Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

Massage can have such a profound effect on the entire body that sometimes a three hour spa treatment can be more relaxing than a seven day holiday abroad. Now, this doesn't mean a full three hours of massage but two hour of massage and then an hour of relaxing within the spa area in the sauna, steam room etc, deeply rejuvenates you entirely and fully.

Massage has not only shown to relax the body in various studies, but the effect is almost instantaneous!

Here are some of the following studies that were done over the last few years with mainly positive results:

Over a 5-week period, women suffering from depression were either given three 30-minute massage sessions per week, practiced progressive muscle relaxation for 30 minutes, three times per week, or received just the standard treatment. At the end of the study, the massage group reported less depression and anger, along with numerous physiological benefits.

A group of 14 people suffering from hypertension were monitored and provided with a 10-minute back massage to 8 of these sufferers, three times a week, while the other 6 relaxed in the same setting for 10 minutes, three times a week. After the 10th session, the people receiving massage showed lower blood pressure than the control group.

The effect of massage was tested over a 5-week period on 24 randomized chronic low back pain sufferers. After having received two 30-minute treatments per week for the duration of the study, the massage group reported less pain, depression, anxiety, and improved sleep.

A study on the short-term effects of massage on chronic pain showed positive improvement. 101 patients were randomly divided, half of which received 15 minutes of massage, while the other half discussed their pain through talking about it. One hour after the treatment, the massage group showed significantly less pain and anxiety.

Eighty-four depressed pregnant women were divided into three groups of the following; massage therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and a control group. The massage group received two 20-minute massages per week for 16 weeks and reported lower anxiety, depression, and back pain. Interestingly, neonatal outcomes were better for the massage group than the other, leading the authors to conclude that both pregnant mothers and their children may benefit from massage therapy.

The effects of massage therapy was studied on pregnant women versus relaxation therapy. After five weeks of twice-weekly 20-minute sessions, both groups experienced reduced anxiety and leg pain, but only the massage group reported improved mood, better sleep, and less back pain.

One study performed a comprehensive review of massage therapy and its affect on stress reduction. After numerous studies, the team concluded that single treatments improved stress-related conditions and longer-term benefits were apparent in blood pressure, but they were unable to prove longer-term stress-related benefits for massage.

It can be concluded that the effects of massage therapy are simply wonderful and enlightening!

Attending a physical therapy assistant school may be a good option if you are interested in physical therapy but not quite sure that you want to commit to becoming a full time therapist.

In order to become a physical therapy assistant you would need to obtain an associate's degree from an accredited program. There are over 240 programs in the country that offer this degree. This usually takes two years, though depending on the school and the program it could be slightly longer or shorter. Most courses and colleges also have field experience and clinical work involved in the program, so it would provide some real work experience as well as taking classes.

Just like in any program, where you decide to go to college with affect how much it costs. The two year program can range from $7,000 to $15,000 depending on where you attend college, the prestige and reputation of the school, and where you live. However, keep in mind that there will be additional fees for the clinical section of the course, and for textbooks, etc.

If you're looking to become an actual physical therapist some day, a PTA school might not be worth it. To become a physical therapist you would need to complete college and receive a master's degree in physical therapy, so if that is your goal it might be best to just pursue that plan of action right away. Going through an assistant program will allow you to do more and make more money than just being a PT aide - sometimes almost twice as much money. If you want to be involved in the business but you don't want to go to graduate school or you don't have a bachelor's, assistant school is probably a smart move.

Let's get clear about the fiction laying siege around massage continuing education. Why do the massive majority of massage therapists take continuing education courses? To make more money? To further their learnedness? To satisfy the State's regulations where they practice? Or to improve their skills, or just add to the appearance of their business cards? Its unfortunate but, in this day and age, the majority of massage practitioners are quite unskilled.

Sorry if I have annoyed you, nothing personal here. As a matter of fact, legions of the graduates from massage schools never cultivate a sustainable practice. Statistically, only about 10 per cent of massage graduates are still persevering and bankrolling themselves and their families 5 years after graduation from massage school. Now that's morbid. Many massage therapists are roped into the industry because of the proclaimed amount of money that they will gain when they "graduate" from their perspective schools. Just finish school and the money will begin showering in. I wish it were that painless. Hey, if you are generating 10 bucks and hour, 60 bucks and up looks real exciting once you graduate from massage school. Many graduates of massage schools are muddling about these days as a result of demanding economic times, and part of the reason is the ripoff surrounding massage continuing education accreditation.

For 22 years I have polished my skills in massage therapy. It has been my unique source of wealth. I am a graduate of the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado and the Karuna Institute in Devon England. I have had a prosperous practice in both Structural Integration and Craniosacral Therapy. I have traveled and reviewed 17 other techniques to "add to the soup" including Neuromuscular Therapy, the Bowen Technique, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Core Zero Balancing, and The Reconnection to name a just a few. But, the predominant amount of my studies has been the work of Dr. Ida Rolf (Rolfing) and Dr. William Garner Sutherland (cranial sacral therapy). I have also been honored to have taught at The Utah College of Massage Therapy as their Deep Tissue Instructor, the Virginia School of Technology as their advance technique instructor and The Cayce Reilly School of Massotherapy as an Anatomy and Palpation teacher. I have taught classes in massage continuing education in Structural Integration and Cranial Sacral Therapy since 1996. I have also developed two comprehensive, home study courses in Structural Integration and Craniosacral Therapy as a provider of massage continuing education for the NCBTMB.

