7 Oils for Massage Therapy

Massage oils are important in massage therapy. There are even more types of massage lubrication's than there are massage techniques and each type of lubrication is different. Essential lubrication's are usually mixed with regular massage lubrication for aromatherapy, even though they can be used alone for massage purposes.

Each type of lubrication performs unique functions and the choice of massage lubrication would depend on the preference of the massage specialist or what results the specialist is after. Below are some favorites with massage specialists.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a lubrication which is similar to the type of lubrication found in the human body. Jojoba oil is quite friendly to the skin and does not cause irritation. It works particularly for sensitive skin that is prone to blemishing and acne and is a great moisturizer. It has a light and pleasant aroma making it a first choice and also as carrier lubrication it can be mixed with an essential oil for aromatherapy.

Almond Oil

The softening and relaxing properties of almond oil are ideal because they can help the skin regain a balance of moisture, even in the driest of times. Almond oil has a light, sweet smell. It is a favorite with massage specialists as it spreads easily across the skin during massage sessions.

Apricot Oil

Apricot oil is used for inflammation of the skin. It contains fatty acids and is used to revitalize dehydrated skin. It is a lubrication that is rich in properties and works on both young and mature skin. It is a favorite for facial massages.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is great for the skin and is used in detoxification. It is also used to alleviate conditions like extreme dryness of the skin and poor circulation. Although it does not enjoy the popularity enjoyed by almond or jojoba oils, sesame oil is used for holistic practices and is used to calm anxiety. It is a thick lubrication and can leave the skin feeling greasy after a massage. To eliminate this uncomfortable aspect, it is best to mix sesame oil with another lighter massage lubrication, using the sesame in little portions.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil is a massage lubrication that is really light. It is referred to as fractionated coconut oil because only a fraction of the actual coconut oil is actually contained in this lubrication.

Fractionated coconut oil cheaper than many other lubrication's and has a long shelf life like jojoba. The major advantage of fractionated coconut oil is that is does not really stain the sheets, which is an issue with a lot of massage lubrication's. Perhaps this is what adds to mark fractionated coconut oil as the preferred lubrication amongst massage specialists.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is non greasy, light and doesn't leave the skin oily. The oil, extracted from sunflower seeds, is rich in essential acids that make up healthy skin. It works to rejuvenate the linoleic acid in the skin which declines with age. However, if there is a sunflower allergy in the medical history of a client, it should be avoided.

Avocado Oil

The Avocado oil is an extract from the avocado fruit. It is a deep green in color. Because of the heavy nature of the oil, it is usually combined with lighter lubrication's such as sweet almond oil. Avocado oil is quite expensive and those who are sensitive to latex might be sensitive to avocado oil.

These lubrication's will work very well in any massage technique from deep tissue massage to hot stone massages.

Benefits of Massage Recliners Vs. A Massage Therapist

After a long hard day at the office wouldn't it be nice to get a massage. Unfortunately you have to first find a certified or licensed massage therapist. If you're lucky and happen to know someone or have a regular therapist you work with, you still have to schedule an appointment. After you call and set the time you'll have to get back into your car and drive to therapist's office.

In today's world most of us want instant gratification and have limited time in our hectic life. If money was no object most of us would get a massage every week, or possibly two or three times a week.

Let me pause here for a moment. It is very ironic that I would be writing an article about massage recliners because I am a certified massage therapist. As a therapist my first goal is to help the client get healthy. Sometimes I refer a client to a chiropractor or to an acupuncturist that can better serve the clients needs. The same is true about massage recliners. With new technology massage recliners have advanced beyond clunky massage rollers to high tech massagers that can emulate the human touch.

There are many health benefits from a massage from a trained therapist or a massage recliner. A trained massage therapist knows how to get the kinks out of your back and relieve the muscle tension from everyday stress. Massage chairs have superior technology and do more than rub your back. New models from Human Touch, iJoy, Panasonic and Sanyo can also massage the legs, feet, arms and shoulders.

Health Benefits of Massage

* Improves lymphatic flow. The act of massaging and kneading the muscles increases blood flow. Health benefits are better circulation and absorption of nutritional elements into the muscles and tissues. In addition, kneading the muscles helps clear out toxins out of the muscles.

* Decreases muscle tension and improves flexibility. Body tension and stress causes the muscles to tighten and shorten. Health benefits include loosening tight muscles and restoring range and flexibility.

* Massage therapy produces the 'feel good chemical', the same endorphins that are increased after working out at the gym. This 'feel good chemical' helps speed recovery, reduces pain and reduces anxiety.

