Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

Marloas is nineteen years old and she comes from Rotterdam in Holland. She is in gap year from school and has taken the time to travel in Asia. She has been on the road for four months and as the trip winds to a close she has come to the Health Oasis Resort in Koh Samui to learn Thai massage.

“This is one of the best things I did on my trip,’ she enthuses. “While I was traveling I had massages. It felt so nice that I decided I would like to learn how to do it!”

“It’s just for fun. I have learned it for myself and to help my friends and family.”

No, she does not want to become a massage therapist. Her goal is to train as a medical doctor, and this preparation in massage could well help her in her aspiration to study western medicine.

Her twenty-hour course stretched over a leisurely five and a half days. So she has plenty of time for rest and relaxation in the swimming pool and on the beach beside. She laughs when she says, “I enjoyed the rest!”

“I also really liked the Course with Thai instructor Nan.”

Nan, by the way started her studies at the prestigious Wat Pho in Bangkok which serves as the premier massage teaching facility in Thailand.

“She really gets the students to practice a lot. She’s very kind and supportive, too and that helped a whole lot!” Says the young Dutch student.

“She taught me to apply my whole body in making the massage strokes.”

Marloas explains she was always afraid that her hands would become tired whilst massaging, but she was surprised to find that instead she felt energised.

“I now know the pressure points and understand how to make people relax.”

The course that Marloas attended is not designed to turn out professional therapists. It is certificated but is designed for self-development and general interest. For those eager to learn Thai massage for professional use, Health Oasis Resort offers a more intensive fifty hour period of instruction, and this too comes with a certificate.

Massage is one of several subjects that visitors can learn at the Bang Po beach side resort. Other topics include Thai Cookery, Reiki, Meditation and EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique. The Thai cooking is interesting because it is geared very much to the visitor to the Kingdom. Many people have enjoyed eating Thai food in restaurants worldwide and on coming to Thailand have taken the experience to another dimension. What Health Oasis encourages is to teach visitors how to cook their favourite dishes. Naturally this requires a little notice because the instructors have to go to the market and buy the freshest ingredients possible so the ‘trainee chef’ can prepare that favourite meal. Once you have cooked it, all you then have is the pleasure of sitting down and eating your creation and hopefully you have invited some friends or loved ones to share this unique experience with you.

Like the Massage training that Marloas underwent you can also take the recipe and knowledge of your newly acquired Thai culinary art back home with you as a very practical souvenir of your visit to Thailand. Surely that will add to the overall enjoyment of your holiday in “the land of smiles” [http://www.healthoasisresort.org]

The benefits of massage are wide and far-reaching. Many people have found relief from chronic conditions using massage. This includes conditions such as chronic back pain, arthritis, depression, fatigue, and many more. Therapists use a combination of different soft tissue manipulation techniques to enhance physical well-being.

Massage Can Help with Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neuropsychiatric condition leading to loss of behavior and cognitive functions. Patients find it difficult to retain information as well as having language problems. This makes it impossible for sufferers to carry out daily activities such as eating and dressing without assistance. Massage can help combat the effects of memory loss and musculoskeletal coordination. In addition, massage will reduce anxiety in Alzheimer's patients. Even though this type of intervention has not been proven, it is certainly worth a try.

Regular Massage Can Help With Pain

Constant muscle and tissue pain can be debilitating. Massage can relieve muscle tension helping you deal with injuries effectively. Neuromuscular therapy massage is the best option if you have underlying causes of chronic pain. This includes tender muscles, nerve issues, and mobility problems. Sports massage can effectively deal with muscle systems used in different sports. This will help you gain better flexibility and agility as well as preventing future injuries. Chair massage has also been used to target certain areas such as the shoulders, arms, back, and neck.

