor posture and improve range of motion.

Prenatal massage should be done by a massage therapist specifically trained to address the health needs of a pregnant women. It can assist with shorter, more manageable childbirth for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.

Other health benefits of massage can include ease of medication dependence, enhanced immunity by stimulating lymphatic flow which is the body's natural defense system.

For athletes, regular massage therapy is a critical compoent to allieviate and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles. Massage therapists often assist athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts with regular sessions.

Massage improves the condition of the body's largest organ--the skin. It is important to use natural or organic lotions or oils when massaging since the skin will absorb it and the components of them will go into the bloodstream.

Other critical effects of massage include:Increase of joint flexibility, decrease in depression and anxiety, promotion of tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks, oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital internal organs, improving circulation and cardiovascular flow, the release of endorphins-- that work as the body's natural painkiller.

Connecting With Peers in Cyber School

One of the biggest fears for parents considering online learning is that their children will not have the same social experience a traditional school offers. While the concern is justified, you might be surprised by all the social opportunities available to online students.

Online learning has greatly developed throughout the years. There are very few limitations to what cyber schools can offer students, and that includes social interactions. Pennsylvania cyber schools make it easy for students to engage in both learning and socialization.

Online Classrooms

Online classrooms offer a unique learning opportunity for students. Through the use of a computer, web cam, microphone and live classroom technology, students can ask questions, answer questions and participate in live discussions with instructors and classmates. Online classrooms incorporate interactive tools and lessons to create a lively classroom environment.

Clubs and Activities

Making friends through a Pennsylvania cyber school is easier than you may think. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and activities that allow them to meet and interact with students that share their interests. From chess clubs to art clubs, virtual schools make it easy for every student to get involved.

In addition to activities offered directly through the school, online learners have the opportunity to spend more time participating in their local communities. Because their educational schedule is flexible, they have the freedom to take part is extracurricular activities and service projects that the schedule of a traditional school might not accommodate.

Through online school clubs and activities students can:

• Easily make friends
• Develop valuable leadership skills
• Connect with students all across the country
• Expand their interests
• Pursue their interests

Online School Field Trips

Through Pennsylvania cyber schools, students can take field trips that are educational and fun. From museums to state parks, students will be able to supplement their online learning with a variety of interactive field trips. Not only will they have the opportunity to learn and explore new things, but they will have the chance to interact with other online school students, teachers and parents.

Student-Teacher Interaction

When choosing a Pennsylvania cyber school, know that your child will benefit from instructors trained in the nuances of teaching in a virtual classroom. The teachers in a cyber school work closely together to ensure they are offering a high-quality, personalized education for each student.

Through the use of interactive tools, teachers and students interact in real-time. Because cyber school teachers often interact directly with students on a one-on-one basis, they get to know each of their students better than they might have in a traditional classroom setting.

A Pennsylvania cyber school offers students the ideal solution to getting the education they deserve, while also getting the social interaction they need. Online schools in Pennsylvania are designed to offer children the optimal learning environment, so rest assured that a cyber school will be a positive transition for your child.

Forest Hills Physical Therapy: Restoring Your Balance

Learning to live with Vertigo can be quite a challenge, but a physical therapist can make the process much easier for you. Before we go any further, though, we should point out that there are certain symptoms which, should they ever accompany your vertigo, would be reasons to seek out immediate medical attention. These symptoms include a change in alertness, difficulty speaking, and double vision. Vertigo itself is just the sensation of spinning, even when you're standing perfectly still. It does warrant medical attention, but alone, it does not constitute a dire emergency. It has multiple causes, and the vast majority of them involve the inner ear in one way or another.

Some people don't immediately think of physical therapy in conjunction with vertigo, but there is actually a lot that a physical therapist can do to help. For example, there are various head and neck movements which can get you moving again and help you keep your vertigo under control. Often, too, it's certain activities that trigger vertigo. If that's the case with you, then your therapist will really be of benefit. He or she can show you how to do those activities in different ways which will help you reduce your dizziness. If any of those activities also cause fatigue, then those will be given priority.

A large portion of a physical therapist's treatment of vertigo will consist of coaching you through various types of exercises. The particular exercises your therapist chooses will obviously depend on which specific symptoms you have. In general, these exercises have three overall goals. Clearly, one of those goals is to improve your balance. Another goal is to help your brain "correct" the differences between it and your inner ears. You will also be helped to improve your focus and vision. In addition to these exercises, your therapist will also suggest some that are intended simply to improve your overall health.

Some people don't realize this, but there are actually therapists with more specific specialties than simply physical therapy in general. If you suffer from vertigo, then you may want to look for a therapist who has completed a fellowship in neurological physical therapy. Such a therapist would be particularly well suited to addressing vertigo. Keep in mind, though, that all of them are qualified to treat people with dizziness. Thus, if you get a recommendation from a friend, family member, or your doctor, then it's definitely worth calling to set up an appointment.

