Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

Virtual schooling has emerged as a viable educational option for K-12 students. Those who are new to the concept, however, might wonder why a family would choose it over other options. The reasons for choosing cyber schooling can be as varied as the families who make this choice. However, there are some common reasons for choosing an online school:

The primary reason families choose virtual schooling is to obtain quality education for their children. Like other educational options, cyber schooling affords students the opportunity to learn from kindergarten through grade 12. Students can earn high school diplomas, prepare for college and prepare for life after secondary education. When families explore the options for educating their children, they often consider traditional public and private education as well as homeschooling. Cyber schooling is yet another option families have for educating their children.

Many families choose online schooling because it allows their children to learn from home. Often, families appreciate the unique opportunities and scheduling flexibility learning from home provides. However, many parents do not want to homeschool their children. Virtual schooling, in such cases, provides a happy medium. It allows families to educate their children at home but takes care of the instruction and organization for the parent. Many cyber schools also provide a range of support options that prove very attractive for families considering home education.

Parents might also consider cyber schooling for financial reasons. The costs of homeschooling can vary widely, depending on how a family approaches it and the materials they choose. In many cases, however, homeschool parents spend hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars each year on the books and materials they deem necessary for educating their children. If families also pay for extracurricular activities, tutors, computers and software, these costs can be even higher. Cyber school costs depend on the option parents choose, but in many cases, a student can attend for free. This means the student gets not only the instruction he or she needs free of charge but also all of the books and materials. Many virtual school programs also provide a computer and software for the student to use as well.

Some families might also choose virtual schooling because of the support it includes. With homeschooling, most parents find themselves in a sink-or-swim situation in which they must handle all the paperwork, keep proper records and ensure that their children receive a quality education. If a problem arises or they hit a stumbling block, they often have nowhere to turn. Virtual schools, however, typically handle the attendance and recordkeeping, ensure that the curriculum meets applicable standards and provide a range of support options. For example, many virtual schools provide technical support, counselors to help families through the educational process and tutoring as needed.

While there are many overlapping areas of expertise between chiropractors and physical therapists, there are essential differences. The chiropractor is the expert in spinal manipulation and the correction of spinal subluxations.

Chiropractors practice the art of manipulation daily and are often trained in numerous methods of adjusting the spine. The very fact that physical therapists embrace spinal manipulation and want to be able to provide this service as well demonstrates how effective spinal manipulation is for relieving various musculo-skeletal conditions.

The problem is that physical therapists often do not achieve the mastery of correcting spinal alignment in a week-end course. Physical therapists do not provide manipulative therapy with the frequency that chiropractors do nor have they had the same number of hours or years of training in adjusting techniques. Would you rather see a generalist or a specialist when it comes to adjusting your spine?

Chiropractors are also trained to diagnose your problem through physical examination and radiology. Chiropractic care focuses on the whole being not just an injured part. Chiropractors are trained in anatomy, physiology, pathology, public health, nutrition, physiotherapy and rehabilitation. An average of 4,820 hours of combined classroom, laboratory and clinical experience is completed prior to graduation.

Physical therapists complete an average of 3,398 hours of classroom and clinical study prior to graduation. They are trained in stroke rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory and post-operative orthopedic rehabilitation. They work with patients suffering from brain damage and other disabling conditions.

Both chiropractors and physical therapists have national licensing examinations. Both professions have residency and internships. Board certification is also required in both fields. Doctors of chiropractic must complete a four year undergraduate degree before completing the four year full-time doctorate of chiropractic program. Three academic years are required for a doctorate in physical therapy and two years for a master's degree. In other words both professions are well trained in what they do. Both professions can also specialize in areas of orthopedics, spinal cord injuries, pediatrics, geriatrics and other specialties.

Some treatment techniques which overlap include manual therapy techniques ranging from soft tissue mobilization to therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education and gait training.

While there are many similarities chiropractors stand apart from physical therapists with their training in diagnosis and their expertise in spinal manipulation. Chiropractic patients were found to be more satisfied with their back care after four weeks of treatment than were medical patients. Results from observational studies suggested that back pain patients are more satisfied with chiropractic care than medical care. Additionally, studies conclude that patients are more satisfied with chiropractic care than they were with physical therapy after 6 weeks.

What can you expect in most cases during a massage session? For daily stress, discomfort and maintenance, massage is highly recommended in all forms. The following will help you know what to look for and what to ask in advance so that you will be able to relax and enjoy your treatment to its fullest.

A well-trained massage therapist will take notes prior to each session to document where you have discomfort and pain, what medications you may be taking and anything else that is necessary for your therapist to know before proceeding. This will help you to know that she/he is listening to you, that your needs can be addressed correctly and so that you can both keep track of your progress. If you have any aversions or allergies to fragrances, please inform your therapist before your session.

After information is shared in the beginning of the session, the rest of the appointment should be quiet if you are receiving a relaxing massage. Most likely you will enter into a therapy room that has soft lighting and relaxing music playing in the background. The room should be pleasing to the eye, but at times may have a more sterile appearance depending on the type of therapist you are visiting. You will disrobe in private, and then lay on the massage table under a 'drape.'

Draping is a very important part of the massage. It is important for your sense of privacy and comfort. In most cases, you will not be wearing any clothing so you need to be covered well. This is typical and better for you and the therapist to address the whole back. You can keep your underwear on if you feel more comfortable.

The massage room may tend to be a bit cool since the therapist working with you will get warm fast; your body temperature will naturally decrease with relaxation and the therapist's will go up as they work. It is important for you to question about proper draping before your session to make sure that it is a priority so that you can relax fully and enjoy your session.

If you are naturally warm and prefer less draping, that can accomplished with less material and the therapist can still achieve complete privacy for you. As a teacher of massage therapy, I feel proper draping is a priority to the ethics of massage in an office or salon. The therapist should tell you exactly how to prepare for your massage and then should leave the room to give you privacy when undressing and getting onto the table. There is no reason for the therapist to be in the room at this time unless you need assistance. In that case, it would be best to bring someone with you that you are comfortable with to help you on and off the table.