Let me emphasize a point. I certainly wouldn't hire a farrier to put shoes on my horses or find a contractor to build my home that had only 32 hours of training! And yet, the concept of massage continuing education advocates that level of superficiality. We ask our clients to pay us 60 dollars and more per hour with very little training. I have known massage therapists who have just graduated from their massage school programs only 9 months earlier, who are running the massage program of the same school they just attended. These schools had "just hit town" due to a flourishing market. And to outshine that, those department heads had never developed an outside practice before becoming the top instructor of a particular discipline! This is the reality. I have nothing to gain from being dishonest. I have seen over and over again recent graduates who print 7 or 8 different therapies on their business cards, even spelling them incorrectly. This in my opinion is fallacious advertisement and impoverishes our industry. Look, you can't get to the top by sitting on the bottom. It has been said that, "Money grows on the tree of persistence". So, why do so few persevere? Because no one told them the poop about massage continuing education. There is a lot of hogwash out there, and with a little integrity many failing therapists head to the finish line and realize their original dream. The dream that brought them to massage schools in the first place. Its called intensive training!

Let me make a proposition to reignite your fire for a prosperous massage practice. We are existing in an marvelous time where authentic teachers have designed stunning tools for truly increasing your understanding in a multitude of craniosacral therapy techniques. The DVD, and software is an incredible tool of technology to be studied in the comfort of your home until you comprehensively understand the techniques and can implement them with a high degree of capability, which translates to money honey! Find a direction that interests you, buy the dvd home study course and check out a few of them out completely. Or go receive as many sessions from the different methodologies in your town.. And then, when you resonate with a few of the disciplines and their practitioners, buy the best DVD home study courses out there from those chosen practices.Then practice them thoroughly until they are wired. Make sure these techniques have been determined to have been effective in the massage field, and that they will deliver you to where you have always dreamed of going. In the present massage field, especially where disposable income is tightening for many of our potential clients, its vital to unearth techniques that not only manage your clients pain, but increase their performance both physically and spiritually. Folks will still contribute their acorns if they know your technique works and you can get them out of pain. Knowledge without wisdom is no different than a load of books on the back of a donkey! Wisdom comes from practice, practice, practice!

The expense of a valuable dvd home study course in massage continuing education is chump change compared to traveling across country to participate a class. In this economy it makes perfect sense. Do the math...its huge! And don't be led to believe that all you need is 48 hours of massage continuing education hours in 4 years to be proficient at a chosen discipline. It won't work. Trust me, this isn't a car salesman talking to you..this is a practitioner who has been in the trenches for 22 years. Traveling from your home to study is pricey. When you compile the cost of the course, which is usually at least 500 dollars and up, plus transportation, hotels and food, it makes perfect sense to investigate the discipline by using the phenomenal technology that exists first, and then journey to a hands on class and really learn at a deep level what the instructor has to offer. If you like what you have learned from this article, I invite you to check out the resource box at the bottom of this article and investigate what is offered to hurl you to a higher standard of massage practice and on to the journey you have always desired to be possible. But never forget...practice makes perfect.

Have you recently thought about extending your education in order to fulfill your personal goals? If working behind a desk and pushing paper is what you have to look forward to every day when you walk in to work, consider a new career field. The driving force for success is inspiration and determination. Loving what you do for a living is paramount when determining job satisfaction!

The growing medical field offers a diverse range of options for those looking to enhance their lives through helping others. When traumatic injuries stem from car accidents or even war, patients need special care even after their wounds have healed. Damage to any limbs can mean weeks or even months of intensive physical therapy before they can function normally again.

Earning your Bachelor's and then eventually a Master's degree in physical therapy will open a lot of doors for you. The four years you invest in a Bachelor's will pave the way for your acceptance into physical therapy school. Once you have completed your Master's degree and certification, you will be able to practice on your own.

There is a wide variety of patients who you might encounter while working in physical therapy. Children who are born with birth defects that do not allow them to walk normally, those who have been in any kind of traumatic motor vehicle accident and have lost the use of limbs, as well as war victims who are trying to learn to walk again after they have lost limbs in the line of duty.

The beauty of being a physical therapist is that you have the flexibility to work privately in patients' homes as well as work in a hospital or another private care facility. You can decide whether you feel more comfortable visiting private homes or setting up your own private practice in an office of your very own.

Of course, the idea of returning to school sounds promising and even exciting, but taking the next step is a hard one. Deciding on an educational institute can be very tricky! Compromising quality for proximity should never be an issue. If you would like to attend a well-known university due to its notoriety, you should look into the programs available online to see if you could be a regional student who studies from home through web-based lectures and assignments.

Most students look at the price tag of a Bachelor's or even a Master's degree and count it out due to cost alone. There is help for those looking into pursuing a higher education. Hopefully, you have looked into receiving a grant or scholarship from the federal government to secure money for your education. If not, do some research and see what you can come up with.

A teaching assistant, or teacher's aide, provides support for certified teachers. Although a teaching assistant's responsibilities vary greatly from school to school, the majority of teaching assistants work at least in part with students who have special needs and thus require more individualized attention. This individualized attention may include working one-on-one with a particular student, making sure several students are receiving their required services, and/or providing support to students to make sure they are able to succeed in their classes. The students may have a learning disability, an emotional disability, a behavioral disability, a physical disability, or they may be diagnosed with a condition such as ADHD or autism.

In addition to providing support to students with special needs, a teacher's aide may also assist the certified teacher with various classroom-related tasks, such as grading assignments, entering scores into the grade book, monitoring students, and/or teaching parts of a lesson. Basically, the teacher's aide provides the certified teacher with an extra set of hands and eyes in the classroom, which will allow the certified teacher to better reach all of the students in the class. Typically, classrooms that utilize a teaching assistant contain students who require more attention, so the extra help that a TA provides in these classrooms is invaluable, both to the teacher and to the students being served in the classroom.