Massage is Good for Your Mental State

Good mental health is a combination of environmental, physiological, and genetic factors. The Center for Epidemiological Studies carried out a survey of 112 women suffering from depression. Participants who received massage during treatment showed better improvement. This is in comparison to participants who did not receive massage during the same period. Massage enhances the release of natural endorphins elevating moods resulting in a natural high. Your mental alertness will be better after a massage. Reduced anxiety levels also results in better sleep at night. This is because cortisol and noradrenalin levels are reduced significantly after massage therapy. Massage is the best way to relieve tension if you are feeling agitated.

Best Massage for Those Over 50

If you are over 50 years old, the Swedish massage is the best option. Therapists use soft strokes in a rhythmic fashion to relieve muscle tension and pain. Better circulation and relaxation is achieved using rolling, circular, squeezing, and gliding movements. The therapeutic benefits include improved biomechanical movement, coordination, and reduced stress. A study carried out by the Mayo clinic of Rochester, Minnesota found that 98 percent of elderly participants experienced relaxation after massage.

There is no doubt massage can improve your physical well-being significantly. Some of the positive emotions you might experience include increased creativity, clarity of mind, and a greater sense of purpose. You should always consult your physician before beginning massage therapy sessions. This is to ensure conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy are addressed sufficiently.

Chronic back pain, most commonly lower back pain, is one of the most common complaints among adults and as the popularity grows throughout the world for alternative treatments and therapies, Back Massage Therapy has emerged as a favourite treatment of choice in trying to attain chronic back pain relief.

Back massage therapy offers numerous benefits. While general massage is well known to stimulate blood flow to the muscles and provide relaxation and a pleasurable experience, it does not necessarily provide the therapeutic value required to provide chronic back pain relief sought by sufferers of the condition. Back massage therapy by a specialist however can bring about significant relief within weeks, when therapeutic back massage techniques are applied to combat both lower and upper back pain.

The positive results from back massage therapy can be multiplied when combined with complimentary treatments such as Chiropractic, Physical Therapy or even Acupuncture. A multi discipline approach will work best when the therapists communicate with each other and 'design' a program of complimentary treatments to achieve chronic back pain relief through a synergistic approach.

Results can again be significantly improved with the patient taking personal responsibility and being proactive in achieving chronic back pain relief. This can be done with simple measures such as an improved diet, gentle exercise and stretching.

Benefits of Back Massage Therapy

o Massaging causes the muscles to become more relaxed which in turn increases their range of motion. This is an enormous benefit when tension of the muscles causes a restriction in movement. Relaxed muscles also help to reduce insomnia.

o Improved blood supply to the muscles assists with the recovery of muscular soreness from physical activity.

o Massage increases endorphin levels in the body. This is highly beneficial as endorphins are the 'feel good' chemicals produced naturally by our bodies. Heightened endorphin levels assist in dealing with chronic back pain.

Precautions

Take note that when receiving massage therapy for the back, the pressure applied during the massage should evoke a response of relaxation in the muscles. If this does not occur the muscles may be inflamed possibly due to an acute injury of the muscle. In this case massage therapy should be put off until the inflammation subsides and it may be advised to consult a doctor.

For best results, muscle spasms generally require four massage treatments, commonly spread over six weeks. Should the muscle spasms not respond to therapy after two massages, it may be advisable to seek an alternative therapy.

Back massage techniques are highly effective in the treatment of chronic back pain, however if the pain is severe it is recommended to first undergo a complete medical check-up prior to beginning a program of back massage therapy.

Conclusion

For those seeking chronic back pain relief there is a wide variety of treatment options available both in conventional medicine and alternative therapies. Whatever your preference of treatment, back massage therapy can be a highly beneficial partner in your quest for relief.

Many people are now gaining incredible natural migraine relief from regular massage therapy. The pain, hassle and disturbance that can be caused in your life from severe headaches and migraines is a real problem for millions of people around the world. Around 10% of the population are affected with this debilitating pain.

Massage therapy can help and be very effective, very quickly. Many people's migraines are caused by muscular pressure in the upper part of the neck and at the base of the skull. This tension can be the direct cause of pain.

Once the tension is released through massage, much of the pain can stop.

