Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

Remember the last time you were sunbathing with sunscreen? Were you still hot? Of course you were because the sunscreen only stops the UV (Ultraviolet) light from hitting your skin. The far infrared waves penetrate your skin, giving you that wonderful natural warmth. Infrared light is part of the sun's invisible spectrum. One of far infrared light's characteristics is the ability to easily penetrate human tissue. When this happens, it creates a natural resonance, which has many beneficial properties.

Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Today, the benefits of massage therapy are widely varied and broad. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions;arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, immunity suppression, infertility, low back pain, diabetes, depression and more. As millions can attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.

For years, therapists and physicians have recommended the combination of heat and massage to ease chronic back pain, speed recovery from injuries, improve rest, concentration, and promote a general sense of well-being. The far infrared massage bed employs patented far-infrared heat strips that line the inside of the bed. The far infrared heat emitted from these strips will penetrate up to 3" into your muscles creating uniform warmth that can be felt for up to one hour after use. The bed provides a head-to-toe massage. Once you lay down on the heated massage bed, you can feel the heat travel throughout your entire body and feel it relieve all your built up tension and pain. As you enjoy the feeling of warmth, comfort and tranquility, allow yourself to release all of your stress and anxiety.

The infrared massage beds are effective in treating headaches, blood pressure problems, chronic lower back pain and gastro enteric disorder. There is no more pleasant way to experience a headache remedy or lower back pain remedies than a relaxing rest on the thermal massage bed. Blood pressure problems are significantly reduced with the use of the far infrared bed due to its detoxification methods and reduction of stress, which leads to a reduction of adrenaline. So if you suffer from chronic lower back pain, blood pressure problems or headaches, try the thermal massage bed and test the results. There is no pill that will make you feel better than the infrared bed.

The far infrared massage bed targets your body's vital pressure points along the spine with a precise, relaxing massage to provide you with the combined therapeutic benefits of massage, chiropractic, acupressure and far infrared heat. With the push of a button, you can relax and revitalize and replenish your soul!

Copyright (c) 2008 James Carden

It was the Chinese who pioneered massage therapy. It was them who also introduced it in the modern times. The main function of this is to help ease the pain and it was a form of relaxation for them. Sometimes it is used by medical experts as a healing process applied for some illnesses.

These are helpful information that will aid you in understand the true concept behind therapeutic massage.

Massage Therapy is a modern technique to help improve various health problems and is used to calm the nerves down. It is also called a healing power. In China 3,000 years pass our times, massage became an aborigine of culture to them. It was practiced as a part of their medical technique of curing the physical aspect of their well being.

Because of the importance of therapeutic massage, it became a solution and ritual to those people who wants to stay healthy and relax. Often, nowadays even medical evaluation says that massage therapy is a solution to some patients,for instance stroke victims and other victims of muscle depletion sickness. This is done as a daily routine to ensure people its full benefits which this process is a great help on. It is no longer called "old method of medication." As the passing of time, it became popular and it is now favored by the public.

This method, in general, includes rubbing and manipulation on the affected areas or as a whole. It can be applied to any part of the body as needed to lessen the intensity of pain and cure tightness of muscles due to stress and tension of daily work.

The basic techniques of massage therapy:

Touching hard muscles, ligaments, soft tissues and even joints.
Exercising hard muscles in order to control tightening.
Used as touch therapy for babies and used to soften muscles
Soft touching
Kneading the muscles
Touching or soft thumping
Using electric tense
Spasm relaxation
Ultra sound machine with gel for deep penetration

Application used in various ways, composing of more than 250 kinds of massage therapy. Therapists call these in different styles, like Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Touch Therapy, Somatic Accupressure, Sports Massage and Neuromuscular Massage. These are therapists who concentrate in one kind of massage. In some hospitals massage varies in modalities depending on the damaged area of the body. Physical therapists schedule patients on how often the application of massage is to be done. It is a case-to-case basis until such time the patient fully recovers.

The products used by massage therapist varies from different kinds of clients. They should have the bed, table, powder, lotion or oil. But most of them use aroma therapy as stimulating massage oil.

Massage contributes a big factor to ones health. However it also depends on how well the physical application is being given to the client. Sporty people usually injures their feet while engaging on their game. Some are due to various illnesses and others from physical stress. Some medical experts prefer to recommend massage therapy in replacement of oral medication. It contributes a big factor to society. Plenty of experienced therapist grows more and more. Modern times conclude that it is meant only for relaxation. However it is also a great help to those who have illnesses and injury since it will lessen oral intake of pills. In some cases it is also being recommended as weight management program.

Austin is a wonderful and exciting city to be in and it has grown really famous around the world especially for its music. This gorgeous city located in the heart of Texas has a lot of things to offer to both its local residents and foreign visitors. You will never run out of food choices once you get to Austin, a single vacation visit will never be enough to be able to try all the excellent choices of first class restaurants within it.

However, due to its growing economy and ever increasing number in business establishments, life in Austin has gotten a lot busier nowadays compared to what it used to be in the old days. And for this very reason, a lot of people living in Austin are looking for ways to relax and unwind their selves from the stress mostly brought about by the busy environment.

Finding a good Austin massage therapist is definitely one of the best solutions to soothe your self and take a quiet and relaxing moment after one tiring day. However, with so many people readily offering their therapy services, you should choose your therapist wisely.

If you are currently staying within Austin area, here are some important considerations you should keep in mind when choosing the right Austin massage therapist to hire:

Speaking of convenience, you planned to hire your own massage therapist so you can call him/her up at the most convenient time for you. This being the case, you should find someone who is located within the same vicinity of your Austin residence or at least a location that is near your place. And with so many establishments now providing services on different methods of relaxing all over Austin, there sure is one available massage therapist somewhere in your area.

It helps to know what sort of technical expertise your massage therapist posses if you at least find out what extensive training did he/she undergo. Mostly, technical skills are influenced from the school where the therapist took classes from. Massage schools in Austin are being offered these days for people who choose to be experts on this field. Austin has some of the most reputable and famous schools for massage therapy in the entire United States, and Austin School of Massage Therapy is simply one of the finest to recommend.