If you or a loved one is suffering from Vertigo, Gait Impairment, or Balance issues, contact the physical therapists at Forest Hills Rehabilitation to see how we can help.

The Benefits of Massage

Massage has many benefits that you may not think about when you consider going for one. Most people believe that this is simply a way to relax after a stressful time. While this is one of the reasons why people go for massages it is not the only benefit that comes from this.

The benefits that you get from massage

There are many benefits that come from massage that you may not know about. Having some idea about the benefits may help you decide if a massage is what you need.

• Reducing pain is the most commonly known benefit of massages. During the day you may not notice the tensions and strain you put your body through. Back pain is something that many people suffer from and massage is one of the best ways to relieve the tension in the muscles that cause this problem.

• Improving digestion is a benefit that most people do not know about. This happens through the movement of blood in the body while you are having the massage. The added blood flow will increase the functioning your organs which will result in digestion working better.

• Increase in mobility. Mobility can be impaired through a number of things and one is the formation of lactic acid in the muscles. This often happens after exercise particularly if the body is not used to it. Massage helps to break down the lactic acid crystals in the muscles which help with mobility. Additionally the increase in blood flow helps joints to work as they should.

• Calming of aggressive behaviour. This is something that many people don't think about. The use of massage will help you with emotional problems which come from suffering from tension and stress. As the massages releases the tension you will find that aggressive behaviour will decrease as your frustration decreases along with your tension.

• Studies have been done to show that white blood cell production can be increased through massage therapy. This is particularly helpful in children as the study showed that children massage by their parents have increased white blood cell counts.

Doing massage courses to help people

If you want to be able to help people then you might want to consider doing some massage courses. As there are so many benefits to massage it is a good way to help people. Of course when you are looking into a massage course you need to make sure it is worth your while. There are certain things that the course should cover including anatomy and various techniques you can use. It is also best that some form of theory is done so you understand what exactly is happening to the body. At the end of the course it would be ideal for some form of certificate to be provided. Just make sure that the certificate is accredited.

Massage can offer a wide range of benefits and this is why many doctors recommend it for people recovering from surgery. The benefits you can get from this are not only physical but also emotional and psychological.

What Is the Easiest Way to Become an Occupational Therapist?

Preparation needed for the job as an occupational therapist begins before training. Occupational therapists must possess specific personality traits to be successful because effective management of professional careers is often stressful. Occupational therapists must be supportive, understanding, compassionate and insightful. People with career aspirations to become an occupational therapist must also have strong interpersonal skills, as they should be able to inspire respect and trust with their customers. Occupational therapists must also have a strong imagination to help or adjust activities based on customer needs in a variety of settings.

To become an occupational therapist, usually, one should have a college degree and work experience or a master's degree to qualify for a job in a mental home, or in the clinic as well as certification and licensure. Educational training and preparation for a career as an occupational therapist can begin as early as secondary education. Courses such as biology, art, social sciences, chemistry, health, and psychology can provide a solid foundation for building a future and successful professional. In addition, volunteering as a therapy aide or nursing assistant in a variety of organizations or institutions of health care can give students a great opportunity to be accepted into a field to the highest degree.

The growing popularity of occupational therapy as a career has increased the growth rate of occupational therapy schools. It is expected that the demand for occupational therapists will grow significantly in 2018, making more people interested to look at the study of OT to take advantage of the demand for therapists. But before choosing a therapist vocational school, there are some important factors you should keep in mind.

To become an occupational therapist, you are required to complete a higher education in psychology, social work or occupational therapy. These programs are available in technical schools, universities and colleges. In general, you will have two years of tuition, plus some work experience. OT programs at a university can span up to a period of four years, with additional courses available for program expansion to five to six years.

Although states in the United States may vary in relation to the licensing requirements for those who want to practice OT, it is almost mandatory that you pass the exam licensure status in a registered therapist. And so, you should be aware of the requirements to indicate your license. Also, be sure to have both the training and experience, which are needed before you even think of applying. In addition, it is important that you have enough patience and compassion to fill the role. In studying as a great therapist, you would like have a mentor to demonstrate, teach and guide how your personal and professional relationships with patients should be treated.

Doctoral degree programs in OT can make candidates experts in their field. Most doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy offer people the chance to expand, develop and research programs and innovative services in the field of occupational therapy. The National certification exam is offered through the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association, but it depends on the status and needs of the institution. State Departments of Health Board of Occupational Therapy Practice often require additional licensing. The process of becoming a registered occupational can be so extensive and patience and perseverance are ultimately required. The only easy and effective way of becoming an occupational therapist is to get professional education and become certified.