Your therapist will use oil or cream to help with the flowing strokes that promote good circulation and help to relax the body. If you go to a neuromuscular therapist or other specialist for chronic pain and muscular imbalances, they may use little or no oil and you may not even be able to relax too easily during the session, but the results will be long lasting in the right hands and worth the therapy. They will most likely warn you of this fact in advance.

Another large part of your massage session is the amount of pressure that will be used. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being extreme pressure that would be intolerable), the pressure should range from between 5 to 7 unless you are receiving more focused work and then you will need to understand how the scale works for that particular therapy. The therapist will help you with that. Even with deeper therapies, it shouldn't go above an 8 or 9 or last too long in one area. Keep in mind that the scale is measured by your tolerance only and not by the therapist's suggestions.

There may be times that the therapist may need some feedback during the session, but otherwise a session should remain quiet for optimum results. If you feel the need to talk, that is o.k. as long as the conversation remains focused on you and not the therapist's personal opinions or needs. A good therapist can listen to you and perform their work at the same time. We're used to it. During certain more specific therapies, you may need to give feedback throughout your session.

With any massage therapist, you should never feel exposed or uncomfortable in any way. This is your time for yourself and it should be a good experience. The more massages you get, the more in touch with your body you will become and the more easily you can relax between treatments. Remembering back to your massage experience can help you to relax just about anywhere.

If you are planning on pursuing a degree in massage therapy, there are many different scholarships and grants available to help you pay for your schooling. Some of these awards are available from the school itself, and some are national awards for future massage therapists. The following are thought to be the top 10 scholarships and grants for this:

• 
  American Specialty Health (ASH): ASH provides scholarships usually valued at around $500 for alternative therapy students, including those at therapy schools.



• 
  Austin Schools of Massage: This school offers $1,000 scholarships for students in the Clark Foundations Program and the Clark Advanced Clinical Program class, as well as the Dottie Scholarship Fund to help with tuition for students who qualify.



• 
  The Costa Rica School of Massage Scholarship Program: There are four $1,000 scholarships and grants for therapy students at this school each year.



• 
  Great Lakes Institute of Technology Medical Careers Scholarship: This school in Erie, Pennsylvania offers scholarships to qualifying students that equal 25 percent of their tuition cost.



• 
  MASSAGE Magazine: Five $1000 scholarships are given each year to students pursuing a degree in massage or touch therapy at a school participating in the Massage Magazine Schools Program.



• 
  Massage Therapy Foundation: This foundation awards several research grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 each year to students and professionals pursuing this therapy research.



• 
  Massage Therapy Training Institute Scholarship: This institution offers scholarships and grants three times each year to full-time therapy students who meet GPA requirements at its Missouri and Kansas campuses.



• 
  The Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarship: There are more than 200 scholarships that range all the way up to $5,000 for minority and disadvantaged students studying for licensed professions such as massage therapy in the state of New York.



• 
  The Spa Foundation: Students pursuing a degree in therapy self-help and financial management resources may qualify for awards from this foundation.



• 
  Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences Massage Therapy Program: This New York City school offers three different scholarships in honor of alumni who have contributed to the field of therapy.

A physiotherapy assistant, sometimes called a physiotherapy associate, helps physical therapist in their daily activities. Physical therapy assistants help people recover from illness, injury and physical disabilities. The job of a physiotherapy assistant can be very rewarding, and the profession commands a very good salary.

So what does a physiotherapy assistant do? Well the following list is just a sample, but will give you an idea of the daily activities of the job.

• You will teach people how to use the various equipment they may need to get around


• You will teach people how to do the various exercises the physiotherapist prescribed


• You will help the patient understand what the therapy entails and what they can expect


• You will help with setting up the equipment and preparing for the next patient


• You will keep records of the patients training, questions, and progress


• You will report to the physiotherapist as to the progress, and concerns of the patient

Who will you be taking care of? Well the ages may differ according to the facility you work at, but a physiotherapy assistant can work with children, adults and senior citizens. You will have a wide variety of patients. Taking care of the patient physically is just one aspect of the job. Many of the problems a patient is suffering stem from the emotional pains of the injury or trauma. Being able to help people emotionally is also a big part of the job description.

What type of training will you need? Physiotherapy assistant course work varies depending on what level of responsibility you desire. Most countries and US states provide coursework needed to become an assistant. You can usually start training with a high school diploma in a local community college.

Where will you work? Many physiotherapy associates work in doctor's offices, hospitals, physiotherapy offices and also visit people in their home. In recent years the need for associates to visit in the home has increased. As the aging population grows, and the costs of healthcare increase, one of the ways to service the elderly and others is by taking the service to their home.

Physiotherapy can be very rewarding and is an excellent career choice if you enjoy working in the health field, working with those that are injured, and like a variety of work. You need people skills and be able to work a physical job, but the benefits and rewards are tremendous.

Doesn't water suggest life? Since the dawn of time, water has possessed an overflow of revitalizing healing properties. Water cleanses, purifies, soothes. In more medical terms it eliminates inflammation and infection. Helping healing better, and more cheaply, than many of our chemically advanced concoctions, the simple molecule does so much more it may be futile to ask why - just how.

In hydrotherapy or aquatic physical therapy, patients are gently immersed in warm water. This form of underwater therapy aims to assist patients to overcome conditions where movement is limited because of paralysis or pain, or where the patient's muscles have been weakened due to injury or illness. Water immersion allows patients to exercise painlessly, even pleasurably, aiding a hasty recovery from a wide variety of conditions.

