Saturday, January 18, 2014

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.

Friday, January 17, 2014

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.

Earn $100 an Hour With a Mobile Massage School


With a small investment in a massage table and a trip to Thailand to learn Thai Massage (okay you do not have to fly to Asia to learn to be a masseuse) you can be well on your way to owning your own mobile massage school.

The goal is for you to travel from home to home and business to business teaching some very basic and simple strategies of stress relief through massage. You can charge as much as $100 for your services and even offer a massage service to clients that are looking to have a massage on a regular basis. You can send employees out to massage regular customers while you focus on the teaching and training.

It is important that you stay in management so you are not stuck in the limited business model of doing the massages yourself. In order to succeed you have to be able to duplicate your skill and collect a percentage from this duplication while still keeping a birds-eye view of your operation.

Since your investment is small and the tools of the trade are easy to transport, this makes for a great business to get into. A few courses in stress reduction techniques and some very specific massage skills will help. You are not looking at generic massage, but massage that is for a specific purpose or niche. For example, as I mentioned - stress reduction or perhaps pain relief. You could even explore opportunities in helping people recover from injuries as a form of massage therapy. Either way, when you find your niche, you can earn $100 an hour with a Mobile Massage School and $50 an hour from all of your employees.

What Does Geriatric Physical Therapy Involve?


Late in the 1980's geriatric physical therapy was recognized in the medical field as a specialty and since the introduction of this specific medical specialty many people have benefited from this. This kind of study deals with helping older people or the adults who have experienced or are experiencing different physical ailments such as, but not limited to, cancer and osteoporosis.

Through geriatric physical therapy anyone has the chance to live a more comfortable and a healthier life. We all know that balance and strength are very important for adults especially those individuals who are in their 60s and older. Majority of the aging population have problems with balance, strength and this makes moving around difficult for them. But with care, support from their family and regular physical treatment it is possible for them to move around, do simple tasks and be able to live a normal life. That is why geriatric physical therapy is really important.

It is not only helping individuals do their everyday physical activity that is being addressed by geriatric therapy but it also helps raise the self-worth and confidence of the adult when they are able to perform simple tasks. One of the very reason why many old people have back sore is the inability to move around. This will happen if the person has experienced stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis or any physical ailments that disables the person to move around. With the aid of a geriatric physical therapist, a person can have the hope of being able to move around and do simple things like taking a walk on the park, picking fresh flowers from the garden or perhaps feeding a bird pet or patting a pet dog.

Physical therapy is usually only utilized by people who have met an accident thus disabling them to perform their day to day activities. But, lately, even the healthy old-aged people have recognized the importance and benefits of undergoing regular therapy. Yes, it is beneficial for people who are in their advanced age to undergo regular physical therapy to prevent serious physical ailments.

Perhaps you are wondering what geriatric physical therapy encompasses. There are many forms of geriatric physical therapy but the most common and popular form of therapy is exercise. Once the therapist had conducted a series of test to its patient, he will then assign corresponding physical activities to address the patient's ailments. The set of physical activities or simply called exercises are aimed to help the patient move freely. This will target the person's physical coordination, balance, motor skills and most of all in strengthening the muscles.

Horse Training Schools


If you would like to turn into a good horse trainer, you could be in a position to attend horse training schools. Education is extremely important and this is also true with correct horse training. As you become a good trainer, you can also help your riding skills.

There are various riding schools in the different countries all over the world. Find a school in your local area and realize that there is a career in being a horse trainer. As you sign up, you will be working with horses personally and you will in addition receive academic education. Riding directions will also be provided for continuous studying.

If you would like to have a career in horse training, you can join apprenticeship programs. Instructor certifications are presented with in riding schools as proof that you've already heard and develop the necessary skills as a way to be an efficient rider. For who want to get superior equine education, you can enroll in academic schools. Career schools are also open to horse-keeper who want to find out about horse training and the whole horse industry.

The schools are split up into several categories which incorporate the accompanying - certification for horse trainers, apprenticeship programs, academic schools, dentistry schools, massage schools, career, horseshoeing schools, horsemanship schools, educational trainer products, and riding schools.

Riding schools focus more on developing the riding skills of a personal while the horsemanship schools focus in broader education. You can pick up a lot from the latter since you will learn the way to train, advance, and maintain your horse. Aside from that, you will in addition learn how to understand your horse's mind, the way to maintain him and proper health care, horsemanship skills, training, and the way to advance personal aims.

Here's a listing of a lot off the schools in horse training:

Cowboy School - in this school, you will observe the way to better speak to your horse, all about partnership, and bonding. Horsemanship is the very foundation of horse training. After you attend this school, you will have a solid relationship or partnership with your horse. You will find out about the value of being a good trainer. This training school is placed in Arizona.

Twister Heller - if you wish to be an effective horse trainer, you should apply to first Twister Heller. He can instruct you a good number of things from developing your own horse training program to turning into a practiced rider. Through this training, you can become one of the greatest trainers known right now. Twister Heller is situated in Arizona.

Kathy Barbarite - she is an equestrian trainer, a gentling specialist. You will learn how to become a stable rider, an equine friend, and a very good rider. You will find out about ground work and improving relationship with your animal friend.

Raye Lochert Horsemanship - communicating with horses is essential if you wish to become a good trainer. You can discover Raye's gentle horse training methods. Raye uses positive feedbacks in an accessible and friendly manner. Following on from the training, you will observe the way to work out various problems concerning your horse and you will be able to handle or help your horse's behavior. Raye's school is positioned in New York.

These are just three of the horsemanship schools that you can research. If you would like a career in horse training and you have the driving passion to do it, start training now. Learn from only the best and established horse trainers.

