Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

Body Massage

If you have ever booked a massage before, chances are that you have been asked if you want a targeted massage or a full body massage. Knowing how to answer this question requires that you know what each option has to offer. Understanding different types of massage is the key to knowing which one is right for you.

Targeted Therapies

There are a number of types of targeted therapies. As the name suggests, each type targets a different set of muscles or part of the body. Each therapy is not only applied to a specific area, but is designed specifically for use on that area.

Trigger point therapy targets pain triggers throughout your body. When a knot builds up in a certain area, it can trigger pain and discomfort in other areas. Trigger point therapy relaxes these knots, ensuring that your entire body is pain free.

Reflexology is another type of therapy that targets specific parts of the body. While trigger point therapy is used almost strictly to diminish pain, however, reflexology can also be used to relieve tension and relax specific muscles.

Cranial sacral therapy specifically refers to head and neck massage. It is used to treat a number of head-related conditions such as headaches and TMJD. It can also help relieve pain and tension in the back and neck.

Full Body Massage Modalities

Unlike the targeted therapies, full body massage is used to treat the entire body. That said, there are actually a number of types of full body massage. Each type is used to achieve different results throughout the body.

Swedish or deep tissue massage is one of the most popular types of massage. It is used to release tension in the muscles, creating a relaxed feeling through all of the major muscle groups. It can also release metabolic buildup and toxins that are stored in the muscles. Finally, it re-aligns the skeletal system and improves overall mobility.

Sports massage is similar to Swedish massage and is favored by athletes the world over. Although the technique is somewhat different, the effects of sports massage are very similar to those of Swedish massage. It releases tension and metabolic buildup. It re-aligns the skeletal system and it improves mobility.

There are also a number of condition-related massages such as prenatal massage and geriatric massage. These are used to treat the effects of a specific condition. In the case of prenatal massage, for example, women seek treatment to help relieve the physical and emotional discomfort associated with pregnancy. Like Swedish and sports massage, condition-related massages release tension and metabolic buildup, re-align the skeleton and help improve mobility.

The type of massage you choose depends on what you want to get out of the treatment. If you are looking for overall wellness, the full body modalities are probably the best choice for you. If you have a specific condition or chronic pain region, however, then targeted modalities like reflexology may better suit your needs.

In the past, a lot of focus has been placed on Craigslist and exotic services. In fact, it has long been known that many individuals use massage services as a disguise for something more. Some do this both off and online. But wait! What if you really just want a massage? How can you find a quality therapeutic specialist to give you one?

Opt for a massage located at a spa. Much of the controversy surrounding massages and exotic service are those that occur at hotels. That doesn't mean a legitimate masseuse can't opt to give a client a massage in a hotel, but many prefer doing so at their own place of business. Many massage therapists use it as their line of protection, just in case a criminal is disguised as a client looking to commit a robbery.

Ensure the rates are reasonable. On Craigslist, you will find many massage therapists offering their services. They charge varying rates. Not only to ensure you get the best deal, but to eliminate confusion about what you actually want, opt for a fair priced massage. These rates vary depending on location, but you can search Craigslist.org to compare the fees offered by others.

Ask questions. Not only do you want a legitimate therapist who will give you a massage, but you want a good one too. For that reason, ask lots of questions. Inquire about the location of their business, how long they have been giving massages, where they trained, and so forth. This ensures you not only hire a legitimate masseuse, but one that is experienced and should do a good job.

Many individuals use massages as a way to relax and unwind; however, others use them as therapy for stress and prior injuries. You may get weekly sessions, but what if you travel or take a trip? Do you have to go without? No. You can download the a Craigslist search software to search more than just your city page. Find a quality therapeutic specialist at your vacation destination with ease. Just remember to keep the above mentioned points in mind when making your choice.

Craniosacral massage is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system.

It is a form of healing therapy, we look at the benefits of craniosacral massage and examine the benefits of it in more detail.

What is the Craniosacral System?

The Craniosacral system is a physiological system like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and provides the physical environment in which the brain and spinal cord develop and function.

The membranes and cerebrospinal fluid of the craniosacral system surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Craniosacral Massage therapy deals with the bones of the head, spinal column, sacrum and the underlying structures.

This type of massage employs a very light touch and uses specifically designed techniques to release restrictions and compression in these areas.

Craniosacral Massage - How Does it Work?

Craniosacral massage taps into the inherent wisdom of the body which allows it to heal itself where possible.

The craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Craniosacral massage therapists use a very light, soft touch to monitor this rhythm and pinpoint sources of obstruction and stress in the body.

Once located the therapist will assist the natural movement and release of the restriction to help the body self correct.

Craniosacral massage therapy can be used to treat childhood conditions such as poor sleep, restlessness, colic and ear infections.

It is a gentle and non-invasive therapy and can be used to treat babies while they are asleep.

Craniosacral Massage - Is it safe for Everyone?

Craniocascral massage is safe if performed for the right condition.

As with most massage treatments there are some medical conditions that are contra indicated and craniosacral massage should not be recommended.

These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability.

Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other pre-existing severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.

It is advisable to consult your medical practitioner before embarking on a course of treatment.

Craniosacral Massage - What are the Benefits?

Due to its influence on the functioning of the central nervous system, craniosacral massage benefits the body in a number of ways.

It is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease and alleviate a wide range of specific medical conditions including:

o Chronic back and neck pain

o Headache

o Tension

o Migraine

o Autism

o Chronic Fatigue

o Post traumatic stress disorder

o Emotional difficulties

Craniosacral massage has also proved effective in treating stress related dysfunctions and various sensory disorders.
What Happens during a Session?

As with most massage treatment, craniosacral massage usually takes place in a quiet, private setting.
During the massage you will remain fully clothed and it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing. Most people choose to remove their shoes.

You will be asked to recline on a massage couch or treatment table. The practitioner sits or stands and
will move around between the client's head, torso and feet.

Some therapists may use a light organic oil to facilitate the massage.

Finding a qualified therapist

To get the best results from a craniosacral massage, seek out a suitably trained and qualified therapist who you feel comfortable with.

More and more massage therapists and osteopaths are incorporating some craniosacral massage techniques into their treatments and you should find craniosacral massage available at spas, salons and healthclubs.

Today, there are advanced educational programs and continuing education courses in acupuncture for MDs. A variety of practicing physicians may choose to enroll in any number of these acupuncture for MDs training courses to further the scope of available healthcare services or to simply enhance treatment options to patients.

Medical healthcare givers and chiropractic doctors who participate in specialized training (in acupuncture for MDs) acquire a solid foundation of medical acupuncture skills. In addition, acupuncture for MDs course is specifically designed to combine both Eastern and Western medicine and healthcare principles to better evaluate and treat patients both conventionally and complementary.

Potential candidates will have already earned a doctorate level degree from an accredited medical university or school, and have the opportunity to learn classical Chinese medicine techniques and methods through intensive training. Acupuncture for MDs programs emphasize Neuro-anatomical relationships to pain and the applicable affects of acupuncture.

Further studies in acupuncture for MDs courses entail instruction to close the gap between the science of acupuncture and its practical application. Physicians, chiropractors and other licensed healthcare practitioners who have successfully completed training in acupuncture for MDs program will be able to effectively integrate therapies, diagnosis and other associated acupuncture techniques and theories into clinical practices. For example, Acupuncture for MDs programs can be beneficial to physicians that offer healthcare services in pain management, orthopedic conditions, rehabilitation and physical therapy, and other chronic health disorders and diseases.

Depending on the acupuncture school or college in which professionals choose to participate, a number of acupuncture for MDs courses can be taken online as part of an overall continuing education or specialty program. In addition, acupuncture for MDs curricula is course-intensive; often requiring prerequisites of a medical license and degree transcripts from an accredited university or other post-graduate institute. Programs in this field of study frequently exceed over 500 hours of classroom and clinical training.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding training in acupuncture for MDs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

In preparing for either a knee, hip, or shoulder replacement surgery, You more than likely have been scheduled by the hospital that you and your orthopedic surgeon have decided to use for a preoperative exercise class. Today more than ever orthopedic surgeons, hospital staff and rehabilitation professionals understand the importance of having you as a patient better educated on the surgical procedure itself along with, how the hospital operates in the orthopedic wing and, what you can expect after surgery.

In the preoperative classes they will be held generally by both the orthopedic charge nurse and a physical therapist. By having both of them present you get a detailed introduction to what you can expect to receive from both disciplines during your hospital stay.

These classes allow you as the patient to discuss and ask questions about topics such as you probable length of stay, how your pain medication will be disbursed, and how the rehabilitation will be conducted and how often. You also should be given a small tour of the orthopedic wing along with an introduction to the rehabilitation department.