Obviously it is important to see a qualified massage therapist, chiropractor or physiotherapist as untrained hands could do more damage than good in the long run. Of course gentle manipulation of the muscles by yourself should not cause you any harm as you can feel what works, hurts and what doesn't making self mass largely safe.

Some people experience pain relief after just one visit to a massage therapist, whilst others may need to go more regularly or several times before migraines cease to develop.

There are also many other health benefits associated with massage. Circulation is improved and people's complexion can benefit as a result as well as general health. Many minor muscular injuries can also be improved with the correct technique, not to mention how relaxing and revitalising a deep tissue massage can be for even the fittest and healthiest of people.

As a method for natural migraine relief, massage therapy is something that should definitely be explored.

Working as a physical therapist is the perfect way to start a rewarding career in rehabilitative health. This branch of physical therapy encompasses the use of exercises as well as equipment in order to improve patient mobility. If you are considering a career in this field, there are many facilities looking for qualified staff. You can specialize in a certain field such as orthopedics or sports medicine. This gives you the ability to use your skills to help patients with specific mobility issues. The following guide will take you through daily activities, training, employment opportunities, and earnings information.

Job Description

A physical therapist works with patients suffering from different conditions such as sports injuries, accident injuries, fractures, arthritis, and cerebral palsy. The focus is to help patients regain physical functions after suffering impairment or conditions leading to disability. To achieve this goal, you will have to study a patient's medical history. This will help you to come up with a plan to treat the patient's physical disabilities. The therapy regimen must take into consideration the patient's coordination, strength, posture, and motor balance. Your work involves encouraging patients to take up exercise in order to speed up the healing process.

It is impossible to enhance strength and flexibility without exercise. The first step involves improving motion. Patients can then attempt exercises to improve balance, muscle strength, and coordination stop. Physical therapists also use electrical stimulation, massages, prostheses, and wheelchairs to help patients improve traction. It is also important to liaise with the patient's family to ensure the recovery period is as smooth as possible. You will also work as part of a healthcare team. This includes physical therapy assistants and specialists.

Important Attributes

A physical therapist must exhibit certain characteristics in order to excel at work. You must be compassionate and have a strong desire to help patients. Most of your patients will include people experiencing different states of physical pain. It is vital to empathize with these patients during the long recovery periods. Attention to detail in the healthcare industry is a standard benchmark. The same applies to physical therapists. Great analytical skills will enable you to evaluate and implement effective therapies. You should be comfortable using hands to provide manual therapeutic exercises. Strong interpersonal skills will enable you to interact with patients and colleagues in the work environment. Physical stamina cannot be over emphasized since you will spend a lot of time standing, lifting patients, or moving around. All of these attributes play an important role in ensuring physical therapists can provide the best treatment possible.

Work Environment

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly 200,000 physical therapy jobs in the US. Most of the trained professionals work in hospitals, private clinics, and nursing homes. Up to 71 percent of professionals in this field work full time while 29 percent work part-time. At 37%, health practitioners take up the largest share of employees. Hospitals and healthcare services employ 28 percent and 10 percent of the workforce respectively. The remaining 14 percent of employees are split evenly between self-employment and residential care facilities.

Physical Therapist Training

All practicing physical therapists must have a postgraduate degree. A bachelor's degree is the minimum admission requirement for Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree programs. Some of the courses you will take include neuroscience, biomechanics, pharmacology, and human anatomy. Students with a good background in biology, physics, anatomy, mathematics and chemistry will find the programs easy. After graduation, you can apply for a residency program lasting anywhere from one year to three years. This will enable you to gain the necessary experience and hone physical therapy skills. You should expect to study for about 2 to 3 years before graduating.

The cost of studying will range from $13,000 for in-state students to $42,000 for out-of-state students. These tuition fee estimates and do not take into account additional expenses. It is advisable to factor in educational costs such as liability insurance and lab fees into your budget. The rule of thumb is to allocate an extra $5,000 towards these expenses. After graduation, you must take at least two state licensing exams. The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) alone costs $370. The cost of other state licensing exams varies from state to state. Licensing is mandatory for everyone involved in the physical therapy field. Some states also acquire physical therapists to undertake continuous education in order to be allowed to practice. You should pursue certification after gaining considerable work experience.