Ankle Sprains - A Physical Therapists Perspective


Introduction Sprained ankles are one of the leading causes of athletes to miss games during the season. Many times they are taped up & rushed back to the field without proper rehabilitation. More often than not, the ankle gets re-injured or worse, they end up with a knee, hip or low back injury. These injuries can be prevented by providing the proper healing time and rehabilitation. The same premise holds true for non-athletes. I have worked with a number of patients that have had multiple ankle sprains that were never given the opportunity to fully rehabilitate. The most common complaint is that their ankle turns over at any time without warning. All it takes is a slight bend in the pavement and the ankle turns. This type of injury is frustrating and can become debilitating. This article discusses the different types of ankle sprains, what to do following a sprain, and what does rehabilitation of the ankle involve?

Brief Anatomy The ankle is made up of three primary bones. The tibia & fibula, which are the longs bones of the lower leg and the talus which is a major bone of the foot. Together they make up the talocrural joint. The mobility of these bones allows the foot to flex and extend which is required for propulsion during walking. The other major joint of the ankle is formed by the lower portion of the talus and the upper portion of the calcaneus (heel bone). These two bones form what is called the subtalar joint, which allows for movement in and out (inversion/eversion). This inversion motion is the most common mechanism of injury. The ligaments are tissues that connect bone to bone. Their function is to provide stability to the joint. There are three main ligaments on the outside of the ankle called the lateral collateral ligaments. Their function is to prevent the ankle from inverting too far. The inside of the ankle is protected by the deltoid ligament, which functions to prevent excessive eversion or turning out.

Mechanism of injury - The most typical ankle sprain is an inversion sprain. This occurs when the ankle turns inward and the bodies weight compresses the ankle brining the lateral malleolus close to the floor. This excessive movement places the lateral ligaments on strain, stretches the tendons crossing the joint and can also lead to some of the tarsal bones compressing on one another. The greater the inversion force results in a more severe ankle sprain or fracture. For the purposes of this article, I will only be covering ankle sprains, not fractures.

What is the difference between a sprain and a strain? This is a common question. A sprain results from a stress placed upon a ligament. Remember a ligament connects one bone to another bone. A sprain is a partial or full tear in the ligament or at the junction of where the ligament attaches to the bone. A strain results from an excessive force or overload on a muscle leading to micro-tears in the muscle belly or tendon. A tendon is a tissue similar in strength to a ligament that connects a muscle to the bone. Both ligaments and tendons are non-contractile tissue. Only muscle has the ability to contract (shorten).

Grading an ankle sprain There are three different grades of an ankle sprain based on the severity of the injury.

Grade I (1st degree)- This is the most common type of sprain. The ligaments are overstretched but no visible tear has occurred. Microscopic tears have occurred that will heal if treated properly. Minimal swelling should occur and only minor ankle instability will be present.

Grade II (2nd degree)- This is a more severe injury and the ligament has sustained a partial tear. The ankle will typically be more swollen and ecchymosis (bruising) will usually occur. The ankle will be more unstable and painful compared to a grade I.

Grade III (3rd degree)- This is the most severe injury as the ligament has been completely torn. This is the most painful ankle sprain and will typically present as very hot and swollen with a lot of ecchymosis sometimes tracking halfway up the lower leg.

Immediate care following ankle sprain - Following a turned ankle, it is difficult to determine the severity based on a number of factors. Swelling may occur immediately making the injury seem worse than it actually is. If the ankle does not swell, this does not necessarily minimize the possibility of torn ligaments. Tenderness will usually be present on the outside of the ankle with an inversion sprain. It also may be difficult to stand on the injured foot. The safest advice would be to keep the shoe/sneaker tied tight to prevent the ankle from swelling. Keep the weight off the foot as much as possible. When the shoe is taken off, the leg should be elevated above the heart and an ice pack should be compressed against the ankle. This will help decrease both the pain and swelling. This technique is called R.I.C.E standing for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. R.I.C.E is a good pneumonic for any injury to the extremities.

Should I go to the hospital? If you are having difficulty putting weight on the foot, if the swelling is severe, and the pain has not reduced after a few hours of using the R.I.C.E technique, a visit to the hospital is recommended. Prepare to wait in the emergency room for a while. Ankle sprains are not usually treated as a priority. The doctor will examine the ankle looking for joint and ligament instabilities. He/She may also order an X-ray to check for fractures. On occasion, an MRI will be ordered to assess ligament damage.

Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation It is common following an ankle sprain to be placed on crutches. More severe sprains are placed in a boot or air cast to help with ankle stability. There are four major categories of impairments that occur following an ankle sprain. These include 1. Ankle joint instability due to weakened ligamentous structures 2. Muscle weakness 3. Poor balance (proprioception) 4. Pain and swelling. Each of these impairments must be addressed for a successful rehabilitation. Physical therapists will utilize various massage techniques and modalities to reduce inflammation. Manual therapy techniques will be used to restore normal joint mechanics and to retrain the proper muscle firing patterns necessary for stability. An effort is required to normalize your walking (gait) as quickly as possible to prevent compensations. Finally, a specific strengthening program that incorporates the entire lower extremity and core muscles is provided to improve overall strength, balance and coordination. Each ankle sprain is different from the next & everybody heals at a different rate. Typically, rehabilitation following an ankle sprain can be as short as two weeks (4 visits) up to eight weeks (20 visits). This does not take into account any other co-morbidities.

Conclusion Ankle sprains if managed properly through physical therapy and a conscious effort to comply with a home exercise program are usually rehabilitated very successfully with low chance of re-injury. However, if an ankle sprain is not fully rehabilitated, the chances of re-injury with more severe damage increase greatly.

