Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

Obtained from the Ylang Ylang tree, this essential oil possesses various properties that make it an important commodity in improving physical and mental health. In aromatherapy, it is regarded as one of the best aromatic and soothing essential oils in existence. Its distinct and sweet scent originates from "Cananga Odorata", the scientific name of the ylang ylang tree. Known as the "flower of flowers" in Malayan, it comes directly from flowers of the tree and passes through a distillation process. Its oil can be used as treatment for relieving pain and to treat infertility and impotence. It can be applied both topically and orally to experience its curative effects.

The Ylang ylang essential oil has various health benefits. For instance, it can be used to treat external skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles and dry skin. It is also an essential component of most hair care products as it promotes hair growth. The oil can also be taken orally to treat internal infections associated with the stomach, intestines, and urinary tract. It is advisable to seek the advice of a medical practitioner before taking any essential oil orally.

Psychologically, Ylang ylang oil can be used to treat nervous conditions such as chronic anxiety, depression and shock. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and can aid in the treatment of various nervous conditions when blended with other essential oils.

A great way to use Ylang ylang essential oil when trying to calm your nerves is in massage therapy. Mixed with carrier oils such as Grape Seed and Wheat Germ oils, it can be massaged directly onto your skin. This may provide the curative effects you are be looking for to "take the edge off", it is this quality that endears it to most massage therapists and their patients.

Ylang ylang oil has great curative properties however, as with anything, unwanted side effects may manifest if not properly administered in controlled doses. It has the potential to trigger headaches, allergic reactions or nausea if taken in heavy abusive doses.

A Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is similar to a credit, in that a specific amount must be accrued to meet the requirements for maintaining a certification-just as credits are required for degrees or certificates. A single CEU is made up of ten hours of training. This unit of measurement enables students to maintain accurate records of further instruction undertaken in their field. This is often needed for the purposes of demonstrating to employers, state licensing authorities and various other relevant third parties that they are engaged in an ongoing program of educational development. In the case of massage therapists seeking to maintain and improve both their practical skills and industry credentials, massage therapy continuing education courses are vitally important.

Participation in a massage therapy program of continuing development does not result in an academic qualification, for instance a degree or diploma. Its main purpose is to enable the therapist to keep up to date with the latest findings and treatments as they are released, and maintain their certification and licensing.

Different Types of Courses

Apart from the hands on aspects that massage therapy involves, a continuing education course may provide other relevant benefits, such as business skills, book keeping, methods of marketing, and client profiling. This arsenal of skills is essential in assisting a therapist run a thriving practice with a healthy balance sheet, while at the same making certain that client needs are met.

The Convenience of Online Study

It is possible to attend classes in a formal teaching environment such as at a salon's training academy, or alternatively home and online learning routes are also both available. In this case, the student receives the learning materials for the course by post or email. For obvious reasons, most professional chose to take their CEU courses online. This may seem intriguing as a massage therapy course would be expected to be mainly practical in nature. Don't forget that many procedures can be demonstrated by DVD and online video modules. For the parts of the course that are theoretical in nature, textbooks and online written guides are the main study aids.

Ranging from simple and high level physiology to the process of determining and treating different types of physical conditions, many different massage therapy continuing education courses are available on a variety of topics. The therapist with a specialty in treatments suited to a day spa environment is unlikely to seek further education in an area such as Fibromyalgia. In the same way, someone working in the area of massage for pregnancy may not be interested in training regarding the treatment of HIV patients.

Broadening Horizons

Participation in a well rounded learning program is beneficial for any therapist who does not wish to restrict their massage therapy career opportunities. Being in possession of a wide range of skills improves their chances of advancement within the industry. By being involved in further massage therapy education to broaden their basic range of services, the trainee will be more appealing to new employers and clients alike.

The following are examples of the different types of further education courses in massage therapy that can be taken by students online:

* Thai Massage
* Reflexology
* Sports Massage
* Cranial-Sacral Massage
* Ethical Case Management
* Hot Stone Massage
* Aromatherapy
* Advanced Anatomy and Pathology
* Prenatal Massage fundamentals
* Deep Vein Thrombosis

Many employers don't even consider candidates who do not participate in regular training development. Notwithstanding the appeal of accelerating your career advancement, the individual who invests in ongoing learning will always improve their standing and authority as a respected massage therapist.

