Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

The Physical and Rehabilitation Therapy fields are expected to grow by 30% over the next ten years. This is good news for individuals seeking a stable, well-paying career. Providing aid to victims of accidents and other types of disabling conditions, is a rewarding job and different from usual medical areas.

Schooling

Physical therapy schools offer different programs to those looking to enter this career. At the very minimum, you can take a two-year associate degree program to become an assistant for a Physical Therapist. The programs offered beyond this include receiving a Master or Doctorate toward your selected level of expertise. Undergraduate programs can last three years, or longer.

The general classes that are part of physical therapy schools include English, writing, chemistry, biology, psychology, statistics and humanities. These are just the basics that must be passed before entering into the clinical medical and scientific phases of the program.

Growth in the Field

There has always been a need for good physical therapists, but as the baby boomers of the world move into their 60s and 70s, the need for mobility also increases. Fractured bones, lower back pain and arthritis are the top complaints of an aging society and keeping this group as functional as possible is growing each day. Technical advances have also made it possible to treat children and infants with machines that gently persuade stimulation.

All areas of the country are in need of physical therapists that have the desire to aid patients and perform well. Longevity and continued outstanding reviews can also lead to higher paying jobs within the industry and allow you to choose where you want to live. Right now, Texas, Alaska, New Jersey and Maryland are the highest paying states for experienced physical therapists.

Salary Expectations

The median national income for someone entering the physical therapy field is just below $60,000 per year and can only grow from there. Different states may offer incentives to lure those of the profession with salaries in the 80-90k range. There are also management positions or the ability to begin your own practice with referrals from physicians that make the sky the limit.

Becoming a physical therapist is not just about the money but a specialized field that takes a caring, diligent attitude toward people. If you feel you have what it takes, check out the various programs in your area to begin your new career.

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

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

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

It's an assumption that holds as strong today as it has throughout the last hundred years or more: if you want to be anybody, you need to go to college or university. Trade schools have argued against this assumption but it has always seemed an uphill battle, fought against parents, teachers, guidance counsellors and just about everyone else. Why go to trade school? While it has always been a simple fact that college is not for everyone, trade schools - also called career schools, vocational schools and tech schools - are an increasingly smart option for many young people. Let's look at some reasons.

Trade schools can be the most financially responsible choice. Of course, the average pay rate for many trades - right out of school - is higher than many other entry level jobs. But on another hand, you are investing a lot less to begin with. Many apprenticeship programs and other trades programs are two years or even less, resulting in a significantly lower student debt load than any four year college or university degree program.

Job opportunities are often far less volatile than other areas. If you want a steady, solid career investment where you know where you are going to be, a trade or career school is probably a far better gamble than other options. We all know the volatility of technology, marketing and other areas. Meanwhile, trade school grads working in fields from electrical to massage therapy have a steady career with very little changes in the needs of the market. Trade schools sometimes receive bad press for making promises of employment, but it has to be noted that most colleges and universities would never have the backbone to claim that graduates will find jobs.

Trade schools set students on careers that are uniquely challenging. Many college graduates end up at desk jobs or sitting at a computer all day. Grads in skilled trades often have jobs where they are outside or out in the field all day, often working with people. They often work with new technologies and tools, combining practical hands-on work with problem solving in fields like electrical, plumbing, construction and others. Careers in trades such as massage therapy or physical fitness (for example) mean working with people daily to improve their health. These also can offer time flexibility and the opportunity to run your own business.

Well, it depends on a lot of factors. It depends on the student and their style of learning, their strengths, the teacher, the text book, the time spent etc.

But there is a way to get a general idea of the difficulty, thanks to the IB statistical reports. Let us look at the statistics from the November 2009 session:

There were 764 Candidates taking Physics SL:

31% of candidates received a 7, 17% received a 6, 14% received 5, 17% received a 4, 17% received a 3 and 5% received a 2

There were 751 candidates taking Physics HL:

20% of candidates received a 7, 16% received a 6, 16% received a 5, 19% received a 4, 19% received a 3, and 10% received a 2.

So what can we tell from this data? Well, it is VERY possible to get a 6 or a 7 in both SL and HL, given that this represents over 35% of the candidates.