TAs may also be called upon to perform a variety of other supervisory tasks, such as supervising the cafeteria, hallways, and/or outside activities. When supervising, teaching assistants will make sure students are following school expectations in these locations. Teaching assistants are valuable to a school because they have the flexibility to perform many tasks that certified teachers may not be free to perform. They perform many of the behind-the-scenes tasks that allow the school to run smoothly.

The teacher's aide position is a great position for three primary reasons. First, it is very satisfying to develop relationships with students, to serve them, and to help them be more prepared for the future. Second, because it is a non-certified position, the responsibilities are less than that of a certified teacher, which allows the teacher's aide to devote more energy to his or her life outside of the job, such as to family, friends, and hobbies. Third, the salary for this position is quite competitive.

Being a teacher's aide means having an exciting and fulfilling job that will make a significant difference in the lives of the children you serve.

The benefits of physical therapy are undisputed. After all, the medically related practice has been around since Ancient Greece. This form of therapy is used in multiple ways for many significant reasons all with the single planned result of restoring mobility and reducing pain. The overall goal is for the patient to regain a proper degree of normalcy. There are several principal reasons that someone would seek out the aid of a physical therapist, ranging from stiff muscles to back pain, and even arthritis. Each of these and other similar conditions can benefit greatly from physical therapy.

Perhaps one of the most popular forms of the therapy is a hands-on massage treatment. This type of massage differs greatly from the amateur massage of co-workers and friends. The major difference between the two types of massage; this type of massage actually does some good. A massage given by a physical therapist can help in any number of ways. For overall health, the benefits of the professional massage can reduce stress by unknotting muscles and causing the body to relax. Massages will even improve range of motion and increase flexibility.

Back pain is an increasing issue in today's society and luckily patients can derive many benefits from physical therapy supervised exercises to strengthen the back and reduce the pain. Back pain from daily stress and overuse, or from surgical operations or other conditions can greatly decrease the quality of life. Physical therapists under the direction of a doctor are to prescribe several treatments and procedures that will help the patient regain normal use of the back, improving reach, reducing pain, and restore mobility.

Another benefit of physical therapy concerns joint pain such as arthritis. The therapist will assist the patient in a number of exercises and procedures aimed at regaining the range of motion that the joint once enjoyed. Usually, joints are stiff due to lack of use because of the pain that patients do not wish to endure. Therefore, the patient will perform actions to loosen up joints that will restore movement and overall ease any discomfort.

The other general benefits of physical therapy can also include educating the patient on long term benefits of specific exercises, safety issues, use of physical aides and even diet plans. Physical therapy does not end when leaving the care and direction of the medical professional but to get the overall positive results is a commitment and a lifestyle change.

The benefits of physical therapy are innumerable as each patient can receive help and benefits directed specifically to their individual needs. The key to receive the full measure of benefits is to be guided by the directions of the physical therapist, be diligent in performing your exercises, and you will see the desired results.

Sports massage therapy can be a great help to athletes like Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner of the Phoenix Cardinals football team. The therapy can help athletes prepare for the game, both physically and mentally. Because athletes are prone to injury, take Warner's rough tackle which left him with a concussion or Fitzgerald's blown out knee in a few games, this therapy is used during games, when injuries occur, and after games, to calm the athlete's body. This therapy must be applied by a licensed masseur or physical therapist because of how deeply it affects the muscles and body tissue.

As mentioned above, this therapy is used before games. This is a preparation techniques for the athlete and his body. It helps him prepare to perform at his best during the game. It also helps the athlete be as flexible as possible because his muscles are relaxed and his adrenaline is flowing. His focus can remain on the game, instead of a nagging pain in his leg, which was bothering him before the massage. During the game, a player may need a massage treatment to eliminate any feelings of fatigue they may be suffering form. It could also reduce the swelling of an injury and possibly help eliminate receiving any more injuries during the game. The use of the massage after the game will, no doubt, help the athlete's body relax from the strain, both physical and mental, of the game. It will help the stress and tension, which had built up in the athlete's body during the game, be released from the muscles and tissues.

The benefits of the sports massage therapy are specific to what an athlete needs before, during and after a game. Not only does this therapy slow a possibly erratic or racing pulse, but it also brings the athlete's blood pressure back to its normal levels in a healthy way. It helps the blood flow increase, so that circulation to the limbs and brain return to healthy and normal levels while allowing the lymph flow to follow suit. If any injuries were received during the game, this will help reduce or even eliminate the pain of those injuries, along with any lingering muscle tension left over from the physical activity of the game.

This type of massage therapy is recommended for athletes and not the casual or recreational person seeking a massage. Because this is a mix of a Swedish massage and a Shiatsu massage, the techniques can be quite rough and intense on someone's muscles who are not used to this type of massage. If one is choosing this massage, be aware that it will involve deep tissue therapy, which could hurt.

There are dozens of massage therapy types and techniques. Knowing what they are and what they do is sometimes confusing. It is hard to ask for a particular type of massage if you do not know what it is called or even what it will do for you. Here we will try to break the mystery into an understandable list of some commonly practiced massage types and what they do.

Massage 

Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. It involves acting on and manipulating the client's body with pressure (structured, unstructured, stationary, and/or moving), tension, motion, or vibration done manually or with mechanical aids. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet.

Massage can be performed by a massage therapist, or by other health care professionals, such as chiropractors, osteopaths, athletic trainers, and/or physical therapists.  Massage therapists work in a variety of medical and recreational settings and may travel to private residences or businesses. 

Deep Tissue 

Deep tissue massage uses deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is also called deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy. It is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue and requires more skill and strength than a Swedish massage.

 
Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. Deep connective tissue massage is a form of intense massage that aims to release myofascial (connective tissue) restrictions in the body, and to break up any restrictive scar tissue.