When getting an Austin massage therapist, the technique being used is perhaps the most important thing to know especially if you need a specific type of massage to be applied on your body. One of the things you should remember before getting a massage therapist is that you should be well aware of the massage treatments that are right for you because it involves penetration of the pressure points within your body. There are also possible dangers attached to getting the wrong body stimulation. Your massage therapist should actually initiate knowing the types of massage you want to have because it will be their job to provide you with what you need.

The Grand Palace:

The Grand Palace which is situated next to Wat Phara Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is the former royal residency. The Grand Palace is also situated close to the famous Reclining Buddha and a traditional massage school.

Khaosan Road:

The lively crossroad is filled with multi-nationality experience filled with lots of restaurants, bars, artist gallery and more for every young traveller.

Chatuchak Weekend Market:

Chatuchak weekend market an exciting market place caters to all levels from thrifty to spendthrift shoppers. Pets, dresses, artwork, home decorations what every you desire can be found in the behemoth bazaar.

Pak Khlong Talad & Yaowarat:

Travellers who visit Thailand must visit Pak Khlong Talt, the flower bazaar in Bangkok. The market is filled with exotic variety of flowers from orchids, marigold, and roses.

Floating Market & Khlong Tour:

Venice of the Far East, Obviously the capital city of Thailand (Bangkok) with all the watery arteries connects to the main vein - the River of Kings. The canal of Khlong Om to the island of KoKret is the home of thriving community who sell fruits, vegetables and sandstone sculptures in nominal rates.

Gulf of Thailand:

Gulf of Thailand consists of many beautiful tropical islands which are globally acclaimed. Most popular places are Hua Hin, Ko Chang, Ko Samui, Ko Tai, Ko Mak and Bang Saen.

Relaxing in Pai:

Pai situated in Northern Mountains of Thailand has lot of activities for tourist like white-water rafting and mountain biking.

Andaman Coast:

Andaman cost has some of the important islands like Karabi, Phuket and phang-nga bay. These provinces provide much of water sports and activities keep the traveller engaged throughout the day.

Biking tour in World Heritage Sites:

Sukhothai and Ayutthaya are some of the oldest culture of the Siamese kingdom. These world heritage sites are must to visit in Thailand tour itinerary.

Songkran & Loi Krathong Festival

Songkran is a famous festival where everybody splashed water on each other in the streets. Lai Krathong, a festival where the country's waterways are illuminated by tiny floats with flowers and incense and a candle.

Muai Thai:

Muai Thai (Thai Kick Boxing) a traditional and countries favourite sport in Thailand attracts lot of visitors to this traditionally acclaimed country. Thai kick-boxers are the best entertainers in the Bangkok where they capture the eyes of the audience.

Elephant Trekking:

The most adventurous and exciting opportunity in Thailand is to explore the nature and green forest by elephant trekking.

Abseiling in Khao Yai: Khao Yai National Park is famous for its abseiling, where traveller can enjoy the thrill of climbing down the cliff with force of water gushing on both sides of the valley.

Diving at Similan & Surin Islands:

The Andaman sea's Similan and Surin Islands are famous for its scuba diving and snorkelling activities.

Meditation:

People who need to get away from the stress of daily life can enrol in the meditation schools held at Wat mahathat and Suan Mokkh.

Beauty Spa & Thai Massage:

Thailand a place for culture, heritage and tourism is also famous for its beauty and spa facilities. All major hotels have a spa where travellers can rejuvenate their body and mind.

Tom Yum Kung, Phat Thai, & Cooking:

Tom Yum Kung and Phat Thai are the traditional dishes in the Thailand. More cities in Thailand are now offering culinary classes for the travellers.

Golfing:

Thailand is renowned for its golf festival, worldclass golf courses all over the Thailand where pros and amateurs can practise and improve their game.

Travel by Rail:

Most favourite dream vacation on Thailand is by taking the rail route for seven nights and 8 days packages from Eastern and Oriental Express. The train stops at the cultural and history rich city of Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi.

Khon, Hun LakhonLek:

The classical masked dance of Thailand is known as Khon. The exotic performance can be viewed in the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre in Bangkok which is the first air-conditioned cinema in Southeast Asia.

Let's cut to the chase.

What do you want to see when you look in the mirror? How do you want to feel when you look in the mirror? Let me take a stab at what you actually see and what you actually feel.

You think that the face looking back at you is unattractive, and that your best years have long gone, or even that the face looking back at you is downright ugly!

Why am I so sure? Because that is exactly what I said and exactly how I felt on a daily basis about the face that looked back at me from my own mirror.

Am I different from you... no way! I have spent far too much money on beauty products and anti wrinkle creams, on age reducing pills and potions and I've fallen for every 'Get young and beautiful' new product that came my way with a net result of not looking a day younger and not feeling any better about myself.

That is, until my best friend gave me a gift certificate for a facial massage. Without getting too dramatic, I can say with hand on heart, that without knowing it, my friend had given me a life changing gift. I had never considered massage or massage therapy, because I had it in my mind that it was an expensive luxury, and if there were any benefits I certainly didn't think they would apply to me.

When the time came, my friend had to drag me along for my facial, because I felt, uncomfortable, self conscious, and I suppose unworthy of that kind of attention. I felt that I was drawing attention to something that I'd been reluctant to even think about, let alone discuss, which at the time was an incredibly negative view I had of how I looked and how I felt about myself.

This doesn't sound like a great start to my life changing gift does it? Fortunately for me, my friend is made of stronger stuff and despite her ulterior motive (the gift certificate was for two!) she and I went ahead and had our facial. The facial itself didn't turn me into a teenager again, and nobody wolf whistled as we sat at a pavement café, but something was definitely different.

I've come to understand that the reason I felt different was because a couple of popular myths had been dispelled during my facial. The first popular myth was that massage was not for the likes of me. The second popular myth was that the benefits of massage and massage therapy wouldn't apply to me. The results of that facial massage and the many that I've had since have been to give me a sense of self appreciation. Massage and massage therapy is for the likes of me and it is most definitely not just for the benefit of a select few. Speaking of benefits, the list of improvements that massage and massage therapy delivers goes on and on, and as I've discovered for myself, the benefits are not confined to physical improvements, but to psychological improvements as well.

