Benefits Of Lymphatic Massage For Horses: Naturally Detoxify And Support The Equine Immune System

A very beneficial form of equine massage that you don't hear much about is lymphatic massage. Lymphatic massage for horses can be a very powerful tool in your natural horse care arsenal. If you have a horse that is prone to allergies, stocking up or swelling in the lower limbs, tends to have swollen glands, isn't feeling well for no apparent reason, or you wish to help them remove toxins from the body, this valuable form of massage can really help.

The Equine Lymphatic System

In simple terms I like to think of the lymphatic system of the horse as a highway, removing unwanted byproducts of the body for disposal and delivering beneficial nutrients in their place. The lymph system works with the body's immune system to help filter pathogens, debris and toxins from the body. This is why our lymph nodes often swell when we are sick. The lymphatic system is removing these bacteria, viruses and junk from our systems. When the lymphatic highway becomes congested, the effect is that you end up with a traffic jam. The system backs up and doesn't function properly. The purpose of lymphatic massage is to clear the congestion and allow for the free flow of traffic through the horse's body once again.

Benefits Of Lymphatic Massage For Horses

This simple equine massage technique can have dramatic results on how your horse feels, particularly if it has been feeling poorly for a while and/or has a lot of toxins built up in its body. Every chemical and toxin that your horse has been exposed to lingers to some extent within its cells, building up over time. It is not unusual for a horse to feel a bit under the weather right after a lymphatic massage as the toxins that have been stored in the body start circulating again in order to exit the body. Some of the benefits of this natural detoxifying technique are listed below:

• Improved immune system function


• Remove excess fluid (stocking up)


• Remove toxins, waste, bacteria and viruses from the body


• Improved energy levels


• Pain relief and/or improvement of overall comfort levels

One of my very early equine massage cases involved a young colt, approximately 9 months old, belonging to a friend. He suddenly started having nasal and eye discharge on one side of his face. It is unclear exactly what happened to cause the problem, but the bones of his skull became deviated. One side of the skull, just below the eye, had collapsed, compromising the sinuses, and deforming his face slightly. The veterinarian thought it might be caused by a fungal or bacterial sinus infection which was putting excessive pressure on the bones of the skull which had yet to fuse due to the horse's age. In retrospect, it is thought more likely to have been kicked by another horse.

As the weeks and months passed, you could just see in the his eyes that he was in pain. His eyes always seemed crinkled up and his lips were pursed all the time. The lymph nodes below his ears and under his jaw were always quite large (about 1-1/2 inches in diameter) and had been that way for months. All of this was going on while I was studying for my first equine massage certification. We were learning about different massage techniques, and the subject of lymphatic massage came up. I immediately thought about my friend's horse and when I returned home from school, I asked if they would allow me to try the technique on their horse.

We did two back-to-back sessions: once daily two days in a row, then once a week for several weeks after that. The day following the first massage session the lymph nodes under the horse's jaw and below his ears were reduced in size by half. By the third session, the colt's expression improved greatly. The lines around his eyes and corners of his mouth eventually went away and he genuinely seemed to feel much better. Within a couple of weeks, his lymph nodes were completely back to normal and he has never had a problem with them to this day. He is a happy and healthy horse.

While the above case is extreme in nature, the benefits were dramatic and obvious for all to see which is a good example of what the potential of this technique can be. Your horse doesn't need to be extremely sick to benefit greatly from lymphatic massage. It is amazing how something as simple as removing retained fluid off the body can improve the way your horse feels.

How Effective Are Massages From a Massage Chair?

Have you ever tried getting a massage from a massage therapist? Were you able to feel the relief from stresses and body pains? Did you enjoy the session as your masseuse massaged and manipulated your target points? Do you want to have another of that session but do not have the time or energy to get it? Well you can now, if you get a massaging chair like a zero gravity massage chair.

However, even with this option, people are not convinced to try out a massage chair or buy one because they still believe that it cannot give the same relief and comfort that a professional masseuse can give. This relaxation product has been around since 1962 and still people do not trust it to be effective and efficient.