 
Deeper strokes can also be used to break down adhesion in muscle and connective tissue, which is common after injury and in areas of body tension. Using deep muscle therapy tools allow both patient and caregivers to apply the same kind of pressure to painful muscles as a regular part of everyday self-care.

 
Trigger Point Massage 

Trigger Point utilizes ischemic compression of individual areas of hypersensitivity in muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. Also called a pressure point massage, this involves stimulating hypothetical trigger points that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body. These trigger points are defined by their referral of pain to distant locations in muscles, connective tissues and organs. Trigger points can present themselves as referred patterns of sensation such as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling, pins and needles, hot or cold, as well as can create symptoms such as nausea, earache, equilibrium disturbance or blurred vision.

 
Trigger points generally occur in more than one location. Trigger points cause muscle shortening with secondary weakness and decreased range of motion, which can be observed. They can be felt by palpating the muscles; trigger points will consist of tender, hard (or ropy) knots or nodules surrounded by what feels like normal muscle tissue. 

 
Trigger Point Therapy applies pressure to these points leading to immediate release of tension and improved muscular functioning. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points', which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occurring spasm or `kink' that worsens painfully when aggravated. Due to the location of many trigger points, performing trigger point therapy on yourself can be awkward at best, without the use of tools. Manipulating a trigger point elicits referred pain and often slight nausea.

 
Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is not related to the country of Sweden, where massages are quite uncommon. Swedish massage, a lighter relaxing massage, aims to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

 
Swedish massage is perhaps the most well known type of massage. This soothing technique incorporates gliding, kneading and compressing strokes, improving circulation and lymph flow. Swedish massage therapy is comprised of five basic strokes and their variations: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration.

These five basic stokes including long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions on the more superficial layers of muscles, generally in the direction of blood flow toward the heart are sometimes combined with active and passive movements of the joints. It is designed to increase circulation and blood flow.

Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. It relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains.

 
Swedish massage reflexology is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body.

 
Swedish, Deep Tissue, Light and other massage styles can be combined for a better quality and more relaxing experience. Heated or Hot Roman Stone Massage is massage bodywork utilizing Swedish massage techniques along with smooth heated and or chilled river or ocean stones.

Massage therapy is a technique used to promote relaxation and increase the natural abilities to heal the body. No matter if you suffer from lower back pain, muscle spasms, headaches, fatigue, or a host of other conditions, Massage Therapy has proven to be a powerful ally in your health regime. Often used as a complement to chiropractic activities, they work together to help restore optimum health to the body. No matter whether you are looking for a therapeutic treatment for stress and injury or just want to relax and unwind, one will not be far as it is a growing industry. There are several types of massage today. Here is the lowdown on just a few:

SPORTS MASSAGE:

The specific goal of this massage is to facilitate optimal recovery and to help athletes return to play after an injury. Generally the focus is on sport-specific muscles to improve the range of motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance.

THERAPY Trigger Point / Myofascial Release:

This technique is used when doing work with the fascia, the connective tissue covering the body. This deep, penetrating massage is applied to the fascia and trigger points to help eliminate pain, to free the muscle spasms, to fortify and extend the targeted muscles.

SWEDISH MASSAGE:

This classic form of massage is used to promote relaxation, improve circulation and reduce muscle tension. A traditional Swedish massage includes the following types of manipulation: the delicate touch of massage, soft petrissage, friction, vibration, percussion type movements, and movement of the joints.

NEURO-MUSCULAR:

This treatment concentrates on breaking the adhesions that attach to muscles and prevent nerves from firing. The result is that muscles are not as strong thus limiting extension of the joints. Patients find that these adhesions are fibrous, and the areas are tired plus pain and tension may be present.

HOT STONE MASSAGE:

This relaxing experience using hot lava stones placed on specific points on the body to open energy pathways called 'meridians'.

PRENATAL MASSAGE:

When a patient feels morning sickness, backaches, leg cramps, and any discomfort associated with pregnancy, this type of massage can help. Many trained experts can help you with comfort throughout pregnancy.

Of all the different types my favourite is Deep Tissue massage. I like it because it focuses on targeting the deep layers of muscles and connective tissues. It works by physically breaking adhesions by the application of deep strokes or friction on the aching muscle fiber. This form of massage is often used in the skeletal structures that are located deep within the body that have been subjected to muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. It can be painful at first but as they say no pain no gain. I love nothing more than a relaxing massage after any long physical activity.

Massage is a "hands on" treatment method performed by physical therapists to enhance the wellness and fitness of a person. Commonly, a massage is carried out for eliminating physical discomfort and pain caused to the person. In common massaging technique, the individual lays on his back with the therapist rubs the muscles to relive pain. Today, a new kind of massage therapy, known as seated massage, has come up which provides several benefits of massaging in a compact and faster way. A few of the general benefits of a seated massage are the following.

Chair massage may be done quickly in 15 to 20 minutes. In the modern world where everyone seems to be running short of time, a chair massage saves lot of valuable time. The brief time table makes this kind of massaging best for busy people who are attempting to devote an hour or more for treatment.

Another benefit of seated massage is that it can be carried out without undressing. In regular massage, you need to remove your upper clothes for effective results. Yet, seated massage can be carried out without having removing clothes. Additionally, common massages need to have a table where the person lies down on his back for massaging; the massage is generally conducted in a clinic or a spa or fitness centers. Alternatively, a chair massage can be carried out on a chair without having to visit any health spa or a center or some other health center. Many therapists furthermore perform this kind of massage on a regular seat found in homes or offices.

Standard massages are very pricey as a person should go to a spa or a clinic to get the therapy. Alternatively, a corporate massage is fairly less costly since there is no reason to go to any clinic or even health centers. This is the principal reason why many people decide on a short duration seated massage to save money and time.