Massage Therapists: Aloe Vera - Best Remedy for Sunburn

A sunburn, the literal burning of the top layer of the skin by overexposure to the sun's rays, is best remedied by a liberal and frequent application of Aloe vera gel. It's a natural product, provides immediate, soothing relief and promotes the healing process. It's also a natural addition to any massage or bodywork therapist's practice whether you live in a sunny resort area or not.

Vacation destinations that are far more sunny than where one lives, more often than not lead to painful sunburns. It's just a fact. This is true despite the preponderance of public service announcements warning against the risk and imminent danger of skin cancers, and an overabundance of sun blocks and sunscreens available in almost every store to help prevent sunburn. Yet and still, the most frequent and unexpected souvenir brought home from a sun-filled vacation is, quite literally, a blistering sunburn. And of course, no sunburn is complete without unsightly peeling, flaking and itching skin as the epidermis recuperates from the damage.

Having grown up in Southern California, I happen to know a thing or two about sunburn ~ far more things, in fact, than I'd care to know. Specifically, I grew up in Los Angeles, where almost every Sunday and even some Saturdays of my childhood were spent at the beach. It was my mom's thing to go to the beach and relax after a tough week at work, lying on the sand with a good book while soaking up the sun's tanning rays. Our thing ~ my brother's and mine ~ was to play in the waves and dig never-ending holes in the sand. We were often asked if we were digging to China. Nope, just digging. As a result, every Sunday we returned home exhausted, and sunburned.

Each Spring, beginning in the early Sixties, for variety, my family would venture a hundred miles east to the Palm Springs desert. The desert's crystal clear azure skies, swaying palm trees, blazing hot sun, shimmering pools, with its nighttime warm temperatures and an indigo sky blanketed with a gazillion stars welcomed us. Sometimes we'd go just for a weekend, sometimes for a whole week.

My brother and I would spend our hot desert days splashing about in the pool ~ and our nights shivering in our air-conditioned motel room, slathered with the then "new" product, Noxzema, to sooth our raging sunburns. The white cream in the cobalt-blue jar was a staple in our house throughout the Sixties and Seventies. Developed in 1914 as a sunburn cream it was originally called Townsend R22. In the early Sixties it was discovered to also improve eczema, thus its new name and re-launch as Noxzema. The three main ingredients in Noxzema skin cream are camphor, menthol and eucalyptus. Camphor is a natural pain reliever; menthol is derived from the mint plant and has cooling properties, and Eucalyptus is included as a moisturizer, providing short-term, soothing relief.

We didn't have sunblock per se back then, and the only suntan lotion I remember was Coppertone, which was known at the time for its billboard ads of a little dog tugging at a little girls bathing suit bottom. It was meant to enhance sun tanning, not necessarily protect skin from ultraviolet rays. There always was a bottle of it at the bottom of the beach bag as I recall, but we rarely used it.

It's not just the obvious bright, sunny days that can scorch your skin, either. I've acquired more than my share of bad sunburns at the beach or on the water on overcast days.

As a teenager, regular attempts to damage my skin was a frequent past time. Tanning was "cool" and it was popular to use baby oil, Hawaiian Tropic oil or Coco Butter to attempt to get to that desired brown berry skin tone. Some of my friends even used regular butter! It makes me want to cringe thinking what we did to our future skin. Unfortunately, when you have ultra fair skin like mine, it's tough to get a deep tan no matter what product you use, so any of my attempts to tan were followed by ~ you guessed it ~ a painful sunburn followed by the handy-dandy Noxzema treatment.

I remember the first time I ever tried to actually "get" a suntan at the beach ~ forgoing all that adolescent digging and frolicking in the waves ~ by actually "laying out." A whole day spent patiently laying on the beach and carefully rotating my body every fifteen to thirty minutes. I've never been so bored in my life getting a "tan," and my reward for surviving the boredom? A lovely 2nd degree sunburn that blistered my skin for two weeks after. It was so bad I literally had scars for years. That was fun.

Thankfully, as the years passed, my quest for the perfect tan became less and less important, especially as more and more information became available indicating the risks associated with unfettered exposure to ultra violet rays. As I became more aware, I also became that much more cautious about my skin.

Those were days of self-inflicted skin damage I hope won't come back to haunt me someday. Now that I reside full-time in a resort area with nearly year-round sun, excessive sunbathing or getting a tan is actually no longer of interest to me both because of the potential life-threatening risk, and because of the long-term effect it has on skin quality. Living where long-time sun worshippers come to retire, I've seen what years of sunbathing, excessive and even moderate, can do to skin and I have to say, it is not pretty. I might lay out for ten or fifteen minutes every few days to get my natural dose of Vitamin D, but beyond that I'm just not interested in sun exposure unless I'm hiking or working in the yard. It's important for the body to get a natural source of Vitamin D which comes directly from the sun, so I certainly don't avoid the sun altogether, nor to I recommend doing so.