Passing The MBLEx, NCETM, and NCETMB Exams To Obtain Your Massage Therapy Certification License


Passing your massage therapy certification exam is often a task often taken too lightly by massage therapy graduates. Too often, many graduate students learn the hard way by failing their massage therapy exams. This can lead to possible financial hardship, inconvenience, wasted time, embarrassment, and can lead to insecurity in ever passing the exam. Today in order to get your massage therapy license, upon graduating from school, you either have to take the MBLEx, the NCETM, or the NCETMB. All exams must be taken and passed before you can obtain a massage license.

The MBLEx has become the most popular and the exam most states offer and the exam most preferred by massage therapy students. The MBLEx is a great exam but an exam that you must prepare for. It comprises of 125 multiple choice questions, with a 2 and a half hour time period, and a fee of $195.00 to take. If you fail the exam like many unprepared students do, you will have to pay the entire fee over again the next time you take the exam. The examination is scored on a scale starting at 300 and ending at 900. A passing score of 630 is required to be licensed to enable students to get their massage therapy license.

The NCETM and NCETMB is used to measure the skills and knowledge acquired by the massage student in their approved massage school or course work. An approved school or course consists of at least 500 hours of massage training. This includes 100 hours of in classroom training in Anatomy and Physiology, 200 hours of training on massage theory and application and 2 hours of massage ethics. The remainder of the required massage course hours are to be completed in related fields such as Pathology, Business Practices and Complimentary Alternative Medicine (CAM for the NCETMB). There is a fee of $225.00. If you fail this exam you must pay the $225.00 fee again.

A few tips of good preparation in passing any exam you happen to take is crucial. Go back over your study notes, books, materials you leaned in school. Sometimes this is not possible, so then you will need to get a MBLEx study guide, a NCETM study Guide, or a NCETMB study guide. There are many good ones out there and I highly recommend getting one if you think you are not ready. I would get an online study guide, due to the fact all the exams are taken on a computer, so an online exam gives you the added benefit and feel you will face come exam day. Also sometimes a student has been out of school for a while and needs a refresher course, or maybe has moved to another state and needs to take the certification exam for the state they currently reside in, again preparation is key. No matter what your situation is, I highly recommend you getting some kind of tutor, study guide, or massage therapy prep to pass the test. Many students simply waste too much needless money, time, energy and some never pass. A few words to the wise, prepare, sleep good before the night of the exam, and breath.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Who Is Physical Therapist and What Is Specialization?


In past, when the diseases were limited, that time single doctor was treating many diseases, but in new era new disease discovered and explored that affected human body, and many researchers, doctors, medicine scientists worried about those diseases. To get rid of these new diseases new dedicated universities and research institutions came into beginning.

As the diseases increased these universities developed courses, new researches came into this field. Many outstanding universities offered dedicated departments, and these universities separated many departments for different diseases, so after doctorate degree they offered specialization in specific field of dedicated department.

Now we can see different departments of doctorate like, eye specialists, heart specialists, skin specialists and most important physical therapy specialists known as physical therapist. If we didn't have new developments and specific specialization we couldn't have specialists for various diseases.

Thanks to those universities and research institutions that helped and helping billions of people in world and made many specialists for different departments and also continuing their research for more diseases.

Those who are specialist of physical therapy called P. T. Doctors, also known as physical therapist. This field has become very popular now-a-days. They are highly qualified persons having doctorate degree in physical therapy as major subject. Now in almost every country there are many good universities are educating people. Many people are getting education of physical therapy because they know that their main aim is to help other people.

Every person must go to doctor for their own checkup and also their children checkup, because now the time has been changed. Consulting doctors who are not specialist in specific department means that we are inviting more diseases in our body.

Physical therapy is more dangerous for human body. If anyone find symptom of disease in his / her body than they should go for the body checkup from a specialists, the one we call physical therapists, with sound working experience. Do not avoid these guidelines, because this is about health, and we live once. So always look for the specialist - the physical therapist.

Benefits of Chi Nei Tsang Massage


Massage therapy, with its various types and techniques is considered to be the best alternative medical care in providing relief and treatment to various health issues of an individual person. The patient can benefit from the effective therapy which can be done in many different approaches depending on the style of the massage.

Chi Nei Tsang is used as a holistic approach to healing the human body with the principles of Taoist Chinese origins and the natural detoxification process used in the therapy session. The therapy is known for its stand in dealing with conditions by working through the energies running through the internal organs of the client's body.

The therapy uses essential principles and elements of kung fu and tai chi in the therapy. The therapy is not only focused on the physical aspect of healing in each client but also on the spiritual, mental and emotional as well. The therapy is usually performed mainly on the abdominal area of the body where the massage therapist performs gentle, soft, yet deeply penetrating massage strokes that manipulates the internal organs found in that area of the body. During this process, the therapist works on improving all the functions of the various systems of the human body in order to perform at their optimum level.

The therapy itself was known in the ancient centuries as a form of detoxification and strengthening process among the Taoist monks during that time. It is part of their essential training and medical care in order to maintain high energy, alertness, and self awareness against sickness and diseases. It also helps them keep their spirituality at the highest level during their practices.

Chi Nei Tsang is known for its benefits in restructuring and strengthening the various parts of the human body. The techniques used in the massage therapy are capable of addressing the restructure of the visceral structures of the body as well as the proper repositioning of the vital internal organs of the body. The massage strokes are important in providing relief due to the release of tension within the body that can aid in the removal of chronic pain on most part of the client's body. CNT is not only great in solving physical problems but also helps in enhancing the emotional and mental health of the patient. Practitioners of the massage therapy believe in stored emotions that are negative and bad memories trapped on the digestive system of each individual being which needs to be freed and removed in order to promote and facilitate proper health and recovery. The massage therapy helps in releasing emotional tensions that are responsible for various physical problems as well. The therapy also helps the client to have self awareness and gain self-confidence in order for them to properly take care, treat, and protect themselves against all sorts of health problems.