Aquatic physical therapy has been used for decades as an integral part of treatment for severe arthritis or post knee or hip surgery. Fibromyalgia or rheumatic syndrome, a condition characterized by body aches, pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and anxiety, combined with tenderness and whose cause is unknown, is also healed by aquatic physical therapy. Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of arthritis where the spinal vertebrae become progressively inflamed and the spine eventually becomes fused, making movement very limited, also benefits from the hydro treatment. Even in some serious neurological conditions, the aquatic physical therapy can increase mobility as well as the power in the muscles by allowing movement in muscles normally unable to move. Though it cannot help the illness, aquatic physical therapy can also help to re-instruct muscles to get over damage from stroke or accidents.

Regrettably, aquatic therapy still has its share of limitations. Pure water therapy cannot help patients who are incontinent for hygiene reasons, as well as those with skin conditions or allergies to chlorine. And it is unsuitable for people who have high blood pressure as hydrotherapy raises the blood pressure.

Nonetheless, hydro/aquatic physical therapy especially helps therapists help their patients because being immersed in warm water makes the buoyant movement much easier as the water lifts the limbs, improving joint movement and getting the joints working effectively again, in contrast to painful movement against gravity.

The qualified aqua therapist has three primary objectives in performing therapy in warm water for his patients: to abolish gravity, allowing the body to float and amplifying the power in the muscles, and providing greater movement of a specific limb or joint; to conduct gentle exercises because of its effective resistance to movement; and to relax the muscles and ease the pain with the water's warmth and healing powers. And to look at it simply, hydrotherapy is just an underwater exercise...

Before starting your own massage business, you already need to have massage therapy experience, so I will not be covering that aspect. After all, you know you are ready to start your massage therapy business when your customers are coming back for more, and when the money you earned from your side-gig as a masseur is no longer considered 'pocket money'. Or maybe you have worked at a spa or for somebody else and now you are ready to take the plunge and go on your own. You can do this, and here are some tips to get you started.

When you start a new business, any kind of business, the first step is making a business plan. What type of massage will you be offering to your clients? Most therapists learn 2-3 different styles and specialize in them, with focus on one particular style. It is good to either have a certification from a massage school, not only to hang if from your wall, but to increase your credibility with your clients and really know that you can do it.

The next step is actually becoming a business. You need to register a company name and the business type. Usually your local Chamber of Commerce will be able to help you with this step. You also need to have a location for your business. Will it be a home based business, in one of your rooms dedicated to massage therapy, or rented space somewhere else?

Once you have gotten over the first steps of planning everything out and getting yourself a business space, now it's the time to set it up properly. First, you need a good massage table. Do not rush this decision as it is important and a very good investment in the long run. Will you be traveling to your customers to give them massage (which means you will need a good portable massage table) or will you base your therapy business solely in your own practice? Massage tables are by no means cheap, but they last for many years to come, and giving your clients the most comfort they can get is crucial in making them return customers.

Next step is advertising your business. This is a step not to be overlooked, because while word of mouth goes a long way, it is not enough to make it a sustainable business. A business needs many returning customers and advertising locally is a must. Here are a couple of things you need to do:

1. Your business needs to have a website properly optimized for the keywords your customers will search online for. 'Massage therapy in Houston' would be a good keyword to rank high for if you are in Houston.

2. Your website needs advertising and proper SEO. Depending on your marketing knowledge, you can either do it all by yourself, or hire a good marketing advisor or expert who will do all this for you.

3. This will free your time on doing other important things like getting a good set of business cards. Having business cards that you can hand out to friends and people you meet in various places, is a must. For example earlier on, when I was learning reiki therapy and getting myself attuned to it, I met a girl who was a craniosacral therapy practitioner. We started talking, she gave me her card, and I have been one of her customers ever since.

4. Furnish your business. A massage therapy is a must, but you also need to take into account other features your massage space needs to have: proper lighting, a reception area, a small office to take care of the logistics, etc.

5. When you have all these done, it is time to open your business. Business cards and advertisements in the local newspapers, magazines and even radio will help greatly with this step. Also offer a free massage to the first x people coming to you, or give them a discount voucher for their next massage. The possibilities here are endless as long as you attract customers and make them return.

Having a massage therapy business is more than just having massage skills. If you want to start a business, you need to treat it as such. You have to be aware that there is lots of competition out there and you need to do everything you can to get your customers and make them come back to you over and over again. So it is important to have the proper equipment in place, such as a very good and reliable massage table, have your massage space, have a website and have the marketing advertising in place. It is tough but it can be done. All you need is have a proper plan that you will follow to the letter, step by step.

It is amazing that there is still a vast amount of people who have never been introduced to the physical benefits that massage therapy can offer them. Whether seeking a relief from pain and discomfort as a result of everyday living or recovery from an injury, the use of massage therapy and a natural remedy is recognised more today than ever before. Yet many people have still not embraced the benefits that await them.

Most people will be aware that the most obvious and accepted physical benefit of massage is the attraction of gaining relief from muscle tension and stiffness. How many people complain of these ailments and think that a massage would help yet do nothing about it? Undergoing massage therapy will enable the speedier healing of muscles that have been strained plus sprained ligaments where the immediate beneficial effects are a reduction in pain felt and swelling. Where injuries have been caused by active participation in sport, massage can be utilised as part of the programme of rehabilitation from injury. On the subject of rehabilitation, massage can be undertaken as part of post operative therapy for the process of muscle conditioning and repair and it can counter the excessive formation of scar tissue in the post operative time period.

By utilising massage as part of a body conditioning plan, athletes and sportsmen are now recognising the benefits it creates in greater joint flexibility and range of available motion as a means to enhance their performance. Using pro active management for the condition of the body's muscles when in periods of fitness or injury, performance can be improved by wholly natural means.

