Massage For Healing Before and After Having Surgery

When your doctor mentions that you need to start preparing for surgery, I will venture a guess that you will not think of massage as one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. Well, you are not alone in this thinking and that is unfortunate because the healing benefits of massage are vast.

Massage therapy is useful for endless conditions including insomnia, muscle pain, anxiety, circulatory problems, and recovery from injury or before and after having surgery.

Even self-massage techniques that target reflexology points in the hands and feet, affect the head, neck, sinuses, in addition to many other parts of the body and organs that are beneficially affected. Massage is particularly effective when used as part of preparing for surgery and the recovery from surgery, particularly bone or muscle reconstructive surgery.

Before surgery, massage can relieve much of the anxiety and tension associated with the anticipation of having surgery. Massage helps the patient feel less stressed and lowers the patient's expectations for pain. This lowering of stress promotes a general sense of well-being that enhances the patient's ability to heal quicker and with fewer complications.

After surgery, massage therapy is a great addition to or even a substitute for other pain and recovery treatments, such as pain medication, which can sometimes cause unpleasant side effects. There are several reasons why massage is beneficial after surgery. For one, massage improves the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body, allowing for increased oxygenation of the body's tissues and organs and reduction of swelling and stiffness. Additionally, the simple fact that human touch, something we all need and benefit from, is involved in massage therapy and accounts for much of its physical and mental healing qualities.

Listed below are some of the most valuable health benefits and effects of massage as it applies to surgery.

- Helps to reduce edema or fluid accumulation
- Reduces swelling
- Reduces or relieves pain
- Increases flexibility of tissues
- Increases mobility
- Reduces stress and tension
- Increases body awareness
- Promotes relaxation
- Enhances immune functions and improved cell functions
- Lowers the production of the hormone Cortisol (also known as the stress-hormone)

Even though the benefits of massage are immense, there are a couple of main reasons why massage therapy is not widely used or recommended by doctors. One reason is many insurance plans do not cover the cost of massage therapy. Another is because massage is often regarded as an unsophisticated, insufficiently researched treatment.

However, people have benefited greatly from massage before and after having surgery and practitioners of massage therapy endorse it as one of the most effective and pleasant healing modalities available to modern medicine.

With benefits like the ones listed above, you may want to consider incorporating therapeutic massage into your preparing for surgery plans.

Massage Etiquette: The Thin Line Between a Harmless Massage and Sexual Misconduct

Pursuing a career in massage therapy is never that easy. As a massage therapist, I subscribe to Google Alerts about the latest news in massage therapy and, ever so often, I receive alerts regarding massage etiquette violations. I often ask myself: what went wrong in these cases? What are the boundaries that separate a simple slip and sexual misconduct? Let's find out.

Massage is a sensual activity. Meaning, it stimulates the senses. It stimulates the nerves in such a way that it brings sensations to the area being massaged. These sensations can be interpreted by some as okay, while others may treat it way over their scale. And sometimes these "sensations" lead to misinterpretation... Although it may also mean the real thing... There really is a thin line that separates the sensual from the sexual so it is important to stress out the role of the Massage Code of Ethics to avoid any Criminal Suits against therapist and to know whether or not you are being violated.

Do's and Don'ts of Massage Etiquette (for the Massage Therapist and the Client)

DO's;

For the massage therapist:

• It is your responsibility to provide a relaxing, conducive and professional environment for the client.


• You should inform the client what the massage/treatment will be comprised of before the client lies on the table.


• Leave the room to allow the client to change and get under the massage sheet on the table alone. Do return if the client is ready for the massage to start.


• Drape the client properly. This is to only expose the area to be massaged.


• As a massage therapist, be consistent with your confident touch - not too light nor too hard.

For the client:

• As a client, you should communicate with the massage therapist.


• To both the client and the massage therapist, do follow the accepted standards of your country/state where you are located in terms of the space or boundaries for two people speaking to each other.

DON'Ts:

For the massage therapist:

• As a massage therapist, do not disclose too much personal information that may lead your client to feel uncomfortable during the course of conversation.


• As a massage therapist, don't extend past their appointments to compensate late arrivals. As a professional, stick with the schedule. This is very basic in massage etiquette.


• As a massage therapist, do not touch the genitals of your client. Also, breast massage is not included in a full body massage.

For the client:

• As a client, don't be alarmed if you have to undress for the massage therapy. However, be aware that the amount of clothing to wear depends on the type of massage you'll undergo. For a full body Swedish massage, it is normal to undress but it is not necessary. You can also wear your underwear if you want to.


• As a client, don't hesitate to tell your massage therapist if you're uncomfortable with undressing, you can wear anything that you're comfortable with.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Physical Therapist?