Basically, Chi Nei Tsang is effective in addressing problems in the respiratory, digestive, lymphatic, nervous, reproductive, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, endocrine, urinary, and the key systems or body meridians of a human being.

Rehabilitation After Calcaneal Fractures


Fractures of the heel bone or calcaneus can be very severe injuries as the joints involved in the hind foot are very complex and very important in weight bearing and walking. Most calcaneal fractures are caused by vertical loading such as falls from a height or vehicle accidents. The fractures which result from such injuries are potentially so variable and complex that it has taken a long time to classify them and get some idea what the best treatment is for each type. When the injury occurs the patient is immediately aware of significant pain and is unable to weight bear on the foot or feet involved. Pain is often severe and unpleasant with significant swelling of the heel and ankle area of the foot.

Initial management of calcaneal fractures is rest in bed with the foot up to reduce swelling from circulatory engorgement of the limb, with physiotherapy management involving ice treatment several times per day to reduce inflammation. The physio will maintain the mobility of the other leg and unaffected joints by regular movements and muscle activity. The patient may be managed conservatively or the surgeon may decide, after CT scanning, to pursue reconstructive internal fixation with metalwork. Once the treatment has been decided and the inflammation reduced to a suitable level the physiotherapist will start to get the patient up with crutches and an assistant.

Initial mobilisation is typically non weight bearing and the physiotherapist will teach the patient to hop safely with the crutches without putting the affected foot down. Mobility exercises of the ankle and hind foot may be practised regularly to maintain and improve joint movement. Once the surgeon indicates, the physio will progress the patient steadily on to gradual weight bearing. Patients may find weight bearing very difficult and painful as the fracture may cause significant dysfunction of the joints around the fracture, particularly the subtalar joint.

Once the fracture is well united the physio will progress the treatment to weight bearing in more stressful physical situations, gait instruction and correction, balance practice on wobble boards and more advanced work if possible. Significant fractures of the calcaneum often mean that the patient cannot regain the ability they had before the injury and may always walk with a limp or with some pain. Mobilisation techniques may be performed by the physiotherapist to allow increased accessory movements of the foot joints and encouraged increased function.

Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder


A frozen shoulder is a seriously limiting condition that happens when your arm gets stiff because of scar tissue. This is especially common after surgeries and injuries, but it can happen insidiously as well. Bursitis and tendinitis are common culprits. No matter what the cause, physical therapy can help. The therapist's end game here is to restore your arm to normal, painless motion. Before creating a plan for your therapy, your therapist will first perform an introductory assessment in order to determine which stage your frozen shoulder is at. The therapy will then be tailored specifically to you, as different stages require different treatment techniques.

The most effective way for your therapist to determine the stage of your injury is to simply ask you some questions. Your answers will reveal where your treatment will begin. In the first stage of a frozen shoulder, your loss of motion isn't complete. Your shoulder aches often, and when you move it, it hurts even worse. In the second stage, movement is severely limited, but not impossible. In the third stage, the pain actually begins to increase, but your range of motion is even further inhibited. Finally, in stage four, your shoulder begins to thaw. The pain decreases dramatically, and your range of motion begins to expand.

The goal of your therapy won't just be to increase your range of motion. It will also be to reduce your pain. To that end, your therapist will most likely apply heat or ice packs prior to a session of stretching and manual therapy. This will relax your muscles. Not all of your stretching will be done in your therapist's office, though. He or she will also prepare a home exercise regimen for you. In cases where your pain is severe, your therapist may very well prescribe an injection of pain medicine into the affected site. These pain medications are not effective in the long run, but they do help you manage your pain as you heal.

Some people are hesitant to visit physical therapists because they've heard that it can be a painful experience. After your first visit, you will be surprised how gentle and compassionate physical therapists can be. At first, the goal won't necessarily be to increase your range of motion as quickly as possible. Instead, your therapist will most likely want to focus on reducing your pain and the further loss mobility. As you continue to heal, your therapist will help you increase your range of motion more aggressively.

Physical Therapy Assistant - A Rewarding Future


A physical therapy assistant is one who assists a physical therapist in providing physical therapy treatment to patients. Physical therapy assistants usually perform physical therapy proceedings as instructed by the senior therapist. They assist the senior therapist in managing conditions such as sprains and fractures, back and neck injuries, burns, arthritis, stroke, amputations, multiple sclerosis, injuries related to sports, birth defects and others. It is the duty of the physical therapy assistant to gather information regarding the patient's response to the treatment and describe the outcome to the supervising therapist.

Physical therapy assistant jobs promise a rewarding future. These jobs are increasing in demand day by day, and physical therapy assistants have excellent career prospects.

Physical therapy assistants are required to have:

o An associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program.

o A valid license proving clinical experience is an added advantage.

Physical therapy assistants work in various healthcare settings such as private hospitals, physical therapy offices, nursing homes, community healthcare centers, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, industrial health centers, research institutions, and pediatric centers, among others. They are also required in colleges, sport teams and organizations.

By specializing in a particular clinical area, physical therapy assistants can advance their career. They can work as directors in the departments, in areas they are specialized in. They can also advance to administrative positions where they organize all the assistants in a physical therapy organization. Physical therapy assistants can opt for a teaching profession in accredited physical therapist assistant programs. They can take health fitness classes for the public.

The salary of a physical therapy assistant depends on the position, degree of education, years of experience, practice setting and geographic location. To reduce the expense of physical therapy services, assistant therapists are very much required by physical therapists. Due to the increasing demand, physical therapy assistants have a good chance of a rewarding future with high remuneration and benefits.

8 Great Mobile Apps for PT Clinics


With the continuous advancements in technology, the clinical atmosphere is constantly changing. Most recently, the introduction of the iPad has revolutionized PT clinics. With online practice management software accessible anywhere with an Internet connection, on-the-go practice and hands-on education for patients has been made possible.