Indeed, the massage therapy is fast growing. In fact, massage therapists will continuously be in demand for such a very long time. This alternative therapy has been practiced since ancient times to promote an overall sense of well-being. However, due to changing times and new discoveries in the medical and technological field, the ancient ways were somewhat forgotten. Yet, there are those who seek to preserve the teachings and the arts of ancient times. And as society continue to progress and many of the past has been forgotten, still there seem to be incidents where the past keeps up with modern times.

One such ancient art is the healing art of massage therapy. Touch has always been regarded as the greatest healing weapon for majority of illnesses; especially stress related ones and those triggered emotionally. In recent times, when man has been plagued with numerous illnesses partly brought about by society's progress, man turned to alternative forms of healing. The rediscovery of holistic treatments seemed more appealing to several people due to the fact that these treatments do not involve the use of artificial drugs.

In fact, massage therapy is only one of the several naturopathic treatments that have gained popularity and acknowledgement from a lot of people. Currently, various states in the United States currently have varied regulations towards massage therapist licensing. Some states requires 125 hours of training while others would require 500 hours or longer before granting a license to a particular individual who hopes to take on massage therapy as a career or profession. Moreover, some states do not honor training from schools in other states. Therefore, it is best to first determine the state you intend to practice massage therapy as a profession.

Although there are books or online sites that offer substantial amount of knowledge about the procedure and how it is properly performed, it is greatly advantageous to go to a school for massage therapy instead of learning from a book at home or online. One advantage is the fact that one will not only gain theoretical education but will have the chance to practice and become adept in the field. The entire package not only provides an individual a thorough understanding of the human anatomy but the practical application of the various massage techniques as well.

Besides that, due to the growing industry of massage therapy, a qualified massage therapist has the opportunity to work in various places such as spas, hotels, resorts, clinics, and even with big companies. Moreover, this profession is a flexible one since an individual may actually choose to work full time, or part time as a massage therapist. Since most people prefer getting a massage after work or during weekends, a massage therapist may choose to work around those hours. Moreover, he may even choose to be self-employed.

To sum it all up, the job opportunities for a massage therapist are not only limitless, but is a pretty much flexible profession as well.

Shiatsu therapy today is known as a combination of various finger pressures on different key point areas in the human body. It is known as a Japanese massage technique that works in the balancing of the chi in the body to prevent and remove sickness. This is accomplished by keeping a free flowing energy in our body as blocked meridian points are believed to be the cause of most diseases among individuals. That is why balancing the chi or energy is vital in having a healthy condition that can have a stand against any sickness attack such as colds, depression, and many more.

Shiatsu can be traced back in Ancient Japan as a form of alternative healing during that time. One member in every family is knowledgeable in shiatsu massage technique so that someone in the family can heal all of the family members and keep them healthy. The massage therapists are called Teate which are usually women or blind people in the Japanese society.

In 1912, a story was told of a boy who at the age of seven used a healing technique in relieving his mother's pain and stress from rheumatoid arthritis by applying different pressure on his thumbs and palms. This boy was Tokujiro Namikoshi who later on founded in 1940 the Japan Shiatsu College where many shiatsu practitioners began to take their formal lessons in shiatsu massage therapy. Zen shiatsu was later on developed by a former student who became a teacher at Tokujiro Namihoshi's school named Shizuto Masunaga. These people had the privilege and honor of treating some of the wealthiest and high profile personalities of Japan during their time.

The Shiatsu Method was the first book published about Shiatsu which was authored by Tenpeki Tamai in 1919. He was believed by many to be the first to use and mentioned the term shiatsu. Tokujiro Namikoshi and many other Japanese individuals developed and improved shiatsu into other different methods, and for these they became popular, although it was the book published in1970 and authored by the famous Shizuto Masunaga which became instrumental in making Shiatsu popular all over the world. It was also due to the visit and treatment of then famous Marilyn Monroe who was examined and treated by Tokujiro Namikoshi who also made shiatsu a popular natural treatment outside Japan. Since then, the spread of different shiatsu massage therapies swept Europe and North America.