As a massage therapist in a sunny resort town, I witnessed sunburns on visitors from just about everywhere in the world. Weekend warriors suffered the most. They tried to cram a week's worth of tanning into the first day so that their second day and final was spent in misery. The sun where I live, like anywhere where there's an abundance of sun and plenty of distractions, really sneaks up on people. I would tell my visiting clients to be careful while here because the sun is so strong you can almost get a sunburn just by sitting in your living room!

No matter where you go in this area during high tourist season, you will see a multitude of truly awful sunburns. Some of the sunburns are almost comical where you can tell the person forgot to turn over, or spent too long floating in the pool, or failed to wear sunscreen while golfing or watching golf, or some other activity that leaves interesting demarcations burned onto the skin. The most difficult ones to witness are those where it's obvious the vacationer is burned to a crisp and every movement, however minute, is painful.

Working in hotel spas and then on my own, I kept running into the unpleasant situation where people would either come to a bodywork session too badly burned to actually get a massage or body scrub, or would cancel at the last minute because of their scorched skin. After too many cancellations, I saw that it was clearly a problem in desperate need of a solution.

Searching for a solution for my own sunburned clients, my first brilliant brainstorm was to give them a Noxzema application, an idea I quickly dismissed. Not only would it have been cost prohibitive, but I knew it would be too messy and a bit odoriferous with such a strong menthol, almost medicinal aroma. I also prefer a more natural and ideally, an organic product. Also, walking around with a white cream coating over your skin is not very appealing. It's common to see someone with a white nose or lips, but I think the whole body would be a bit much. So I scoured through my massage suppliers' catalogs searching for just the right application. Sadly, almost every product I found contained too many synthetics and chemicals and/or was really expensive.

Finally, I found organic Aloe vera gel ~ a product so natural and so simple. I consider it such a magic skin elixir that I integrated it into body treatments and applications to treat my clients' skin in general, but especially for sunburned clients. Aloe vera gel has also traveled with me on my own vacations to tropical locales and anywhere I know I'll be exposed to the sun just in case I ended up burnt, or for that matter, stung, or even bitten by some pesky bug.

Organic Aloe vera gel, also known as Lily of the desert due to its membership in the Lily family, has a long, long history of being a healing plant used as far back as the early Egyptians for the skin and so much more. Applied to the skin it's very soothing and prevents the skin from blistering and peeling except in cases of extreme skin damage. It also dramatically speeds up the healing process. There's so much more about the extensive healing properties of organic aloe gel that it's now the new staple in many homes for first aid purposes ~ internally as well as externally. Burns, cuts, scraps, rashes... the list goes on.

It's been said by many reputable sources, including major Aloe growers that Aloe has properties that have five primary functions. The first is that it's an antibiotic, it's also an antiseptic and a coagulating agent. It's also a pain inhibitor, and it's a growth stimulator for normal external and internal cells. What that means is that it helps accelerate tissue and skin surfaces that have been injured in some way. In addition to all that, it's also non-toxic and nonallergenic. In addition to being a detoxicant, Aloe vera has no side effects which as we all know is often problematic with synthetic drugs.

Those are some pretty impressive healing properties for a simple and readily available plant. What's not to love about a natural substance that has those wonderful properties, especially when the topic is sunburn?

Ideally, the best way to use Aloe vera is fresh from the plant. I actually know of some people in this valley who keep many Aloe plants in their yard specifically for their own medicinal use in case of emergencies and otherwise. Most people can't or won't do that, so the next best thing is a commercial organic gel, or at the very least, a non-organic Aloe vera gel. It really is a miracle plant, especially when it comes to sunburns. It's also an extremely hardy plant that can take quite a lot of abuse or neglect before it will finally succumb.

Aloe vera gel can be used successfully on clients, on yourself when you've spent a little too much time working in the yard or hiking, at a ballgame or anytime you've over-indulged in sun exposure. In my own experience, using organic Aloe vera gel on a sunburn significantly, if not completely, reduces blistering and subsequent peeling. The healing time is really abbreviated.