Now lets take a look at the cut-offs for the November 2009 session:

At Higher Level:

7 = 71 - 100%

6 = 61 - 70%

5 = 52 - 60%

4 = 42 - 51%

At Standard Level:

7 = 68 - 100%

6 = 58 - 67%

5 = 49 - 57%

4 = 39 - 48%

The cut-offs for a 7 don't seem very high. Most people however, like to insist that the reason its not very high is because Physics is hard. What I say is that the cut-offs are very FAIR and the higher grade boundaries are very attainable.

In fact, through systematic revision, this can be easily achievable. And by systematic revision, I mean going through the Syllabus point-by-point, such that you have an awareness of all of the possible questions that you could be examined on. Additionally, by practicing through past papers and scrutinizing mark schemes, you can actually gain a very clear idea of the expectations of the exam.

Comparing the cut-offs to other science subjects:

Chemistry HL: 80% for a 7

Chemistry SL: 77% for a 7

Biology HL: 82% for a 7

Biology SL: 80% for a 7

So, even if Physics is "harder" this difficulty is more than made up for by the significantly lower cut-offs.

Let us compare this to some of the other IB Science Subjects.

For Biology, in November 2011:

Only 3% of students achieved a 7 at Standard Level. And only 11% of students achieved a 7 at Higher Level.

This is a remarkably low percentage that cannot be accounted for by intelligence alone.

For Chemistry, in November 2011:

14% of students received a 7 at Standard Level and 26% at Higher Level.

This is much higher than Biology but still lower than Physics.

Why? Being an ex-student who has completed both subjects, I found Chemistry and Physics similar in raw difficulty. However, when an equally difficult subject has a much lower cut-off for a 7, i.e. Physics, the overall subject becomes much easier.

Wishing You Success,

Owen Yang
Founder - IB Blueprint
Executive Tutor - Australian IB Tuition

Massage therapy careers are becoming more and more popular day by day, due to heightened awareness, growing demand and general acceptance that massage therapy treatment is a key part of health management solutions. This in turn has led to increased opportunities for new graduates of massage therapy programs as well as for therapists having experience.

People in the know forecast a bright future for massage therapy careers. The United States Department of Labour, Bureau of Labour Statistics, has said that careers linked to the massage therapy field are set to grow at a faster rate than other careers. This rate of better than average growth is expected to continue till the year 2014. Opportunities in the massage therapy field include both part time and full time jobs. Nearly two -thirds of the massage therapists in the United States are supposed to be self employed, either working as contractors or running their own massage therapy centres.

Massage therapy careers differ according to the settings they are housed in that may be either public or private. Self employed massage therapists may opt for a salary, hourly rate or contractor arrangements. Massage therapists can work in any of a wide range of establishments that includes self-employed positions, salaried, hourly, and contractor arrangements, massage therapists can be found working in any of a wide range of establishments that include spas & health clinics, resorts & salons, offices of physicians and chiropractors, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, gyms & fitness centres, private houses, nursing homes, corporate offices and fitness centers, alternative health centres & yoga studios, airports, mall, universities and basically any place that people need to fix their health.

The nature of jobs linked to massage therapy are those of Physical therapist, a therapist's assistant, sports massage therapist, masseuse, mobile massage therapist, massage therapy instructor or teacher and massage therapist.

A career in the massage therapy field can be quite demanding, both physically as well as in the toll that it takes on personal life. In physical terms, the body of the massage therapist may feel the effects as the job of a therapist involves standing for long hours and exerting physically. Fatigue sets in due to having to stand for a long time. People using an incorrect technique could even sustain physical injuries. Therefore, following the right technique and correct scheduling of appointments, with time gaps between each, can solve these problems.

As the job is physically very strenuous for the therapist, most massage therapists are able to actually perform massages for only about thirty hours each week. The US Department of Labor in fact considers fifteen to thirty hours of therapy per week as a full time job. All the same, the therapist may have to spend additional time to complete related administrative tasks.

The personal toll that the massage therapy profession takes is because the services of massage therapists are asked for mostly in the time that is off from work for people. Evening and weekend appointments are quite common even though once a therapist has built a name for himself or herself, they may be able to schedule client appointments in normal working hours.