In the earlier times of shiatsu massage therapy, the practice is known to be based on Ancient Chinese medicines using acupuncture. However after World War II, this ancient healing practice was ordered to be banned due to several reports of therapists using thin needles on meridian points all over the body of the patient. The banning of shiatsu and its old Chinese practices was halted by Helen Keller. Today, shiatsu methods are a mixture of western practices and Chinese medicines. Although some methods have stick with western practices, similar practices are still retained in their methods. Shiatsu massage therapy may have branched into many methods; however their purpose of relaxing and healing the body is still the same.

Massage therapy for the therapist is not just about making money - though the money that can be made from this profession can be a very lucrative living indeed, for the therapist it must be more of a love for human beings, their wellness, an understanding of how the body works on all levels and a knowledge of natural and alternative remedies. You will not get much repeat business if you concentrate on the money rather than on the person in front of you.

It is also a fantastic way to make a living, imagine offering that secure, peaceful, relaxing place to those that crave it but can never seem to find it. Imagine being able to give the relief of the tension and stress to those that really need it, have always lived with it and don't know what it is like to live with out it - imagine being able to show them the way, help to make them feel really good and be a major part of the changing of their lives for the better. Imagine doing all that good and being paid for it...

With so many different types of massage therapy to choose from it would be a good idea, if you're thinking of going into this profession, not to limit yourself to just one type and area of massage. Offer as many different types or areas of massage as you feel you can to your client base and bring the best to them. In this way you can hone your skills to meet your client's needs and recommend different treatments that may be beneficial to them without your customers leaving your client base.

Also it is a good idea to be insured as this gives clients more confidence in you, your business, shows that you are professional and taking your role as a massage therapist seriously. Most if not all insurance companies like you, the therapist, to continue in your studies whilst you are actively working, so your learning is continuous. You will need to provide proof that you've attended extra courses or gained new information to help your business grow and maintain that you are up to date with new therapies or treatments to offer your clients.

Dress code and appearance is very important to a massage therapists business - as first impressions last and I can't imagine anyone wanting a massage from a therapist who has a cigarette hanging from the corner of the mouth, looking unwashed, with crusty food down the front of his/her top! No - the dress code we are taught is college is very different:

Hair should be clean and neat, if long (shoulder length or longer) should be tied back.

Clean and ironed uniform should be worn (usually white top and long black trousers).

Enclosed flat shoes, in a dark colour (though shoes and uniform may differ depending on where you work and what their dress code is).

Hands and nails should be clean and free from nail varnish (as some people are allergic to nail varnish - it also hides dirty nails).

Finger nails should be short - so there isn't a chance of injury to your client.

Make up should be kept to a minimum.

Be aware of personal hygiene, garlic or cigarette breath is not nice for anyone, cigarettes along with some other things make your hands smell and isn't pleasant for your client being massaged.

The consultation should be offered with every appointment (even to a recurring customer), is as important as the massage itself. This is the time when you build trust with your client and the relationship between you and your client grows, it is important that your client trusts you and he/she will not do this unless you spend time talking to one another.

Make sure that you take enough time for this before and after the massage treatment, ask the client how they are feeling, which area they feel they would like to have more attention. Check past information they have given you on other appointments to make sure that nothing has changed or needs to be added. Find out how the client felt after the last massage and the time in between. Make the client aware that all information given to you is confidential and make sure that you keep it that way.

Let your client know and feel that they are important, make sure they feel it - it will help to keep them coming back, they will also recommend you to their friends and family which will help to grow your business. When you get new customers ask how they heard about you - it is always interesting to know where your business is coming from, thank relevant clients for recommending your services - you don't have to say names as it's very probable that your client will know who he/she has recommended to you and when their appointment was! (On this point - never be drawn into a conversation with a client concerning another client this is a breach of confidence, and should be avoided, try to steer any conversations away from the subject).