If you're a bodyworker in a sunny locale or vacation destination, I urge you to consider adding an Aloe vera massage, or at the very least an application, to your menu or list of services for those clients who overdo it in the sun. Who knows? You could very well be the person who saves your client's vacation! As a bonus, the amino acids in Aloe vera help soften the skin, so if you're dealing with someone who has rough, weathered skin, they will definitely feel a difference after an Aloe vera session. Even if you don't live in a sunny resort town, you will still more than likely have clients who return from their vacations with a souvenir sunburn. Offering some type of Aloe vera gel session to accelerate your sunburned clients' healing process may help your receipts

If you're planning on visiting a super sunny destination where you'll be exposed to more sun than you're used to, my best advice is to obviously bring your sunscreen ~ and use it ~ but also bring along a supply of Aloe vera gel. The absolutely best and 100% successful remedy for sunburn, of course, is to not get one in the first place. Despite every precaution, however, it's not always avoidable, so Aloe vera in your suitcase or makeup bag is an excellent travel companion ~ just in case. Unfortunately, you can't always find it where you're going, and it's really the best natural remedy to have with you, so bring it with you. Do be aware, however, that given it's a gel, you'll want to be careful how you pack it if you're flying on a commercial airline. Even if it's in its original bottle, if it's over a certain size, you won't be able to carry it on the flight with you.

If you're like me and you've experience a lot of skin damage over the course of your life, or if you live in a climate with year-round sunshine, I just can't think of a better preventive against potential skin cancers than Aloe vera gel. I won't make any health claims here beyond suggesting you check out the wonderful properties of Aloe vera for yourself, and you'll get a sense of just how amazing the Aloe vera plant is.

Why You Should Train As A Physical Therapy Assistant

Healthcare is one of today's biggest growth industries, and is attracting more and more high school graduates as well as those seeking to transition from other careers. Many consider training as a physical therapy assistant, working under the direction of a physical therapist to provide treatment, help and support to the physically disabled, trauma victims, and other patients.

Why Is Healthcare Such a Popular Career?

The growth in the demand for the services of physical therapists, their assistants and aides is part of the boom in health care, and job opportunities are expected to increase by some 35% between now and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Life expectancy is on the rise, and it is predicted that the growing elderly population will increasingly require a wide variety of therapeutic services. As medical procedures and technologies advance, more patients will require a range of rehabilitation treatments to improve the quality of their lives.

What Training Do Physical Therapist Assistants Need?

While physical therapists will require postgraduate degree training, physical therapist assistants usually need an Associate's degree from an accredited program, which can usually be gained over five semesters, or about two years. This is another attractive option for aspiring health care professionals who do not wish to commit themselves to another four years of training after high school. The American Physical Therapy Association lists over 250 programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation and Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) delivering entry-level training for PTAs.

What Are The Admissions Criteria for PTA Programs?

Admissions requirements may vary from school to school, but prospective applicants are normally expected to have completed a period of volunteer work experience or observation in one or more physical therapy settings, excluding home health situations. Some preliminary educational requirements may also need to be satisfied, including general courses such as English composition, algebra or mathematics, liberal arts courses, and introductory medical classes in human anatomy and physiology. Colleges may expect a minimum pass of grade C in these courses for an applicant to be eligible to apply for for PTA training. Students may also be required to have certification in CPR or basic cardiac life support. Admission may also be dependent on a satisfactory background criminal check and drug screening.

What Do PTA Students Learn?

The technical courses for physical therapy assisting include topics such as kinesiology, skills of patient care, pathology, neuroscience, rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, and a number of clinical rotations or internships. There is normally a specified order in which these classes need to be taken, and students must perform satisfactorily in one course in order to proceed to the next. Some colleges may accommodate the needs of students who wish to complete part of their course online, or combine their study with a part-time job. But most are keen to impress upon applicants that they must ensure that they have adequate time to devote to the demands of the program, and that the clinical experiences are hands-on, full-time commitments that last several weeks. CAPTE does not accredit PTA programs with exclusively online content.

What Else Is Required To Practice As a PTA?

Those who successfully complete their physical therapist assistant program will normally graduate with an Associate degree. However, in almost every state in the US, PTAs must hold a licence or certification in order to practice. Candidates should make enquiries with their state board to find out specific requirements, but it is usually necessary to have graduated from an accredited training program and to have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination. Once a licence has been granted, a certain amount of continuing education may be required to keep it current.

5 Reasons to Become a Respiratory Therapist

If you are in the middle of choosing a career, then you must also be at the receiving end of sometimes-unsolicited advice from friends, family, and well-wishers. Their constant stream of advice may be making the already difficult decision-making process seem a thousand times harder.

Take solace in the fact that you are not alone! At this moment, hundreds and thousands of people are probably in the same quandary as you.

To help you and others who are having trouble deciding on a career, we offer one option to consider: respiratory therapy. Let's look at the top five reasons why you should consider enrolling in a respiratory therapist school.

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #1

Less schooling required: As compared to most other healthcare careers, the training requirements for becoming a respiratory therapist (RT) are much less extensive. A two-year Associate in Respiratory Therapy degree from an accredited university, college, or technical-vocational school is the basic requirement to pursue a career in respiratory therapy.

Respiratory therapist programs usually include courses in life and health sciences such as microbiology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology; topics that deal with respiratory care and management such as pulmonary anatomy and physiology, cardiopulmonary pharmacology, airway management, and ventilation theory; and clinical experience that includes supervised hands-on patient care.