Topics such as what you can expect after surgery will be important. For instance in today's world of orthopedic surgery you can expect to be out of bed no later than the following morning after joint replacement if not sooner. This will be of course will be dictated by the surgeons operating schedule. I can not tell you how many times I would go into see a patient after joint replacement surgery only to have them in complete shock that someone like myself would expect them to get out of bed the following day.

Your exercise program will be discussed and the frequency you can expect your physical therapy during your stay in the hospital will be covered. Generally for the most part you can expect rehabilitation twice a day.The physical therapist that is assisting in holding the classes will also discuss and give you a physical demonstration of the exercises you can expect your first couple of days in the hospital. These will consist of basic isometric exercises along with gentle range of motion for the knee, hip, or shoulder.

You will be instructed on the use of how you will be using a walker after surgery though many will find they will need a refresher course the day they start rehabilitation as there are several safety precautions that will have to be demonstrated as well.

The importance of scheduling an attending one of these preoperative classes cannot be underestimated. Becoming better informed allows you to become more proactive in both your rehabilitation after surgery and your overall recovery.

The average annual salary for a physical therapist in the year 2002 was $57, 000. The range for the salary of the physical therapist is usually between the lower $40, 000 to higher than $86, 000. It is expected that the career opportunities will increase by the year 2012, which is good news for those that are already in this particular profession. However it is still not too late if you are planning to enter this particular field so if you think this is your true calling then this is something that you should definitely consider as a career.

As bleak as this sounds, with the increase in population there is also an increase in the number of people with disabilities. This directly affects the profession itself as many of these people would need the care and medical assistance. Besides that, the elderly population would also require assistance especially those that need therapy in order to relieve themselves of painful conditions as well as those that suffered from strokes and heart attacks and are in need of rehabilitation.

In the wake of the baby boom, more and more babies would also require therapy especially those that suffer from birth defects. There are also trauma victims which may need the medical assistance of the physical therapist for rehabilitation.

The medical community is always coming out with new discoveries and perfecting the existing ones, there are also new technologies that is created every day which can help treat the patients. However the physical therapist must be able to keep with the times in order to provide the best services for their patients. These new technologies also require qualified personal's to operate them and this is where you come in, not only does the machine require you to operate them but the patients also require the expertise and medical know-how of the physical therapist to provide them with optimal care.

Without a doubt the population is becoming more health conscious, an example would be the intake of food in our daily diet. As for the physical therapists they may be hired to create exercise regimes that may best suit a particular individual or even teach preventive measures about trauma in the work place or at home. In other words for those that plan to take this route - they will not have to worry about getting a job, all you need is hard work and discipline to achieve your dreams.

Massage Chairs and Pregnancy

When I was a full-time chiropractor, I would get asked all the time by my patients if chiropractic and massage (which we used in our clinic all the time) was safe to use on a pregnant lady. The answer is a resounding "Yes."

I have treated many, many women over the years who were expecting, whether in their first or last trimester. Of course, when someone is 8-9 months along, the style of treatment may need to be catered to their body morphology. But, I never met a pregnant woman who couldn't be benefited by manual therapy.

Well, now that I am in the massage chair industry, I also get asked quite often if massage chairs are OK for pregnant women to use. Again, the answer is a resounding "Yes."

Before I go into the reasons and physiology of this therapy, I should issue this disclaimer: If you are concerned about the health of you or the baby or if you have extenuating circumstances with your health, by all means visit your primary care physician and get some peace of mind before hopping onto massage chairs.

The benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy apply to manual, hands-on massage as well as robotic massage chair therapy. The principles and benefits are the same regardless of mode of application of massage.

Pregnant women tend to endure some, if not all, of the following health issues: swelling, muscle spasm and pain, postural stress, insomnia, breathing difficulty, lack of mobility, poor circulation, back pain, neck pain and headaches. Of course, you may be suffering from many other things, but this is a pretty comprehensive list to start with.

Now, I'll discuss how massage chairs address each of these complaints:

1. Swelling/Poor Circulation - massage chairs that have calf and foot massagers can provide a successive compression of the legs to enhance circulation of blood and lymph. This may not only reduce swelling (edema), but also help the body remove unwanted toxins that are in your system. Those toxins may also be contributing to your muscle pain.