Give your client every opportunity you can and actively encourage them to impart information about themselves, their health and lifestyle. The most important information tends to be given in conversation rather than in a questions and answers scenario (however this does not mean don't ask questions, just let your client talk).

Your client will enjoy feeling like that they are the center of the universe for an hour or so, in today's busy life style it could be the only time your client feels this way, so when booking appointments keep this in mind and give yourself enough time.

Make sure that you answer all your client's questions as fully as you can and leave no hesitancy in your clients minds to your knowledge and/or expertise - if you don't know the answer to the question let your client know that it is a very interesting question and that you will look into the answer for when the client returns on her next appointment - and make sure that you do it as the client will want to know what you've found out and more importantly that you've taken time for her.

Enjoy the massage, keep your mind as clear as possible, concentrate on your client's well being and send good caring thoughts her way.

Licensed physical therapists are healthcare professionals who examine, evaluate and provide physical intervention necessary to improve the mobility, flexibility and functional ability of the human body after an injury, illness or trauma has been inflicted on it. As such, physiotherapists can alleviate pain, improve physical function, and enhance quality of life for people of all ages and backgrounds. These professionals are also engaged in research and development, education and consultation, and administration in their field.

Obviously, physical therapists are specialists in the medical field equipped with the appropriate education, training and skills set. Here are a few of the most important facts regarding how to become a licensed physical therapist in your state.

Education Requirements

Aspiring physical therapists should acquire a relevant bachelor's degree for admission into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, a post-graduate program that usually lasts for 3 years. The undergraduate degree should include prerequisites including but not limited to courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry and biology. Individuals who want to enroll in a DPT program should check for the accreditation status of the physical therapy schools before enrolling in one of these establishments.

The courses in a DPT program include anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, physiology and pharmacology. To say that the classes are competitive is an understatement.

Near the end of the DPT program, students are required to undergo clinical internships. Doctoral interns are exposed to various clinical situations in the various sub-specialties of their chosen profession (i.e., orthopedics and pediatrics) for a certain period, say, a month in each sub-specialty. These clinical internships are designed to provide actual experience in the profession and to assist in choosing a sub-specialty for the aspiring physical therapist.

Licensing Requirements

After graduation from the DPT program, aspiring physical therapists must comply with the state licensing board's requirements. The specific requirements vary among states so it is important to contact the concerned government agency for clarifications. The most common licensing requirement, nonetheless, is passing the licensing exam administered by the state board.

Licensed therapists must also engage in continuing education courses to renew their licenses, said renewal of which usually happens every 3 years. Board certification can also be acquired to practice a clinical specialty such as in sports, orthopedics or pediatrics.

Training Requirements

New therapists should also complete residency requirements. Residency programs are designed to equip a therapist with more advanced knowledge and actual experience in proper evaluation, diagnosis and intervention of patients' cases. These programs can last anywhere from 9 to 36 months with a minimum 1,500 contact hours.

Physical therapists are well-advised to become fellows in a professional organization. Fellowships offered are in the fields of hand therapy, movement science and sports, among others.

Indeed, physical therapists are essential medical professionals in our day. Their jobs make it easier for many individuals to regain their functional ability and, thus, to improve their quality of life.

Premenstrual tension and period pains are not ailments that can be cured, but together with other lifestyle changes, massage therapy can help reduce the discomfort you feel and improve your mindset.

Unfortunately both these conditions women have to live with for a considerable part of their adult life on a regular basis, but if you follow a few simple guidelines you will be able to cope and possibly alleviate them.

Symptoms of PMT and Period Pain

1. Anxiety and mood swings
2. Irrational, irritable and depressed
3. Lethargic and crave sweet foods
4. Abdomen feels bloated and you have fluid retention
5. Skin may become spotty
6. Stomach cramps and backache

Massage will not cure PMT and period pain but will help treat both the physical and mental symptoms of them.

It is a good idea to have a full body massage a couple of days before the symptoms appear, as it will help relax you and balance out your emotions. It is important to soothe both the mind and physical body, as built up tension adds to the muscle spasms and cramping pains felt at this time of the month.