Salary and Job Prospects

According to data published by the Bureau of labor statistics, employment opportunities will grow by 39% through 2020. This is a significantly higher average than all the other occupations combined. Growth is fueled by an aging population as well as many patients who require therapy during rehabilitation. The median salary in the United States is $74,986. The lowest 10% will usually take home $64,193 every year. Those on the upper rungs of the pay scale can take home up to $107,920 per year. Your annual pay will also be determined by factors such as experience, education, employer, and location. Physical therapists working in California earn anything between $52,649 and $67,441 per year. The situation in Chicago is a bit different. Annual pay ranges from $58,685-$73,155. If you manage to get a position in New York, your pay will lie between $57,265 and $68,682.

Those working in Illinois will earn from $57,752-$72,496. Florida has an annual salary ranging from $56,992-$72,515. If you are lucky to land in Philadelphia, the pay will be anywhere from $57,856-$72,774. These salary ranges show that a physical therapist earns 29% more than the average for all other occupations. Projections from the Bureau of labor statistics indicate that the average salary will still be 20% higher in 2020. This is in comparison to the national average for all other occupations. The highest earners in the profession, 10%, have several things in common. These include higher levels of training and education, experience, specialization, and certification. It is also wise to consider Job opportunities in rural areas since urban and suburban areas have been saturated with physical therapists.

Over the years, an increase in the number of clinical cases of auto-immune and idiopathic medical conditions has been observed that are refractory to traditional treatment modalities. Proper management with occupational therapy is the only way to control the disabling symptoms. One fairly disabling disease that has affected millions of individuals today is multiple sclerosis and so far no etiology or cure has been established.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that deals with progressive damage to the nervous system as a result of damage to myelin sheath of peripheral nerves. The cause of multiple sclerosis is not yet established. It may occur at any age; however, most cases are reported between 20 to 40 years of age. The damage to nerves causes impaired nerve conduction that slows the transmission of nerves.

This patho-physiologic alteration leads to pain, paresthesia, altered sensation and numbness that starts from lower limbs and normally ascends upwards to involve all parts of the body. If no intervention is taken, multiple sclerosis may affect normal day to day activities by involving all parts of nervous functioning.

So far, there is no cure. Pharmacologic interventions that are adopted provide mild symptomatic relief only in acute attacks. With proper diet modification, exercises and stress management, the intensity and frequency of episodes of multiple sclerosis can be reduced.

Multiple sclerosis greatly affects the performance and physical ability of individuals suffering from this debilitating disease. In acute attacks, the mobility and locomotion is greatly disturbed due to loss of reflexes, poor muscle control, visual reflexes and abnormal sensations.

Occupational therapy can help individuals to perform normally at work, in school or at home during acute attacks of multiple sclerosis. Occupational therapists help in reducing the cost of physical aid and help that you may need in order to perform day to day work at home.

The basic areas include handwriting aid because muscle stiffness and abnormal functioning of joints affect fine motor functioning by hands that interfere with your regular handwriting and other fine motor functions. Depression and stress are not only triggers of inducing an acute attack of multiple sclerosis but also increases the intensity or severity of attack. Stress relieving exercises, breathing aid and other functions help in controlling the symptoms and improving overall functioning of the body by decreasing the intensity of the attack.

According to the functional demands of the body, you may have to change the furniture, setting or physical environment around you to improve your accessibility and reduce the risk of accidents. Occupational therapists help to choose the right type of wheelchair according to the severity of your symptoms. For example, in individuals who have predominant lower limb weakness, a manual wheelchair is preferred in order to retain some degree of upper limb activity; however, in advanced stages of multiple sclerosis, an electric wheel chair is the best option. Occupational therapists also teach the right method of using the wheelchair.

