Low Back Pain Physical Therapy - Solutions For Aches and Pains

Physical therapy is a very useful tool for many different situations. With so many millions of people experiencing low back pain every single year, it's often nice to know that there are more effective solutions than medical procedures, harsh medications, and just waiting it out. While many people assume that injury to their back requires rest and keeping still, this is actually detrimental in many cases. Low back pain physical therapy is a much better alternative and can help speed the healing process along if done properly. Of course, you should be able to rest the area to give it time to heal, but you can't lie around and do nothing for any extended period of time or the muscles will get stiff and create more problems for you. Consider low back pain physical therapy if you want an effective solution that doesn't involve serious treatments or procedures.

Physical therapy routines can be prescribed by a doctor, physical therapist, or even a chiropractor. While many people will discount the credibility of chiropractors as a source of medical advice, they are trained in the physiology of the body and know what they are talking about. They can offer treatment plans for your low back pain that include physical therapy along with other procedures such as electrical therapy, heat/ice therapy, and massage. Make sure that you discuss all of your symptoms with whatever doctor you visit to ensure that you get the best treatment program for your needs without putting yourself in more danger than it's worth. The great thing about getting professional therapy for back pain is that you can often experience better results than if you tried to do things yourself.

There are many different types of low back pain physical therapy that people can take on, depending on their exact injuries and what they're capable of doing. For example, if an older person with limited mobility has lower back pain, they can still find many effective exercises that will help to alleviate or even completely eliminate their back pain if they work with a physical therapist or their family doctor. All that you need to do is to take the time to make sure that you get the right medical treatment and that you fully disclose everything to the doctor or therapist so that you don't put yourself in more danger than it is worth when it comes to working out back problems with physical therapy.

Low back pain physical therapy isn't for everyone. However, it can be an effective solution for many people who are looking for something simple and less invasive or serious than medical procedures and prescription medication. Usually, if you are prescribed some type of therapy routine, it will involve stretching and strength training exercises combined, which will help to loosen the sore muscles in the lower back and make the other muscles around them stronger so that the back isn't under as much stress and is able to function better in the future. Of course, everyone is different and so is every treatment that is prescribed, so you will just have to talk to your doctor to see what they think is best for your needs.

If you are looking for a permanent solution to pain relief, you should talk to your doctor about low back pain physical therapy treatments. In many cases, the exercises that you do in physical therapy will help to make the body healthier and stronger so that you can avoid future injuries and pain in the back because your body is not strong enough or healthy enough to handle the stress that is put on your back. However, if you have a chronic condition, physical therapy might just offer a simple pain management program that allows you to make the pain less severe and more sporadic than it might have been without the therapy. No matter how you use it or what you get out of physical therapy for low back pain, it can be an effective solution for just about anyone that is suffering from low back pain. If you want a natural treatment that is effective, you need to learn about physical therapy for back pain.

How Safe Is Pregnancy Massage?

For centuries people have used massage for therapeutic reasons to help get rid of stress and tension built up in the muscles. Pregnancy is stressful, because of the excessive weight gain and pregnant woman can benefit from a therapeutic massage to help relieve the stretching, aching muscles. Pregnancy requires a different approach though, but the benefits, if done right, help add to a healthy prenatal care. A pregnant woman needs to find a massage therapist who has training and certification to give prenatal massages. They know how to massage a pregnant mother safely without harming her or the baby.

Benefits

Because massage acts to reduce stress it helps a pregnant mom to feel relaxed, and this helps her to be healthier because she has relief from the muscle strain. Massage helps to relieve depression symptoms because it gives an overall good feeling. Swedish massage works to improve circulation and lymphatic system with the focus on muscle groups throughout the body. Swedish massage is safe for pregnancy because it works to target areas that change due to pregnancy hormones, including the loosening of the joints and muscles relieving the most common discomforts of a growing pregnancy.

Massage Regulates Hormones and Reduces Swelling

Pregnancy hormones surge through the mother, often making her feel discomfort. Because safe massages helps with circulation, it also helps with overall well-being, and that includes hormone regulation, because when the mother is stress-free, her hormones will remain balanced. Stress causes hormones to fluctuate. A good massage will aid the body in releasing more serotonin and dopamine (feel good hormones) and helps to reduce the stress hormones of cortisol and norepinephrine (stress producers). This helps the pregnant mom to relax and reduces the instances of preterm labour issues.