Set a relaxed scene and using plenty of oil, slowly and firmly massage your abdomen with your hands. Using gentle, stroking movements rotate them in a clockwise direction, trying to remain relaxed at all times. Pulling up the side of the abdomen towards the bladder may also help.

Do not massage too deep as firm light strokes are far more soothing. Repeat as many times as you wish. This will reduce the bloated feeling in your swollen abdomen and soothe the nagging cramps felt in your lower back.

The best essential oils to add to the carrier oil before a massage are:

1. Chamomile
2. Lavender
3. Mandarin
4. Geranium

These will help balance out your hormones and minimise excessive fluid. Also for optimum benefit also add these oils to your daily bath.

Other suggestions to alleviate these symptoms are:

1. Have ample fibre in your diet
2. Reduce your salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol intake
3. Take supplements of B complex and evening primrose oil

Taking all this advice, and having a regular therapeutic massage regularly, will help reduce the symptoms of postmenstrual and menstruation, and allow you to lead a more normal life during these trying times women have to live with.

Hilot is a popular massage method that originated in the Philippines which is commonly used in its provinces. It uses traditional Filipino herbal medicines and ointments as a part of the healing practice.

This type of massage therapy was the only source of medical care for the Filipinos many centuries ago. Even today, in the rural areas of the Philippines, hilot is still used by many people especially the poor people who have no money in getting their sick loved ones to the hospital for treatment.

Hilot is a combination of many types of medical care from healing, setting the bones in place, and delivering babies from pregnant women on rural areas. Most massage therapists are known as "manghihilot" which almost all of them are fond of using herbs and ointments during the massage therapy.

Like most Asian style of massage therapy, Hilot focuses its healing ability by clearing the energy pathways all over the patient's body which is believed to be responsible in providing a healthy condition to the human body. Most of the massage therapists that are good in this method can sense what is wrong with the patient's body by looking at him or her. Hilot, unlike most massage therapy needs communication from both parties as the massage therapist works on the patient's body. This type of massage therapy is a light therapeutic massage that can relax and comfort the patient's body.

During a massage therapy session, the massage therapist asks the patient to lie down on a massage table or bed and remove the upper clothing as he or she starts working at the back part of the patient. Heated banana leaves and other herbal leaves are used and placed on the different areas of the patient's body to help him relax which is similar to the use of hot stones. Herbal ointments are then applied on the back part of the body as a lubricant for better maneuvering of the hands for the different massage strokes. Pressure then is applied as the massage therapist works in relieving back pain and removing stress out of the patient's body. In case the patient experiences painful strokes or too much pressure applied by the massage therapist, he or she should let the massage therapist know how he or she is feeling so that the therapist can adjust and reduce the pressure and effort being used on the patient.

Hilot is a deep tissue massage which is a type of massage commonly used by athletes or individuals that works hard or has stressful jobs. This type of massage therapy relaxes and energizes the body in order to work properly and at its best. The deep tissue massage releases tension on the muscle which calms it and prevents body stiffening that often results as stress on the patient's physical condition. Unlike most massage therapy though, hilot doesn't follow a pattern during a massage therapy session, instead the massage therapist bases his or her work on the treatment needs of the patient. Hilot is an effective method of relieving body pain and other types of sickness.

If you're currently running a mid-sized physical therapy practice, you already fully understand that the facility does not run itself. Rather, each and every day brings with it an extensive assortment of specific operational requirements that helps to ensure overall success. From effectively managing patient care needs to consistently confirming that all operational procedures run smoothly, there are many critical factors that demand careful consideration to warrant optimal return on investment. What's one of the best ways to most efficiently manage the many daily functions required to keep your mid-sized practice running smoothly? Implementing an innovative physical therapy practice management software solution.

Selecting A Physical Therapy Software Solution Requires Research And Vendor Screening

It goes without saying that choosing a Physical Therapy software program at random for your firm will probably not produce the desired results. The only way to guarantee a maximum return on investment requires extensive research and vendor screening. While selecting an appropriately configured solution will require some initial legwork, the process doesn't have to prove overwhelming or too time consuming. Knowing what to look for as you begin to source a suitable software product can save time, internal resources and help guarantee that you procure the best technology fit possible for your firm.

