Maxine M's Blog Full Post View | List View
I love to share information I find on the internet. Check back as much as you can!
- Reduce Pain with Natural Reflex Therapy®
-
Natural Reflex Therapy (NRT) is an advanced massage technique that reduces pain by placing the body into positions of comfort. The notion that certain body positions can benefit health goes back thousands of years, (from yoga to the martial arts). In America, different systems of healing have emphasized the use of positioning to release acute and chronic pain. Though not as well known as more traditional methods, releasing pain through positioning is effective, safe and gentle.
In the 1950’s Lawrence Jones, D.O. discovered by accident that when he placed the body into a comfortable position pain and dysfunction would heal quickly. He initially called this approach to pain “spontaneous release by positioning.” This work is now known generically as Positional Release or as the "fold and hold" technique." In most cases the position created is the original position of injury or an abnormal bony relationship. NRT is a variation of positional release that has been developed for use by Massage professionals.
NRT works with the sensors within our muscles that cause most of our painful symptoms. Tender points develop when the sensors of the proprioceptive reflex system in the body become dysfunctional. These sensors monitor our physical structure at all times including our sense of movement and posture. The reflex arcs, which are created by this information, help coordinate all of our movements, muscle tone, and maintain our posture and form physical habits.
The correct position allows proprioceptors to reset and stop firing protective signals. Within 10 to 90 seconds the body begins to release spasm, restore normal muscle tone, increase circulation, remove pressure on nerves, and allow bones and joints to move freely. All the energy and attention that was used to deal with pain is now available to the body’s healing process.
Practitioner of NRT are applying this technique to many kinds of painful conditions including: arthritic conditions, back problems, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia syndrome, foot pain, headaches, neck pain, psoas pain, Sciatica, sprains, stress management, and Whiplash.
NRT works with pain from a holistic perspective. Holistic healing is a philosophical approach to health care that evaluates and treats the patient as a complex and integrated being. Rather than search for a single reason for pain the NRT Practitioner looks at the whole person including the origins and history of a problem; its relationship with other pains in the body; and multiple factors that may be directly or indirectly involved.
The potential to provide long lasting relief from pain is intrinsic to NRT. It gives the Massage Therapist, Bodyworker and/or the client powerful tools to address a wide range of problems by resetting the proprioceptors located in our musculature.Author Resource:- Barry Krost is the co-founder of Natural Reflex Therapy, a Licensed Massage Therapist and Massage Instructor in San Antonio, Texas. He has a BA in Anthropology and a MA in American History. More information is available at http://naturalreflexes.com. Article From Mister Article Related Articles : Tags: massage, positional, release, therapy, natural, reflex, pain Tuesday July 24, 2007 - 10:57am (CDT) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - Texas Massage Therapy Law Update
-
In the most recent term of the Texas Legislature the legislators finally took positive action regarding the laws governing Massage Therapy in the state. Many Massage Therapists and Massage Therapy associations in Texas have been asking the legislature to increase the number training hours required for massage therapy licensure in the state. Prior to this legislation only 300 hours of training were required for massage therapy licensure in the State of Texas.
On June 17th, 2007 Texas Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 2644. The bill amended Texas Massage Therapy law in a very positive manner. Effective September 1, 2007, candidates for massage therapy licensure must now have completed a more comprehensive training program of at least 500 hours in length, a significant increase over the previously required 300 hours. The new 500 hour training programs will meet the following requirements:
1) 200 hours taught by a licensed massage therapy instructor and dedicated to the study of massage therapy techniques and theory and the practice of manipulation of soft tissue, with at least 125 hours dedicated to the study of Swedish massage therapy techniques;
2) 50 hours of anatomy;
3) 25 hours of physiology;
4) 50 hours of kinesiology;
5) 40 hours of pathology;
6) 20 hours of hydrotherapy;
7) 45 hours of massage therapy laws and rules, business practices, and professional ethics standards;
8) 20 hours of health, hygiene, first aid, universal precautions, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and
9) 50 hours in an internship program.