2. Muscle Spasm, Aches, and Pains - muscles may already be compromised by the toxins that I mentioned in #1 above. The massage chair will help flush those toxins out. However, the strain on your body muscles that comes from the change in shape of a growing baby inside you can cause muscle aches and pains everywhere. Massage is the perfect therapy for relaxing those muscles and ridding you of that annoying muscle pain. It can even reduce muscle spasm, let alone muscle pain. Massage chairs also contribute to the release of endorphins into your blood stream. For your information, endorphins are the body's natural pain killer.


3. Postural Stress - anyone who has been pregnant or has seen someone who is pregnant will understand this complaint immediately. Without a 40 pound mass protruding from your midsection, most people have a poor posture to begin with. Adding a baby to the picture doesn't help at all and, in fact, makes the posture worse. Strained posture leads to strained muscles which, as mentioned in #2 above, can lead to muscle aches and pains. Most people feel like they are standing taller and straighter after a massage chair session. That is because the chair actually works on those postural issues.


4. Lack of Mobility - range of motion is compromised by the addition of the 40 pound baby and accompanying tissue and fluids. The joints don't move as easily as they would without. Massage chairs add a lovely passive motion to your joints which will keep the discs and joints healthy. You could check how far you can turn your body before sitting in the chair and then check again after a session. You will be surprised at how much more you can turn.


5. Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches - the benefits that apply to muscles pain, joint mobility, and postural strain will ultimately reduce any body pain that you have, be it low back, mid back, neck, and/or headache pain.


6. Difficulty Breathing - it's kind of hard to take a deep breath when you are pregnant, isn't it ladies? Well, much of that disability comes from the slouching posture you develop with the addition of the 40 pound bundle of joy you are carrying in your front side. When you can have the rollers of the massage chair repeatedly roll over your mid back, you will find that your posture will be straighter and your ability to take in deep breathes will increase noticeably. This can also lead to sleeping better.


7. Sleeping Problems (Insomnia) - I can't even begin to count the number of people, men and women alike, who told me that the biggest surprise they got with their new massage chair was how well they slept at night. Massage just tends to relax everything, like muscles and joints and posture, but also your "nerves." I can almost assure you that you will enjoy a better night's sleep after having a massage chair session. Now, I totally understand that sleeping with 8 months of pregnancy behind you is no easy task no matter what therapy you try. But, just maybe you'll enjoy a little bit better sleep after you sit in your new massage chair.

Well, that just about does it for pregnancy and massage chairs. I hope this puts your mind to rest about it. The risks are extremely small, if at all.

Geriatric massage, which utilizes the same basic techniques as traditional massage therapy, was especially designed for the elderly and their unique needs. This type of massage includes the gentle massage of soft tissues (and sometimes passive or active manipulation of the joints), proven to improve circulation and increase flexibility. Massage therapy for the elderly addresses the same health conditions as other techniques and utilizes the same methods, but with a much gentler touch.

While the main goal of this type of massage is basic relaxation and stress relief, it has also proven to be beneficial in fighting the symptoms of aging. The session usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes and includes gentle stretching of legs, feet and shoulders as well as gentle massaging of the hands and feet to relieve pain and prevent stiffness. Stronger movements are sometimes incorporated into massage therapy - particularly in the shoulders - to improve flexibility.

Geriatric massage also helps to:

•Increases blood circulation to reduce the effects of diabetes and other diseases;

•Improves lymphatic flow to aid in the elimination of toxic substances from the body;

•Combats the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression;

•Improves balance, posture and flexibility;

•Reduces arthritic pain and increases joint mobility;

•Improves quality of sleep.

As we age, we become more susceptible to such illnesses as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Many elderly people also tend to feel anxiety, loneliness and/or depression. Massages for the elderly can lessen the symptoms of such conditions and in doing so, improve blood circulation, increase one's level of physical activity and provide an overall greater sense of well-being.

Other massage techniques (such as the Swedish massage) can cause pain and bruising... therefore they are not recommended for the elderly. The massage therapist takes into account the fact that as we get older, we experience more stiffness in our joints and a lower threshold for pain, so the therapist pays special attention to any discomfort that the client may be experiencing so he/she can adjust their technique to make the client feel more comfortable. A lot of massage therapists choose to use creams, lotions or oils for this type of massage to nourish their clients' delicate skin and enhance the experience.

More and more doctors everywhere are beginning to accept geriatric massage therapy... but as an addition to other required treatment...not as a substitute. Although geriatric massage has few known side effects and is a very gentle procedure, if you or someone you know is considering geriatric massage therapy, be sure to speak with your primary care physician before proceeding. And remember that as with any other type of medical procedure, continuity is key. The more you participate, the greater the benefits you'll enjoy.