One great feature of the iPad and other mobile devices is the ability to download apps at the point of service. Quick and easy downloadable software allows for physical therapists to find education tools, references and clinical software that can meet a patient's specific needs.

Exploring Apps

Finding an app is as easy as pushing a button. Apps are located in the App Store in iTunes on your Windows or Mac Computer and iPhone or iPad. Once in the store, it's easy to navigate through the selection. Many apps are available in the "medical" category. It is easy to search for physical therapy apps and read through reviews and descriptions. Most of the PT apps fall into three categories: clinical tools, patient education and staff and student references.

Clinical Physical Therapy Management Software for iPad

  • Stop watch and timers: These are a favorite a for patients and physical therapists. Running at $.99, these tools allow you to have multiple timers running at one time.

  • Geniometer: This tool is a fun and accurate way to determine anatomical angle. By lining up the iPad or iPhone with the joint and line it with the axis, you can get an accurate reading by using your finger to drag the arms to match the alignment.

  • ICD9 Consult 2011: At only $14.99, this is a much cheaper version of paper manuals and simplifies the process of accessing diagnosis codes.

Physical Therapy Patient Education Apps for iPad

  • Shoulder Decide: This app gives patients the ability to learn about the most common treatment approaches and relatable descriptions of injuries. Also available is Knee Decide and Spine Decide.

  • Muscle & Bone Anatomy 3D: With 3D diagrams and an easy zoom feature, this is a fun and interactive way to walk patients through injury anatomy.

  • Pocket Body: A great anatomy app for both student PTs and patients, the Pocket Buddy offers clinical relevance and information and shows depth. It peels away layers to show a more detailed diagram.

Staff-Friendly Online Practice Management Software for iPad

  • Muscle Anatomy: This app provides a basic review of muscle origin, blood and nerve supply and more. It especially comes in handy for those "oops" moments when you need to recall information quickly.

  • CORE: Clinical Orthopedic Exam: This app offers support to for staffers to easily access, navigate and review specific studies and past findings.

The iPad apps can be very helpful in clinics for physical therapy. Management software can better education patients and employees as well as help PT clinics perform their best.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Advantages of Massage Therapy


Massage therapy offers a wide array of benefits. Now doctors, therapists and scientists have identified many more benefits than what were traditionally regarded as the advantages of massage therapy. As they continue to study and analyze the positive aspects of massage therapy, it surprises mankind that a simple massage could have such tremendous effects on the human health. Massage therapy dates back to old times when it was considered one of the most effective means of healing. Even though it is based on the simple power of human touch yet it has effective healing effects.

There are varying forms and manifestations of massage, which offer its own individual benefits to the patients. A massage session can be conducted while someone is standing, sitting in a chair or what is most commonly seen is that when the patient is lying on a flat structure, which could even be a bed etc. With the development in the field of massage therapy, it has lead to the introduction of many products etc that facilitate the entire experience of having a massage; these products allow the individuals to watch over the massage techniques by themselves. Thus making the process even more beneficial and conducive to the patients.

The simplest and most common benefit of a massage known to a common man's knowledge is that it is a stress relieving mechanism whereby an individual can relax. Any individual experiencing tension, stress, anxiety or emotional or any other pressures can avail the relaxation relief that is offered by a massage. The additional use of creams, lotions and oils further enhances the process of a massage leading to a better experience for the patient. These products facilitate the massage experience by not allowing the therapist to move his hands freely across the patient's body rather the products have medicinal attributes which get absorbed into the skin speeding up the healing process. Furthermore the scented oils add to the relaxation by their aroma that encompasses all human senses.

Message therapy is a very effective measure to release tension, anxiety and the stiffness of the muscles. In today's hectic times, people tend to over work their muscles, which results in the accumulation of harmful acids like lactic acid and causes the muscles to sore. Message therapy helps to overcome such problems.

Another human system benefiting from the muscle therapy is the lymphatic system. The are various lymph nodes in out body that get stimulated by message which in turns helps the circulatory and immune system. Moreover massage therapy is conducive to the overall health of a patient as it brings fresh oxygen to the tissues of the human body, which bolsters a healthy human body.

Massage therapy is helpful because it extends its benefits to psychological aspects too. The fact is that there is no replacement or equivalent of a human touch, it offers a sense of caring that cannot be done in any other manifestation.

Although a single, one time experience of a massage also holds tremendous benefits for the patient or the person getting the massage, however it can be safely said that the benefits are more apparent and profound if one gets the massage consistently and regularly. In today's fast paced and hectic world, it would not be wrong to say that one should get a massage every day of one's life as this seems the most plausible antidote to cope up with the pressures of today's life. Having said that, one cannot ignore the expenses attached with getting a massage and it is nothing less than a luxury for the common man. However, one should not feel too bad as now there is a wide variety of products that act as massage stimulants and can be easily bought in shopping stores etc.

For example, one of the popular products known as the Theracane, allows one to massage one's back in slow, circular motions which relaxes the back muscles and relieves pain and tension. There are many other products available in the market as well serving the same purposes and many more. It is recommended though that one should consult a professional therapist or chiropractors before indulging in self-massage through these products.

Physical Therapy - What Is The Quickest Way To Become A Physical Therapist?


Physical therapy as a profession is lucrative. With licensed practitioners earning a median base salary of $65,000 to $75,000, many people are dreaming of become physical therapists. However, many of these people do not have the time to focus on schooling and attaining this degree since they are working or are probably tasked to do other equally important assignments. The experts in the field very well understand this predicament and therefore better options have been created. There are now some quick ways to become a physical therapist.

