Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

Hip Fracture Basics: Types and Causes of Broken Hips

Hip fractures are serious injuries that often require surgery to repair. Every year in the United States alone over 300,000 people suffer broken hips and require hospitalization. Of that number, over half of those people suffering a hip fracture are over the age of 80.

Bone density, age, and other medical conditions can all contribute to the likelihood of a broken hip, but generally a fracture occurs because of some sort of trauma to the area, like a fall. Most hip fractures in the elderly are caused by falls, while in younger patients - car accidents and other high impact injuries are the most likely causes.

Elderly women and other patients with osteoporosis are at a greater risk of suffering a broken hip in the event of a fall. Because osteoporosis weakens the skeletal system by causing loss of bone mass - bones and joints are at a greater risk of fracturing in the event of trauma.

Hip fractures are actually the breaking of the femur (the bone that extends from the pelvis to the knee) inside or near the hip joint. Hip fractures are generally placed into 2 main classifications - a Femoral Neck Fracture or an Intertrochanteric Fracture. Both of these types of fractures are very serious and in most cases will necessitate surgery to repair the fractures.

Femoral Neck Fracture

The femoral neck is just below the head (top) of the femur. A femoral neck fracture generally occurs within 1 to 2 inches from the end of the femur.

Intertrochanteric Fracture

This fracture occurs within 3 to 4 inches of the head of the femur and usually requires the use of a metal plate and screw to hold the bone in place while it heals - allowing the head of the femur to continue moving normally in the hip socket.

Though hip fractures are generally caused by a serious trauma - a fall or a high impact injury - other factors can contribute to the risk of sustaining a broken hip.

Age

Statistics show that age is a large factor. The majority of hip related injuries and fractures occur in people over 80. There are two main reasons why this may be true: bone density loss and the presence of other medical conditions affecting balance and mobility. But also effecting elderly patients are general aging issues like loss of vision and a decreasing or weakening sense of balance.

Medical Conditions

Osteoporosis puts patients at an even higher risk for breaking a hip simply because it reduces bone density. There are a number of other medical conditions that will also lead up to and increase chances of developing osteoporosis which in turn can lead to increased risks for hip fractures.

The development of other diseases and conditions like Parkinson's disease which effect a person's mobility and balance can contribute to an increased risk of falling and breaking a hip as well. Diabetes, arthritis, and similar diseases can also effect a person's activity levels which in turn increases risk.

Physical Inactivity

Because physical inactivity can lead to the weakening of bones, tendons, and muscles - it can also contribute to a higher risk of fracturing critical bones and joints. Physical inactivity can in turn lead to other conditions such as obesity and weight gain which can put a larger strain on a weakening bone structure. Maintaining a regular physical activity schedule will often reduce a patient's risk of hip fracture.

Mortality Rates and Common Problems Associated with Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are serious injuries that require immediate medical attention because there are a number of problems and conditions that can arise because of the broken bone. Studies have shown that mortality rates following a hip fracture can be rather high for a number of reasons which include the development of other serious medical conditions (blood clots and infections) as well as the age of the patient at the time of the injury (since the majority of fractures occurs among seniors).

A study published in the British Medical Journal places mortality rates within one year of suffering a fractured hip at 20%. And this number only increases with the age of the patient - as many as 33% of patients over the age of 80 die within a year of breaking a hip. The 30 day mark following surgery for a fractured hip is high in this population also - coming in at about 10%.

A number of factors contribute to these high numbers. Post-operative complications like infections (i.e. pneumonia or bronchitis) are dangerous factors. The general health of the patients involved in the study also contributes to the high mortality rates. Because as we talked about, a number of other conditions can increase a patients risk of breaking a hip. These same conditions (obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, and others) can also make recovery more difficult.

Mobility factors increase risk as well. Because a broken hip makes it even more difficult for patients to get proper exercise, the overall deterioration of the body due to inactivity can bring about other health problems or exasperate existing conditions like heart disease. For patients that are bedridden following surgery, pressure sores and infections become an increased risk.

Overall, the general health of a patient prior to the sustained injury and following surgery is going to play highly in determining the likelihood of the patient's complete recovery. This is why younger patients tend to recover more completely and quickly as they are less likely to have preexisting medical conditions that are going to be worsened by the injury.