Several studies have also supported the idea that touch therapy - such as that provided by geriatric massage therapy - can have a very positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of the elderly. And because elderly people often feel very isolated and alone, a geriatric massage program can help ease depression, stress, and other emotions related to their isolation. Touch - via geriatric massage therapy - can also stimulate circulation, boost the immune system, and ease the aches and pains which plague many elderly bodies.

You might think that massage therapy is a luxury item that has few benefits other than the pleasure you receive during the treatment? If you think this, you are absolutely wrong. There are a great number of benefits to massage therapy. Keep reading this article and you might be convinced to get a massage more often.

One big advantage to a massage is stress relief. Stress is probably the most common reason why people get massages. Your muscles hold a great deal of tension. Tension that is released during a massage. The stress relieved does not come back as soon as the massage is over, there is a long lasting effect. Massage also has a positive effect on blood pressure.

Another benefit of massage therapy is for muscle pain. Athletes in particular get sports massages often to relieve sore muscles and to promote healing of injuries. Sports massage helps to break up scar tissue and stretches and soothes sore muscles. It can help an athlete out when he is trying to reach that next level of fitness and it can help out the average person who has just pushed themselves too hard.

A third reason to get a massage is to treat depression. Depression has a number of different causes. Not all of these causes are helped by massage but a number of these causes are addressed by massage therapy. Stress, tension, high blood pressure and more causes of depression are alleviated during a session. In addition, the pleasure given by a massage releases endorphins. Endorphins make you feel good and give you a sense of well being.

As you can see massage therapy has a number of benefits. There are more but this gives you a general idea. If you think massage might benefit you, it probably will. You should contact a massage therapist in your area and make an appointment.

What is Ayurvedic treatment and how may it help in dealing with acne? Will acupressure and reflexology be effective in treating acne as well? What about juice therapy? If you are interested in finding these out, continue reading!

Ayurvedic Treatment. Ayurveda probably is the oldest form of holistic medicine, dating back some 5,000 years ago. It is the art of creating a harmonious and healthy living by practicing self-knowledge and self-care. The word "Ayurveda" originated from the Sanskrit words "ayus" meaning life and "ved" meaning knowledge or science. Hence, Ayurveda literally means the knowledge of life.

In Ayurveda, life is composed of four fundamental parts. These are the mind, body, the senses and the soul. Each of these holds equal importance and an imbalance in one area may result to ill health. Healing through Ayurveda is based on the theory of balancing these four areas. To achieve this, one must eat the right foods at the right time and maintain the cleanliness and purity of the mind and soul. Only when these things are met will true healing be attained.

In this traditional form of ancient medicine, acne is considered as a symptom of imbalance in one's way of life. It is viewed as an aggravation of the pita vata dosha. To cure it, one must comply with several dietary restrictions. Traditional practitioners may advice eating bland foods such as oatmeal, applesauce and basmati rice to minimize the problem. You must also try to eliminate fried foods, spicy foods and citrus fruits from your diet. Herbal remedies used to treat the condition include black kosch and neem.

One very useful tip is to apply toothpaste to your pimple before going to bed to help minimize the swelling. Drinking a lot of water also helps as this facilitates the elimination of bodily wastes that may cause or aggravate the condition. Again, exercising regularly plays a vital role in the fight against acne. Aerobic activities bring oxygen to the cells of the body to give you that healthy glowing skin.

Another great acne treatment can be obtained by employing massage techniques. Both acupressure and reflexology brings wonderful results.

Acupressure is now practiced around the world. This alternative form of acne remedy is a traditional form of the Chinese healing art, having evolved from acupuncture. Acupressure involves exerting pressure to specific points in the body to balance the functions of the bodily systems.

In curing acne, concentrate on the stomach meridian since it is one of the several energy pathways that regulate skin functions. When practiced properly, acupressure can dramatically enhance the appearance of your skin.

In using reflexology, focus on the liver, adrenal glands, diaphragm, intestine, kidney and thyroid gland points on the hands and feet.

And finally, the importance of Juice Therapy. Acne outbreaks are symptoms that the excretory organs are not functioning properly. Loading up on natural fruit juices can help stimulate the liver and cleanse your system. For maximum results, use a blend of one part beet juice, three parts carrot juice and two parts water. Carrot juice is a rich source of vitamin A, which reduces the production of sebum and keratin.