Due to visual problems and in order to prevent the stress and strain on visual fields, occupational therapists readjust the setting of the computer screen and other devices to pose little strain on the eyes and brain. The evaluation of driving seat and seating arrangement in the car also demand an adjustment by occupational therapists

Overall, occupational therapy helps patients of multiple sclerosis to lead a normal and independent life without needing any help or support from other individuals. In most cases, occupational therapy expenses are covered by insurance companies and you can also join support groups for better health and well being.

In physical therapy, whirlpool refers to a special kind of bathtub used in water baths or hydrotherapy. Whirlpools generate air bubbles and water from pumps placed at strategic points allowing the flow of air and water to massage specific muscles of the body. The intensity of circulation of air and water provides either gentle or deep massage. Whirlpools can be either cold or hot with adjustable whirlpool temperatures for physical therapy.

There are different types of whirlpools. They can be permanent fixtures or portable sets. Some whirlpool designs allow full body submersion and others are made for treatment of extremities only. There are cold whirlpools, which is often for treatment of single parts of the body, and warm whirlpools, for full body therapy.

Usually, cold whirlpool temperatures for physical therapy are set at a range of 50º F to 70º F while warm whirlpool temperatures for physical therapy ranges from 100º F to 110º F. Depending on the temperature, whirlpool treatments can last from 10 minutes up to 30 minutes.

Whirlpools are ideal for improving circulation and performing range of movement exercises. In addition, wound care is one of the common uses of whirlpools in physical therapy. Warm whirlpool temperatures for physical therapy wound treatment cleanse wounds; increases blood circulation in the wounded area as well as relieve pain. It also helps soften necrotic tissues and reduce wound infections.

Physical therapists follow a guide for the administration of whirlpool treatment for wound care. Typically, patients undergo whirlpool treatment once to twice every day for 20 minutes. Depending on your wound, whirlpool treatment may include the use of an antiseptic. After whirlpool, the therapist rinses the wound with water to remove any residues.

Therapists closely monitor whirlpool temperatures for physical therapy. Usually, therapists keep the water temperature at 92 °F to 96 °F and not exceeding 38 °C for patients with cardiopulmonary disease. The higher the temperature of the water the greater is the blood circulation.

Health care clinics and facilities have strict policies when it comes to sanitation in whirlpool or water therapy. Personnel must properly clean whirlpool tanks and use disinfectants to prevent infections.

Whirlpool treatment is not for all wound patients. There are also only certain types of wounds that can really benefit from this treatment. Some wounds may even become worse with this method of care. Your therapist will evaluate if whirlpool treatment is suitable to your health condition and type of wound.

The art of styling hair, doing make up and the other lessons cosmetology school teaches you deals entirely with skill. You do not sit at a desk and do research; you work with your hands and provide clients with what they ask for based on what you learned. Thus, beauty school offers hands-on training.

Different states require different hours in order to meet the graduation criteria. During the hours you are required to attend your selected beauty academy, you will gain the knowledge you need to go into the field of your dreams. In order to do so, you have to learn the basics and beyond. This is done in two ways: first, your beauty school program's teacher will provide you with knowledge in the cognitive sense. It requires bookwork and lectures in order to learn the tips of the trade. However, attendants also receive training that people in other colleges and universities don't receive: hands-on training.

When you go into a salon and ask for a French manicure, the nail technician does not begin working on your nails solely based on what they learned from lectures and books. If that was the case, the technician would be unsteady and inexperienced. You probably wouldn't trust them near your nails if you knew they left their beauty school with knowledge but no training. This is why they provide hands-on training in a relaxed setting. Part of your school training requires you to work in student salons (with supervision by instructors) on real people.

If you're thinking about attending beauty school, it's important to know the depth of the work you will be doing there. If the idea of lecture halls bores you, beauty academy has your way out. However, if you think your first day will be spent waxing a friend's eyebrows, you'd be wrong. Beauty school provides a mixture of learning techniques that range from bookwork to hands-on training, and that's what makes the experience both unique and beneficial.