Mortality rates and other complications decrease significantly in patients that work hard at maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle regardless of age. Often for these folks - a broken hip is a temporary setback, though it is still a serious injury. Recovery though will often be a lot simpler if the patient has maintained general good health prior to fracturing their hip.

How Hip Fractures are Treated

In most cases, a hip fracture is going to require surgery. In cases where surgery is not possible because of an illness or other factor - traction may be used. In those cases without surgery - the main treatment for a broken hip relies mainly on pain reduction.

Both types of hip fractures - the femoral neck fracture and the intertrochanteric fracture - require surgery. The exact procedure is slightly different for each type.

Intertrochanteric Fracture Surgery

When the break is lower on the femur as in an intertrochanteric fracture (occurring 3 to 4 inches from the head of the femur) a different procedure is generally used. Doctors will attach a metal plate to the side of the femur and insert a metal hip compression screw into the femur. This compression screw and plate allows the bone fragments to compress together and mend themselves.

Femoral Neck Fracture Surgery

With a femoral neck fracture, surgery will generally involve one of three types of procedures: metal screws, replacing part of the femur, or total hip replacement.

Using metal screws, the surgeon will align the bones and fix them in place with three long metal screws which will remain in place and not be removed. These screws serve to allow the bones to mend back together as well as strengthen that section of the femur.

If the doctors are unable to align the bones in a way that will allow them to heal properly, they will usually attempt a procedure known as a hemiarthroplasty. This involves removing and replacing the damaged head and neck of the femur with a metal prosthesis.

Total hip replacement is the most invasive of the three options. If for some reason, the socket joint in the hip is damaged - total hip replacement might be the best option. In this procedure, the surgeons will not only replace the top portion of the femur, but also the joint section of the pelvic bone. One of the benefits of total hip replacement is that it allows patients to become mobile again sooner after the surgery than other options. This can help to prevent other complications associated with major surgery from developing.

Hospital stays after surgery for a hip fracture can vary in length - although the average stay in the hospital generally lasts a week. The majority of patients will require physical therapy for a long period following the surgery to recover completely. Older and less mobile patients may even have to look to a long term care facility if they don't have available help or care at home.

Help With Recovery and Prevention of Hip Fractures

Exercise and physical activity is a key in helping with both recovery from a hip fracture and prevention of those fractures. Because mobility is limited following surgery for hip fractures, the use of a rolling walker is often a good idea for elderly patients as it will help them get the exercise to speed up healing and also help to prevent another fall from aggravating the injury further.

Everyday tasks will probably become a little more difficult for a patient recovering from hip fracture surgery. Things like bending over to tie shoes or getting dressed in the morning will require a little bit of extra effort. Lifting the affected leg into bed or onto the couch will also become more difficult at times during the recovery. There are quite a few products like extended shoe horns and leg lifters which can ease the pain and difficulty of recovery.

Often times, simple tasks that are taken for granted become more complicated. Bathing for example is an everyday thing that becomes tough following hip surgery. A sponge on an extended handle or a bath bench become tools which can really help.

To make recovery easier, the purchase of a "hip kit" is a small investment for quite a bit of help. Common items that you'll find in a hip kit include:

• Long Handled Sponges


• Long Handled Shoe Horn


• A Dressing Stick


• Extendable Reachers or Grabbers


• Leg Lifters

Mobility and physical therapy are both important factors in helping to speed up recovery. Full use of the hip will take some time, but in patients that were healthy prior to the surgery, a full recovery is possible and likely.

Exercise is a major factor in recovery as well as the prevention of other complications arising because of the surgery. Any help that a patient can enlist - either from family or qualified medical practitioners is going to aid them in recovery.

Prevention Tips

Learning how to prevent falls is another factor that is going to seriously limit the likelihood of breaking a hip.

* Building railings or ramps to help with stairs around the home is a good idea.

* Installing rails next to the toilet and in the bathtub or shower is another preventative measure. They're also great ideas to help somebody who is trying to recover from hip surgery since their mobility will be more limited for a time.

* Rearranging furniture to allow for clear paths.

* Check rugs and carpets for slippage or places somebody could trip.