The truth about the massage chair is that it has been designed to mimic the strokes and techniques that a massage therapist performs on you. It has gears and motors that drive rollers along your back to provide you relief from pain and provide relaxation.

This is achieved by having different features like:

1. Air Arm Massage. If you have tired and strained arms from working on papers and on your computer all day long, then this can surely offer you relief because of its air arm massage. The Air cells are placed in the armrest of the chair and squeeze your tied stiff arms. This can also be for people who have been doing household chores and talking on cellphones and telephones for prolonged periods.

2. The Sensor Scan of the massaging chair that detects your shiatsu points. Each of us have a unique body, and a high quality massage chair will adjust the massage to your body making you feel comfortable and promote proper posture.

3. Vibrations in the seat. Vibration in the seat complements the different massage techniques of a chair. There are different levels of intensity that may be adjusted according to how strong you want it. Vibration helps promote blood flow to the different parts of the body.

4. There are also different techniques like rolling, kneading, and tapping. These are typically the techniques that a professional masseuse will perform on you. Kneading is usually the most common and it is done just like how you would knead dough.

5. Leg, foot, and calf massage. Massage on these parts will help promote blood flow and relax your muscles around your ankles, calves and heels. For more advanced massage chairs, there are air bags or rollers in the foot section that squeeze your feet to enhance your massage experience.

Given these features; you will realize that good massage therapy may be given not only by a professional masseuse but also by a massage chair. In fact, it can even be better as you will only pay once when you purchase and then have the convenience of a good massage in the comfort of your own home whenever you desire.

What Is Physical Therapy and What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

If you ask a person what they think of when they hear the words "physical therapy" a large percentage will tell you that they think of rehabilitation therapy for patients with injuries ranging from an accident or loss of mobility to a sports injury. They also think of other patients that need rehab therapy for illnesses which relate to musculoskeletal problems and are hospitalized for these problems.

A smaller percentage may tell you that they think of physical therapy as working with some kind of exercises to work the muscles similar to what a chiropractor does while another percentage does not really know what the words "physical therapy" mean. In light of the fact that there are many preconceived notions of what physical therapy means let's first clarify what physical therapy is before we discuss what a physical therapist does and how they can help you.

What Physical Therapy Really Means

Physical therapy involves the process of manipulating different body parts to decrease pain, improve mobility and function, and improve bodily strength to help the individual enjoy a better quality of life. Physical therapy also involves helping people prevent injuries and improve energy levels by staying physically fit.

Although physical therapy includes an individual evaluation to come up with a plan for treatment, the plan can be associated with an injury or illness or it can also consist of a plan for an ongoing health program which will help you enjoy a better quality of life by having the energy to do and enjoy more things. If you are having difficulty coming up with a long term health plan, physical therapy can be of tremendous benefit since it will be individualized to help you meet your health and fitness goals.

How a Physical Therapist Can Help

A physical therapist is highly educated and licensed to help people achieve their health and fitness goals. For this reason, a lot of people think of physical therapists as physicians who help you to overcome an injury or illness. While this is partially true you can also consult with a physical therapist to come up with a personalized program to improve and maintain health and prevent injury over the long term.

Regardless if you have an injury or illness or you simply want to increase your chances of continued good health and longevity, a physical therapist will do a complete evaluation which includes reviewing the status of muscular, skeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and lymphatic systems as well as any other health concerns. The physical therapist will then work closely with you to determine what needs to be done to improve your health and longevity.

A physical therapist can also help you to learn what important aspects of your health you should focus on and what some of your personal goals are for achieving good health and wellness. This saves you time because the areas you should focus on are individually designed in a program that specifically suits your needs. This takes the guesswork out of coming up with a program you may think is beneficial to your health but you do not know for sure. For example, if you have specific shoulder problems, a physical therapist can help you come up with a plan to gain more use of your shoulder through rehab therapy without risking injury. If you have arthritis, your physical therapist can help you with a plan for treatment for the area of your body which is specifically affected by the disorder.