It is not just in identifiable fitness that the various types of massage can offer benefits. It is accepted that the problem of high blood pressure can be reduced and in addition the circulation of blood increases with the manipulation of the muscles. This induced state of relaxation and inner calmness will undoubtedly create the effect of both deeper and easier breathing, something that most do not derive the benefits from. And don't forget that a relaxed and supple body frame will have the benefit of improved posture, which in turn will significantly reduce possible ailments such as back pain. Other physical benefits include the reduction in tension related headaches plus the improvement in the health and nourishment of the skin when specific massage techniques are used particularly in relation to the facial and head area.

There are many different types of massage including full body, back and neck, facial and head and you should identify the specific type that will derive the most benefit. It is easy to discover simple massage techniques that can be used not just on yourself but others that are in need of receiving the benefits that this natural form of therapy offers.

Some people are just naturally injury prone and always seem to be injured. They have aches and soreness and pain that is recurrent, coming and going, and always coming back again. Stopping this vicious cycle can be very difficult, especially without a strategy and and an effective technique for healing the body. One such healing technique is called massage therapy. Massage therapy actually describes a whole assortment of techniques and practices involving the varied and specialized rubbing, pressing, and manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body utilizing the hands, elbows, arms, and feet even. Anybody serious about injury prevention should self-educate themselves about massage therapy as to either treat themselves or seek professional help. Here are some important things to know about massage therapy for injury prevention that should help you to get the best results in your quest to stay healthy and out doing whatever it is you love to do.

There are so many types of massage therapy out there that it can be hard to figure out exactly which techniques can best help you. There are four main, or, at least most popular, types of massage: shiatsu, deep-tissue, Swedish, and trigger-point. Figuring out which technique is best for your body can be a bit of a trial and error exercise. Generally, Swedish and shiatsu both work to improve the body's capacity to move freely and well. Deep tissue and trigger-point both address more specific trouble areas, knots and such, hidden sometimes deep beneath layers of muscle.

The benefits of all these different massage techniques and strategies include relaxation, stress reduction, pain reduction, and most importantly for those trying to avoid a soft tissue injury, increased blood-circulation which also means increased oxygen-circulation, an important ingredient in the healing process. It may help you to sleep better, which helps with healing and prevention of injuries. Some people think massage triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin into the blood stream which make you feel good, reduce stress, and otherwise enable a healthy body.

And while massage can be very helpful, it should not completely replace conventional medicine as your only source of health care. If you have a serious medical problem, you should be seeking medical attention first and foremost. Save the massage for the recovery process after you have your condition properly assessed and treated.

If you decide to seek help from a professional massage therapist shop around a little bit for price, professionalism, and experience. To an extent, you're going to put your body in this person's hands, so make sure you trust them.

Self-massage can also be a handy thing to know how to do, and, in fact, most massage therapists will show you specific self-massage techniques that will help you work on trouble spots on your own. You can also do some research on the internet and find some pretty good tips and tutorials about self-massage.

The most important thing about injury prevention via massage therapy is to be proactive and consistent in your efforts to stay healthy. If you find something that works, don't stop when you start feeling better, but keep on going as to prevent a recurrence and another stretch of rehabilitation

Massage therapy can be a very helpful tool in your fight to prevent injuries and stay healthy. Keep these things in mind when preparing to use massage therapy for injury prevention and you'll have better results in your quest to stay healthy and continue doing whatever it is you love to do.

Traditional Lomi Lomi massage is widely known for its relaxing benefits. And what is it all about? It's a massage technique that has a very deep style that has its emphasis on soothing rather than more pointed techniques like acupressure. This type of massage is like a rhythmical dance that that gently rocks one into a blissful release of tension. Lomi Lomi massage originated in Hawaii. It follows the idea that a belief can block energy flow as much as muscle tension can. It helps release blockages and simultaneously gives the energy a new direction.

Thus making it not just a physical experience, it also facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels. And if you are more interested why not take a Lomi Lomi massage training in Hawaii. And how would you find the best Lomi Lomi massage training in Hawaii? I'll tell you how. There are a lot of schools that offer training and most of these schools are the cream of the crop.

But of course there are always schools that stand out above the rest. One of the things to find out if the school is a top of its game is by looking at its faculty. In any school the faculty is always important. A great school should offer a faculty that creates a dynamic learning environment to bring out the best in their students. Each faculty member should exemplify excellence in their teaching and clinical practice and all must be skilled professionals.

With this characteristics, together a faculty can inspire and challenge students to discover their own unique gifts and relationships to the healing arts. Another sign of a top school would be its curriculum. In a curriculum you can see what the school teaches and how it teaches it. In a curriculum the interested student should also know the span of time of each class. Class schedule also matter, especially today that there are a lot of young professional who want to develop their careers and learn more. A schedule that would accommodate their time would be okay. A schools location would also be another characteristic to make it a great school. Then schools offering massage training in Hawaii would make things great if they also had tuition options.

Tuition options that offer student loans,scholarship grants and payment options. By offering these financial aids, you can see also that the school is not just about profit but also help those low income students. So with that, we have laid out the characteristics of a great school offering the best Lomi Lomi massage training in Hawaii. We know what we look for, now we must start looking for it. Good luck.

Here are some basics about physical therapy patient referrals that you should familiarize yourself with. A client who comes in through a referral, usually spends more money, buys more often, and is more loyal than other categories of patients. Referrals lead to referrals, which means that patients who have been referred are more likely to refer their own family or friends.

You may have heard of a common myth that physical therapy patient referrals only come from satisfied clients. Clients who are happy with your services, form one of the categories of patients. You can actually categorize the sources for referrals into varied categories. To begin with, anyone who knows you or knows of you has the potential to refer you. All you need to do is to leverage your list of clients, friends and associates and show them how to refer you.

So the first tip to getting more physical therapy patient referrals is to educate the people on your contacts list on how to actually refer you. The second tip is automating the process of getting referrals so that you don't go through periods when you are up till your knees in referrals and then go through 'dry' spells. Your referrals should ideally flow to you on a regular basis.

Your physical therapy business should be constituted of 70-80% referrals. If you haven't reached that goal, just follow the tips here to show you way.