* Consider the use of a hip protector - a low profile pad that you wear beneath your clothing and over your hip to help absorb any impact from a fall.

* Keep cords stowed safely away.

* Place used items in easy to reach places - avoid step stools and ladders where balance might be lost.

* Make sure areas of the home and yard are well lit. Being able to see a hazard is half the battle.

* Wear practical shoes that are non-slip.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also decrease your risk of breaking a hip. Not only exercise, but proper nutrition is important.

* Weight Bearing Exercise - Helps to fight bone density loss and works to maintain the strength of tendons and muscles that support the joints. Not only that, but regularly walking or exercising will help to maintain your sense of balance and agility - making the likelihood of a fall less likely.

* Smoking - Believe it or not, smoking actually works to reduce your bone density. So not only can it cause cancer - but it can weaken your bones.

* Calcium and Vitamin D - Proper nutrition and watching levels of calcium in your diet (through foods or supplements) will work to maintain your bone density so that in the event of a fall, you are less likely to fracture your hip. Vitamin D is also a key component of this process as it helps your body absorb and process calcium.

Other Hip Fracture Resources

There are a ton of available resources on the web these days that can help you in the prevention of or recovery from a hip fracture. The following is a listing and review of some great web sites and articles if you would like more information on hip fracture prevention, treatment, and recovery.

The Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic is a highly respected non-profit organization and clinic that maintains clinics in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. They also have a very informative web site that is a great resource for countless medical conditions. The section of the web site on hip fractures is very in depth and organized in a way that you can find information very easily on prevention of hip fractures or help with recovery from hip surgery.

Care.com

Care.com is an interesting web site in that it deals with the care of patients following surgeries like total hip replacement. On this web site you'll find questions and tips related to helping patients or parents who are going through a difficult hip surgery recovery.

Advice on how to deal with the medical condition is provided, as well as advice on how to help the patient mentally get through the recovery is discussed.

This web site also provides access to a network of caregivers and service providers in your area if you need additional help with recovering from hip surgery. You can find providers for any level of help that might be needed, from full time care to part time help with housework and chores. The great thing about this service is that you can post your needs and interview potential caregivers as well as look at a background check.

EveryDayHealth.com

Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle are the best preventative measures that you can take towards avoiding a hip fracture. Working as an online community and resource, EveryDayHealth.com is a great resource and web site to use to maintain that active and healthy lifestyle.

Nutrition information and tools like their 'meal planner' and 'weight tracker' are great ways to make sure you are doing everything you can to stay healthy. Participating in the community forums is also a great way to meet other people facing the same issues or working towards the same goals.

Hip fractures are a common injury, especially among the elderly - so reaching out to a community like EveryDayHealth will give you the opportunity to find understanding support of what it is you might be going through following hip surgery.

Finding the proper support, medical care, and tools to aid in the recovery from hip fracture surgery is a key component to reducing the difficulty and likelihood of complications from a broken hip. Whether you have experienced a hip fracture or are just interested in the prevention of a future injury - there's a myriad of online resources available to help you in that quest.

Thai massage has been practiced for several thousand years. It is one branch of Thai medicine, which includes manipulation (of which massage is a part), diet, medicinal treatment and ritual (spiritual ceremony). In Thailand it is used in conjunction with these other forms of treatment, although in other countries it may be used on its own.

Thai massage is based on the belief that all disease is due to an imbalance of the body's energy. Its goal is to promote this balance and therefore assist in the healing of the entire person. To do this, it uses several techniques.

The first is the application of pressure through leaning into the area being treated. This pressure is less forceful than that used in some other forms of massage and more like the pressure used in shiatsu. Also like shiatsu, Thai massage uses pressure along energy channels. (called "sen" in Thailand, but more commonly known as meridians - which is what they are called in Chinese medicine). The major difference between the two is that Thai massage treats these channels in both directions, while shiatsu moves in only one direction.

Reflexology is also part of a Thai massage session. Reflexology is based on the belief that points on the feet can be use to treat the entire body. There is a lot of attention paid to the feet and legs in Thai massage, because getting energy moving in these areas helps to better connect the client to the earth, causing them to be more "grounded".