One of the most popular methods available that can save you time is pursuing an online degree. There are a bunch of these degrees offered through the internet. Advantages of choosing this option include not being required to be physically present in classes and it allows one to work on school requirements at his own time.

However, here are a few tips to remember in order to become a Physical Therapist very quickly and surely.

1. Get an undergraduate degree and make sure that this particular degree is rich in science courses such as physics, biology, and chemistry. It is not really necessary to take up an undergraduate course in physical therapy; however, doing so will ensure a shorter time to fulfill the required coursework.

2. Right after graduating, it would be best to immediately pursue a master's degree preferably in physical therapy since this is needed to get a license. One also has to make sure that the American Physical Therapy Association accredits the school chosen by them.

3. After finishing the online degree, waste no time. Complete residency immediately. This can be completed under doctors of various fields including physical therapy.

4. After this, get a license by completing the licensure or the certification requirements of the state. It has to be made sure that the right certification or licensure is taken so that practice of the profession will not be delayed.

5. Finally, one can choose an area of specialization. There are some who like to work with children and childhood-related injuries while others prefer working in the sports scene.

The ways mentioned are not only the quickest but are also the best ways. This is because being sure and careful ensures faster results. You need to ensure all the steps in the process are undertaken with respected and certified schools. But once in these programs you can increase your course load and power through the program. If you do not research your chosen school properly before you enroll, you will be increasing the risk of mistakes and so may end up repeating the whole process.

What is Tantra Massage?


We all have different way of relaxing and finding peace.  To many people the best way for them to achieve these goals is by receiving tantra massage which is a form of massage that involves two people, one is the giver and the other is the receiver of course.  Both people have to trust each other and the receiver has to be completely relaxed.  People have been curious about this massage for many years and that is why to find it to be so helpful when it comes to relieving their stress. If you were always curios about this massage then you can learn a lot about it in no time.

Since this is a very intimate massage it will require you to be very attentive to the other person and be completely devoted to them.  Most people assume that this will involve sex however it normally doesn't.  It is a very sensual massage but it does not mean that the end result will be sex between the two people.  When you receive tantric massage you are giving up control and you are basically allowing the other person to have control over your body.  Even though this usually takes place between two people that are in a relationship it doesn't mean that you can get this massage from a highly trained professional. 

It might be uncomfortable for most people but if you are able to relax while another person is massaging you then you will find that tantra massage is one of the best things you have ever done.  If you are open to new things and this is something that you have always wanted to try but you were unsure then the best thing you can do is to learn as much as you can about it and then find the right person to try it with.

Massage Therapy Education for a Bright Career


Surveys have revealed that only 23% of working adults have plans to take a vacation this year. Career oriented professionals lead a tiring and hectic lifestyle. They are burdened with professional and personal responsibilities. They can hardly spare any time to pamper themselves and enjoy a relaxing vacation. Massage or spa treatment is an ideal choice of activity for those who are unable to relax due to time constraints. The therapeutic and medical benefits of massage and bodywork are noticeable. These can relieve pain and help in quicker recovery from injuries too. As the demand for massage and spa treatments are on the rise, those who long for a switch in their career must consider massage therapy education.

An individual who has completed the massage training successfully is exposed to bright career opportunities. Those who are reluctant in switching the career should know that the majority of the students of a popular massage therapy school are in their middle age. Even though currently almost 85% of the practitioners are females, the number of male practitioners entering the industry gradually is on the rise.

According to recent studies, approximately 20% of the US population receives massage, 23% of those massages are given at spas. 90% of the US population view massage as one of the top options for pain relief. Due to this demand, the need for better-trained massage therapists is increasing. Many career and vocational schools are offering massage training and, a few of these schools offer spa certification. Most massage school curriculum consists of different massage styles (Swedish Massage is the predominant style taught in schools and used by professional therapists) anatomy, physiology, pathology, injury treatment, student internships, first aid/CPR, HIV Awareness and business classes. Most massage programs are focused on practical hands-on training supported by the sciences. The instructors at most massage schools are also members of the massage profession with many years of experience. This experience enables them to bring knowledge and insight to students not accounted for in books and other traditional learning resources. In programs offering Spa Certification, training often includes aromatherapy, body wraps, facial massage, salt or sugar scrubs and stone massage. You can find more information on these classes by visiting our website

Once you are a Massage Professional most massage therapy schools have continuing education programs to help keep you up to date on changes in the profession and provide training in new techniques and therapies. See our website for more information on our continuing education classes.

Among the medical and spa industries across the world, massage therapy is popular. People interested in self-care, relaxation, injury treatment as well as chronic pain relief seek the help of professional massage therapists. The broad range of clientele enhances the chances of establishing a career in this industry. Spa certification can offer an individual with an opportunity to enjoy an impressive career with a stable income.

Suction Cup Massage


History of massage cupping therapy

The cup massage was passed down from one generation to the next from ancient china to the present day world. The first cups for massages were made from animal horns that had been hollowed out. In the early years, animal horn cups were used in treatment of snake bites to help remove the toxins and in the treatment of skin lesions. Ancient Egyptian text documents the use of cup massage.

Back during the 18th century up through the beginning of the 20th century, it was prevalent in most homes and frequently used for colds, congestion and coughs. Cup massage was practiced by doctors in America at the end of the 18th century.

What is massage cupping?

Massage cupping is basically a reversed massage; traditional massage pushes inward while the suction cups lift the skin and underlying tissues outward from the body.

It is a method of providing stimulation by application of cups to the skin. A vacuum is created enhancing blood flow and relaxing tight muscles. The therapy reduces back pain and body stiffness. Suction cup massage may be followed with an application of essential oils, liniments, or analgesics.