With your existing clients, deliver results and go the extra mile to get them to refer you. Show your patients that you care and that you make a difference in their lives. Remind them of how your services and products form such an integral part of their routine. Automatically, your patients will feel obliged to do something in return by referring you to their network of associates. As I have already said, do not ignore the fact that prospective referrers may not know much about referrals so you may need to make them aware of how they can refer you to others.

You need to create a system for rewarding referrers as soon as you get a patient whom they have referred. You could send them a thank you note or make a phone call to show your gratitude for the referral. Alternately, you could offer monetary rewards, small gifts or add-on services for existing clients who have referred you.

Using these tips and putting them into a structure will help you start off on your goals for increasing the number of physical therapy patient referrals.

Massage therapy is a treatment option which can reduce pain and discomfort in the soft tissue surrounding a fracture injury, and it can also assist in reducing edema and muscle tension of both the affected and compensating structures. When a massage therapy treatment plan is carried out correctly, once the cast is removed, a client can regain full function sooner as the health and mobility of compensating muscles has been addressed.

Initially, your massage therapist will only work above the cast, and will take care to not disturb the healing bone. Eventually, when the cast is removed, massage therapy will continue to restore the health of the tissue by increasing circulation, restoring function and strength, and reducing any scar tissue.

Considerations for treatment

It is highly recommended that your physician provide a written recommendation for massage, and your therapist probably won't agree to treat you until your doctor has given the green light.

In all likelihood, you will also be seeing a physical (physio) therapist. It's a good idea to provide written permission for your massage therapist to collaborate with your other health care professionals to ensure the best possible care and treatment outcome.

Before your massage therapist begins to treat you, he or she will want to verify the following information:

• your physician has approved massage therapy


• are you on any type of medication? (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-coagulant, antibiotics).


• what is your general health - for example, consider age, fitness prior to injury, nutrition (your MT may refer you to a nutritionist, as proper nutrition impacts the healing process), lifestyle (i.e. do you smoke?)


• are there any open wounds which must be addressed? (i.e. with a compound fracture)


• Will treating the affected limb with massage therapy stress and disrupt the healing of bone, muscle, skin or nerve tissue?


• is there any neurological or vascular impairment in the area which prevents the use of certain massage techniques or modalities?


• do you have any plates, wires or pins? If so, hydrotherapy over the site will be contraindicated.


• the most important consideration is to avoid stressing and interfering with healing tissue. Any pressure or traction applied to the affected bone is contraindicated.


• have other types of injuries been sustained, such as sprains or contusions? (in all likelihood, there will be other injuries)


• muscle atrophy from disuse will be present when the cast is removed. Provided that the injury is not an avulsion fracture, the development of atrophy can be reduced by the use of isometric contractions at the appropriate time with cast on. If an avulsion fracture is present, avoid isometric contractions, as this may disrupt the healing bone.


• tissue under the cast will be fragile when the cast is removed, so extra care must be taken when massaging this tissue

As treatment progresses and the injury heals, issues such as tissue atrophy, altered biomechanics and altered proprioception must be taken into account. For this reason, there are different considerations for treatment with cast on and cast off.

Types of fractures

There are several basic types of fractures:

1. Simple - there is no broken skin, and the break is clean. Also known as a "closed" fracture.

2. Compound - the broken bone damages surrounding tissue and skin by piercing it. There is a greater risk of infection in this type of break due to breaking of the skin and protrusion of the injured bone.

3. Comminuted - a fracture that is in several pieces - common among a population with more brittle bones (i.e. elderly)

4. Compression - a fracture where the bone is crushed

5. Depression - a fracture where the bone is crushed and pressed inward

6. Impacted - bony surfaces are forced into each other (impacted)

7. Spiral - an break with ragged edges that result from twisting

8. Greenstick - an incomplete break that is common in children, as bones are more flexible

9. Stress fracture - a.k.a. hairline fracture, is a tiny crack in the bone and may not be visible with an x-ray

10. Avulsion - this occurs when a ligament or tendon pulls away a chunk of bone to which it is attached.

Fractures and breaks are repaired by "reduction" - when the bony ends are placed back together. A closed reduction is done manually by a physician, whereas an open reduction involves surgery, and possibly the placement of pins or wires to hold the bony surfaces together.

Finding the best massage therapist for you

It goes without saying that an injury as serious as a fracture or break will require treatment from a therapist who really knows his or her stuff and understands the healing process. Personally, I would ask my physical therapist if he or she could refer me to a qualified and experienced massage therapist, and then ensure that I give them both permission to communicate with each other so that my treatment plan would address all of my needs and concerns.

Late in the 1980's geriatric physical therapy was recognized in the medical field as a specialty and since the introduction of this specific medical specialty many people have benefited from this. This kind of study deals with helping older people or the adults who have experienced or are experiencing different physical ailments such as, but not limited to, cancer and osteoporosis.

Through geriatric physical therapy anyone has the chance to live a more comfortable and a healthier life. We all know that balance and strength are very important for adults especially those individuals who are in their 60s and older. Majority of the aging population have problems with balance, strength and this makes moving around difficult for them. But with care, support from their family and regular physical treatment it is possible for them to move around, do simple tasks and be able to live a normal life. That is why geriatric physical therapy is really important.

It is not only helping individuals do their everyday physical activity that is being addressed by geriatric therapy but it also helps raise the self-worth and confidence of the adult when they are able to perform simple tasks. One of the very reason why many old people have back sore is the inability to move around. This will happen if the person has experienced stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis or any physical ailments that disables the person to move around. With the aid of a geriatric physical therapist, a person can have the hope of being able to move around and do simple things like taking a walk on the park, picking fresh flowers from the garden or perhaps feeding a bird pet or patting a pet dog.