Another technique used is blood stopping. This is achieved by putting pressure on a major artery in the arm or leg for an extended period of time - up to about a minute. The theory behind this technique is that cutting off a major source of circulation to an area will initially result in increased pressure, which will cause the heart muscle to slow its contractions in order to bring the pressure down. When the pressure on the artery is released a fresh supply of blood rushes into the area, causing it to relax more deeply. This technique, however, is not used on anyone with heart or circulatory problems or with diabetes.

There is also a type of stretching used which is passive. This means that the client does not participate in the stretching; the therapist does all the work. Stretching is done in stages with rest periods between, working gradually up to as much range of motion as possible. It is also done slowly to avoid the muscle shortening - or spasm - that can occur when a muscle is stretched too far, too fast.

The asanas, or postures, of hatha yoga are also included, to help the whole massage flow more smoothly. Like stretching, these are passive, performed by the therapist.

Thai massage techniques can be very time-consuming. A typical Thai massage is much longer than a "regular" massage, lasting up to three hours. Also, all Thai massage is done with the client lying on a floor mat; this is such an active massage for the practitioner that a massage table would make it difficult or impossible to perform some of the techniques.

The benefits of Thai massage include those of regular massage, like improved circulation, mobility and flexibility, as well as stress relief. But Thai massage goes further; its more specialized techniques will help promote balance of all the body's systems. If you are looking for a more holistic approach to bodywork, Thai massage may be a good choice.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, fatigue and pain are very familiar to you. Did you know that massage therapy may help with the pain associated with this syndrome? Fibro suffers have reported that massage therapy has not only helped to relieve some of their pain and stiffness, but has helped them to learn to relax more. Let's take a quick look at the benefits of massage therapy for fibro patients.

Contrary to popular belief, massage therapy has been around for quite some time. Ancient Egyptian pictures suggesting massages being given and received have been located in some tombs. It is even rumored that Cesar himself partook of massages daily for his neuralgia.

What is it and how does it work?

For many pain sufferers, along with fibro patients, massage therapy is becoming even more popular. With massage therapy, soft tissues and muscles are manipulated to help relieve pain and stress, and increase flexibility. There are many different techniques including the more common techniques done with the hands such as palpating, stroking, and kneading the muscles. Other therapies such as hot and cold therapy are sometimes used during the massage to help with muscle relaxation and increase circulation of the blood.

Massage therapy can also help in the reduction of tender point pain and overall stiffness in the body. It is believed that this type of therapy boosts the production of serotonin, endorphins, and norepinephrine. It seems that these pain blocking hormones work to hinder the pain signals sent out by the brain; this would help explain why massage therapy is becoming such a pain reliever amongst pain sufferers.

The Benefits

When it comes to fibro pain and fatigue, massage therapy is one of the more beneficial treatments according to patients. Its benefits include:

- increased circulation of the blood to muscles
- increased flexibility and range of motion
- less depression and stress
- reduced pain and stiffness
- better sleep

According to a study done in the late 90's amongst fibro sufferers, patients noted more than a 30% decrease in symptoms associated with pain after ten 30-minute massage treatment sessions. Patients also reported better sleeping habits, and less difficulty falling and staying asleep.

The Massage Therapist

It's important that you take the time to find the right therapist. And when it comes to fibro sufferers, it can be quite difficult locating a therapist with the right technique, compassion, and experience in dealing with fibromyalgia. It's okay if you have to visit several different therapists before you find the right one. Here are a few tips to help you in your search:

* Word of mouth holds the number one spot on many tip lists when it comes to locating everything from a real estate agent to a plumber. Massage treatment is no different. Friends and family are your best bet. Start with them.

* Fibro support groups are another resource. They may have a listing, or current members who receive massage therapy and can give you recommendations.

* Ask about licensing and experience. Don't be afraid to check up on their license and certification before making your appointment.

Massage at home is an affordable way to reap the benefits of massage in the comfort of your own home. Whether you and your partner practice massaging each other or you use an electronic massager, including home massage as a regular part of your life will relieve stress and tension and allow you to relax at home.

Scientific research continues to support the benefits of massage therapy, not only for the body, but also for the mind, emotions, and spirit. Mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health are all interrelated. Discord in any one of these components of life can affect all other areas of your well-being. Intense stress, especially over a long period of time, compromises your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight off colds and the flu and can make you vulnerable to much more serious diseases and complications.