While being demanding, a massage therapy career can also be very rewarding. All the same, people who are willing to take up the challenge also get all the rewards.

Indonesian massage therapy is an oriental type of massage method that uses both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic method in healing, revitalizing, calming and soothing a patient's body. Much like its Asian style counterparts, it also uses special massage oils and scented oils on the patient's skin for several benefits on the skin as well as for making the work more convenient for the masseuse.

This type of massage therapy was brought to Indonesia by traveling Buddhist monks which later on passed the medical care to practicing monks who developed and improved it by adding herbal medicines inspired by the ancient Chinese. Indonesian massage therapy traces its roots back to 4000 years ago which was then used as the main source of medical care for the public. Even royalties during that time uses this type of natural treatment for passing time and as a way to relax and relieve stress.

A common belief and practice of Oriental massage therapies is that the body has life force or energy within the vessel. These energies should be kept in constant good flow and should be in balance at all times to ensure health and prevent sickness due to the fall of the immune system of the body. In case of imbalanced energy within the patient's body, realignment, balancing and breaking of clogged energy path ways are the methods of retrieving the lost healthy condition.

If you are into deep massage therapy, this type of massage method fits your taste as it relies upon deep pressure massage in breaking formed tissues that have stiffened on the muscle tissues of a patient's body. These tensed muscles if not treated will result to muscle spasms, sprains and cramps as well as stress and the stiffening of the whole body. It will also limit the flexibility and mobility of the muscle and joints of the body. Addressing the problem helps reduce certain risks and promotes many beneficial improvements in the health of the patient. Deep thumb pushing using acupressure technique on the different vital parts of the body helps in stimulating and relaxing the soft tissues within the patient's body. Acupressure is known to be a type of technique that tackles the very essential areas within the body. These key areas are also known as meridian points more similar on acupuncture treatments, however without the good use of thin needles of the acupuncture method. Expect an increase and improvement in the circulation of blood and the lymphatic system. A good Indonesian massage therapy does not only release stress but also triggers the self-healing capabilities of the human body allowing it to recover much quicker than the normal rate. Regular sessions of this type of therapeutic massage do not only improve your overall health but also leave you feeling much better as you get relaxed, energized and rejuvenated.

Prior to a massage therapy session, make some preparations by asking your doctor's comments and opinions regarding the massage therapy. Check out for skin allergies or reaction from massage oils. Doing this will not only keep you from any problem but will also ensure you a successful and pleasurable massage session.

Lymphedema, otherwise known as lymphatic obstruction is a condition characterized by swollen arms or legs. It is caused by a lymphatic fluid build- up in the soft tissues of your body. The lymphatic system is referred to as the second circulatory system of the body. It consists of the lymph vessels and lymph nodes. It is responsible for collecting and filtering the lymph fluid which is made up of fats, protein, water, and cellular wastes of the body. The filtered fluid is then returned to the blood. When the lymphatic system becomes damaged, the lymph fluid then builds up and results to swelling.

If you want to learn how to deal with lymphedema patients, you may choose to attend a training. There are actually two types of lymphedema: the inherited and the acquired. Some people may be born missing lymph vessels and lymph nodes. During these people's adolescence, the swelling usually appears in the foot or calf. However, another case of which may develop during infancy, this is called Milroy's disease. Acquired lymphedema on the other hand may occur due to an injury in the lymphatic system due to surgery or radiation treatments, or even liposuction procedures. These treatments can actually damage the lymphatic system.

People suffering are dangerously prone to infections. Even a slight cut or insect bite on the swollen affected area can cause severe infection. The infection can affect the connective tissue under the skin and recurring infections can scar the skin which makes it more prone to further infection. The onset of lymphedema may be detected through a number of symptoms including pains, weakness, tightness or heaviness on your arm or leg. Also, your wrists or ankles may not be as flexible as it used to.

Lymphedema, according to some medical experts, is incurable. However, if mild it is treated accordingly, the condition can be prevented from worsening. There are some institutions that offer training in Maui. These establishments teach people the proper way of handling the illness. The treatment includes exercises, massages, pneumatic compression, and the proper usage of bandages and compressions garments.