Swelling is just a part of pregnancy, and the swelling affects the muscles and joints causing discomfort. A good massage helps to alleviate the swelling by causing the soft tissues to reduce the fluid build-up. This aids the body in disposing of the excessive fluids, which helps to add to the comfort of the pregnant mom.

Precautions

It is risky to receive a massage from someone who is not certified to do prenatal massages. Only those who have proper certification and education are qualified to give a pregnant woman a safe massage. Seek out professionals who can show their credentials and references. Pregnant women require specialized treatment to allow for their growing belly. Avoid tables with holes, which allow the belly to stretch unnecessarily. Instead, a professional massage therapist will have her to lie on her side, to support the growing belly.

Who should not have a prenatal massage?

Any pregnant woman who is experiencing a high-risk pregnancy should avoid a prenatal massage. High risk conditions such as high blood pressure from preeclampsia or PIH, at risk for preterm labour and premature birth. Other than those conditions, a pregnant woman should ask her health care provider if she is okay to have a prenatal massage. Generally if she is in good health, prenatal massage is safe, however some believe it is dangerous for a woman in her first trimester, feeling it may increase the risk for miscarriage.

Earning a Physical Therapy Assistant Licence

A career as a physical therapy assistant can be a challenging yet rewarding job for those looking for a healthcare position where they will be directly involved with patient care and rehabilitation.

There are a number of different types of training courses that one can take to become trained in this field which include various vocational courses and full college degree courses, both in a classroom setting as well as online.

Though the degree courses are more recommended in general, any qualified and accredited course that prepares students to test for their physical therapy assistant license can be sufficient, as long as they pass the examination. In order for one to become legally employed as a physical therapy assistant after their training, individuals in the US and Canada are required to pass this exam, then maintain their licensure in the future with periodic, required continuing education.

Getting a Physical Therapy Assistant Licence

Educational requirements in order for someone to be hired as a physical therapy assistant varies from state to state, and across provinces, but in general, all - except for Canada and Hawaii - require that the prospective employee be licensed by that state.

The licensure examination given by either the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy or the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators is a national, board-certified examination and the same for everyone, regardless of location. Passing the exam can be challenging, but its purpose is to ensure that all PTAs have prepared for their career with the best education possible, and they are ready to enter this job field.

Besides the examination itself, there is usually a general criminal background check as well, since anyone employed as a PTA will be working in potentially sensitive situations with patients.

In the UK, while there is no actual license to become a physiotherapy assistant as qualifications for the position are based largely on previous work experience in an entry-level setting and any educational training employees may enroll themselves in, registration with the National Health Service is required.

Certain assistant physiotherapy practitioner positions require candidates to have not only continued education in one or more topics relating to their specialty, but have a solid work history of great performance behind them. Some of these more concentrated positions can require physiotherapy assistants to pass a test, but this requirement seems to be individual, based on the specialty itself.

Keeping A Physical Therapy Assistant License Current

After passing their exam and gaining the title of licensed physical therapy assistant, PTAs are also required to uphold their licensure by not only filing for registration and renewal as required (usually every 1 to 2 years), but keeping up with continuing education opportunities, which are also required.

Depending on the state, license renewals require a certain amount of continuing education credits that PTAs earn by attending accredited educational seminars and other learning sessions; along with CE credits, they are also required to have worked a certain number of hours during their previous years and also undergo periodic criminal background checks.

In other words, passing the test the first time is enough to enable a PTA to seek employment, but they must work hard at keeping their education and skills up to date, and be an all around good employee and citizen in order to maintain their license. Anyone losing their license to practice is ineligible for employment as a PTA until they manage to regain it.

Additionally, any PTAs who are licensed in one state and relocate to another must undergo the procedure of testing for licensure again. This also holds true for any PTAs who relocate from the US to Canada and vice-versa.

PTAs who relocate to the UK must register with the NHS and they will be graded on an individual basis on skills and experience based on education and licensure, and a number of other qualifications.

Those relocating from the UK to the US are required to enroll in an educational program the same as any other US student, then pass the physical therapy assistant license exam in their state of residence.

Candidates interested in this field of study are highly encouraged to get the best education they possibly can, with an accredited school that will provide appropriate preparation for work as a PTA and passing physical therapy assistant license testing.

A 2-year Associates Degree is recommended for those looking for the most career opportunities, as well as the chance to advance their career by continuing education to become a regular, licensed physical therapist. Also, as the medical industry continues to shape and grow so steadily,

it is estimated that the requirements for students to be able to take their licensing exams will increase, first to a required 2-year degree, and potentially to a 4-year degree. It is uncertain at this time what kind of concessions will be made for already licensed PTAs, and what kind of additional education they will be required to get.