One of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is stress relief. If you lack a sufficient outlet for the pressures you face each day, the tension you feel will continue to build over time, making stressful events that much harder to deal with. Situations that are easy to handle when you are relaxed can get blown out of proportion when you are under intense pressure.

Even if you cannot afford to see a therapist on a regular basis, there are other ways to incorporate massage into your life. One option to consider is learning massage techniques to use at home. Simple techniques can effectively release tension in the muscles and relax the body. For those who have mastered the simple techniques, there are numerous massage instruction DVDs and courses for learning more advanced techniques at home.

Practice your techniques with your spouse or partner. Couples massage at home strengthens your relationship on many different levels. For increased comfort and flexibility, consider a professional massage table. Using a table increases comfort and allows easy access to all areas of the body.

A quality massage table increases the effectiveness of home massage overall. The best table for home use is portable and lightweight. A portable massage table easily folds for storage and is convenient for homes with limited floor space.

Electronic massagers are also a convenient option for massage at home. These electronic products help you relax on your own or with a partner. A quality vibrating massager offers just the right amount of pressure to release muscle tension and stubborn knots. You can also look for handheld massage aids that provide extra power to use with your partner.

Some electronic massagers allow you to experiment with different types of massage, such as chi swing machine. A chi machine rocks the feet gently from side to side, which creates a swinging movement throughout the body that relaxes and energizes.

Massage therapy is not just a luxury for the wealthy. Simple and convenient home massage products can bring the power of therapeutic touch into your life without straining your budget.

When you are going to be giving your partner a sensual massage it is important that you create the right sort of atmosphere to begin with. By doing this you will be able to create a place where they are able to relax and so ensure that they really benefit from the effects of the massage you are carrying out on them.

In this article we offer some tips to ensure that you create the right sort of atmosphere to carry out the massage on your partner.

Tip 1 - It is important that you make the room as warm as possible, remember your partner will be naked. By ensuring that they are warm you are going to be able to take much longer over the massage and which means they will benefit more from what you are doing.

Tip 2 - You need to make sure that you have the lighting right. Again you want to create an atmosphere in the room that they find relaxing. So turn off all main lights and instead use table lamps draped with some soft material or candles (scented ones preferably).

Tip 3 - Another thing that can help to create the right sort of atmosphere when giving your partner a sensual massage is to put on some music. Either something that they like or something that is romantic. It is important that you play it at a level that isn't too loud but which can easily be heard by you both. Again the right sort of music played in the background will help not only them to relax but you will find it helps you to relax as well.

Many people are interested in the massage therapy job outlook for the future. Most of these individuals are interested in this field because they want the opportunity to help other people. Statistics indicate that continued growth can be expected in this field. People are very interested in feeling as good as they possibly can. Usually when people feel good they have a better quality of life. Individuals involved in the profession will be able to contribute to the wellness of their clients.

Service providers will have opportunities to work in hospitals. Individuals will also be given opportunities to work in private practices. Private and public employment options are available to individuals that have skills within this medical profession. People have the option of working in a health spa. Sometimes working in a health spa can be very exciting for individuals that have the correct skills.

There is also a growing trend within society to open businesses specifically for the purpose of massage. Some people find that a targeted business is more profitable because they are not sharing their profits with an organization. People can make private appointments in the home of their clients if they choose to do so. Private appointments are usually reserved for individuals that do not have access to regular transportation.

The possibility exists of offering services to elderly individuals. These services might include the quality of life that a patient is experiencing. People involved in the profession must be willing to look into becoming properly licensed if their state requires them to do so. Having the proper license is important so that the service provider is taken seriously by prospective clients.

The movement towards holistic wellness is advantageous for people involved with the industry. The holistic wellness movement has caused people to become very interested in managing their pain in every possible way. Pain management is a reason that people may choose to have services that involve massage therapy. People that make the choice to have these sessions usually are more limber.

Most people do not have any trouble understanding why the massage therapy job outlook for the future is very positive. Most people can clearly understand the reasons that someone may desire to get a job in this profession. People require extensive training in order to be successful in the field. People with these skills usually can find work very quickly once they have established themselves.