All the U.S. states except Alaska require respiratory therapists to have either the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) license. For both these credentials, applicants must graduate from an accredited respiratory therapist program and meet other licensure requirements above and beyond the degree.

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #2

Excellent job outlook: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment of RTs is expected to grow at a faster-than-average pace for all occupations: 28 percent through 2020.* The growing numbers of elderly folk in the country who are more vulnerable to respiratory ailments, plus an increased awareness of and focus on disease prevention, has led to this growth in the demand for RT.

This means individuals employed as RTs should enjoy excellent employment prospects over the next decade.

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #3

Options for professional growth: Once you graduate from respiratory therapist school and get some experience under your belt in direct patient care, you may start thinking about taking the next step in your career path.

Advancement to roles like shift manager, department head, hospital administrator, educational program lead, etc. is possible with experience and additional training. If this is the direction you'd like to grow your career, pursuing an advanced respiratory therapy degree should be a part of your career development plan.

RTs can also explore the option of branching out into business roles with equipment manufacturers, or join the world of research and academics.

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #4

Average income: The Department of Labor reports that the median annual wages of respiratory therapists was $54,280 in May 2010, depending on geographic location, education, and experience.**

The income of a RT also varies with the type of healthcare facility they are employed in. For example, RTs employed with nursing care facilities earned an average annual wage of $57,450, while those working in offices of physicians earned an average of $52,500 per annum (depending on location, education, and experience). ***

Reason to become a respiratory therapist #5

Rewarding work: This may be the most important of all the reasons to consider a career as a RT. At the end of a hard working day, there is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing you have worked to heal your patients, and that's what a career in respiratory therapy promises.

Through all the emergency cases of heart failures and severe asthmatic attacks; the drowning accidents; the heart-wrenching cries of premature infants; and the helplessness of patients on respiratory support equipment, the feeling you're most likely to remember is the joy of seeing them breathe life once again.

Sources:

* bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-6

** bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-5

*** Ibid.

Getting to Know the Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapy or PT is an important part of the health care industry. Physical therapists work with patients who have problems with their movement and mobility. They are specially trained to diagnose and treat patients who have illnesses or injuries that limit their movements. These limitations prevent patients from performing daily, functional tasks which can then lead to emotional stress and eventually affect their mental health.

A physical therapist's skills are in treating joints, bones and ligaments, muscles and tendons. Therefore, many people associate PT with sports but in truth, it is an important branch in health care as it helps patients suffering from diseases such as Parkinson's, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's and arthritis. Patients who have had surgery on their joints or hip also need therapy to heal properly.

A Physical Therapist works with movement and mobility so the plan of care usually involves some form of exercise, stretching and a wellness oriented program including massage. The plan of care will be executed by a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) who works under the direction of a PT to help the patients exercise or assist them with new tasks such as using crutches and the wheelchair.

The role of the PTA is equally important as they work hands-on with the patients and monitor their progress. They are able to perform massages, electrical stimulation, mechanical traction and balance training with the patients. The PTAs will also need to get the work area and equipment ready before a session. They also do some billing and clerical work.

The physical therapy assistants are required by law to hold a degree and obtain a recognized certification in courses such as CPR. There are many recognized programs in educational institutions or one can opt to take courses online. The online courses are similar to the ones you find in colleges, as they both prepare the students with tutorials and introduce the students to anatomy, physiology and psychology. Online courses are usually more affordable and one can study at their own time and pace. Students who pass the necessary exams are then trained on the job.

Employment for a physical therapy assistant is projected to grow rapidly as health care needs are never on a decline. Employment in the health care industry is also very attractive and rewarding. Physical therapists and their assistants can work in a number of settings including the hospital, clinics, outpatient and other nursing or health care homes. They may also find employment in the military or in the corporate world.

What Benefits Can You Enjoy From Regular Massage Treatments?

Getting a massage at the end of each day is one of the simple luxuries of life. There are few experiences that are as relaxing and therapeutic as a good daily massage. Without a doubt, the most notable benefit of a massage is that relaxed and rejuvenated feeling that you get afterwards. It's like all the stress of the day has magically melted away and you are even able to think more clearly.

Aside from these typical benefits that we all know about, there are actually many other advantages that an efficient massage can bring you. Following are the most remarkable of these benefits:

1. Younger-looking skin. The kneading motion of a massage, especially a hard massage, is very helpful in exfoliating the skin and eliminating dead cells that clog up the pores. Furthermore, the oils and lotions that are typically rubbed onto the skin during a massage contain natural moisturizers that prevent dryness, thus helping the skin retain its elasticity and suppleness.