Do I look like a supermodel... well I never have and I never will, but that's not the point. I'm now happy to look at myself in the mirror and more to the point, I feel good about what I see and I'm happy with how I feel. To keep me feeling this way I give myself a thorough facial massage every day and I make a big deal out of doing so. I put on relaxing music and I burn essential oils to create a completely enjoyable experience. A half hour is all it takes and yes, I do believe I look younger, if I say so myself.

I suppose the main point here is that you, me or anyone else deserves to feel good about themselves, and for me, the gift of a facial massage was the necessary trigger. There are many things in life that can give you that much needed lift and I hope you find them, but for now, giving yourself a facial massage is as good a kick-start as any.

To your continued, outstanding health.

P.S. Don't be afraid to slap on some so called age-reducing lotion or potion if that's what it takes and don't beat yourself up either, after all, you're only human.

Copyright (c) 2007 Sam Benton

When you are operating a school or children's day care facility, it is important that the kids have access to clean water. This is extra important because children spend most of their day at these sorts of places, and water that has gone through a water treatment facility will help keep them healthy. Water should be the preferred beverage for children, because it does not contain any sugar, calories, or caffeine. It will help their little bodies function as they should.

It is important to test and treat the water in these facilities. Minerals, such as lead, can actually be harmful, hindering the function and development of their brains and bodies. Many public schools and child care facilities are protected by the Safe Drinking Water Act, but there are others that may not even test the water to make sure that it is safe to drink.

How does lead get into the drinking water? Water does not contain lead when it is found in the natural environment. It does not pick up lead in a well or water treatment plant. However, older buildings have piping, faucets, and other plumbing parts made from lead or containing some lead. When the water comes into contact with this plumbing, corrosion occurs. You may be receiving clean water from a local water treatment plant, but it can pick up lead as it passes through the plumbing system. This is why it is very important to periodically test the quality of the water.

Lead can be collected in the bones as long as you live, and it can cause serious health risks over time. It can also collect in the brain, muscles, bloodstream, and other body systems for several months. Since children are smaller than adults, it is easier for them to accumulate a higher concentration of it in their system. Often children under the age of 6 are at the highest risk for lead poisoning, because they have more contact with the floor and other parts of the building that may be contaminated. A doctor can test a child for lead exposure.

Researchers have not determined that there is any safe level of lead in a child's blood. Therefore, it is important to have the water treated at your child's school or day care center. You want to be able to guarantee the safety of the water. Check with your city to see if there is something that you can do to reduce or eliminate the presence of lead in your water supply.

Being a qualified massage therapist will definitely offer you a good career. There are many genuine institutions that offer good training in massage therapy. Currently, the opportunities for massage therapist are highly on rise. The stress of modern life style has made many people resort to massage therapy on a regular basis, to get rid of the days stress and calm themselves.

If you are a person who enjoys communicating with different people, a career in massage therapy might be just the job you need. Massage therapist or masseuse jobs can be began as part-time or full time jobs. Another advantage of the job is that they can be begun at home.

The requirements of massage therapists' jobs differ according to the working environment and skill. If you consider taking up job as a massage therapists it is important you know every detail about the job, requirements, financial prospects etc. When you have collected all the information and are still keen for the job, you can consider joining for a good massage therapy course.

The prime requisite to get admission for a massage therapy course is a high school diploma or a degree. The training comprises of lessons on anatomy, body mechanics, kinesiology and other important parts. The programs usually has a duration of about 500 - 600 hours. You can opt for a part time or full time course. There are programs which offer jobs of post-graduate level. Once you have completed the course you can apply for your license.

Licensing regulations vary from state to state and it is important to understand the rules and regulations correctly when you apply for a license. In some states they are based locally. Minnesota, Wyoming, Idaho, Oklahoma, Alaska, Kansas, Vermont etc are states in which massage therapy licensing are set locally. Find out the licensing requirements of the state you reside in a detailed way. It is essential you select the kind of accreditation the training program asks for.

State-administered exams like MBLEx or Massage and Bodywork License Exam and NCETMB or National Certificate Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork offer certificates for qualified persons which enable them to start work on their own. Certified massage therapists can also opt to work in beauty centers, physical rehabilitation centers, hotels and resorts, airports, spas, and medical set ups.

The ability to understand and listen to the needs of your clients and the flair to communicate with them effectively adds to the success of a massage therapist.

Let me ask you something. What is it that sets you apart from all the other bodywork practitioners or massage businesses in your area?

You see, asking this question is one of the most important things you need to do BEFORE you can even begin to market your massage business effectively. The answer(s) to this question should form what is actually a core part of your business identity - your Unique Serving Proposition or USP.

Actually, in traditional marketing jargon USP stands for Unique Selling Proposition, but I like 'Serving' much better, cause that is what we are doing, providing - a valuable 'service'.

Now when I say Unique Serving Proposition, I am not talking about the different bodywork techniques that you use, or how long you have been a practitioner etc. What I am talking about is coming up with a single clear statement that explains the primary advantage or benefit that a client will receive by using your services versus anyone or anything else, your Unique Serving Proposition.

When it comes down to it a powerful USP should explain your most exciting benefit, that is not offered by any other practitioner in your area and should be used in ALL of your marketing materials.

So, if you do not yet have a USP, you really need to create one if you are going to get the most out of your marketing efforts. You should also consider the different 'niche' groups that you want to attract as clients. I even know some people that have a different USP for each of their target 'niche' groups!

Here are some specific questions you should ask yourself when you sit down to create your USP:

1) What benefits does a client get when they get a massage from me?
2) What are the most pressing problems that my clients face?
3) What ultimate outcome would they give anything to have?
4) Why should a potential client choose me over any other massage therapist to achieve this outcome?

Using these answers to these questions, you can then piece together your Unique Serving Proposition by outlining the major benefit that you believe your prospective clients would love to experience and create a very clear, specific statement that promises to deliver exactly that!