Another benefit seldom discussed is clearer thinking. When you are out of body pain and the range of motion is restored to your neck, your mind can better concentrate on your everyday tasks.

Rates for a massage therapist can range from $40 to $100 depending on the therapist's level of training and the city they are located in. Massage recliners are not cheap and can cost thousands of dollars. But over time, a massage recliner can pay for itself and provide many health benefits. Other considerations of cost savings are other family members using the massage chair. In addition, some massage recliners are very stylish and are a handsome addition to any home décor.

Another benefit of a massage recliner is the fact it is a recliner chair. Anybody who has ever sat in a recliner knows how comfortable it is. Even if you do not activate the features of the massage recliner, the recliner itself has health benefits. The simple act of just sitting in a comfortable chair relaxes your body and eases body tension.

It's your choice. Buy a massage recliner or call a massage therapist. Either one that you choose will have many health benefits. To make your buying decision easy I'd suggest scheduling two or three appointments with a certified or licensed massage therapist. Then try several brands and models of massage recliners to compare results.

Copyright 2005 Wayne McDonald

5 Steps to Become a Physical Therapist in Neurology

Becoming a physical therapist in neurology is very challenging career path. Are you ready to face all the difficulties? If you are positive, then find out how to become a neurological physical therapist right now! Here is step-by-step guide on how to become a physical therapist in neurology.

1. Before choosing to become a therapist in neurology you should perfectly understand the tasks and problems of this field. What are the patients of neurological therapists? What will be your duties? Physical therapists in neurology deal with very serious disorders. Most of the illnesses require long and quite difficult treatment. Becoming a neurological therapist you will help patients with the following illnesses:

• brain and spinal cord injuries


• multiple sclerosis


• Parkinson's disease


• polyneuropathy


• vestibular disorders

Well, rather challenging tasks for the therapists, don't you think so? After becoming a neurological therapist you will have to treat and rehabilitate patients after strokes, with brain and spinal cord injuries, and degenerative diseases. Do you think you would be able to cope with all these tasks? If yes, read on!

2. Before actually starting your physical therapy education you have to acquire a Bachelor's degree. It would be better if you get a Bachelor of Science. A foundation of science will help you in your further education.

3. During your undergraduate studying look for the possibilities to gain some experience. Most of physical therapy school require some hours of practice in the field. Volunteer work in rehabilitation center that focuses on neurological physical therapy would be a perfect choice for you! It will definitely give you the edge over your rivals when applying for physical therapy school!

4. When you get into physical therapy graduate school try to find a mentor. A mentor is usually aware of all the novelties and findings in the field, which may be really helpful for you. Having a mentor you will be well prepared for the independent work.

5. Your next step to becoming a neurological therapist is state licensing. Actually, you will have to pass two or even more exams to be eligible for practicing as neurological therapist. However, in the end you will get an interesting and challenging job. So isn't it worth your efforts?

Becoming neurological therapist is a path for really hard-working, persistent and strong-personality individuals. Are you the one? Are you ready to face all the challenges of this job? Then start your way to the future career right now!

How To Find The Best Massage School

Since the introduction of spa and massage clinics in every corner of almost every state, the job opportunities offered by this booming industry is so encompassing and that it offers a good future for advancement and stability. While massage parlors connote the not so good impression that they are places for fast and cheap sex, this is not always the reality although some massage therapies are erotic and sensual. The real truth about them is that they bring true relaxation to the body and spirit.

There are now more and more individuals who find massage as a good income provider, so that many schools are offering courses about massage therapy. But do not fall for those schools who advertise that you can earn this much after graduation and land a good job. It is quite difficult these days to find a high paying job because of the present economic crises. Do your own diligent research before enrolling in a massage school. Below are some tips of what to do before selecting the school where to study massage therapy.

1. Before starting your search for the right school, take another close look about this job as massage therapist if this is really your world. Conduct some more research about the occupation, about the salaries, the hazard of the job and the security it offers to those who would decide to make it their profession.

2. Once you are convinced to make headway towards this work, start looking around for the best school by talking to people who are working in the industry. The workers and the owners of the massage parlors are good sources of information about the schools they would prefer if they would be given the opportunity to choose their graduates.

This session with these people would give you an impression which is the best school that has a good reputation.

3. Do more some researches as you go over the place searching for other information about their experiences as massage therapist. There are some therapists who stopped from this work after two years, what are their reasons, what is loveable and hateful about the work?