2. Better blood circulation. Efficient blood flow is essential to so many different aspects of health. First of all, it improves the health of your cardiovascular system and dramatically reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack. It also improves the transfer of nutrients to your various body parts, which also makes for better overall health.

3. Stronger muscles. Not many people realize it but your muscles can work so much better if they are able to relax from time to time. For sure, exercise is good for toning the muscles and keeping them strong but it is also not advisable to keep your muscles tensed and taut most of the time because this can get uncomfortable or painful. It is just as important to give them the chance to relax, which is exactly what happens during a good massage.

4. Internal body cleansing. During a full body massage, your muscles and joints become relaxed because of the properly applied pressure onto the different parts of the body. At the same time, toxins that are trapped inside your body are loosened as well so that they can be more easily and thoroughly released. The overall effect is a cleaner body and better physical health.

5. Improved lymph circulation. The many lymph nodes in your body are the ones that are responsible for secreting hormones that fight infection and that protect you against many illnesses. With regular massage treatments, the lymphatic system is boosted and becomes capable of producing these helpful hormones in greater amounts and in less time.

6. Elimination of mental fatigue. Most people are aware that a massage can alleviate physical stress. In fact, this benefit is precisely why so many people want to get a massage as often as they possibly can. But it is not only the body that benefits from a reduction of stress during a massage but the mind as well. Mental fatigue can be erased simply with a good massage treatment at the end of the day. After a one or two-hour massage, you will notice that your thinking is sharper and your power of concentration is greatly improved.

7. Happier life. Money certainly cannot buy happiness but if you spend a few dollars on a really good massage treatment, then that is a completely different matter altogether. As mentioned, a massage can get rid of stress which in turn can improve your mood and overall disposition. You won't feel too irritable and will eventually have better relationships with the people around you. When combined with a positive attitude, regular massage can certainly take you on the path to a much happier and fulfilling life.

With all these benefits, it goes without saying that everyone should try to get a massage as frequently as possible. However, it must also be understood that not all kinds of massage will be able to bring about such benefits.

First of all, the massage therapist will need to be quite adept with their hands and they should be educated on the right techniques to use that will give the best results. They should also be able to address the areas of the body that really need attention. Furthermore, the right kind of equipment, specifically massage tables, must be used in order to deliver the most advantageous results from the massage.

If you have the time and the money to spend, it would be a great idea of get a professional massage every single day after you go home from work or even shortly before you go to bed at night. In order to enjoy this experience, however, you would need to buy your own massage table so that you won't have to leave the house to get the massage and so that you can completely relax in your own home as soon as the massage is over.

Benefits of Wood Massage Table

Wood massage table is important therapy equipment, for the massage therapist. It is hard for the massage therapist to perform without it. Life is full of stress because of the burden of the work given to everyone in this high-competitive market. To be stress free, everyone deserves to get a break for massage therapy. Thus, the therapist should use a good therapy table for effective results and to make their client experience more enjoyable.

With these kinds of tables, it becomes easier to give a full body massage from head to toe. Most of the time clients demand to get massage at their place. For such calls the therapist should be ready with movable equipment as it also reflects well on their business. But this might not be possible with heavy stationary massage tables.

Today, there are many types of wood massaging tables available in the market which is easy to move around with. Gone are the days when massages were preformed by making the client sleep on the floor. Thus, with the help of modern technology, portable therapy tables were invented. There are three types of tables such as wood massage table, 2 section wood massage table and 3 section wood massage table, which can be of great help for both client and the masseur.

The wood massage table is good additional to your business. It is designed in such a manner that the therapist can easily work with all size and weights of bodies; as well as, without any apparent stress or table flex. By this, the therapist can concentrate on their work. Another good thing about these tables is that easily moved around as they are portable and light in weight.

The 2 section and 3 section once are almost similar to the basic massage wood table, but with few additional features. In case of 2 section, it has a good back support system which can be folded up when needed. Whereas in the 3 section massage table; one can also bend it from the knees as well as supports the back.

The benefits of having these tables are that, since it is light weighted, it can be carried around easily. This helps students who have to carry their personal tables to their practice sessions. Also, these tables come with adjustable arm rests and head rest to make the client completely at ease. It is also beneficial to the therapists as even he can comfortably do his task.

These wooden massage tables features comfortable foam padding with leather or vinyl covering for easy maintenance. The corners of the tables are also curved which adds to their attraction. They are also available in attractive colors which make your massage parlor stylish and appealing.

Essential Bariatric Products For the Physical Therapy Clinic With Obese Patients

Patients who are obese have special needs when it comes to completing physical therapy. This is often the case when an obese person decides to obtain bariatric surgery or other surgical means to reduce their weight. This can cause a challenge for physical therapy clinics as they must have available special equipment in order to provide the same level of care to obese patients as their average sized patients. Knowing what types of quality equipment are available to accommodate the needs of obese patients is half the battle. Here are the recommended essential bariatric products for the physical therapy clinic treating obese patients.