You should wait until you have graduated from massage school, passed the National Massage Exam (NCBTMB), and have your state license before applying for a massage job, right? WRONG! During these tough economic times it is important that you get an early jump on your massage therapy career. Waiting and waiting until everything is lined up just so may leave you with months of "free" time on you hands. The massage therapy education that you invested in will pay off if you take the proper steps. Use your time as a student wisely. Use the collective efforts of your school community to prepare yourself and to land a massage job while still a student.

First begin by deciding what type of job you want. The field of massage therapy offers so many opportunities. You can pursue employment on a cruise ship, in a day spa, salon, doctor's office, physical therapist, or for a professional or amateur sports team. What interests you most? Speak with your instructors and career counselors to get a better understanding of which job opportunities would best match your interests, goals, and skillset.

Next, begin working on your resume. Maintain a professional image by submitting an appropriate cover letter and resume to all jobs you seek to be considered for. On your resume highlight any previous relevant experience. (i.e. receptionist work done at a spa, medical knowledge, or hospitality experience) If you lack professional experience, focus more on your knowledge of the modalities taught in your program. Employers want to know what type of bodywork you can perform. Make it clear to them. Don't forget to include the experience you gained in participating in student clinic. Detail the number of hours and amount of clients you worked on.

Search the web for job opportunities in your area. Most schools have a Career Services Department that will have a list of available jobs. Once you have finalized your resume start submitting it to your jobs of interests even if you do not meet all of their desired qualifications of the job. You never know how flexible an employer is willing to be until you ask. Plus, you will want to practice interviewing for massage therapy positions.

Stop by local spas and salons simply to meet and greet. Introduce yourself and leave a resume behind. Employers are looking for polished go-getters. Be proactive and let potential employers know when you'll be ready for hire. Network with other professionals. The best jobs I've ever landed where those that I already had before stepping foot in the interview. The referral from a colleague made all the difference. Join professional organizations, such as AMTA and ABMP. These organizations will provide you with the liability coverage that most employers require but most importantly will establish you as a serious candidate. So start early. Decide what type of work you want. Solicit the help of instructors and other professionals. Submit as many resumes as possible and interview. interview, interview. Practice makes perfect. With a little determination you should have no problem landing a massage job while still in school.

Nowadays, we enjoy many different types of therapeutic massages that it sometimes becomes a hassle to pick out which one will suit our needs. There are massage therapies designed to treat a variety of conditions and there are also those that are created for a specific disorder. The best thing to do when choosing the right one for you is to know your medical needs and compare all the massage therapies that fit into that category of medical attention you are after. Afterwards, you can narrow down to your top pick of massage therapy.

Among the many therapies using massage is the integrative manual therapy or IMT. This form of bodywork is included in the many types of somatic therapies. When we say somatic therapy, it means that the focus of healing is not only in the physical condition of the client but also on the spiritual and mental state. This type of therapy includes a variety of combined techniques from different massage therapies. Due to its gentle massage style and techniques, it is allowed to fill in the needs for a therapeutic massage in infants and seniors.

The benefits of integrative manual therapy to the client when taken seriously and in regular sessions are:

• Correction of imbalances in the body - the overall massage technique is capable of correcting any imbalances in the client's body. Due to the constant battering of stress and fatigue in our daily lives, our body succumbs to these conditions which will eventually result to body imbalances that causes various ailments and disorders.

• Triggers the body's self healing abilities - any massage when done correctly can trigger the body's healing and regenerative ability. IMT is designed for this purpose to aid the therapist in his or her goal of improving the recovery of the human body.

• Relieves back pain and neck pain - the combined massage techniques are effective in relieving these types of body pain including chronic body pain.

• Relieves headaches - the gentle massage technique is perfect in treating headaches with every stroke of the hands of the therapist.

• Treats menstrual cramps - IMT is good in relieving pain during menstrual periods due to its effectiveness as a therapy.

• Relieves stiffness in joints - the massage strokes and techniques are ideal for the purpose of releasing tension in the joints of the body.

If you are after these great results, it would be wise to choose a therapist who is certified and skilled in performing an integrative manual therapy. This would heighten the chance of a successful and effective massage therapy session. Although the therapy is known as a safe therapy considering the fact that it can be used for infants and seniors, getting a professional therapist is always the best thing to do to avoid problems.