4. Find the massage schools within the state you are planning to work. It would be economical for you to study within the place you are planning to find the job as therapist. Studying from other state and find a work somewhere would be costly and not realistic. Decide on the place you intend to work then locate the best therapy school in that community.

5. Visit the massage school and personally conduct your own investigation. Ask the students and locate some of the graduates of the school and ask some questions about the school. The qualification of the teachers and their facilities regarding the actual executions of some massage techniques that need a real massage spa. You can also ask for the vision of the schools you have contacted and choose the best which you feel the best among them.

Once you enrolled on the school you have chosen, be sure to focus your attention so that you can finish the course on the scheduled date you want to apply your knowledge on the job.

Massage Therapy and The Obese Patient Part I

When I first opened a private practice as a massage therapist nearly 10 years ago, I felt dismayed every time an overweight patient walked through my door. How was I going to help this person? What challenges was I going to face? Would I be up to the challenge? Every time a person with a serious health challenges comes in, I face these questions. With the overwhelming number of people in the world facing obesity, the challenge of providing good quality massage therapy that meets the patient's needs is growing.

Obesity is defined by the American Obesity Association as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. A BMI of 25 to 29 is considered overweight. Obesity affects at least 69 million Americans or more than sixty-four percent of adults. Obesity is a chronic disease with a familial component. The tendency to become fat is encouraged by our lifestyle which includes a lack of physical activity combined with abundant, good-tasting, high-fat food. Obesity increases one's risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, cancer of the breast, colon and prostate. The latest research shows that obesity may shorten lifespan. Persons with obesity are also subject to mental distress due to poor self-esteem and discrimination.

Caring for the obese patient was not what I thought it would be. During a practicum, an Instructor was asked about obese patients. He said, "Close your eyes and dig in." Of course, this is terrible advice and I'm sure it was meant to be a joke, however, it stayed with me. More and more, I realized that working with obese patients takes special skills just like working with patients with any other chronic disease.

When working with obese patients, a thorough health history should be taken. I have had a few new patients complain to me about the length and thoroughness of my intake form: "My last therapist never had me fill out a long form." I explain that there are health conditions for which special techniques are used or conditions that contraindicate massage. " You should be pleased that I am asking you these detailed questions, " I explain. "It shows how much I want to help you feel better instead of just giving you a generic massage." Most patients respond positively when they see the intake form in this manner. To say that the health effects of obesity are numerous is an understatement. The American Obesity Association lists at least 28 different categories of medical conditions for which person's with obesity are at risk of developing.

It has been my experience that most obese patients prefer light pressure. At first, this went against what I thought would be true. However, according to the American Obesity Association, increased bodily pain as well as musculoskeletal pain is reported more by persons with obesity as compared to persons with other chronic medical conditions. There is a possible physiological explanation. Skeletal muscle tissue has more density than adipose (fat) tissue. The cellular make-up of these tissue types differs greatly. Skeletal muscle tissue is striated and composed of numerous microfilaments. This allows the body to move voluntarily. Adipose tissue is a specialized form of connective tissue. Connective tissue has cells scattered throughout an extra-cellular matrix. In this case, the tissue is loose and its job is to store fat. Due to these differences, persons whose bodies have more stored fat need lighter pressure.

A treatment option for obese patients is warm stone massage. Although contraindicated at higher temperatures for diabetic patients, warm (not hot) stone massage is both gentle and therapeutic. Warmth increases blood flow, circulation, metabolism and lymph function while decreasing tension.

Most standard massage tables are not made for the extra-wide patient. I have a 31" table and I do have some patients whose arms hang off the sides while laying supine. Try to make the patient as comfortable as possible using bolsters, rolled up towels, etc. Some obese persons have difficulty breathing while in the supine position. If this is so, you may want to use a massage chair. Many obese patients will need help sitting up from the supine position and may have difficulty turning over without help.

There are a number of specialized products on the market today that may make obese patients more comfortable during the massage. These include wider massage tables, specialized bolsters for women with larger breasts, large body cushions and bolsters, and neck supports and elevated face rests. If your practice has a large number of obese patients, it will be worth the investment in proper specialized equipment for both the patient and the therapist.

I urge all therapists to read and study about obesity. Education is one of the most important aspects in learning about any chronic condition. It will help you understand the needs of your patients.

Working with obese patients can be challenging, but with the proper education, attitude and equipment, you will be successful in treating this growing segment of the population.

Physical Therapy And Reimbursement - Where Are We Heading?