Based on scientific studies conducted by a group of researchers, a chair massage boosts mental performance. In the same way, chair massage could also enhance performance at school or at work. As a result, individuals who find difficulty in focusing on their work may take the advantage of a chair massage and boost their performance.

Many people observe shoulder, neck or back pain as a result of general reasons or due to extended sitting on a chair for performing their regular work. A chair therapeutic massage is an ideal approach to treat these ailments as it directly concentrates on those areas. Furthermore, you can call the masseuse at your place of work or at home and get the treatment while in breaks therefore saving the time.

A chair massage has been proven to be excellent for relieving physical along with mental stress. A regular massage mainly relieves physical stress whereas a seated massage delivers efficient outcomes for physical and even mental stress. As a consequence, a seated massage therapy supplies the much needed therapy rapidly to eliminate the problem in a cost efficient method. As a result of these types of varied advantages, a lot more people are turning to seated massages to get speedy relief from their mental and physical concerns.

What makes massage therapy more effective and relaxing is the fact that the procedure is aided with certain essential oils. Can you imagine yourself having massage on sliding motion without oil? That would be too hurtful. However, in some types of massage like shiatsu, oils are sometimes not necessary since the focus of massage is putting pressure on a specific body part.

Oils are necessary for some massage types since it aids in bringing relaxation of muscles and tissues of the body. It also stimulates the normal healing process of a certain damaged tissue or muscle since it enhances the hand strokes, thus oxygenation is also improved. Oils are also known to relieve pain and increase in the psychological aspect of the person and his or her sense of individuality.

The best thing about oils used in massage therapy is that, they are not derived from any mineral or is commercialized, but the oils are juices of extracted herbal plants, which adds up on the effectiveness of massage therapy in the healing process. Aside from giving the masseur an easier movement of hand strokes, these oils do also contain Vitamins and minerals essential for your skin health.

The following are different essential herbal oils used for massage therapy that may also be used in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

• Almond oil

This is the most commonly used oil in massage therapy and is considered to have a great effect on softening and soothing your skin. Aside from that, it regulates the loss absorption and moisture of your skin, thus making it very good oil in nourishing skins.

• Grape seed oil

On the other hand, grape seed oil contains a lot of different minerals, vitamins and proteins which makes it very essential for the skin and its membrane. It has a rejuvenating and restructuring components, as well as moisturizing properties that aids in the healing of damage tissues of the skin.

• Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil has found to be very effective on the treatment of blemished skin and is considered as an excellent moisturizer. Since it acts on blemished skins, it also plays a great role in controlling and preventing recurrence of acne breakdown. In this event, jojoba oil is really impressive to the polycystic ovarian syndrome woman with problems of acne. This oil can also be used in performing facial massage.

• Wheat germ

This is a type of oil that has a great component of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which is responsible for making the skin smoother and younger-looking. Wheat germ aids in heali9ng process of different skin problems and aids in the promotion of new cells. in addition, it also enhances blood circulation and help in the skin repair which is due from sun damage.

When it comes to choosing an EMR software company, it's important to look for qualities that best support the services offered by the PT clinics. Evaluating items such as the specialty, retention ratio, solvency and how they execute product testing can help PT's find the best physical therapy EMR software. Here are a few factors to research and consider when searching for a product that is right for your PT clinic.

Specialty

When looking for an EMR company, be sure to determine if they have a specialty. Companies that specialize in a specific field such as physical therapy, neurology, chiropractic, etc. have a higher level of knowledge and expertise built into the program, whereas EMR software programs that try to do everything may be lacking in some areas. For example, PT clinics would want to find EMR software that includes tools for better documentation for physical therapists, specifically.

Growth & Retention

Not only is it important to find out how long the company has been in business, but also determining the growth rate is important. Yes, a company that has been around for many years will have more experience, but a lack of growth could be cause for concern. They could have either hit a stalemate or even experienced a decline.

Analyzing the company's retention ratio can also be illuminating. This measures the number of users that stay with the system, compared to those who leave. Try asking questions like how many customers they currently have and how many have left. A retention ratio over 90 percent is good, and a ratio over 95 percent could be an indicator that the company has a bright future.

Solvency

A company that is solvent will spend more money on advertising and marketing as they are trying to grow. Things to look for include a well developed and working web page, a consistent and updated blog, and industry periodicals that look clean, neat and professional. Even judging the overall branding can help determine the best physical therapy EMR software company; it could be a sign of staying power.

Product Testing

Find out how the company is testing their products. Beta testing is a great way to find out from real consumers if the EMR software provides good documentation for physical therapists. Beta testing allows customers to test the product and provide relevant feedback, allowing the company to make improvements. It's good to find out how long the Beta period was for the company; a long testing period could signify major technical issues with the programming.

Overall Opinion

Finally, try to get a good grasp on the overall opinion of the EMR software company. Find out what consumers are saying about the product. Check out user message boards and research any articles in which they've been mentioned.

As exciting as it may seem, having a newborn is certainly not a walk in the park. Dealing with erratic feeding schedules, disturbances in the sleeping pattern, and constant dealings with unexplained crying may sometimes just too much to be deal with. All of these spell stress for the parents, especially for the new ones. However, before you fuss and lose control, be informed that there is one modest way to totally relax your babies! Parents and soon-to-be-parents may delight now with the benefits that infant massage can bring.

Massage as a technique that utilizes different levels of touch and kinesthetic stimulation, can bring about advantages both for the mother and the babies, says several studies. Indeed, infant massage goes beyond from simply relaxing your babies and putting them to sleep. Through gentle and rhythmic strokes-tender manipulation of your baby's head, face, chest, tummy, legs, and feet-a gentle rubdown will not only benefit your babies but will also promote parent-to-child attachment.