The most important thing that your USP should clearly answer is, 'What is in it for them!'

Having an effective USP however is only half the job, you then need to live up to what you promise.

Anyway, to take this a step further, your USP should be your professional 'calling card', meaning anytime somebody asks you what you do for a living, you should simply quote your USP.

For example, if someone asks my partner Tania (who is a massage teacher) what she does, she answers, 'I provide first class training and support in Hawaiian Lomi Lomi & Hot Stone Massage.'

To that the response is usually, 'Oh really, that is interesting.' Tania might then say, 'Yeah we run week long retreats down in the Byron Bay Hinterland. It is really great. Participants can come away learn a wonderful new skill, rejuvenate and get inspired!

To that, the response is often like, 'Wow, that sounds amazing, do you have a brochure or something?' Tania just happens to have a few brochures in her handbag and the rest is obvious.

Now it does not always happen like this all the time, and in many instances you would not quote your USP word for word (because it would sound strange just by itself), but can you see how using our USP in the above example is far more powerful than Tania just saying, 'Oh, I am a massage teacher'? Absolutely!

For your reference, I have included several different examples of possible USPs for massage therapists:

'A Rejuvenated You In As Little As 60 minutes!' 'Complete Relaxation In The Comfort of Your Home Or Mine!' 'Total Indulgence To Your Door!' 'Effective Pain Relief...The Natural Way!' 'All Massage Styles, Available All Hours!' 'A First Class Massage Experience...Each And Every Time!' 'An Un-rushed, Full Body Massage Treatment...Satisfaction Guaranteed!' 'Caring For Your Well Being Is Our Passion!'

These should give you a good start. So go ahead and come up with your own original, and appealing USP about the service(s) you offer, and make sure you include it in your business cards, your brochures, in fact use it in ALL of your marketing materials!

Also, a good USP can be used in the headline of any advertising that you do like articles, press releases or flyers etc.

Oh yeah, make sure that you always, always have some brochures, business cards etc on you at all times cause everyone you cross paths with could be a potential client!

One of the first things people ask when thinking about going into the massage profession is what is the starting salary for massage therapists and what is their earning potential?

Many sites and massage schools use reports from salary.com siting salaries of $45,000 or more. While there isn't any way to really tell if that is accurate or not it is significantly lower than what the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professional (massagetherapy.com) survey indicates which is:

Average massage-related income for massage therapists in 2005 was $18,950, with a median income of $14,500 (2005 ABMP Member Survey). First-year practice average income was $9,589, reflecting the challenges of establishing a professional-service practice (2005 ABMP Member Survey).

Massage therapists can find jobs in spas, clinics and in franchises like Massage Envy. The hourly wage at Massage Envy has been reported to be $15 an hour. To make $45,000 a year you would have to work 60 hours a week at a place like that.

Most massage therapists work part time in the profession and hold other jobs or have other sources of income.

While there are jobs that pay $45 an hour or more, they are few and far between. They also usually require more experience as a massage therapist.

While there are more massage jobs out there today, you are usually able to make more when you start and run your own massage business. This requires that you have some knowledge of basic business and marketing skills as well as outstanding customer service skills. Massage school does not have enough hours to teach you how to be a successful massage therapist.

When starting and building your own massage practice you also have to understand that what you can make may sound better than it really is. The average charge for a massage is $60 and the rates can actually vary depending on location anywhere from $45 an hour to $100 an hour or even more if you are doing injury work and billing insurance companies for massage. ( Most states you can bill insurance companies for motor vehicle related injuries when prescribed by a doctor.) The thing is that what you charge is not really what you actually make. You have to account for expenses like office rent, adverting, website design, marketing, and any other overhead or expenses that are related to doing business.

So while the statistics really make the outlook for the profession look bleak- there is another way. It is possible to make $100,000 a year as a massage therapist if you are willing to charge more for your services and also take risks like hiring other massage therapists. There are many successful clinics and day spas out there where you as an owner could make what you really dream about.

And yes the demand for massage therapists is growing making it a 11-18 billion dollar a year industry. To become a part of that and make a great living as a massage therapist requires that you be committed, compassionate and business minded. It really has little to do with having good hands as many may try to tell you. It is more about you and your beliefs about who you are that can lead you to being a successful massage therapist.

Everyone loves a good massage. Some people feel that if it isn't deep, then it is not a massage - that could be you - well BALONEY to that thought.

Let's revisit the scope of practice of massage therapy according the CMTO for you:

"Massage Therapy practice is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain." (Massage Therapy Act, 1991).

One of the main themes that runs rampant for massage therapists when treating is - "DO NO HARM". So with that in mind how beneficial is deep tissue massage for you if your massage therapist is standing on you with their knee digging into your back?

Let's face it, the perfect massage is different for everyone.

Tolerance for Deep Tissue Massage

One of my favorite lines is "I have a high tolerance for pain" - well... get underneath my hands and let me decide...

Let me give you an example of a client of mine that I treat. This individual is about six foot four and weighs 290lbs. He is probably the biggest client I have ever treated before. The work I do on him is all done without oil. It is primarily a form of direct myofascial release.

You would figure for a guy that size he would be able to handle my deepest deep tissue massage techniques - like my elbow or forearm running up and down his back or stripping through and separating his hamstring muscles from one another.

While he can tolerate a fair bit of pressure, he still cannot handle my deepest deep tissue massage. I have to ease up on the pressure I use with him from time to time.

Compare that to a female client I have that is about five foot two and probably about 100lbs soaking wet who gives me permission for deep tissue massage.

Many people like to believe that they have a high tolerance to pain. Of course you can take more pressure than the person before you; however is it possible that person after you can handle more?

Deep Tissue Massage Is Relative

Deep tissue massage is relative to the person giving it and the person receiving it. Since each of us carries our own pain threshold it is very subjective. I have had only one client in the ten plus years of treating who has been able to handle deep tissue massage in its purest sense. This one man I treated fell asleep while my reinforced elbow continued to get deeper and deeper on his back until I decided to hold off on any more pressure.