So you want to become a Physical therapist? But do you know that it takes a lot of years to become one? Basically PT is considered as a post graduate degree just like master's degree or a PhD. In order for you to be admitted in MSPT, or MPT you need to complete any four-year basic college education or perhaps general science courses. Unlike other bachelor degree, Physical Therapy requires longer years. You need to go on a basic four year bachelor degree and another two years for your proper Physical Therapy program.

Along with your four-year Bachelor Degree you may include Physical Therapy subjects that are prerequisite to your Physical Therapy program. More often than not your subjects will include general science subjects such as biology, physics, chemistry, psychology and other subjects which are prerequisite to PT program and training. The subjects you are going to take on your basic college education differ from each school offering physical therapy courses. Each school has its own curriculum thus subjects you are going to take in your four year BS course will vary.

Your four year Basic or general education course is important since it served as a preparation for your proper PT program. After your four year course you need to take another 2-3 years of PT lessons as well as training. Often times you will have little or perhaps no breaks at the end of each semesters. Some schools even require 9-36 months of clinical physical therapy practice and training. Therefore if you really want to become a Physical Therapist you need to fasten your belt tightly.

These 6-7 years you need to spend to become a physical therapist is just the minimum years. It all depends on your pacing as well as your acceleration. Some schools require PT students to have a grade of 3.0 on all subjects thus if you can not have it then you need to retake that particular subject. This is because PT schools want to make Physical therapist to become globally competitive. Therefore if you are not that smart enough, then you better start counting another years to be added to that 6-7 years minimum PT program.

Basically it's only you who can determine how long it takes to become a Therapist. Everything lies on the effort you exerted for your Physical Therapy studies and practice and training. If you do not have the patience as well as perseverance then definitely you will never succeed. On the contrary, if you have the desire, drive as well as aspiration to become a successful Physical Therapy then those 7 longer years will just be lightning speed.

The length of your studies, practice and training to become a professional Physical Therapy all lies on your hand. It entails sacrifices as well as hard work and focus. If you do not have these qualities, then you might as well find another course that will suit you better. Physical Therapy is only for hardworking and deserving people. Therefore if you want to become a professional physical therapist, pick up your pencils, books and papers and start to study your lessons now.

How to Get Great Deals on a Used Portable Massage Table

Even though portable massage tables aren't usually as expensive as stationary tables they can still seem pretty expensive to a massage therapist that is just starting out. But, if you're willing to look around and you're open to looking in new places you can get a great price on a Used Portable Massage Table.

Buying a used massage table is a smart way to get your business started without going heavily into debt and without waiting until you can get enough start up money to buy a new table. Once you start getting some regular clients you will be able to upgrade to a new table if you want to. Or you can simply invest that money back into your massage therapy practice.

Here are some tips from massage therapists who have started their businesses on next to nothing on how to find great deals on massage tables:

Network
Networking with other massage therapists can land you some really great deals. You might even be able to get a free Used Portable Massage Table just by asking other massage therapists who are a bit more established. Chat with classmates at school, teachers, spa owners, and other people in the industry that you know or who are friends of friends and let them know you're looking for a used table. If they don't have any they might know someone who would be willing to give you a table or sell it to you for a very low price.

Use the Internet
Sites like Freecyle are a great way to find items for free or for low prices. Post an ad letting people know what you're looking for. You might find someone that has a table that is sitting around gathering dust who would be willing to sell it to you cheap or even trade you the table for some massages. Bartering is a great way to get the items you need to get your massage therapy practice started when you don't have a lot of money.

Check the Local Natural Foods Store
Grocery co-ops and natural food stores will often have community bulletin boards where people can post ads for items they are selling or items they are looking for. You can search the boards to see if someone is getting rid of a Used Portable Massage Table and you can also post an ad looking for one. You should leave a business card advertising your services as well.

Keeping Musicians Pain-Free With Massage

Musicians: small muscle athletes

I once read an article about musculoskeletal pain among professional musicians. A survey of several thousand symphony musicians revealed that approximately 80% of them suffered from either chronic or intermittent pain directly related to their profession. The highest incidence was reported among the violinists. This was not surprising since they not only hold their instrument in a position that is challenging to the muscles, but they spend more time playing than any other instrument in an orchestra. Other instruments often get breaks or play only intermittently but in most orchestral pieces, the violins play most of the time.

Musicians are small muscle athletes. Their profession requires endurance, strength, and precision. The right kind of massage can help them play with less pain and more agility.

Tight muscles inhibit performance

When muscles are tight, movement is inhibited. When muscles are in pain, they become tense and there is less control. Maintaining maximum range of motion and eliminating pain allows a musician to play in comfort and can improve performance.

I've worked with a number of musicians over the years and they fascinate me. Those of us sitting in the audience marvel at their skill, but we seldom think of the endurance they must have to play for hours without a break. I once worked with a couple of conductors and, until that experience, never thought about what it must be like to stand with your arms raised in the air for a couple of hours. Try it, especially while making short, quick, precise movements. It's not easy.