So, what are the other benefits of massage? According to a study conducted by the researchers from Warwick Medical School and the Institute of Education at the University of Warwick, parents can help promote good sleep quality among their infants by provisioning a tender massage. Basing on the data gathered among 598 subjects, infants who received massage therapy seemed more relaxed when compared to those who are in the control group. This relaxed state, according to the study, can be attributed to the lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, present in the intervention group.

Moreover, infant massage has also been known to promote the baby's overall physical and psychosocial development. Physiologically speaking, massage can help babies with digestive difficulties. Experts recommend massage therapy for babies, who are experiencing colic, as it may help to remove spasms in the colon. Massage is also generally good in relieving elimination problems such as constipation and in expelling gas. In addition, gentle stimulation of your babies can also help to improve immune system, promote muscle development, ease nasal congestion and reduce teething pains. Aside from that, it will also improve the hormonal, respiration, circulation, and nervous system functions.

On the other hand, the advantages of massage surpass not only the physical aspect but also the psychosocial aspect as well. Massage in babies connotes a deeper meaning; it implies communication between the baby and its primary caregiver. Through sensory stimulation, the baby becomes more alert and receptive to the mother's touch. In this manner, both the parents and the baby can engage in a reciprocal and gratifying interaction. Massage promotes bonding, making the baby feel secured and loved, and in return, the mother feels empowered knowing that she can respond readily to her baby's cues thus making her feel confident about her parenting skills.

The benefits of massage can be credited to the fact that physical touch is the first type of communication an infant receives, and among the basic senses, touch is the most developed at birth. With a gentle rubdown, parent and child bonding is made easier. Remember, you are not the only one who needs a comforting massage, babies do, too!

If you have been looking for a career and want to help people but just do not know exactly how you are supposed to help them maybe you should check out physical therapy assistant training. You could be working under the direction of a physical therapist after you finish school. This is a great career where you get to help all kinds of people as they heal. If you have been thinking about going into the health care field after you get your high school diploma then physical therapy assistant programs could be for you.

PTA requirements include the ability to work closely with all kinds of people, the desire to help people, an associate degree from an accredited college and in many states a license. This field is growing and there is a lot of employment opportunity.

The patients that you will work with will be there because of muscle, bone, nerve, or joint injuries. They are of every age group and it is your job to aide the physical therapist to relieve pain and reduce disability. You will also help to restore mobility to the patients. Some of the patients will have had some kind of trauma others may be there just because they are seeking relief from back pain.

Some of the jobs that physical therapy assistants do require physical strength, like help to lift a patient or move some equipment around. So just think every day when you go to work it will be like getting in your gym time.

Some of the tasks that a PTA can do in a day is applying cold or hot packs, giving massages, helping a patient learn and correctly perform exercises, and giving a paraffin bath and also doing ultrasounds. You will also help teach patients how to use things like crutches, wheelchairs, braces, and even prosthetic limbs.

As a physical therapy assistant you will come in close contact with many people very day and have a rewarding job that helps people to attain mobility and reduce pain in their lives. If you would like to change where you are right now in your life then getting some physical therapy assistant training and make a better life for yourself.

If you are trying to decide a career with your diploma fresh in hand this is great place to start because the classes are affordable, and the coursework can fit into your schedule easily. This is a great beginning to your education.

Louis Zhang, Physicaltherapyassistantprograms dot com

I wanted to compile a list of nine reasons one might want to enter the massage or bodywork field for people who are contemplating entering the profession. There are myriad reasons, and I'm sure every therapist today could give you a different list -- shorter or longer. I will concede that there are certainly more than nine reasons, but after pondering for a long while, I thought these nine points would best answer the question I posed to myself many years ago, "What are nine reasons to enter the massage or bodywork industry?" Ten is such a cliche number which is why I chose only nine.

1. Do you enjoy helping people, whether it's helping them relax or overcome injuries? Does making a positive impact on people's lives interest you? More often than not, people who will come to you for bodywork will always be happy to see you because they know they're going to feel much better at the end of the session. If that appeals to you, this field is a good one to explore. There are so many specialties and niches, too, within the massage and bodywork industry you could really fashion your business to fit your strengths and enjoyment.


2. Would you enjoy having an occupation where people look to you as a highly trained and knowledgeable professional who can help them feel better? While some people may have a negative or ambivalent view of massage and massage therapists, more and more people are looking to massage therapists, in particular those who are state or nationally certified as experts in wellness, to improve their quality of life. A certified therapist often enjoys an elevated status within their field; though certification doesn't necessarily make a better therapist out of a mediocre therapist, but it does tend to lend more credibility to those who are certified.


3. Are you more of an independent spirit who enjoys more physical work? The massage and bodywork is growing by leaps and bounds, providing numerous opportunities for those who aren't 9-5, sit-at-a-desk types. One area in particular that is most attractive to those who are more independently inclined is mobile massage.


4. Need a career that gives you flexibility, enabling you to run errands, pick up the kids, care for an elderly parent, or pursue other interests and/or hobbies? If so, the massage and bodywork industry has varying situations that give you options to help with your particular time management needs. If you choose to work for a spa or hotel, you'll most likely have morning, afternoon or evening shifts available, split shifts or a combination of some sort available to you. More than likely you'll have to work weekends, but while it's mostly the case, it's not always the case. Also, if you choose to work on your own, whether mobile or in an office or studio, you'll be able to set your own hours.


5. Do you like the idea of working in a posh setting, dealing with high-end clients? Talented therapists can secure jobs in four or five-star hotels where the pay is typically higher, the gratuities are significant and the surroundings are beautiful to magnificent. If you a lucky enough to secure a full-time position, you'll receive benefits that include health insurance, vacation (most hotels will offer discounted rooms in hotels within their brand throughout the country or even the world), sick pay and pension options.