Then there is the other side to massage. Some people go for a massage because they like the "caring intimate" professional touch in a safe environment. it gives them the opportunity to speak their mind and share their "darkest" secrets without any repercussions.

Deep tissue massage is not for everyone and not all massage therapists provide deep treatments. The key here is to find what works for you and to stick with that massage therapist.

When one hears the words physical therapy, what most likely comes into mind are masseuses. Yet physical therapy delves much deeper than your typical run-of-the-mill masseuse. The benefits of physical therapy far outweigh those of regular massages from untrained masseuses. What physical therapy is - is a science. It's a far cry from the indiscriminate kneading and pounding of some masseuses. They only make you feel better for awhile, sort of like a placebo. One of the benefits of physical therapy compared to massages is that physical therapy cures you.

There are virtually hundreds of benefits of physical therapy, but the key benefits are to evaluate physical problems, increase and maintain muscle strength and endurance, restore and increase joint range of motion, increase coordination, decrease pain, decrease muscle spasm and plasticity, decrease swelling and inflammation of joints, promote healing of soft tissue lesions, prevent contracture and deformity of limbs, alleviate walking problems, educate patients and family, decrease stress and a whole lot more too numerous to mention. These are but a few of the benefits of physical therapy.

Regular massages from untrained individuals may prove beneficial in some ways, but in the long run and more bang for the buck, physical therapy very much eats the competition for lunch. The benefits of physical therapy depend greatly on the treatment methods that physical therapists utilize. Some examples are joint mobilization, soft tissue release, trigger point release, manual therapy, myofascial stretching, muscle re-education, modalities, therapeutic exercise, re-conditioning program, specific strengthening of weak muscles, and a home exercise program to name a few. These methods are not only far superior to indiscriminate kneading and pounding, but proof of the scientific nature of physical therapy. The benefits of physical therapy are not only for instant gratification in terms of comfort, but the benefits are a long term solution for afflictions, a lasting cure for those who need it.

I am reminded of a friend who had a sore back. Instead of seeing a physical therapist, he went to a masseuse for instant relief. He did get instant relief, but after a few days, his spine grew worse and now walks with a permanent limp and crooked back. He himself says that he should've gone to a physical therapist and regrets not having gone. This is a perfect, if tragic example to the benefits of physical therapy, and the pains and risks of leaving your health in the hands of untrained masseuses.

The unfortunate individuals having to deal with adhesive capsulitis (also known as frozen shoulder) many times end up choosing frozen shoulder physical therapy as their treatment choice. If the person has decent insurance this is a wise choice, however since this condition knows no economic boundaries, many times the sufferer has less than adequate insurance and is faced with the possibility that their particular policy will not cover such services.

Traditionally in the past Medicare has always covered physical therapy services provided they are medically necessary. However there has been an ongoing battle in congress on whether to cap physical therapy services after a certain amount has been paid. A cap is very limiting as it usually encompasses other ancillary services. This means that if someone has extensive medical problems they may have very little if any therapy covered by the time they need it. Frozen shoulder physical therapy in particular requires multiple sessions with one-on-one joint mobilization in order to achieve functional range of motion.

Recipients of Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance typically have been covered at the rate of 80/20 - that is 80% insurance responsible and 20% patient responsible. However it is becoming more frequent to see some BCBS policies limiting outpatient therapy to a number of visits per year. Good luck if you have a particularly bad year with more than one injury or surgery requiring PT. Make sure you, as the recipient of health care, do your due diligence towards what your individual policy may cover regarding therapy.

Individuals injuring there shoulder on the job may be covered by Workmans compensation. All employers with greater than 5 employees are required by law to carry Workmans compensation insurance. This does not necessarily mean treatment for your injury is covered. The resulting injury and development of adhesive capsulitis must be documented as work related. Therefore all work related accidents or injuries must be reported to a supervisor who documents the dates and times of the occurrence as the first step. It is also a good idea to keep your own log of dates and times, mileage, etc... if you are injured during the course of performing work duties.

Medicaid recipients will need to check with their provider to see if Medicaid is accepted. If it is, then consult with the therapist directly as to how many units or allowable charges his or her plan of care may require. Medicaid restricts certain charges to a finite number per year.

All-in-all, frozen shoulder physical therapy is covered by most insurance plans in some form or fashion, but each individual will need to due a little investigation to make sure they are covered and do not end up with out-of-pocket expenses.

As a physical therapist, your patients need to have complete faith in your healing abilities in order to establish trust. To achieve this, a physical therapy newsletter may prove to be quite helpful. In addition to providing information about your services and background, a patient friendly newsletter can be customized to reflect the particulars of your practice.

 By sending a newsletter to clients, you can market your practice in a way that is less obvious than most. This is the simplest, most cost-effective way to keep in touch with your patients, grab their attention and, in turn, attract their referrals. A patient friendly newsletter will support your credibility within your current client base, and attract newcomers. The best part of a newsletter is that it can be sent as an e-mail, which may be forwarded to others. Before you know it, your newsletter has circulated through a long list of inboxes.

 When creating your newsletter, a few pointers might come handy:

Keep it filled with rich visuals and compelling content. Check the articles for typos and grammatical errors. It is crucial that your newsletter be timely and relevant to what's happening around you. For example, a patient friendly newsletter developed in November may include a piece about aches and pains that are typically aggravated by the winter months.

Keep the tone of your newsletter positive and action-oriented. Your newsletter should come across as friendly but authoritative, to keep you positioned as an expert in your field.

For your newsletter to have a lasting impact, send it out every fortnight. This schedule will remind your patients of your service without appearing overbearing or pushy.

Design your newsletter to be released on a Monday. Studies show that Monday is day when most people check their e-mails. Since it marks the beginning of the week, it will stay fresh in their minds. Your patient friendly newsletter can either be faxed to your clients or sent through e-mail.

 If creating a newsletter sounds too complicated and time-consuming for you, outsource it to a professional newsletter company such as therapynewsletter.com. A professional company will handle the branding aspects of a great newsletter, provide articles, customize the look and feel, and handle the subscription part as well. By hiring a professional, you can use the time otherwise spent creating your newsletter to work on other projects.