Mobility Products
When it comes to providing physical therapy to patients of any size, certain essential products are required to help patients retain mobility throughout this process. These items may include, but are not limited to canes, walkers, crutches, wheel chairs or braces. Normally, it would not be a problem to fit a patient with these items if they are of an average size and weight, but if you have an obese patient it's difficult to safely fit them with any mobility devices that will not cause them pain or fail to provide adequate support. Another factor to consider is that the equipment must withstand additional weight so the products must be built to last. It's recommended that in order to accommodate patients of a larger size and weight, that physical therapy clinics choose products that are adjustable, manufactured out of sturdy materials (steel vs. wood or plastic) and be able to take the pressure off of already strained joints. Wheelchairs should have wider seats and allow a full range of motion to encourage obese patients to use them as needed.

Beds and Support Surfaces
When treating the obese patient in the clinic or providing in-home care, there is a great need for a bed, tables or support surfaces that can support their size and weight. Treatment may occur at home and the patient should have enough support so that their back and neck are not having extra strain put on them as the result of leg and arm exercises. In the clinic, it's essential to have at least one larger treatment table that can be utilized by all patients including obese people. One excellent type of table is the Powerline Treatment, made by Oakworks. This remarkable treatment table features a sturdy padded surface, solid hardwood frame and an adjustable bed that can handle patients up to 500 lbs.

Patient Lifts
When it comes to ensuring safe treatment of obese patients, nothing comes in more handy than the hospital style weight bearing patient lift. These lifts give the caregivers and physical therapists another set of hands when lifting the patient or helping them learn to sit up and stand again. A lift can make sure the patient isn't falling out of bed or causing injury to anyone, most of all themselves, during treatment.

Respiratory Aids
Obese patients often have trouble breathing properly when participating in physical therapy. Therefore it's essential to have some type of respiratory aid, such as oxygen and masks, on hand just in case. This will ensure that the patient gets the right amount of fresh air to breath and doesn't pass out due to lack of oxygen, which would be a very injurious experience for them and for staff.

Floor Scale
When an obese patient presents for treatment, it can be difficult for them to be weighed to see how they are progressive with their weight loss following bariatric surgery. Standard hospital scales only go up to 400 lbs so it's necessary to obtain a floor scale that can weight up to 1,000 lbs. A floor scale also makes it easier for the patient to get up and down off the scale, especially if mobility is an issue.

PT School - How To Select A Great Physical Therapy School And Pass The NPTE Without Breaking A Sweat

Healthcare workers are integral in almost any contemporary society, and physical therapists are also a very important members of our health care system today. Physical therapists are professionals in working with patients with movement problems. They help people who are struggling with the movements of their own body due to injuries or illness. No doubt that this occupation is rewarding. This is why lots of physical therapists find total satisfaction not in the amount of money they earn from this career, but in how useful they are to the rehabilitation of their patients. If you think you will also enjoy being a physical therapist, then you'll need to look for a good PT school that should provide you with the knowledge as well as the skills you need with this job.

Opt for an Accredited Physical Therapy School

Even before you think about signing up for a certain PT school, make sure that it is certified by the American Physical Therapy Association or APTA. This is a basic need because for a school to get an accreditation would mean having excellent techniques of training and instruction. APTA has specifications that should be followed by physical therapy universities so that they could become a leading instructional institution. In addition to the quality of the courses and training programs offered, licensed physical therapist schools also make it possible for their students to successfully pass the licensure test.

Select Among the Physical Therapy Colleges with Good Licensure Exam Passing Rate

No physical therapy graduate is able to practice without completing the National Physical Therapy examination. Thus you need to study in a school that may help you succeed in the licensure test. In order to find a physical therapy school that offers the very best training, you could take a look at the list of state examination passers and then determine from what college/university they graduated from. The ideal physical therapist schools or universities should belong to the top 10 or 20 list. Of course, the higher the licensure passing rate, the higher quality of the PT school.

Select a Physical Therapist School with Great Clinical Education Opportunities

Once you become a physical therapist, you'll be spending most of your time interacting with your patients. Consequently, it is essential that you learn firsthand what abilities you'll need to communicate and work effectively with affected individuals. A good physical therapist school will give you several options to undergo practical courses. It is vital that a physical therapist school be connected to different hospitals or medical facilities to ensure that their students will have the chance to do internship with one of these institutions.

How to locate the most notable PT Schools

There are several ways that you can find the best PT schools in the country or in your state. Search the internet and make your search based upon area. Check out the programs provided by each individual college and also the APTA accreditation it has. And remember to verify the school's licensure exam passing rate as well.