Essentially a physical therapist can help you to gain control over your health without the use of drugs. The physical therapist will get to the root of the problem and then work with you on a treatment plan until your goals are achieved for overcoming the precise health problem. If there is a health concern that requires the attention of a physician then the physical therapist will refer you to the appropriate health professional. So, physical therapy involves a lot more than rehab therapy and can significantly help you to maintain overall good health and well being for the long term.

Writing Better Ads For Your Massage Therapy Business

There is something important you should know about how to improve your massage advertising. It can be quite difficult when you have no money to advertise your massage business. Advertising is what gets clients, predominantly. After all one ad can solve your problems right? Wrong!

One ad can set you back hundreds of dollars- I've seen it happen. And I've seen the opposite. One ad can make someone wonder how they are going to fit all the new clients in, in the times they want. I know because both happened to me. I've experienced the best and worst of running my massage business. I can say the lows are really low and the highs, well, they're fabulous!

The reason why ads don't work, when you are marketing to the right group of people, is simply because of the wrong kind of ad. I know this sounds obvious, but really, some Therapists advertise all wrong.

They've got it back to front. You see instead of advertising with the clients desires and needs at the beginning; they try to "sell their expertise." This is not the way to get more clients. Many Therapists talk about their expertise, training and complicated words that only us Therapists understand. It turns potentially really great clients into people who pass our ads by, not having the patience to read a whole lot of words that aren't relevant to them, or, that they can't relate to.

If you've done advertising like this, it's okay, don't feel bad. All you need to do is find out what your potential clients are looking for. Who are they? What do they want from massage? What things can you do to appease their fears about having massage with a stranger. Because that's what you are to them. A stranger.

If you want this opinion of theirs to change, you need to give them a reason to trust you. And in just a few minutes of ad- reading, your words will be your powerful allies. Powerful, problem solving headlines are a start.

You are an intelligent and competent person and with time and practice you can write great ads that generate an abundance of clients. So don't give up if you're not had a good experience with marketing, just keep going. Your perseverance will pay off.

Best wishes, Amy

Therapeutic Body Massage - Heal Your Mind and Body

There are various places around that you can surely visit and be able to experience one fun-filled and enjoying time with your friends. But having fun does not really mean having a relaxing moment. If it is true relaxation you are seeking, then one of the best ways to do it is by spending time in a quiet and peaceful environment while enjoying one soothing and stress relieving massage.

One popular relaxing technique you should definitely take advantage of is a therapeutic body massage. This particular type of relaxation is well known for its unique way of giving that soothing effect to ones body. Unlike any other body relaxing methods, this does not only give you a relaxing feeling but it also targets to produce healing effects to the mind and body. Although there are other types of well known massage available for you to enjoy such as a sports type or a deep tissue approach, most people are just looking to relieve their minds and body from the stress they get during their day to day activities.

Although a therapeutic massage is one kind of relaxation in itself already, it also has its own list of sub-types under its kind. One common type of it that is pretty popular is the Swedish technique. This type of body relaxation makes use of the palms and fingertips in relieving tension from the muscles of the body.

Another very important benefit that this body relaxation targets to improve is the blood circulation. When there is good blood flow and circulation, the body as a whole can do its function well. So, if you have that extra budget in your pocket and you are thinking of what good thing to invest that money on. Well, I strongly suggest that you invest on your own health and wellness. After all, what would it mean to accomplish anything if you don't have a healthy mind and body.

Prioritizing Physical Therapy Supplies

Unless you have immediate access to a "cash cow", stocking your new clinical practice with appropriate physical therapy supplies can be challenging. Don't set your expectations too high as it's not possible to start off with equal stock as an established practice. Prioritizing becomes paramount!

For example, in your geographic area what do you foresee as common diagnoses? In an aging community, you'll treat more joint problems and falls, which can culminate in sprains and muscular pain. For an obese population, you should invest in bariatric products. Of course, there are generic supplies for assessment purposes for consideration.

Once you've assembled a list of your must-haves, start another list of desirables, or supplies that can wait until the practice is more financially sound. Eventually you'll have the correct products for treating every medical challenge from deep tissue damage to stroke victims.