Each musician is different

Each instrument has their own challenges. Horn players can get spasms in the muscles of their cheeks and lips. Violinists suffer from neck and shoulder ache. Guitarists, banjoists, and mandolin players will get pain in their forearms or elbows.

A good massage therapist who understands these problems can go quickly to the source of the pain and begin to dissipate the tension and discomfort. They cannot only help to relieve the acute pain, they can help a musician to continue to play without pain in the future.

Improve performance

Regular massage therapy really should be a part of every professional musician's life. It will improve their performance, help them to play with comfort and ease, and extend the length of their career.

Career in Sports Physical Therapy - Some Top School Suggestions!

Sports Physical Therapy: Some top school suggestions to begin your career in physical therapy.

Everyone who is going to spend their time, energy, and money for an education want to be sure they are getting the best. If you have made the decision to take your education to the next level by looking into the top schools for sports physical therapy, you have made a sound decision for your future.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics believes physical therapy is an excellent career choice and considers this field to be growing at an above average rate. Studies suggest the reason for this trend includes a greater number of older adults choosing to stay active in their later years, as well as more people suffering from injuries and diseases of the muscle and skeletal systems. Here is a look at some of the top schools for sports physical therapy in the country.

First on our list of schools to consider is St. Louis University located in mid-town St. Louis, MO. While not on the list of the least expensive colleges in sports therapy, it does boast an excellent student to professor ratio. That means you can expect this choice of the top schools for sports physical therapy to provide the type of individual attention every student thrives in. St. Louis University also likes for its incoming freshmen to have an average GPA of 3.6 and score between 24 and 29 on the ACT exam. Those who are taking the SAT should set their goals of receiving a 1000 to 1099 score for the best chances of getting in.

Another good candidate on our list of top schools for sports physical therapy is Touro College in New York City. This school offers classes to receive an associates, bachelors, masters, or doctorate. That leaves plenty of options open to you as to the pace and time line of your course study. Just like St. Louis University a score of 1000 to 1099 on the SAT is preferred while the ACT students will want to have somewhere between an 18 and 23 at least. High school graduates should have received a 3.3 to be in good standing for admission.

Last, but certainly not least on our list of top schools for sports physical therapy is Truman State University in the small town of Kirksville, MO. On a side note, this university has a rich and diverse history its student body and facility can be proud of. Let's get to the details of academic performance. SAT scores average at 1200 to 1299 for admission with ACT scores being in the 24 to 29 ranges. High school GPA averages like to hang out at 3.8 for the incoming freshmen class. Competition is stiff and you will be better off with the kinds of accomplishments these schools are looking for.

It's worth your time to explore the top schools for sports physical therapy if that is the field of study you want to enter. These and other excellent colleges and universities in the U.S. are more than qualified to teach you all you need to know to get your career off to a great start in sports physical therapy.

Positional Release is Effective Therapy

Positional Release is a highly effective technique that helps reduce pain and restore function to muscles, bones, and joints. In positional release the most comfortable position resets the sensors in the musculature and joints known collectively as the proprioceptors. With the correct stimulus to these sensors, the musculoskeletal system returns to a healthier state, eliminating pain and allowing joints to move back to dynamic balance.

Creating the right twist and pressure in the muscles and joints resets the sensors very quickly. Postitional Release may be helpful for a wide range of problems including:

-Arthritic conditions
-Allergies and asthma
-Back and disk problems
-Neck pain and tension headaches
-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
-Fibromyalgia Syndrome
-Foot and ankle pain
-Psoas / hip pain
-Sciatica
-Sports injuries and performance enhancement
-Sprains of various joints
-Stress management and prevention
-Whiplash and other impact injuries

Positional release began in the 1950's when Lawrence Jones, D.O. discovered by accident that when he placed the body into a specific comfortable position pain and dysfunction would heal quickly and completely.

In 1954, Lawrence Hugh Jones, DO, FAAO (1912-1996) made an observation that led to the development of his Strain and Counterstrain Technique. A graduate of the College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons in California in 1936, Dr. Jones was running a successful practice in Oregon when he attempted to treat a patient who had been suffering with back pain for two and a half months. After six weeks of treatment the patient had not improved. The patient was unable to sleep for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Dr. Jones spent one visit only attempting to find a comfortable position for the patient. He passively put the patient in a variety of positions until he "achieved a position of surprising amount of comfort, the only benefit he had received in four months' treatment." Afterwards, Jones began to experiment with this discovery.

He initially called this approach to pain "Spontaneous Release by Positioning" and later Strain an Counter Strain簧. Eventually variations of his work became known collectively as "positional release."

There are some differences in the application of Positional Release particularly among Osteopaths, Physical Therapists and Massage Therapists. Some practitioners have developed their own versions and have different variations on the name of the work.

I have been practicing Positional Release since 1991. I have found it to be a very effective modality. It releases pain and trauma very quickly and the results are long lasting or permanent.