Physical therapy is usually only utilized by people who have met an accident thus disabling them to perform their day to day activities. But, lately, even the healthy old-aged people have recognized the importance and benefits of undergoing regular therapy. Yes, it is beneficial for people who are in their advanced age to undergo regular physical therapy to prevent serious physical ailments.

Perhaps you are wondering what geriatric physical therapy encompasses. There are many forms of geriatric physical therapy but the most common and popular form of therapy is exercise. Once the therapist had conducted a series of test to its patient, he will then assign corresponding physical activities to address the patient's ailments. The set of physical activities or simply called exercises are aimed to help the patient move freely. This will target the person's physical coordination, balance, motor skills and most of all in strengthening the muscles.

Everyone wants to make a good impression, and all PTs aim to help their clients effectively and efficiently. But there are stumbling blocks in a typical day at a PT clinic that can greatly reduce your employees' effectiveness and, in turn, lead to dissatisfied clients and a reduced cash flow for your business. Some lapses in performance are unintentional, and many are simply the result of a lack of structure or accountability. One solution is to invest in a physical therapy software package that includes a program tailored to the needs of PT offices.

The What, How And How Many Of PT

Putting physical therapy scheduling software in place in your professional offices can immediately give you the right tools for tracking therapist performance, streamlining the check out and organization of client records, improve billing cycles and even promote repeated, long-term commitments from patients so that they will follow through with their treatment for the doctor-prescribed duration.

But the most important function of physical therapy scheduling software is that it allows managers to quickly get a snapshot of how each individual is using his or her hours at work. Are the therapists spending the bulk of their time working with patients and tracking the details of their progress? Do they spend a lot of it in the break room or at the front desk fielding phone calls rather than actually doing rehabilitation work? You can quickly find the weak spots in your system by reviewing each day and each week of your employees' days and improving the process as needed. Perhaps you need a different system in the front office, or one of your therapists needs to learn how to manage his time more effectively.

If you're concerned about the performance of a particular employee, look for blocks of time that aren't accounted for, then do some additional investigating. Is someone at the front desk simply not scheduling enough patients for this person, or is this person not willing to take on any more work? Physical therapy electronic documentation of hours, duties and details of each PT session will arm you with the information you need when you're ready to review each employee's contribution to the clinic as a whole.

Using The Right Physical Therapy Software Tools

Another way to ensure your clinic will make a profit and satisfy clients at the same time is to make sure every employee is using the available tools in your physical therapy software arsenal. Talk to your employees on an individual basis and ask questions:

Do they schedule multiple appointments in advance? Are they confirming availability of resources? (If you have three treadmills but four clients scheduled to use the treadmill at the same time, it's money down the drain) Do they provide patients with appointment reminders? Are they documenting patient performance?

PT software can lower your overhead and raise the performance level for your staff, but only if they know how to use the system. When shopping for physical therapy scheduling software and documentation programs, find one that balances flexibility with ease of use for results that can turn your clinic into a successful venture for everyone.

Have you ever started a new workout routine and felt sore in the same place all the time? How did this hold you back from advancing and making the most of your weight training? The cause of the chronically sore muscles is a combination of lactic acid build up and muscular imbalance. Deep Tissue Massage Therapy is a great solution.

Whenever I go to the gym to work out I see a lot of people that need a good massage. There are many body types presenting many different conditions. I see the huge guys that need massage because their muscles are so hyper-tonic (chronically contracted), and at the opposite extreme, women over 40 that never worked out habitually throughout life and so their large back muscles and core muscles are weak, which causes low back or thoracic pain. I notice many people working with personal trainers that need Deep Tissue Massage Therapy to help them balance certain muscle groups, which would help them get more out of their training.

Lactic acid build up is the muscle soreness you feel when you start a new weight training routine or do something strenuous you don't usually do, like kayaking or sprinting. This is the kind of sore feeling that we have all experienced, and it actually makes you feel like you did something. This lactic acid build up is common, harmless, and goes away quickly. It is easily treated with Tiger Balm, ice, and stretching. Deep Tissue Massage Therapy will help the lactic acid soreness go away more quickly too.

In relation to strength training, though, I want to talk about the other part of the soreness combination -- muscular imbalance. This is not what makes you feel like you did something, but the feeling that you did something wrong. This is the painful, constrictive feeling you get between your shoulder blades when you do rows, for example. Most people experience this feeling of muscle spasm at some point in their strength training routine, and it holds them back from advancing because it is not common lactic acid soreness, but a serious muscular imbalance that can lead to injury. Balancing muscle groups increases strength and flexibility; for example, the pecs are commonly short and hyper-tonic which protracts the scapulae causing neck and upper back pain.

Deep Tissue Massage helps to balance the musculature so that the body can perform optimally. No one is perfectly symmetrical. We all have our areas in which one muscle group is elongated, and another one is shortened. For example, look in the mirror and see if one shoulder hangs lower than the other or look at yourself sideways and see if your shoulders sit in front of the body's coronal plane. Imbalances are very common in the lower body too. Lay on your back and see if one foot naturally splays out more than the other. In addition, one leg usually is slightly shorter than the other.

There is nothing wrong with this and it is perfectly normal, but when left alone it is not optimal for the advancement of one's strength training routine. Deep Tissue Massage Therapy will help balance the muscle groups by releasing chronically tight and constricted muscles and getting to the root of the disequilibrium. Many common factors cause muscular imbalances; for example, repetitive motions at work, incorrect postural habits, scoliosis, old injuries, and emotional holding patterns. A good massage therapist will be able to identify the areas of imbalance, release hypertonic muscles, and balance the whole group (both agonist and antagonist).

A good way to get strong is by lifting weights to work both the agonist and antagonist muscle groups for a given area. Let's use the pectorals (chest) group and the latissimus dorsi (back) group as our example. While doing pull-downs, some people might feel a spasm as if one side of the lats were shorter than the other, like the left side goes down before the right side and is tighter. This could cause a shortening of the left side of the latissimus dorsi, and might even cause the trunk to twist slightly left, with the right pec and anterior deltoid being shortened. This can cause pain that prevents a person from doing this exercise, even though it is good under normal circumstances.