6. Would you enjoy a career that allows you to travel the world? Massage therapists are an important commodity on cruise ships. It's not a lifestyle for just anyone, particular homebodies, but for the young, adventurous and unattached, it's an excellent way to see the world while working (and living) with people from all over the world.


7. Does a field focused on health and well-being appeal to you? While it's true there are therapists who get into the field only because of the potential of higher pay (which saddens me greatly), having no interest at all in health or well-being, the majority of people who get into the field enjoy working in an occupation that promotes a more healthy lifestyle. Additionally, people who get massages on a regular basis tend to be those interested in leading a healthier or more holistic lifestyle than the average person. Your options of the type of environment in which you'd like to work stressing health and well-being can include holistic spas, hotel settings, cruise ships, chiropractic offices or even hospital settings, peoples' homes and offices.


8. If you like the idea of working 20-30 hours a week or less, making the same or higher income than some people do working a 40 hour week, the massage and bodywork field is an excellent option. Not all massage or bodywork positions are created equal, however, so some will offer average pay, some lower and some much higher than the average job. What's the potential range of pay? Reasonable estimates would be from about $15-20 per hour to as high as $100 or more per hour. Obviously somewhere in the middle is more the average pay you could expect. Keep in mind, too, a typical massage therapist position is not a 40 hour a week gig with a steady income. You'll have ebbs and flows depending on where you live and in what environment you work, what the season is and of course, your level of skill and experience.


9. Do you enjoy meeting new people from different walks of life with interesting stories and lives? Whether you work in a spa or hotel setting or for yourself, massage therapy is a wonderful occupation if you are a people person. The people you massage can really expand your own horizons as you'll find some of your customers, as a form of stress release, will want to talk to you while they're having their massage, and will tell you interesting stories about their lives or businesses. Even if you're not necessarily a people person per se, this is an excellent field to explore because many of your clients will probably be sleeping through the majority of your time with them.

As I mentioned before, this list can certainly be added to, but these nine reasons to enter the massage or bodywork field, I believe, are a good start for anyone who is contemplating entering this fun and rewarding industry..

Massage, it seems, can be many things to many people. Some people realize the many healing benefits that massage therapy offers, and some still equate massage with the kind that used to be done in massage parlors, the kind with a "happy ending". As one who went to massage school and became a Licensed Massage Therapist, I am more than aware of the massage establishment's efforts to distance legitimate massage therapy from the "massage parlors" of old. These were mostly fronts for prostitution, and have been outlawed in most parts of the country. These days, in almost all states, one must spend many hours (usually anywhere from 500 to 1000 hours of instruction and clinical practice) in massage school to get licensed. In school, it is made very clear to us that massages are to be non-sexual, and this is actually included in the Code of Ethics set forth by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the main governing body of massage therapy in the United States. Violating this code results in getting one's license revoked and also in possible legal action. So the definition of "massage" as it applies to a field of healthcare that is regulated could be: "Physical manipulation carried out by a licensed professional with the intent to facilitate healing."

Given this definition, "male massage" will overwhelmingly fails to meet the requirements to be considered massage, at least legally. Not many people will know what male massage actually means. Nor will they think to do a search on the internet, because most women want a woman therapist, and the same goes for men. But if you DO search for the terms "male massage", what comes up in the results are sites that cater to men looking for treatment from another man. And not only that, but these "treatments" are sexual in nature. The top results you get when you search for "male massage" are directories of massage therapists offering these services, and they're not shy about it. Most feature pictures of the therapist, topless and oftentimes bottomless, too! Those who do not know this beforehand are in for a shock.

Are you suffering from back aches, variable blood pressure? You should consult with a massage therapist. Simple massage can give you relieve not only from chronic back pain but also from pain caused by wounds or injuries. If you take regular massage therapy session, it will help you in better sleep and relaxation.

More than 100 different types of massage therapy techniques are available and it may not be possible for you to select the best suited massage for you. Either you can try different techniques or you it is better to consult with a licensed massage therapist. Acupressure, Swedish massage, Deep tissue massage, and Shiatsu massage are the most popular medical massage therapy techniques.

Swedish massage is very popular in USA for relaxation after stressful daily routine. Therapist recommends this technique because it improves blood circulation in your body and thus helps your body to relax. Therapist first massages your body lightly with good oil and the flowing strokes of Swedish massage helps to relieve the tension from within the muscles.

In Acupressure massage therapist uses his finger to apply pressure on key points on the skin. This pressure promotes better blood circulation and relieves the tension built up in the body to let fresh energy course through the body once again. Ancient Chinese methods acupuncture and acupressure make use of the same key points on the skin, acupuncture involves the use of needles but acupressure uses fingers to restore the balance of the body and also relieves the mind from headaches, and relieves the receiver from menstrual cramps and constipation.

Deep Tissue Massage is another popular variant of massage. This massage helps to improve the human body in moving better and more freely. During therapy, you may feel pain but eventually it gives you relive from chronic pains and aches that includes pain caused by inflammation such as tendonitis.

Shiatsu massage is Japanese form of finger pressure. Massage therapist uses her fingers, palms, elbows, thumb, knees, and may even sometime walk on the receiver's body in order to pressurize the acupuncture healing points. This massage improves blood circulation and also lymphatic flow

Environment

You will need to make sure that there is enough space in your home for your therapist to set up the massage couch and be able to walk around it.

To make sure that your experience is as relaxing as possible, please make sure that you will not be disturbed during your massage.

Your Massage Therapist will recommend that you switch off your television or radio during your massage so that she can completely focus on your treatment and you can completely focus on your relaxation.