6 Health Benefits of a Massage Chair

A home massage chair allows you all of the benefits of regular massage without the inconvenience and high ongoing costs of visiting a massage studio. It really is like having your very own masseuse in the living room of your home. You can improve mental alertness before work and relax and unwind after work. You can improve breathing for exercise and reduce spasms and muscle cramps following exercise. Regular massage has also been shown to improve the lymphatic system, which leads to better detoxification while the look and feel of the skin can be greatly improved.

1 - Relieve Stress And Muscle Tension

Stress is a mental and physical one that can be brought on by numerous factors. Regardless of its cause, though, regular massage can help to loosen tightened neck muscles, and reduce tension in the back subsequently ridding you of the physical symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Even a quick five minute massage when you have the opportunity and the spare time can help you unwind after a hard day's work.

2 - Reduce Muscle Cramps And Stiffness

Aching muscles and stiff joints can be caused by physical exertion, or by adopting unusual stances for prolonged periods of time. If you work at a computer all day then your wrists, fingers, and shoulders may become stiff. If you enjoy or endure regular physical exercise then you may experience muscle cramps when your body attempts to unwind. Massage loosens the muscles naturally, therefore reducing the likelihood and severity of stiffness. This is also a preventative technique, as well as a method of treating these problems.

3 - Improve Breathing

Massage relaxes muscles throughout the body, including in the chest and round the respiratory system. Regular massage, therefore, can prove a highly effective technique in improving your breathing. If you suffer from shallow breathing for any reason, then you should consider regular massage because not only will this promote deeper breathing but it will subsequently improve blood and oxygen flow around the body which helps to remove toxins, lower blood pressure, and generally promote good health.

4 - Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and other serious health complaints. It can be caused by stress and poor circulation among other problems. Massage helps to reduce stress levels and improve the flow of blood and oxygen around the body. The cumulative effect that this offers helps to lower blood pressure, therefore lowering your risk of suffering at the hands of what is commonly called "the silent killer".

5 - Detoxify The Body

The lymphatic system primarily helps to purge the body of unwanted and potentially harmful toxins. A good lymph flow will therefore ensures the proper disposal of waste products and can be improved through regular massage. It therefore helps to detoxify the body and wash away the harmful toxins and other materials that most of us have coursing through our bodies.

6 - Improved Skin And Posture

Tense muscles cause bad posture because our bodies react to pain by correcting the position of our muscles so that we experience less pain. Unfortunately, this can have a detrimental effect on other areas of our body. Relaxed muscles, which can be promoted with regular massage, will help to ensure that we have and continue to retain good posture. This can prove useful for people that are likely to suffer repetitive stress problems as well as those that work in a very physical capacity in their daily job.

How To Get A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Degree

Physical Therapists are health care professionals who treat patients of all ages. They are called upon when a patient has a hard time to move around because of illnesses or injuries. These injuries may include sprains, strains, neck injuries, arthritis in older patients, certain strokes and conditions like Spina and Bifida. The therapist examines each case and provides lifestyle changes, diet changes and drugs that would help the person regain their ability to move around and go back to the normal way of life. Through therapy the patient will be able to keep mobility and motor skills. The Therapy also reduces pain and helps the patient gain a healthier and an active lifestyle, the therapist synergies with other physicians to provide a comprehensive recovery process.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy is a three to four year long doctorate program usually taken after a four year long bachelor's degree and requires a good high standard internship. Vision 2020, a vision of the American Physical Therapy Association, that states: "By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health."

The entry level doctorate degree is the degree that most of the Physical Therapist has. Getting into a good school would require you to have to complete a set of required coursework, a good level of extracurricular activities and social services, a good score on a standardized graduate examination such as the GRE, a set of well written recommendation letters and a sound academic background in science. You will most probably be asked to have at least 12 credits of Chemistry, a semester of Physics with lab work, two courses on Psychology and lastly a good semester on Biology. Course pre-requisite may defer from school to school.

To get a doctorate you will have to complete a basic curriculum which consists of pathology, pharmacology, radiology, anatomy, biology and such as a part of the foundational science courses, you will also have to take multiple courses on behavioral science and courses which include law and ethics, clinical reasoning, business and management sciences. The students will also go in depth into the clinical sciences with courses on neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and integumentory biology. The last part of the course deals with the actual physical therapy courses. Every school has a set of actual physical therapists who guide the students as they look at case studies and also treat patients at the school.