If you want to try this relaxing therapy, you can start by looking for good massage centers in your local area or through the internet. Always make sure that the therapist is certified and knowledgeable in what he or she is doing.

If you are the type of person that can find self-satisfaction for helping people than becoming a physical therapist just might be the job for you, not to mention that you can earn handsomely for it too. Obviously before you can do so you will need to get a job and for you to land one you will need a resume that is not only appealing but can portray you as the person that you say you are. So besides listing down all your educational background your resume should also be able to list your characteristics as well.

As such you have to be very careful when you write your resume, the reason for this is because this is the first ever interaction you will have between your future employer. So the resume must be able to stand out from the crowd and one that the employer will be able to remember from the stack of applications that they receive. This is of course not the only step as you will need to go for interviews and so on but nonetheless this is the most important step of all.

When writing your resume you should not just list down all your past achievements and educational background and be done with it. Today the problem is that anyone can get a degree but whether or not they have the necessary skills to back up the certificate is an entirely separate question. So make sure that you include other important information about yourself that will attract the employers.

Don't write a sloppy bio data about yourself, instead take the time and effort to compile all the necessary information and write a proper resume. Even through the simple task as that, your potential employers will have a glimpse of your passion about the job. Having said that you are not writing a biography so make it concise where they employers can get a sense of who you are.

Employers don't want a robot that can only heal patients they want people that can help other people too. This means that your soft skills should be as good as your medical knowledge, so make sure that you not only graduate at the top of your class but when it comes to dealing with people you have the patience for it even though there is no certificate for that.

Working in such as high risk environment the extra knowledge of CPR or first aid would certainly be an added advantage on your part. Include such information on your resume so you can land that dream job.

So what exactly is massage education? I began teaching in the industry in 1993 at the Utah College of Massage Therapy. The classroom size was anywhere from 24 to 48 people, and the instructors were highly qualified. The students got a great basic education and if they decided to stick around for an additional 300 hours or 400 hours, they left with a pretty darn good massage education. I was the deep tissue instructor there for three years, I passed on the savvy of Dr. Ida Rolf. In 10 sessions I taught them as much as I possibly could in that brief period of time and gave them a basic understanding of the work. As the deep tissue instructor, I realized that there was a huge misnomer about the work. For some unknown reason, people that come for massage education or continuing education think that deep tissue means continual deep pressure. Unfortunately, this is not true. Deep tissue work should access deep layers, but their tools should not always be angled steeply. Accessing the deep tissue first requires that the student use superficial angles to free fascia that is above the deeper layers. Yes, we work the origins and insertions and ischemic tissue. Oftentimes this creates a brief painful response in the patient. But, can this also be called energy healing? Of course, any time two biodynamic systems dance, there is an exchange of energy. Energy healing is nothing more than the transference of energy from one to another.

Massage continuing education begins after the student's foundation has been built. Continuing education in the massage field leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. A massage education should give a student a wonderful set of tools to begin their journey as apprentices, so to speak. I know that this may feel a little bit callous, but in over two decades of work, having taught in three massage schools and having taught privately for 15 years, I do believe that there is room for improvement in the massage education field. A massage continuing education should give a student definitive tools in which to be successful in their chosen field, not just to satisfy some inane state requirements. Unfortunately, the majority of the massage therapist that I know, take continuing education only because they have to fulfill State requirements for licensure. If the student focused on a deep tissue therapy such as Rolfing or neuromuscular therapy, and they took the time that was necessary to master these deep tissue approaches to healing, they would more than likely be successful as massage therapists.

One of the most powerful disciplines in massage education that a student can learn is cranial sacral therapy. Sometimes this is also spelled craniosacral therapy. Please don't be confused by the spelling. Its the same brilliant work. Massage education should fulfill the needs of the students desire to be successful in their chosen field. It's important when considering massage therapy education that the student understand that the more information, (which is time at their massage tables) that a student puts into their study, the deeper they will understand their discipline and its applications. So the focus of continuing education should be a deepening focus from the many disciplines that are available in our field. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that your primary education at the first massage school that you attended would be enough for you to be successful as a massage therapist. A massage education doesn't stop at your primary school, it continues throughout your career with the tools and insights that are gained through continuing education.