Light exercises of the affected limbs can help pump out the lymph fluid out of the limb. Also, the affected lymph must be cleaned regularly and must be applied with lotion. There is a special massage technique that can be performed on the affected limb, called manual lymph drainage which can further help in pumping out the lymph fluid out of the affected limb. Then, bandages should be wrapped around the affected limb to promote movement of the lymph fluid from the affected limb and into the trunk of the body. Also, when doing chores, make sure to wear protective gears to avoid getting cut.

Some may be advised to undergo pneumatic compression wherein the infected limb is inserted into an inflatable sleeve. The sleeve is connected to a pump which will be inflated at certain intervals to put pressure on the limb and will eventually encourage the lymph fluid to move. And lastly, the use of compression garments may be advised to prevent recurrence of the swelling of the affected area.

Every pregnancy comes complete with aches and pains. It's not a welcome inclusion but it is a non-negotiable part of the deal. Prenatal massage can be of enormous benefit to expectant mothers.  We will discuss here the top benefits, some precautions one should consider, and some of the methods used when applying pre-natal massage therapy.

Muscular tensions, aching back, neck and shoulders, headaches, pooling of blood in the legs, and all other manner of physical discomforts and pains occur due to the inevitable increase in weight, the resulting shifting of posture and centre of gravity, and changing hormone levels.

Prenatal massages aim to alleviate aches and pains, improve circulation, reduce muscular tensions and help to ease other pregnancy related symptoms.  An additional benefit is an improvement in the expectant mother's emotional moods and mental attitude.

A full body massage including attention to the head including the scalp and face area, as well as the feet and hands provides relief from tensions and is found to be extremely soothing and nurturing. All areas should of course be massaged gently, with appropriate levels of pressure applied.

An experienced prenatal massage therapist can choose methods which are effective and safe that provide much needed comfort and pampering.

Prenatal massage offers numerous benefits of a broad range.  The top benefits of pre-natal massage are:

- Reduction of fatigue

- Increased circulation

- Improved digestion

- Reduced swelling in the hands, feet and lower legs

- Fewer calf cramps

- Lessens the severity of backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches

- Reduced pain in the pelvic/hip area

- Alleviates stress on weight bearing joints including the lower back, knees and ankles

- Improves sleep and decreases insomnia

- Promotes deep breathing and relaxation

- Reduces stress hormones

- Assists in maintaining correct posture

Prenatal massage therapy during pregnancy can also be greatly beneficial emotionally as it allows expectant mothers to relax and feel a sense of calm. They also report feeling comforted and healthy during what is a period of emotional and physical stress.

Pre-natal massage can be applied in different ways. The pregnant patient should lie on her side and the therapist is trained to modify the massage techniques to adapt to this position. Lying flat on back is not recommended as it reduces blood circulation to both mother and child.  The mother-to-be can lay on her back with the body in an elevated position by using pillows to support the mother's body. Body pillows can also be used for side lying positions as well.

There is a specially designed pillow now available to assist when massaging expecting mothers in a face down position. This pillow has a deep centre cut-out which allows the mother to lie flat on her belly and feel comfortable and relaxed.

After giving birth, new mothers experience a kaleidoscope of physical and emotional stresses, commonly including sleep deprivation. Prenatal massage can aid the birthing process, and then continuing with postnatal massage can be highly beneficial and therapeutic by assisting the new mother's body to return to its former state.

Pre-natal massage is generally considered safe for expecting mothers, although it is always advisable to consult with your doctor before beginning a program.  There are some precautions. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, prenatal massage is not advised. You should certainly tell your therapist if you have had, or are having any complications or problems with your pregnancy.

Prenatal massage may be from 10 minutes to an hour depending on your available time and your level of comfort.  If the massage brings discomfort, you may like to have shorter sessions more often.  If the massage causes no abnormal discomfort, then once per week during the 2nd trimester and twice per week or more during the 3rd trimester is ideal.

If considering prenatal massage therapy to assist with a pleasant and positive pregnancy and birth, consult you doctor or pre-natal massage specialist and begin.  The therapy has enjoyed long and wide spread use and offers many therapeutic benefits to the pregnant mother to be, and ultimately to her child as well.