The seven year path to becoming a Physical Therapist is not for the faint hearted, but there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow because Physical Therapists are one of the best paid professions with many variations to the degree allowing you to branch out to types of therapist such as sports physical therapy.

Physical Therapy - The Right Career For You

Have you thought about changing careers? Do you have a natural gift of being able to work with people? Are you interested in becoming a physical therapist? Any career in the medical industry is growing, and the field has gotten bigger. There are all kinds of physical therapy schools opening all over the world. Are you wondering what it will take to get into one of these schools? Here are some tips on how to get into a good school.

Community college courses: Because anything involving medicine is growing as a career, a lot of community colleges are now offering medical courses, and taking these courses can give you an advantage when you apply to a graduate school. Attending a community college will also prepare you for higher education like college and graduate school.

Keep yourself fit: Remember, your new career involves helping other people exercise, so it's important you get active. After all, how can you help your patient do their therapy exercises properly if you can't do them yourself? You might want to do some research into what exercises you will need to become familiar with, and what exercises will benefit your patients the most.

A Bachelor's Science degree: You will need to get an undergraduate degree because you have to be a graduate in order to get into a physical therapy school. The reason you need the Bachelor's of Science degree is because they offer the science classes you're going to need such as chemistry, physics, and a lot of laboratory work.

A good grade point average: You have to have a pretty good grade point average in order to be accepted by a graduate school. How high does it have to be? You have to have at least a 3.0 grade point average, which is considered to be a "B" in most universities. The higher the grade point average you have, the more a graduate school will know that you are a serious student that takes their academics seriously and will work hard in their program. All your hard work will really pay off when you have a high grand point average, and this will make you an ideal candidate for the graduate school.

It takes a very special person to be able to handle any career in the medical field. Are you one of those people that really can work with people? Then you may be an ideal person to work in this growing industry. Just remember that you have to have a Bachelor's of Science degree and a high grade point average, and when you apply to a graduate school you will impress them and then get accepted into the graduate program of your choice!

Some Tips To Increase Your Massage Therapy Business Client List

Starting up a massage therapy business, is a decision not to be considered lightly, it entails thought along with the understanding it's a giant step in your career journey. For many the decision, delivers financial freedom, the chance to work hours to fit around family life and often most significantly the exciting obstacles that are associated with running your own business. Making enough money, via your massage therapist salary, is important and for this to occur you will require a sufficient quantity of regular paying clients, who are arranging treatments consistently. So, what procedures should you use to grow your client base?

Does the sound of advertising your massage business, sound tricky? Many of you may shiver at the thought, of having to shell out big money on advertising and marketing, as well as your shortage of marketing knowledge. Lets get one thing straight to start with, marketing your massage therapy business, doesn't have to be difficult or expensive, it merely involves getting your company name out there, as well as promoting the services you happen to be providing. The simple fact is, if no one knows or has heard about the treatments you'll be offering, how would you expect them to book any?

Increasing your client base and in turn your massage therapist salary won't be easy, it's going to take dedication on your behalf, so be under no illusions that the mobile will start ringing with an influx of new customers, by you sitting and not doing anything.

The internet and establishing a uncomplicated site or blog, is an efficient strategy to start. It's super easy to accomplish, and will cost little or no money, if you go with a zero cost internet hosting platform, such as blogger or live journal. Google AdWords is a reasonably low priced approach to advertising your massage business online, and operates by potential clients, clicking on adds, which you'll find displayed in search engines together with other websites, relevant to the products you'll be offering.

Approaching clubs or groups, say for example a mother and baby is generally a fantastic no cost method to get clients. Instead of just asking the organisers of the toddler group if you possibly could leave business cards, or flyers it's a good idea for you to in fact attend a session physically, supplying you with the chance to reveal to the mums the treatment options, prices etc.

In order for you to maximize your massage therapist income, it doesn't really sound like a wonderful idea to perform treatments for free or a reduced rate at the start of your business journey. This isn't completely true, applying this marketing method, will often get people talking, and not to mention word of mouth spreading. It's essential you target the right people for free treatments however, including individuals who work in big office spaces or corporations, shop owners or models. These are people who come into contact, with a lot of prospective clients each and every day, offering the potential for them to mention your business. After you've conducted the treatment, make sure to give out business cards to the client, so they can in turn pass them on.

Keep trying, keep approaching people and never stop trying, is the key to success. You will soon see your client list growing at a regular rate.