 A well-designed newsletter can mean hundreds of referrals every month. Don't let the opportunity pass you by, especially since it's one of the easier marketing methods to tackle. Be sure to include your contact information on your newsletter so that clients can contact you whenever necessary. Include a note at the end to remind them to forward the newsletter onto family and friends to help increase your customer base.

Use of these 5 Zero Point Energized best EGA massage oils and all natural skin care products by Amega Global, will definitely stir a few 'Happy Endings.' These are not just your ordinary slew of massage oils and skin care products, these are infused with zero point energy using Amega Global's AMized Fusion Technology. These are a line of all natural skin care products that are the first of their kind.

Nowhere else can you find oils infused with zero point energy. These products are causing people to claim that the use of these all natural massage oils are creating a new energetic wave in the evolution of skin care and dermal therapy. Masseuses and masseurs are finding that the use of these therapy oils are not only having lasting benefits for their clients, but that they are allowing their hands to derive and absorb all the zero point energetic benefits from using the 5 EGA massage oils. Resulting in hands that aren't nearly as tired as they once were prior to 'wearing' zero point energy oils.

What Are They?

EGA InFlame
EGA Meridian Natural
EGA Serenity
EGA Slender
EGA At Ease
What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of therapy, and is a system of stroking, kneading, and pressing different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate and tone the body. All cultures have their own versions and methods of working with the tissues of the body - from Lomi Lomi to Qigong to Swedish and Shiatsu. For more information on massage therapy I would recommend checking out the National Holistic Institutes's massage therapy blog: NIH Massage Blog. The use of essential oils in massage is a way to maximize the healing power of the massage itself. When combined with essential oils, a massage can have a powerful calming or energizing effect, depending on the oil chosen. Massage oils let you treat yourself to one of the oldest and most effective treatments for your well-being. Massage oils have the power to transform our emotions and make our bodies feel good. Amega Global's EGA massage oils are enhanced by their AMized Fusion Technology. These massage oils are therapeutic as it combines the natural therapeutic properties of the essential oils and the healing power of massage therapy. It gives a pleasant method of physical, emotional and mental clarity, relaxation, and an overall rejuvenating experience.

EGA Massage Oil Product Details

All 5 EGA massage oils are not only complete botanicals (plant based), but they are also energized with AFT (Amized Fusion Technology).

Slender: Tones and tightens. Helps eliminate toxins. Assists with smoothing and toning of the skin's suppleness and firmness. Has exceptionally effective natural ingredients. Brings absolute pleasure and relaxation to your body. Contains Lemon Oil, Rosemary Oil, and Lavender Oil. Retail price is $53 for a 100ml bottle.

InFlame: Used as a holistic approach to chronically sore muscles or fatigue. Enhances mood and stimulates mental activity. Specifically for special needs that are sensual and enchanting. Contains Rosemary, Geranium, and Almond. $53 for a 100ml bottle.

At Ease: Can be used to feel better when endorphins are released from your body. At Ease enters the body through the sense of smell and stimulates areas of the brain. Can be used as a relaxation massage oil. Contains Eucalyptus Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Olive Oil. $53 for 100ml.

Meridian Natural: Blended with only the finest natural oils and fragrances. Enriches your skin. Helps with stress relief and a deeper experience of wellness. Balances many of the body systems providing enhanced benefits for total well being. Contains Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Vitamin E. $53 for 100ml.

Serenity: This massage oil supports the adrenal cortex, helps to balance the hormonal system, and enhances the lymphatic system. It may also be used to help promote balanced production of sebum in the skin. Contains Lavender Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Geranium Oil. $53 for 100ml.

Why Use the Massage Oils?

1) Smoothing these oils on the body will allow one to wear the AFT zero point energy technology for as long as the oil remains on the skin.

2) Energized and relaxed at the same time.

3) These massage oils will sooth away mental and physical stress and bring a sense of rejuvenation.

Throughout human history we have been continually inventing new uses of the earth's natural elements, especially with regards to nature's own innate capacity to heal, nourish, and beautify the body and skin. In ancient Rome they used oil to cleanse the body instead of soap. We use it in our foods and diet and we are always excited to discover new uses or new health benefits of flax oil, olive oil, peppermint oil, pumpkinseed oil, fish oil, and etc. This new line in massage oil and all natural skin care products from Amega Global combines the best of both worlds of energetic medicine and natural botanical remedies.

There are many reasons as to why children may need physical therapy. It could be because they have cerebral palsy and they need physical therapy to help them move their bodies easier or perhaps they broke a leg, or they may have weak muscles somewhere in their body. Even those with brain injuries may need to see a physical therapist since the brain has a lot to do with the functioning of muscles and knowing how to do things such as sit, walk, and roll.

There are a number of different conditions and injuries that require physical therapy in children. There is even one such condition called Jumper's knee that becomes a problem for a lot of children and adolescents. If the child complains of tenderness and pain around the bottom of the kneecap, then this might be the problem. Kids who are involved in sports tend to have this problem during growth spurts. A physical therapist may use heat and ice as well as ultrasound to gain control over the pain and any inflammation. The physical therapist also works on strengthening the knee and creating a balance through exercises such as posture exercises.

However, children are always severely spraining ankles, breaking legs, arms, hands, and feet. They may pull something somewhere or tear a muscle during physical activity. All of these incidents call for some kind of physical therapy whether short-term or long-term. Physical therapy is important in children who have injured a part of their body because an injury can actually stunt growth, so it is important to make sure proper growth is inhibited by creating proper alignments and balances within the body.

Equipment

There are different types of equipment that may be used with children who are going through physical therapy. An example is a safety belt that prevents the child from falling down or stumbling when they are learning how to walk. Crutches may also be used and the child and parents will be instructed on how to use them when the child encounters such obstacles as stairs. Children may also be required to wear a safety belt while learning how to walk on crutches so they do not injure themselves further.