One effective treatment is to have this client lay on his right side, and for the massage therapist to lengthen the left lat and serratus anterior. The therapist also has to release tight muscle bands in the deltoid and the rotator cuff, as well as under the shoulder blade. Then, with the client supine, the massage therapist works to release tight pectorals and the anterior deltoid of the right side. In this example, the SCM and trapezium would also need attention because the entire shoulder girdle and neck area will be affected and in need of relief.

Deep Tissue Massage Therapy also hydrates the tissues, increases blood flow, and makes the fascia more open and supple, increasing the muscles' potential for growth. All of this makes people stronger faster, makes you feel more energetic, and look fantastic. It can help you become more flexible and aware of how your body balances. It is important to get a good Deep Tissue Massage on off days so you can feel the benefits and realize that deep tissue massage is vital to your strength training routine, health and wellness.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to fix muscular imbalances yourself. If you work out regularly and have hit a plateau, are sore too often, or get muscle spasms frequently, please call a licensed massage therapist that specializes in Deep Tissue Massage Therapy to help you.

The ankle bears the weight of our body making it highly prone to injuries. Indeed, one of the most common injuries to the human body is ankle injury, which can typically be sprains or strains, inflammation of the Achilles tendon or Achilles tendonitis and fractures.

There are many possible reasons for any of these problems from wearing improper or inappropriate footwear to overuse of the muscles in your ankle and trauma caused by accidents. Ankle injury can happen to you whether you are an athlete, a sales person required to stand for long hours in your job, or if you simply tripped while walking.

Ankle physical therapy helps manage pain, reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles in your ankle. Ankle physical therapy begins with a thorough evaluation of your ankle injury. Your physical therapist will also review your medical history to find out if you have related problems such as arthritis or diabetes. To help diagnose your exact injury, your physical therapist will examine your gait by asking you to walk or run.

Your physical therapist will also check the range of movement and strength of your ankle as well the blood circulation and sensation in the injured area. Before proceeding with ankle physical therapy, your therapist will also have to look for possible misalignments and ligament injuries.

An effective ankle physical therapy incorporates several exercises that usually start with improving the range of your ankle's movements and then gradually moving into strengthening exercises with the use of weights and then finally performing exercises to improve your balance.

In addition to exercise programs, ankle physical therapy may also include massage and other techniques such as electrical stimulation, ankle joint mobilization, pulsed ultrasound therapy and fluidotherapy, which both makes use of heat to promote healing.

Your physical therapist will design an ankle physical therapy program tailored to your needs. Your doctor may also provide you with orthotics or an appliance to help in rehabilitating your ankle such as braces or shoe inserts. You will most likely have to give up or at least put on hold some of your activities whether it is work or playing a sport.

Your doctor will provide you with an exercise program that you can do at home even after you have completed your ankle physical therapy sessions. Your doctor will also educate you on how to prevent future injuries, which in ankle physical therapy is equally important to quick recovery.

A massage is an outstanding way to relax and rid your body of toxins that congregate in the muscles. A good massage can rid the body of tension and help you feel better. If you suffer from chronic back pain, a good masseuse can relieve some of that pain with good technique. Massage therapy can find trigger points in the back and help to massage out those painful knots. The overall effect is feeling more relaxed and healthier. It is also proven that massage therapy will release the lactic acid that tends to accumulate in tight muscles and knots.

Why choose a couple's massage?

A couple's massage is a great way to relax with a significant other or with a friend. A couple's massage is usually held in a room that can accommodate two massage tables. They are usually in close proximity to one another. Some spas have truly amazing couple's massage rooms. They are equipped with facilities for multiple services like pedicures. Some even have fireplaces and serve refreshments. This can be a great thing to do with a close friend or sibling that you wanted to catch up with! The more exclusive the spa, the more elaborate their couple's massage rooms are. Some spas have multiple rooms for this type of massage because it has risen significantly in popularity.

Why do romantic couples choose a couple's massage?

This is a great way to unwind and connect while enjoying a therapy that makes the body better. Couples can talk and connect while they share a healing therapy. Some men also have less experience with massage then women. A couple's massage is a great way for a man to feel less intimidated by a massage because they are with their significant other. This time together is without stress, in a very easy environment. It sets a nice tone for two individuals to connect in a new way. This is a peaceful way to share an activity.

Most massages are more about the body work and not about the social piece. However, couples massages encourage two people to rejuvenate and have time together. A novel idea to be able to heal the body and connect to a loved one! Massages are great for issues that plague everyone. Soreness, knots, tight muscles, insomnia and arthritis are relieved through a good massage.

A couple's massage also takes some of the nervousness out of being alone with a massage therapist while naked. Many novices to massage feel very uneasy about this part of massage therapy. However, experiencing this with another individual makes it a lot easier to experience. It is also a great way to help a loved one or friend be introduced to the benefits of massage.

My name is Manu Kalia. I am a physical therapist. In this article I want to share a few simple tips that I teach my patients to help them manage their low back problems. Eighty percent of the population is affected by low back issues, so I think this is a really important topic.

Every low back pain is different or unique in its own way. Each patient needs to figure out what aggravates the symptoms and what alleviates or relieves the pain. That's very important to understand. Also, the body will heal itself but you have to give it the right environment to heal. Medications may provide temporary relief but they do not necessarily address the underlying issue.

The first thing to find out is the cause, that which aggravates the problem or increases the problem, and then to remove that cause. I always tell my patients that if I hit myself with a hammer and I continue doing so, I do not give the injured tissue time to heal? I keep aggravating it, keep injuring the tissue and do not allow enough time to heal. Same way most of us keep pushing it even when we are hurt or injured. So it's very important to figure out the activities that are causing you more pain, and avoid repeating them.