The professions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation have always been professions of healing, caring and educating. In the past 10 years, we have had to adapt and advance our professional therapeutic skills to include a dual specialty of therapist and reimbursement coordinator and manager. We enter the profession of therapeutic rehabilitation to heal our clients and provide education. We are now experiencing an ever-increasing demand on our time to complete extensive documentation required by multiple insurance companies.

The amount of reimbursement received for Physical Therapy services has remained largely flat over the past several years. In the same amount of time, the amount of required documentation has exponentially increased in volume as well as in complexity. The increase in documentation requirements, with a relatively flat level of reimbursement, does not keep pace with inflation. This effectively lowers the cost of reimbursement even further. These factors combine to produce lower levels of professional productivity due to extensive documentation time, and increased cost for additional office staff to support claims processing. The end result is working harder for less profit.

The National APTA Medicare Fee Schedule Calculator provides average reimbursements for CPT codes from 2000 to present. For a PT evaluation (97001) in upstate New York reimbursement rates have ranged from a low of $60.79 in 2000 to a high of $73.19 in 2005 and have continued to fall since that time. With reimbursement rates decreasing, paperwork increasing and increasing costs of malpractice, unemployment, disability, and workers compensation insurance for private practices, where do we go to improve the efficiency of our practices and get back to what we were trained to do? Treat patients!

Many organizations and data management companies have designed software programs for the end user offering electronic medical records and scheduling. Others offer evaluation forms and Billing/Claims/Account management systems. What becomes evident while researching these software systems is two things:

a. Software packages are aimed at improving the workflow within an office or office system that must then be managed by the provider. The full responsibility of the success of the system is placed back on the Physical Therapy Practice owner and/or the office staff, which must be hired to manage, support and facilitate the system.

b. Each software system is only as up to date as the date it was published or downloaded. With insurance regulations changing on a regular basis, the practice owner must again manage processes to update EOB's, CCI edits and new memorandums released by multiple insurance companies to assure complete and timely payments.

An internet based system with real time integrated billing management, claims processing, automated coding and reimbursement regulations is a necessary tool in getting the therapist back in the clinic and getting paid in a timely, efficient and effective manner. This process must be a shared, long-term relationship allowing the therapist to do what we are trained to do; treat patients and let the practice management solution do what it is designed to do:

o process claims faster than the national average

o provide quick access to AR and claims processing and management

o facilitate documentation to assure clean claims processing

o reduce the risk of audits with streamlined documentation

As Physical Therapists we must seek practice management systems which provide expert web based billing, coding and reimbursement solutions with an electronic medical record and scheduling capabilities. As Practice owners this will allow us to focus our efforts and expertise on improved professional staff productivity, decreased documentation time, reduced complexity and ambiguity which has existed in the PT billing and reimbursement process for years, and get back to doing what we do as Physical Therapists...client care and rehabilitation.

Finding the Right Massage Therapist

Massage can be one of best experiences in your life. It can relax you, get rid of pain-inducing knots, improve your immune system, and improve your overall well-being. When you have the right massage therapist you look forward to your sessions, knowing that you will feel better after the experience. But what if you have a therapist that you don't like or who hurts you unnecessarily? It is very hard to relax and get all the benefits of a massage if you are tense during the session or you are afraid you will be hurt. In short, finding the right therapist for your needs is crucial for the success of any massage therapy session.

The following are some things to consider when looking for a massage therapist:

• Understand what you are expecting to get out of your massage session- If you are looking for a general relaxation massage, you need to make sure your therapist understands that and does not give you a deep tissue massage. The reverse is true as well. If you have specific areas that need focused, deep tissue work, you will most likely not get it from a therapist who specializes in Swedish relaxation massage.


• Your therapist should be able to adjust to your needs - Never be afraid to give your therapist feedback on your session. If you are getting too much or not enough pressure, tell your therapist. A good massage therapist will be able to adjust their technique to satisfy you.


• Where are you getting your massage? - You will most likely receive different massages in a spa setting and a chiropractor office. A spa setting will be more focused on relaxation where a chiropractor's office will focus more on specific, deep tissue work to help correct muscular problems.


• Massage is a personal experience - Each person responds to their massage and massage therapist differently. While some people may love a particular therapist you may not care for him or her. It may take trying several therapists before you find the right one for you.


• Some therapists just aren't very good - Even though most massage therapists are licensed (some states do not require licensure), that doesn't mean that they give a great massage. If you don't like a massage you received from one therapist, try another one. Do not let a bad massage experience sour you on getting a massage.

Finding the right massage therapist can sometimes be a tough search. You may have to try a few before you find just the right massage therapist for you. However, once you have found the perfect fit for you, you will set yourself up for many years of wonderful massages!