Other types of equipment include:

o Walkers made just for children that help them learn to walk.

o Toys such as balls, swings, benches, and slides. Toys are an important tool because it encourages the child to work their muscles through fun.

o Ultrasound devices that are used in controlling pain and inflammation.

o Therapy balls are kind of like exercise balls, but they are made in smaller sizes for children

o Therapy rolls are like long noodle type objects that the child can lean on, roll on, and simply have fun with.

o Steps, incline mats, and hurdles can create a great physical environment for a child because these objects encourage them to climb and jump.

Many of the different types of physical therapy equipment that is used promotes physical activity in some way. Then there are others types of equipment that is used in reducing pain and inflammation and helps restore a balance within the injured area. There seems to be a little something for every situation for every single age, whether it be devices to help a child walk or to rehabilitate a muscle that has been torn. With sports becoming so intense nowadays, sports injuries are very prevalent and a physical therapist is required for the healing process. Then again, children are born with conditions that physical therapy equipment can provide relief for. That is why it is important that the proper equipment be available to help these children.

This may seem like a tall order for massage therapists, but if you think about it, these people actually improve an individual's life not just physically, but in some ways, emotionally, and mentally as well. And when one is relieved of these problems, we can say that life is somehow enhanced.

A massage therapist undoubtedly relieves physical problems by finding the source of the pain and systematically kneading away the knots and tensions in the muscles. The massage therapist can also provide emotional healing in that through his hands, when the physical tensions are eliminated, a person's anxieties are likewise reduced.

Mental therapy would not necessarily refer to mental illness - instead, a massage therapist is more concerned with administering techniques that help enhance mental alertness. The massage therapist also aids the patient become more mentally productive because the latter gains from restful sleep after the relaxing massage.

They often work in consonance with specialists such as chiropractors, physiotherapists, and osteopaths. They can be known by different terms, such as Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) or Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP).

A massage therapist is well-versed in the application of pressure on the parts of the body with the objective of nursing injuries, managing pain, improving blood circulation, and relieving psychological stress. Because of its many benefits, the ordinary massage came to be known as manipulative therapy or therapeutic massage.

Because of the growing popularity of massage therapists, many people often seek them out first prior to visiting their physicians - and for good reason. Due to a growing awareness of the importance of natural healing methods, many of us are now wary of taking medications that may cause countless side effects.

Massage therapists rarely dispense medication and if ever they do, those they recommend are organic balms, oils, or salves that are only topically applied. It should also be stressed that one must seek a massage therapist who is licensed. They may not be as informed as physicians, but they are educated in functional anatomy.

This is important to enable massage therapists to identify a client's pathological ailments. He needs to know the significant points in the body which are somehow connected to the root of the pain.

The massage therapist's trade is traced back to more than 3,000 years, and although this therapy is practiced the world over, it is said that the principal originator is ancient China. Today, there are many variations on the regular massage, and a massage therapist may specialize in any of the various techniques we know today.

The most popular of these are: Shiatsu massage, Thai massage, Persian massage, effleurage, and stone massage.

How many people have you spoken in casual interactions that have actually turned into clients? What did you say when someone at the party, grocery, school and public places asks you,"What do you do?" How do you answer? Do you say, "I'm a massage therapist"? Then they might reply, "Oh, where do you work?" And you go on to talk about where you work, blah, blah... Pretty boring! Pretty non-successful interaction if your goal is to get more clients and I'm guessing it's not productive.

It's really easy to get more clients if you know what to say when you meet them. We should know exactly how to respond. Get more clients when you say these words:

Now, imagine if you answered the question like this, "What do you do?" with a sentence and they responded with, "Wow! I was just thinking I needed to find a specialist like you to help me." How cool would that be?

What did you say to make the difference in their response?" Simple: How can this help me?" You responded with words that explain what problems you solve, NOT what your "title" is! Get it?

It's really amazing effect if the person you are speaking is interested with you. As we all know, people are always (consciously or subconsciously) thinking, "What in it for me?"

So when you respond with a problem-solving solution, thus, you provide people a solution to their problems, they perk up and think, hmmm... "Wow, I want to call you, may I have your card?"

To Be Able To Tell Them What Problems You Solve, You Must Create Your "Target Market Commercial":

Here is what you need to do to create your own, "Target Market Commercial". Note: Your Target Market Commercial should be no more than three sentences.

Your 1st Homework Assignment:

Determine your Target Market:

Write down your top-3 "conditions" or "problems" you most prefer to work with. Such as:

#1. Senior's Stiffness and insomnia
#2. Stress and Anxiety
#3. Pregnancy

Once you know your top 3 markets you want to target, you can now create your perfect commercial to the What do you "do" question that will appeal to these people.

Your 2nd Homework Assignment:

Write down:

#1. What each of these group's biggest "problems" are.
#2. What you do to help them with their "problem".
#3. What results they see after working with you.

When you are crafting your Target Market Commercial, weave your answers to these three questions into your sentences. Sample Scripts: Here is an example Target Market Commercial for each of my three top Target Markets (from Homework assignment #1 above) You can use these exactly, or tweak them to more exactly fit your style and market.

#1. Target Market Commercial for Seniors: "I provide massage services to seniors who have a hard time bending and reaching so they can move more easily with less pain, and continue to live independently. The massage also helps them sleep more soundly at night."

#2.Target Market Commercial for Stress and Anxiety: "I help people who are under tremendous stress from work and home-life who feel they are being pulled in a thousand directions. I give them a way to relax and de-stress every week, to focus on only themselves, without any phones, computers, or kids interrupting them. Their "de-stress sessions" help them be more productive, calm and in control when they are faced with the stressors that come up."

#3. Target Market Commercial for Pregnancy: "I help pregnant women have the most comfortable pregnancy and easy labor. Their weekly pre-natal massages help them relax, get rid of pain and reduce leg swelling. It also of course benefits their baby in utero because as their mom gets massaged, the baby gets more nourishment, and oxygen and less stress hormones!"

What Do You Do Now?

1. To begin, start with only one Target Market Commercial.
2. Write it down.
3. Practice saying your commercial so the next time you are asked about what you "do", your response will just roll off your tongue and you will be on the road to more prospects turning into clients.
4. Once you feel comfortable with your first Target Market Commercial, create the other two. By having the three Target Market Commercials, you will be able to mix and match as needed, depending on to whom you are speaking.