Suction cups are placed on the body usually to the back to provide manipulation. Application of lubricant topically before placing the cups can assist with obtaining a tight seal and ease in gliding the cups during treatment. The ancient method used heat to extract the air from the cup but modernized cups allow for mechanical extraction with a hand pump. Cupping is usually applied on nodal sites but non nodal regions can be used also.

How does cupping therapy work?

The suction creates negative pressure draining excessive fluids along with toxins from the tissues. It also provides stimulation to the peripheral nervous system bringing increased blood circulation providing oxygenation to skin and muscles that have been stagnant. Adhesions are loosened and knots in the soft tissues smoothed away

How does it feel?

A suction cup massage will take about 20 minutes including suction time of around 5 minutes and relaxation time of about 15 minutes. The therapy produces a feeling of warmth on the body. If pain or discomfort is felt the session should be ended. The skin will probably turn red indicating the increased circulation on the surface of the skin.

Benefits of cupping therapy

繚 Tight muscles are loosened
繚 Complete body relaxation
繚 Chronic pain is diminished
繚 Blood pressure is lowered
繚 Skin Tone is enhanced
繚 Promotes restful and peaceful sleep
繚 Concentration is improved
繚 Immune system is strengthened
繚 Improves range of motion
繚 Improves flexibility
繚 Relieves tiredness
繚 Relieves muscle aches
繚 Reduces cellulite
繚 Removes neck tension

Suction cup massage has unlimited possibilities with other modalities for overall health and pain management. The equipment is economical and easy for practitioners to maintain for patient therapy.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Massage Marketing Ideas For Building a Solid Massage Therapy Practice


Venturing out on your own with a new massage business, or hoping to breathe new life into your established massage business? Whether you have a faithful client base or are still waiting for your first client, these tips will help you form a solid massage marketing plan for your business.

Of all the massage marketing ideas you may hear about, word of mouth is by far a massage therapist's strongest asset. Clients who have personally benefited from your healing touch are a natural advocate for your massage therapy practice.
 
People tend to accept opinions based on personal experience, particularly when those opinions are offered freely, with no underlying motives. Personal referrals from friends or family members-or even casual acquaintances-are more likely to generate a response than traditional advertising venues such as newspaper ads or flyers.

Loyal clients raving about your massage skills to their friends and family, resulting in an endless chain of referrals and new clients, is an inspiring vision, but in the meantime, what can you do to light the spark?

One way to spark referrals is to offer a special deal for clients who refer your massage services to a friend or family member. How does this work? Here's an example. If a new client books (and keeps) an appointment as the result of a referral, the client who made the referral receives a free massage session. If the new client rebooks at the end of their first appointment, your regular client gets another incentive, such as hot stone massage.

Other rewards for referrals could include free add-on treatments such as foot massage, spa treatments, or aromatherapy. These add-ons encourage the client to sample other services you have to offer. If they enjoy it, they may even consider adding it to their regular massage sessions.

Another source of potential referrals is community involvement. Network with community members and local business owners, especially those who work with clients and customers that would benefit from therapeutic massage. Individuals who are prominent in the community can effectively market your business through word of mouth.

Chiropractors, fitness trainers, and physical therapists are key individuals to include in your network, but don't limit yourself to the obvious. Be creative. Include health food stores, specialty gift shops, bridal shops, and counseling centers. Focus on the type of clients you hope to attract. Do you specialize in pregnancy massage? Network with family planning centers and local health clinics. Sports massage? Partner with local gyms, yoga centers, and sports chiropractors. Massage for the elderly? Connect with home health care workers, senior centers, and nursing homes.

On the flip side, word of mouth can also work against you if your massage practice offers less than clients expect. The foundation of any massage business plan must include a professional atmosphere and relaxing environment. If you try to scrape by with threadbare sheets and oil-dotted walls or neglect to clean the restrooms, your clients will notice and tell their friends. Clients are more likely to become regulars if they perceive that you care about their health, their time, and their comfort.

While word of mouth is your core strategy for long-term clients, there are plenty of other massage marketing ideas that can give your appointment schedule a boost. Chair massage is one of the most effective. It's also an excellent introduction to massage therapy for potential clients. Chair massage allows clients to sample the power of healing touch before experimenting with the deeper benefits of full body massage.

Offer chair massage sessions at community and social events, health fairs, business expos, farmers markets, athletic events, country clubs, coffee houses, bookstores, or universities. Bring your appointment book to schedule office sessions on the spot for interested clients.

Some therapists offer chair massage for free as a marketing promotion, but clients looking for a handout are less likely to become regular clients. Most massage therapists charge one dollar per minute for seated massage. Individuals who are willing to pay for seated massage will be more willing to invest in your services for full body massage.

Business cards should also be an important part of your massage therapy business plan. Give extra business cards to friends and family members who are willing to refer your services. Keep a stack of business cards at the appointment desk, where clients can pick up a few on their way out if they know of people who may be interested in your services. Don't hesitate to pass out business cards on your own as well.

Building up your massage business takes planning and hard work, but the results are worth the effort. Your business and your clients will benefit from your efforts to reach individuals who can find hope and healing through massage therapy.

The Best Tourist Sites in Bangkok


Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River is the capital and primary city of Thailand. Bangkok, which means "city of angels," is the social, financial and political hub of Thailand. With many renowned temples, palaces, parks as well as hotels and nightclubs, Bangkok is a major tourist center in Asia. Here is a list of its major sites.

The spectacular Grand Palace and the associated Wat Phra Kaeo are the most photographed sites in the town. The vast palace built in 1782 by King Rama I was the residence of the Royal Family. Wat Phra Kaeo featuring the renowned Emerald Buddha statue is the holiest temple of the country. Both these revered places are open year round. Chao Phraya River is the soul of the city and without an alluring boat ride on the river, no Bangkok trip would be complete. The Chao Phraya Express provides a cheap and comfortable way to see the various sights by avoiding the heavy traffic. Go for a memorable one-hour dinner cruise in a teak wood boat, or on a deluxe yacht to watch the glorious sunset.