One of the most popular gifts for massage therapy graduates is a massage table. This basic massage product is essential to a career in this field, especially if the graduate is planning to start their own business. After the financial strain of paying for massage school, your graduate will appreciate the practical value as well as the generosity of this gift.

Choosing which table to purchase is a decision that takes a certain amount of forethought. Try to get a sense of the student's intended focus in the field of massage therapy. Depending on the student's specialized field, he or she may require a table with special features, such as Reiki end plates or easy portability.

Is the graduate planning to offer massage at clients' homes? If so, you will want to look for a table that is easily portable and lightweight. Aluminum massage tables are the lightest tables on the market. However, if your graduate prefers the aesthetic appearance of wood, consider purchasing a massage table cart to ease the physical strain of transporting a massage table. As a rule, portable tables are cheaper than stationary tables, so for those just getting started in massage, portable tables are usually the best option. They are both easy on the budget and versatile to use.

If your massage graduate is interested in modalities that require seated work (such as reflexology or energy work such as Reiki), look for a table with Reiki end plates. These end plates allow enough room for the therapist to sit with legs under the table. All OneTouch Massage tables except the Euro-Light include Reiki end panels as a standard feature. A rolling massage stool is a perfect complement for a Reiki massage table, if you want to honor your graduate with an extra special gift.

For massage graduates who want the flexibility of pursuing a number of different modalities, look for a massage table with a wide variety of options for the ultimate versatility. A portable table and Reiki panels along with a deluxe package of table accessories (face cradle, forward arm rest, and width extenders) will serve your massage graduate well, no matter which massage specialty they choose to pursue.

If your graduate already owns a table or you're looking for a smaller gift, professional massage oils or a deluxe table case can also make a thoughtful gift. As a special touch, include a gift certificate for massage therapy to encourage the student to relax and unwind after the stress of school.

A day at a spa with massages is a day for health and relaxation. A massage therapist will help you achieve your goals for the day, with various general massage techniques as well as hot and cold stone therapy if you choose. The process works best if you participate in making the spa day go more smoothly.

1. Introduce yourself.

A massage therapist nearly always introduces herself, or a spa staffer introduces the therapist to you. She might even give you a brief overview of her experience and services if it is your first time at the spa. Do yourself a favor and interact with your massage therapist long before she reaches for the massage stones. Introduce yourself when you walk in, and mention the type of massages you like to have.

2. Talk about problem areas.

Before a massage, it is always helpful to talk about any pains and strains you have in your muscles. Discuss with the massage therapist whether hot stone therapy will loosen up the muscles and make them feel more comfortable. Chat about the possibility of combination therapy with both hot and cold massage stones to bring the blood to the surface and flush out inflammation. If you have painful joints or wounds, it is also a good idea to warn the massage therapist before she begins.

3. Set the tone for the session.

Some people like their massage to be all work. They want to talk about clinical effects of massage and the workings of the muscles. Others like to focus on relaxation in a quiet atmosphere. Still others like a friendly ambiance in the room. Decide before you go into the spa setting which kind of environment suits you best, and set the tone right away. If you want friendliness, strike up a conversation. If you want quiet relaxation, stay as still as possible and do not talk much.

4. Give feedback during the massage if there are discomforts or problems.

Your massage therapist will tell you when to move as she places the massage stones on different parts of your body. She will rub your body with basalt stones for hot stone therapy or marble stones for cold stone therapy. As she massages the muscles of your body, you might feel unexpected tenderness in a tendon or joint. Always mention it to the massage therapist so that she can adjust her general massage to accommodate your special needs of the day.

5. Thank the massage therapist after the massage and tip if it is customary.

When the massage is over, it is important to acknowledge the good work of the massage therapist. Thank her for her services and tell her how the massage has benefited you. Before you even went into the massage room, you should have asked the front desk staff the customs of that spa regarding tipping. Tipping amounts vary, and some massage therapists do not like to be tipped if they feel that their services should be classified as medical treatments. By knowing ahead of time, you can do the right thing to make your therapist happy, and end your day well at the spa with massages.