Music may be played during your massage as this can help to aid relaxation. Your Massage Therapist will be happy for you to listen to the music of your choice if there is a particular piece of music that you find relaxing. Alternatively, you can choose from a selection of music which your Massage Therapist will have on CD. Choices include; classical , trip hop or new age music.

Please let your Massage Therapist know in advance if she will need to bring a portable CD player.

Dress

If you are having a full body massage, you will need to prepare for your massage by removing all clothing, apart from underwear on the lower body. You will need to wear a bath robe/dressing gown. (Your Massage Therapist will provide a gown, but you may wear your own if you wish).

If you are having a back, neck and shoulder massage, you will need to be undressed from the waist upwards.

It is easier and more comfortable for your massage to be carried out if you are not wearing a bra as this allows easy access to the back and shoulders. If you feel uncomfortable with this, please discuss this with your Massage Therapist.

Your massage will be delivered whilst you lie on the massage couch. Your body will be covered with towels. Your Massage Therapist will systematically uncover each part of the body to be massaged and replace the towels before moving on to the next part of the body.

Massage Medium

Your massage will be delivered using sweet almond oil. This oil is suitable for all skin types. It protects, nourishes and moisturises the skin, without making it too greasy. However, if you have a nut allergy, please advise your Massage Therapist who may be able to arrange for your massage to be delivered using an alternative medium.

Humeral fractures occur commonly with up to five percent of all fractures falling into this category, eighty percent of humeral fractures being minimally displaced or undisplaced. Osteoporosis is a contributing factor in many of these fractures and a fracture of the forearm on the same side is a typical presentation. Nerve or arterial damage from the fracture is an important consideration but not common. Typical sites of fractures are the top of the arm (neck of humerus - "shoulder fracture") and the middle of the shaft of the humerus.

The usual cause of a humeral fracture is a direct fall on the arm, either on the hand, elbow or directly onto the shoulder itself. Due to all the muscles that attach to the upper humerus, there can be a lot of muscular force at the time, dictating how much the bones are pulled into a displaced position. Humeral fractures are more common in the elderly with an average age of fracture of around 65 years and younger people usually have a history of forceful trauma such as motor accidents or sport.

If the fracture occurred without significant force then a pathological cause such as cancer must be suspected. On physio examination pain will occur on movement of the shoulder or the elbow, there may be extensive bruising and swelling, the arm may appear short if the fracture is displaced in shaft fractures and there is very restricted shoulder movement. Radial nerve damage is rare in upper humeral fractures but more common in fractures of the shaft, leading to "wrist drop", weakness of the wrist and finger extensors and some thumb movements.

Management of Humeral Fractures

After the fracture the patient's movements are kept restricted and sufficient analgesia provided to keep them comfortable. With little or no displacement the management is non-operative but if the greater tuberosity is fractured then it is important to suspect rotator cuff injury. This is more common in injuries with high forces, when the patient is older or the tuberosity is displaced significantly. Humeral neck fractures can be kept in line with a collar and cuff, allowing the elbow to hang free, while shaft fractures are difficult to manage but can be braced.

Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is often performed for displaced fractures with three or four fragments and more commonly in younger patients, while older patients have humeral head replacement to prevent pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Nailing or plating is used in shaft fractures if necessary but these usually heal without surgery. Humeral fractures can have complications including injury to the radial nerve in shaft fractures, frozen shoulder and death of the humeral head due to loss of blood supply. Although normal healing time is 6-8 weeks, older sufferers may never re-establish normal range of shoulder movement.

Shoulder Fracture Treatment by Physiotherapy

Initially the physio assesses the arm, asking the patient about their pain level as this varies greatly, examining the swelling and bruising of the arm. The physiotherapist then checks the available range of movement of the shoulder, elbow, forearm and hand. Any muscle weakness and sensory loss is noted as this may denote nerve damage. If not operated on, a sling is continued with and if the fracture is not too painful or severe, early exercises are started by the physiotherapist. Pendular exercises, with the patient bending over at the waist, are important in the early stages as they allow movement of the shoulder joint without much force.

Three weeks after the fracture bone healing will be well under way so the physiotherapist will instruct the patient in auto-assisted exercises, using the other arm, to help reduce stress on the injury. Unassisted exercises are the next step as the arm becomes stronger, to practice lateral and medial rotation and flexion. At six weeks the bone will be clinically sound so the physio can progress to more vigorous movements with resistance and gentle end-range stretching. Joint mobilisations can be useful to free up the sliding and gliding movements of the joint and strengthening and joint range work continued with Theraband.

Can a massage really help to build muscles? It is a very important question for any athlete, no matter if we are talking about amateurs or pros. Why is massage so important? Because massage can encourage healing, increases the metabolism and helps to remove toxins and waste material from the tissue and blood stream.

Pictures of massage and spa treatment can be seen in Olympia in Greece, where the first Olympic Games took place, but there is also evidence in other cultures of the importance of massage in connection with athleticism. Most of the martial arts school in Asia have also a tradition of self-massage to encourage the flow of chi, which helps regeneration after intense training.

But I think especially with building muscles and body building in general, the importance of massage is often neglected. Surveys showed that this is mostly because massage is categorized as "girly" and for a manly sport like bodybuilding this just doesn't fit the image. But any bodybuilder who is serious about his ability to build muscles will not get around massage.

Lifting heavy weights repeatedly puts enormous stress on the tissue and if the athlete wants to prevent tissue scarring, proper massage needs to be applied. If you are training 4-6 times a week, you should at least have 2-3 massage a week. The massage should be focussed on the body parts that were worked out. This is to save time and also, because a bulky muscle takes more effort on the part of the massage therapist is also less strain on the massage therapist.

TIP: Massage should usually not be applied immediately before a trainings session, because it makes the body relaxed, less alert and decreases the adrenaline, which is important for a heavy lifting session.