Key Components To Look For With Your Physical Therapy Software Product

When pairing down the list of potential physical therapy practice management software solutions for your facility, always look for the following three critical components to ensure a comprehensive strategy.

Documentation: A reputable physical therapy practice management software product should always include a comprehensive documentation application. Users should be able to enter as much data as needed, yet the user interface should always prove ultra-intuitive. Most importantly, the documentation feature should carry over pertinent information from old entries and form the foundation for easy-to-run system reports.

Scheduling: Your mid-sized firm needs a functional scheduling component to keep the day running seamlessly. Always look for a product that offers optimized scheduling to help your front office coordinate appointments and manage cancellations. Ideally, the scheduling application should also include co-payment functionality as well as routine reminders about missed appointments to help best service patients in your care.

Billing: It's no secret that the back office often is the proverbial business backbone in any organization. Without a secure and systematic way to process invoices and request payments, your mid-size practice would soon be defunct. Your chosen software package should always include an extensive application for AP/AR functionality that can seamlessly take documentation notes to process insurance claims as well as generate any necessary accounting forms.

It's important to note that beyond the product features, there are also other critical components to seek in your selected partner. Remember, running any type of organization in the healthcare vertical stipulates compliance with various HIPPA requirements. Not only should you always opt for a vendor that knows the specific nuances of your industry, they should also offer additional resources and affiliations that can help your team guarantee they adhere to HIPPA regulations at all times. Periphery partnerships with your chosen vendor can prove a true differentiator as you move forward with your final decision on a product.

Massage therapy is commonly used for its medical advantages and relaxation functions. Students that have an educational background can work with a variety of clients. Numerous holistic healing schools offer students training opportunities in massage therapy.

The training requirements are different than most majors because educational standards change from state to state. The overall requirements for a massage therapist is to have completed at least 500 hours of schooling and obtained a license to practice. Most states utilize one of the two national exams, which include the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination. Students have many training options to choose from when it comes to earning their 500 hours of completion. Most colleges offer students the chance to complete a certificate or associate's degree program.

Programs at both educational levels typically teach an overview of the field. Students interested in a specific technique can find some programs that concentrate on one area specifically. There are over eighty different techniques that are commonly referred to as modalities. Aromatherapy, shiatsu, relaxation, and deep tissue are some popular massage therapy styles. Educational training covers multiple areas because massage therapists usually provide several modalities at their place of work. Each technique is covered inside a training program. Students learn how to use long strokes and short percussion-like strokes on clients. Students will also learn certain massage therapy types that are only used on specific clients. For example, pregnant women often receive prenatal massage therapy to help them relax and relieve strain on muscles.

Students will learn about these techniques inside both available training programs. Certificate programs allow students to step into a career within six months to a year. Education focuses on different pressure points, massage styles, and business practices. The Eastern and Western forms of massage therapy are covered to give students a well-rounded education. Courses may include:

• Anatomy


• Physiology


• Sports Massage

Education prepares students for entry-level careers working for spas, chiropractic offices, and more. Courses prepare students to work with clients before, during, and after a session. Before a massage therapy session an interview is conducted to gain the individuals medical history. This knowledge helps the therapist know which techniques would be best for a particular client. During a session professionals adjust their approach to help specific areas that need to be addressed. After a session professionals often talk with clients to know what works best for future visits.

Education at the associate's degree level allows students to step into a wide range of careers because more training is earned. A broader knowledge base is gained as students work through courses that may include:

• Medical Terminology


• Pathology of Disease


• Swedish Massage


• Business Management

Within the two years of natural healing study students learn how to work inside hospitals, clinics, or their own businesses.

Both educational opportunities train students to obtain licensure and become working professionals. Enter an accredited massage therapy training program and start the process of entering a popular career field. Agencies like the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation ( http://www.comta.org/ ) accredited the best quality training programs.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised on HolisticJunction.com.
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