Take a cross-river ferry to reach Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, and climb the sheer steps of the incredible temple for an amazing view of the city. Wat Arun, featuring a 79-metre porcelain covered Pagoda with elaborate floral pattern is one of Southeast Asia's most renowned temples. To escape from the pollution and bustle of the city, visit the tranquil and beautiful Dusit Park. The green heaven with teak mansions, gardens and the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is the best place to stroll around or relax. Lumpini Park featuring numerous trees, jogging paths, Tai Chi classes, bicycle roads as well as many art shows and festivals is another popular Bangkok park.

Wat Pho near the Grand Palace is the enormous temple complex that contains the oldest and largest temples in the city. The temple built in the 16th century holds the celebrated, 46 meters long and 15 meters high, gilded reclining Buddha statue. In addition, the place has the best-known massage school in the country and a museum with a fantastic collection of frescos, inscriptions and statues. Bangkok National Museum, displaying a grand collection of various artifacts is the biggest museum in Southeast Asia. The museum with various rooms and many pavilions truly represents the cultural, religious and social formation of the country. Never miss the collection of royal objects including the magnificent chariots.

The majestic Vimanmek mansion, which holds several imperial photographs, furniture, paintings and other artifacts from 19th century, is the world's biggest golden teak building. This former summer citadel of the royal family has stunning lawns and gardens to stroll.

Enjoy a pleasant shopping experience at the crowded Chatuchak Market. With over 8,000 stalls in a 35-acre area, the vendors sell almost everything. Use your haggling skills in this wonderful market that is known for illegal wildlife trade too. Shopping at Damnoen Saduak floating market highlighting numerous narrow channels full of wooden row boats and merchants selling various kinds of products would be another amazing experience.

The colossal Siam Ocean World displaying over 30,000 species in its seven underground demonstration zones is an astounding aquatic wonderland to visit. Get a stunning view of the town from the Vertigo Restaurant and Moon bar of the Banyan Tree Hotel while enjoying a rooftop sunset dinner.

Bangkok is globally renowned for its spas and massage centers where various types of massages including Thai massage, oil, foot and soapy massages are available. Experience it at the Oriental spa, Bodhi, Lullaby Spa, Ruen-Nuad Massage or Divana Spa. Bangkok is also famous for providing thrilling nightlife and Sukhumvit, Silom, Siam, Khao San Road, Ratchada and RCA are the town's best-known nightlife areas. Watching breathtaking Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) at Lumphini, Ratchadamnoen and Pattaya Stadiums will be another terrific experience here.

Sensory Strategies in Autism Education


One of the challenges of educating students with autism spectrum disorders is accommodating their sensory needs. Balancing too little vs. too much input is sometimes beyond educators who do not have the experience of teaching children with autism. The need for this kind of specialized experience is why many parents prefer their children attend a specialized autism school in New York rather than public school.

Too Much Input

Children with autism can be overwhelmed by sensory input. They might be mesmerized by brightly colored objects, run from a room when it gets to loud, or refuse to eat foods with certain textures. An autism school classroom is set up to minimize the amount of extraneous inputs that will distract students.

Carpet and soft furniture absorb excess noise. If a loud noise is coming, teachers warn the students so they are not startled. Classrooms have fewer bright posters and use shades on the windows to regulate the amount of light. Quiet areas allow students to get away from things when they start to become overwhelmed. Teachers wear less perfume or cologne. These steps allow students to focus on the sensory input that is important without having to filter out irrelevant information.

Too Little Input

At the other end of the spectrum, students with autism may have muted senses so crave strong inputs. They may lick toys, particularly anything with a strong taste such as modeling clay. They constantly touch or even bite themselves. Fidgety students crave the inputs that come from movement.

Autism schools have a variety of strategies to provide inputs in a safe manner that won't interfere with other activities. Weighted vests or textured chairs help students who need strong tactile inputs. Rocking chairs allow a student to move while still paying attention to class. Brightly colored tape helps a student locate the boundaries of a desk or the carpet used for circle time. Through all of this, a structured schedule helps the child with autism function smoothly.

Finding Equilibrium

Balancing the needs of an individual student with the needs of the class is a critical element in creating a plan for educating an autistic child. If Child A needs strong auditory input but Child B is oversensitive to sound, the needs of both children must be met. A solution in this case could be to let Child A use an FM system and headphones so the teacher's voice is louder, being careful of course the student does not turn the volume so high it endangers hearing, while not interfering with Child B.

Accommodation of opposing needs one reason an autism school in New York is better suited for ASD students then public school. These institutions already know strategies that have worked in the past and don't have to experiment to find the right solution.

What Are The Best Kind Of Physical Therapist Shoes?


If you have been injured or just have had surgery, you may be visiting a physical therapist to help you regain mobility in your feet or legs after an injury. Well there are specialized physical therapist shoes that you can wear that will help you to regain the mobility in your legs and feet just by walking normally in them. What types of things are in a physical therapist shoe that makes it effective?

The first thing is the comfort level of the product. The product should be comfortable to put on and wear, but if it is not, steer clear of it. The product should also have some type of special shape to it such as a bowed out sole or a rubber chip in the heel. These added features help to change the way that you normally move around while strengthening muscles without you even knowing it. If you really want to make a difference with the toning of your muscles, these types of shoes are fantastic as they work without you even thinking about it.

The added things in these types of shoes also make it easier and faster to heal from an injury or surgery while providing you excellent mobility. If you want to get better faster, these things should definitely be a part of the footwear that you wear on a constant basis. These types of shoes can be bought from your therapist, or you can buy these types of shoes online or from your local health store.