Ordering your basic inventory online will save money and time. It is also more convenient to have supplies shipped to your door. For research purposes, a good online resource is "physical therapy schools". Many list overviews of supplies and equipment necessary for the beginning practitioner.

To get a general idea of where to start:

Mobility is an area where you want to beef-up your supplies. Think swill balls, fitness balls and wobble boards.

You'll need a healthy stock of disposable hot and cold packs for reducing inflammation, pain and stiffness associated with injuries.

For positioning, support and treatment, obtain bolsters, pillows and wedges.

Scales and tape measures, blood pressure monitors and monitors for heart rates are just a few everyday assessment products.

For your geriatric patients think about transfer boards, canes, walkers and crutches.

If your practice will include orthopedic physical therapy, you'll want plenty of splints, hand weights, braces and collars.

Don't forget electrode prep products like creams, solutions and gels for your ECG, TENS and defibrillation equipment.

Exercise balls, grip balls and medicine balls come in varied sizes and shapes. Also, you'll need several exercise mats.

For deep tissue soreness, tubes and rollers of Biofreeze or your preferred cold therapy aid should always be on-hand.

You'll have great fun shopping for pediatric therapy aids, like a mobility crawler, Boo Boo cold packs, cheerful therapy balls and bright-colored tactile balls.

Your most significant cash outlay will be for therapeutic equipment, such as treatment tables, TENS units, ultrasound, XRay machines, treadmills and weight machines. You might save upfront money by leasing equipment until your personal cash cow ramps-up production! Whatever you decide, invest in quality supplies and equipment.

Another option is to open your practice part-time as you continue to work. You'd be pleasantly surprised how quickly your necessaries and "desirables" can be purchased!

Bottom Line: It's never too soon to begin visualizing your thriving practice as a physical therapist.

Physical Therapist Salary - Income Advice For New Therapists

Injuries are very much part of every professional athlete's life. At certain points in their careers, they may suffer injuries in varying degrees of severity. When this happens, the services of physical therapists are very much needed in order to ensure proper rehabilitation by developing a plan using treatment techniques to restore function, reduce pain, to promote the ability to move and to some extent, to prevent disability. Physical therapy workers are some of the better paid healthcare professionals because of this important role they play in injury treatment. The physical therapist salary is very competitive compared to many healthcare salaries.

Athletes are not the only group of people which need physical therapy services, as virtually anyone who has an unfortunate accident or disease that causes movement dysfunction, limiting the individual's abilities to move and perform functional activities would be a candidate. This type of therapist also develops fitness and wellness-oriented plans for patients to prevent their loss of mobility before this gets out of hand.

Most people that are interested in entering this career may want to know how much money they'll receive per year or per hour. Half of all these types of therapists employed in the United States receive $74,480 a year or $35.81 an hour; translating to $76,220 in mean annual salary, or a $36.64 mean hourly wage. The lowest 10% of therapists earning the least salary receive $52,170 in annual wage, while those upper 10% earning the highest physical therapist salary earn $105,900 a year.

Physical therapists in ALF or assisted living facilities earn the highest salary these days, as of September 2010, with an estimated salary of $99,000. Occupational physical therapists working in correctional facilities on the other hand, earn almost $60,000 in annual physical therapy salary. Homecare physical therapy workers receive $75,000 annually, the same with physical therapists in inpatient and outpatient work setting.

To give you a clearer perspective on the trend of the physical therapy salary, the salary index for this occupation in October 2008 was 1.0 and in July 2010, the salary index is about 1.15 with a high of 1.35 at the beginning of this year.

In relation with this increase in therapist salary, the Bureau of Labor Statistic reported that there will be a growth in the need for physical therapy in the next ten years growing by 30%. There are reported changes in the restrictions on physical therapy service reimbursements by third-party payers that will increase the number of patients with access to services, increasing the demands for physical therapists. This is in addition to the growing number of elderly people who will be needing physically oriented therapy services in the years to come.

Having a job in a physical therapy is a rewarding career in terms of the physical therapist salary one receives and the satisfaction of being able to help an individual survive an accident or a debilitating disease and recover fully again.