The first concept to think about is whether your back is sensitive to load bearing activities (like standing, sitting, bending, walking, etc.); and if it is load sensitive you must avoid these positions. So always ask yourself, does this increase my problem? If so, I have to unload the spine to get relief from back pain.

Unloading can be done by lying down, whether you are lying on your stomach, on your side or on your back -- any of those positions that are comfortable.

In physical therapy I often use manual or mechanical traction for my patients. This is similar to using an inversion table to unload and relieve the compression on the spine - basically removing the pressure off of the joints, the discs, the nerves and the local structures.

Second important point to remember is whether the problem is made worst by static positions or with movement? If static positions like sitting or standing in one position increase the pain then it's best to get out of those positions and move frequently.

When movement makes the pain worst, it's best to avoid excessive movement or excessive activity. Whether it's housework, yard work, exercise or other physical activities, you have to moderate the activity level. This will give the injured tissue time to rest and heal.

Another important point to consider is whether the pain is made worst by bending or arching the spine. Positions that cause the spine to round forward like sitting, bending, etc. will cause more pain. On the other hand if the pain is made worst by arching the back as in standing upright, arching backwards or lying on the stomach, then these positions should be avoided.

It is very important to understand which of these positions or activities, cause you more pain. Once you identify the painful positions, avoid those positions and do more of the opposite to allow the spine to heal.

I hope you find this helpful; these are just some simple tips to start thinking about and you could implement these yourself.

Massage therapy is becoming recognized by other health care professionals as viable source of treatment for stress and chronic pain management. It is a holistic approach that will improve an individual's health and well-being. Now that you have decided to try massage therapy; you need to make an informed decision as to what type of establishment and who would best suit your needs.

First, you must decide what type of massage therapy office you want. Will you be comfortable going to a "spa" that provides a lot of frills and extra's. These establishments are alright, but you will probably have additional charges for the extras; or the extras will be "built in" to the price of the massage. This is nice, and preferred by some people because they like to be pampered. The other side of the coin is a professional massage therapy office. These establishments are usually simple in design, clean, and comfortable. Anyone will feel at ease when entering one of these establishments. A benefit of a professional massage therapy office is the services are priced lower, because the office has a lower overhead compared to Day Spas.

The massage establishment has been chosen, now you have to choose a therapist. The first thing to consider is will you be more comfortable with a male or female therapist. This is strictly a personal preference, but it can limit your choice of massage establishments. Not all places will have both male and female therapists available.

After deciding on the preferred gender of your therapist; now it's time to do some research. First, ask friends, family, and co-workers if they can recommend a good therapist. These personal referrals are some of your best starting points; but keep in mind, massage is very personal and what one person likes another may not like.

Most states require licensure for massage therapists. Check your states laws, if it is required, then make sure the therapist you choose is licensed. You can also easily check if the therapist has had any complaints lodged against them through the state massage board.

Meet your therapist. This can be done in person (the preferred method) or you can talk to him/her over the phone. Ask as many questions as you feel necessary. Asking how long they have been practicing is ok, but a better question is to ask how many massages the therapist has performed. Now don't expect an exact number, but a ballpark figure will suffice. The reason for asking this question, in this manner, is some therapists do more massages than other therapists. A therapist who has only been in practice for a year may have more actual hands on experience than someone who has been in practice for 2 or 3 years.

Some additional questions to consider asking:

1. What certifications do you hold?
2. What type of draping techniques do you practice?
3. What massage modalities do you use?
4. What kind of lotion/ oil do you use?
5. How long does the massage session last?
6. What is the cost of a session?
7. Do you offer package deals or specials?
8. What type of payment is accepted? (cash, check, credit/ debit card)
9. Do you have references?

Professional massage therapy is an intimate form of holistic medicine. There will be some things can not be asked; they have to be felt intuitively. Do you feel a connection with the therapist you have chosen? Does the therapist exhibit confidence in himself/ herself? Do you feel comfortable with the therapist? It doesn't matter what credentials the therapist has, if you don't feel comfortable, you will not be able to relax during your session. The client/ therapist relationship is similar to patient/ doctor relationships. They are built on trust.

After your massage therapy session you should evaluate your experience. Did the therapist treat you as you expected? Did you feel comfortable during the massage? Was it a positive experience? Would you recommend the therapist? If you answered yes to these questions, you should relay your feelings to your therapist. This can be done by leaving a gratuity, booking another appointment, or leaving a written testimonial/ thank you note.

Choosing a massage therapist should not be taken lightly. But it doesn't have to be difficult. Trust your intuition above all else. Communication between you and your massage therapist should be open and free. A good professional massage therapist will meet your needs, make you feel comfortable, and treat you with respect.

One of the most common problems with an aging body is arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative join disease that most often results from trauma to the joints, infection, but most often age. Joint pain is the main symptom of osteoarthritis. This joint pain is the result of inflammation around the joint because of damage from daily wear, disease, muscle strains, and tears of the joint. It is very painfully and can be debilitating in its advanced forms. Fortunately, there are treatments for people with osteoarthritis.

As you develop inflammation in your joints which results in severe joint pain, the main symptom of arthritis, you become less and less likely to move those painful joints. Unfortunately, that only exacerbates the problem. By not moving stiff and painful joints, you are only making the stiffness worse. Physical therapy can help solve that problem. Many people who suffer from consistent arthritic pain seek the help of a physical therapist. Because lack of movement makes the problem worse, a physical therapist can help you develop a program of movement that is the best treatment for your arthritic pain. A physical therapist will help you work out that stiffness without causing further damage to the affected joint.

In addition to physical therapy, occupational therapy can also be beneficial. In occupational therapy you will learn how to modify your work and home environments to reduce aggravation of your arthritic joints. This will help you learn to reduce the strain on your joints that is caused by everyday activities. If you are suffering from arthritis, physical therapy is a great option for treatment.