Of course, you won't know what the person you are speaking with might most need, but you stand a better chance of turning this person (or someone they know) into a client when you present a solution to a problem. Obviously, you can base your Commercial on a guess and respond with the Target Market Commercial you feel most accurately reflects the person you are speaking with. Again, even if you don't know your prospect's "problem", by answering in this way, you at least stimulate the conversation more than giving a simple (and boring) answer of "I'm a massage therapist"...

by Irene Diamond

Just by studying the surveys and reading the comments and feedback from massage therapy trainees and patients alike, you cannot help but deduce that the quality of massage education in many, if not all, areas is fast deteriorating. One online poll showed that only less than 30 percent of the survey participants thought they underwent good, reliable and effective training in their respective massage schools. Another survey showed that more than 50 percent of the total number of participants believed that their instructors fed them with more textbook knowledge rather than practical, actual techniques. A patient in Chicago, USA has complained that during her most recent massage session, the therapist rubbed a lot of oil on her body, pinched, poked and kneaded areas of her body so hard that she was left sore all over. The experience was too traumatic for her that she has already sworn off massage therapy. Such negative comments do not at all help the profession, which is supposed to have an important effect on a person's emotional, spiritual and physiological state and functions.

Experts believe that the deterioration of massage education is due to a lot of factors. For one, there are a lot of shady massage therapy schools that do not have the proper certifications. In the USA, for instance, it is highly recommended that a certain massage school has accreditation from the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). Secondly, there are also schools that do not have enough competent teachers, most probably because they want to save on costs, or hire many teachers but only at a low rate (and an instructor who "somehow knows a little" about massage is already considered good enough).

Thirdly, most incompetent schools only offer textbook knowledge and not many hands-on, on-patient methods and skills. Of course, hands-on training is more important since it will prepare the student cum would-be therapist on what to expect in real life situations. Fourthly, there are instructors out there who either do not have enough experience or are not exactly successful in their own private practices who try and teach the art of massage to others. Remember, massage requires a high level of expertise as well as a good understanding of the challenges involved and people who have "failed" or are not practiced enough may only convey limited knowledge.

The weakening of massage education is not only bad news for accredited massage therapy schools which try very hard to follow rules and accreditation requirements and give quality education and training but also for patients who now do not have the total guarantee that their therapists have been trained the proper way and have the right qualifications. Something should be done to address this problem, if only to protect the true essence of massage and its benefits.

A study done by David Brunsma from the University of Missouri and Kerry A. Rockquemore from Notre Dame measured the effects of uniforms on attendance, behavior, substance abuse, and academic achievement and concluded that uniforms did not improve any of these. In their report published in the The Journal of Education Research in September/October 1998, the authors contend that uniforms may even have the opposite effect on academic achievement. They state, "Here, contrary to the expected, student uniform use actually decreases, on average, the standardized test score of these tenth graders who wear them due to mandatory school policy." Although these assertions were contested by Ann Bodine in the November/December 2003 issue of The Journal of Educational Research, where she argued that the research methods were flawed, their results are often cited by school uniform opponents, and no other formal studies support claims for either side of the debate.

Perhaps more importantly, Brunsma and Rockquemore consider other reasons schools may see a correlation between uniforms and improved test results and other benefits. They state, "What is omitted from the discourse on school uniforms is the possibility that, instead of directly impacting specific outcomes, uniforms work as a catalyst for change and provide a highly visible window of opportunity. It is this window which allows additional programs to be implemented... Requiring students to wear uniforms is a change which not only effects students, but school faculty and parents. Instituting a mandatory uniform policy is a change which is immediate, highly visible, and shifts the environmental landscape of any particular school." Whether or not school uniforms directly improve attendance, behavior, and grades is still a matter of debate.

Massage is a widely used therapeutic procedure that has been used for thousands of years for healing the diseases of patient. It has also a preventive aspect to protect and preserve the health. It has occupied an importance place in Naturopathy. This article discusses the health benefits of massage and various types of massage.

Benefits of Massage

There are various benefits of massage. It removes fatigue and pains, increases vision, produces good body, good sleep, and good skin. It eliminates toxins out of the body from the skin. It stimulates circulation of the blood and soothes the nervous system. It reduces the tension in the muscles and relieves muscular pain. Systematic massage reduces the burden on the heart, and thus increases its efficiency.

Types of Massage

There are five methods of manipulation of massage. They are:

1. Effleurage (Stroking)
2. Petrissage (Kneading)
3. Friction (Rubbing)
4. Tapotement (Percussion)
5. Vibration (Shaking or Trembling)

Effleurage (Stroking)

This type of massage is done with strokes over the body on the skin. It is also done in five different ways: palms of one hand; palms of two hands; the knuckles; the ball of the thumb; the finger tips. Effleurage has various benefits. It increases circulation of blood. It soothes the nervous system. It is beneficial in lean, thin individuals. It relaxes and warms the skin and muscles.

Petrissage (Kneading)

In this type, pressing, rolling and kneading of the muscles, skin and tissues are done with one or both hands or with thumb or thumb fingers. A light pressure is done for superficial kneading. For deep kneading heavy pressure is to be done. Petrissage massage is beneficial for muscles, to strengthen it, to nourish, and relieves the congestion of intestines and it eliminates poison and soothes the nerves.

Friction (Rubbing)

In this type, circular massage is done over and around the joints. It is helpful in toning the muscles, and tendons of the joints. It reduces the pain, redness and swelling which are the cardinal signs of the inflammation.

Tapotement (Percussion)

In this type, tapping, clapping, hacking and beating is done by sticking the human body rapidly. Quick and short blows are commonly gives by wrist. Tapotement has various benefits. It is useful in wasting of muscles. It soothes the nerves. It strengthens the muscles.

Vibration (Trembling)

In this type of massage, pressing and shaking on the body either by use of hands or fingers is done. It is beneficial in neuralgia, neuritis. It not only stimulates circulation but also the nerves. It regulates the bowel. It is used to tone up the muscles and to relieve pain in the body. This massage is done from electrically operated machine by a trained person.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the URLs (links) active.