Read this article to get complete information on "what you need to know about physical therapy." To start with, here's the definition - it is a treatment procedure to preserve, restore and improve physical function and movement threatened or impaired by injury, disability or disease that makes use of physical modalities such as electrotherapy and massage, therapeutic exercise and patient training and education instead of surgery and drugs.

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation - The Initial Evaluation

When a patient arrives at a PT's (Physical Therapist's) office, the PT would carry out a detailed assessment of the patient's mobility, range of motion, functional movements and strength. The basis for these assessments is the individual's complaints. The treatment strategy would incorporate therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and modalities such as heat, mechanical spinal traction, electrical stimulation and ice to achieve the patient's treatment objectives and help him get back to a favorable level of function.

Therapeutic exercises are of different types depending on the nature of the problem. This includes exercises to increase endurance and improve balance, and exercises for strengthening, stretching and post-surgical rehabilitation. The exercise plan for a particular patient is determined again based on his individual complaint. Manual therapy involves application of the hands on areas of the patient's body with the intention of increasing mobility and reducing pain. Soft tissue, joint and nerve mobilizations are some examples of how manual therapy is used to improve joint mobility, loosen and stretch muscles and reduce nerve irritation such as that observed in sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and other musculoskeletal conditions that may lead to tingling and numbness in the arms or legs. The physical therapist might additionally use modalities to assist with the reduction of swelling, pain and inflammation.

Ailments Treated

People suffering from any of the following conditions can benefit from the treatment:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Rehabilitation following surgery

• Balance problems

• Cardiac rehabilitation

• Stroke rehabilitation

• Hip fractures

• Neck pain

• Muscle strains and sprains

• Arthritis

• Constant respiratory problems

• Ankle, knee or foot problems

Finding the Right Professional for Physical Therapy Treatment

If you think you could benefit from physical therapy services, the first thing you should do is find yourself a good physical therapist or a multi-specialty healthcare center where these services are offered. You primary care physician, friends, colleagues or relatives might know of some good practitioner or two. Look for websites pertaining to these professionals, information about their qualifications, reputation and experience and prepare a shortlist. Get in touch with these practitioners and use your judgment to determine whether a particular practitioner would be suitable for your requirement.

Nowadays, massage therapy is an extension of physical therapy and goes along with the same educational standards as any medical therapist would. Meeting the requirements of national, local and state certification requires individuals to approve stringent training courses in an assortment of related subjects.

Despite the fact that there are numerous accredited schools that offer a complete message therapy education, the selections will not be simple. The benefits, naturally will be the acceptance by other medical practitioners, respect and trust of your future patients and acknowledgment by health insurers.

The Training

Over half of the states regulate the practice of massage. The requirements of the state all vary. Every one of them require at a minimum 500 hours of training as well as education and several require even more than that. There are some states that require national certification prior to a therapist being able to apply for state recognition. The national level of certification also requires at a minimum 500 hours of training in massage therapy education in an accredited school.

There must be included in the training at least 125 hours of physiology and anatomy, 200 hours of massage and/or bodywork application as well as theory, 40 hours of pathology, 10 hours of ethics as well as business and at a minimum 125 hours of related coursework. A practitioner with 500 hours of experience and training as well as knowledge of the required areas can also submit for review a personal portfolio of examination.

The national certification exam has a minimum of 160 questions that covers all of the required areas of massage therapy education. To maintain your good standing, a professional needs to be certified once every four years. Standards in the Canadian provinces will require a minimum of 2,000 hours.

Prior to choosing a school, a practitioner should determine on what the kind of massage that he or she wishes to specialize in. A general massage therapy education must include rehabilitation, pregnancy massage, sports injuries, pain relief and relaxation massage.

Be sure that the school you choose is fully accredited so that you can qualify for loans and grants. Massage therapy education tuition ranges from about $6-$17 per hour. The needed 500 hours typically runs from $5000-$9000.

Once you have graduated, there are numerous opportunities for seminars and workshops to maintain your massage therapy education and keeping up to date. When you understand the minimum that these educational and training requirements are that you need to complete, you will have a very good idea of what your competition will be like.

Other massage therapists in your area will have at least these levels of training plus contacts and experience. If all of these hours of massage therapy education as well as training sound interesting and exciting, you might have what it takes.