Additionally, the bill eliminated the practical (hands-on) examination requirement. The elimination of the 6-minute practical exam eliminates the requirement for all massage therapy licensure candidates to travel to Austin to take the exam. Therefore, all massage therapy licensure candidates may take the written licensure exam near home instead of having to travel to the state capitol.
As written, the new law's requirements do not affect any of the approximately 20,000 currently licensed massage therapists. The law also does not affect any massage therapy student pursuing a massage therapy training program provided the student was enrolled in the program before September 1, 2007.
The new requirements are meant to improve the quality of massage therapy provided in the State of Texas and to improve the professional image of Licensed Massage Therapists in the state. The new requirements also bring Texas' massage therapy regulations more in line with other states regulating massage therapy and with the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). So, it is likely that the new laws will improve license reciprocity, allowing Texas Licensed Massage Therapists to more easily relocate to other states and separately licensed municipalities.Author Resource:- Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. His practice is dedicated to relieving pain through the use of several massage and bodywork techniques. See his site MassageByBen.com or his blog. Article From High Profile Articles Related Articles : Tags: texas, massage, therapy, law, update, license, licensure, training Tuesday July 17, 2007 - 08:27am (CDT) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
-
Also regarded as sports massage, deep tissue massage therapy is a method of treatment wherein pressure is applied to tendons, connective tissue, fascia and muscles under the skin. This type of therapy also affects deep down muscles. Compared to Swedish massage, for instance, deep tissue massage therapy is forceful and can be used not only for athletes but for non-athletes as well.
A therapist is said to be applying this type of massage when his or her fingertips are moving in a slow stroking fashion, which is being employed when the grain of the muscle, tendon or fascia is trailed. Slow stroking fashion is also done when pressure is applied across the grains of the fibers. The purpose of deep tissue massage is to release the tension or the built up strain in the fiber.
Among the benefits of deep tissue massage therapy are relief from pain, relaxed muscles, relief from tension and promotion of healing. Massage therapy also helps the body realign itself, eliminate toxins, help destroy scar tissues, aid in better blood circulation and increase oxygen flow. Moreover, this type of therapy also helps alleviate tension, headaches and neck pain. Trigger points can be reduced because of this therapy and since it is also regarded as a form of sports massage, deep tissue massage therapy can also help heal a sports-related injury, soft tissue damage, relieve back pain, reduce discomfort of "tennis elbow" and lessen symptoms of the so-called "golfer's elbow".
As the therapist utilizes slow yet intense strokes, the effects of the massage go deep into the fiber structure and through any superficial layers. Long, slow strokes may be done with the use of the therapist's forearms, knuckles, fingertips, fists, thumbs, hands and elbows.
Therapists use oil, lotion or a certain cream when applying massage therapy. When done correctly and effectively, the targeted areas will not incur too much pain. There may be a bit of soreness, though, but the positive results will prove to be far more important. A little bit of pain will become trivial if the end results are better, long lasting and favorable to the health in the long run.
Be warned, however, that this type of therapy can be uncomfortable at times. This would then call for the therapist to first warm the soft tissue before going deep into the fibers. Even with the continuous application of pressure, better or best results will be achieved if a comprehensive therapeutic program will be followed. Still, simple stretches and other easy exercises which you can learn from the therapist can also bring about good results.Author Resource:- Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Massage. Article From Mister Article Related Articles : - Reduce Pain with Natural Reflex Therapy®
- Texas Massage Therapy Law Update
- What Types of Massage Therapy are Best for You?
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Massage Therapy
- Incall Massage versus Outcall Massage
- A Parent’s Guide to Massaging Their Child With Special Needs
- The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
- Reaping The benefits Of Massage Therapy
- 5 Benefits To Choosing A Career In Lomi Lomi
- Lomi Lomi Massage
Friday July 13, 2007 - 08:33am (CDT) Permanent Link | 0 Comments - A Parent’s Guide to Massaging Their Child With Special Needs
-
I love to massage my children and I really like this article I found on the internet. Check it out.
Massage for children with special needs has been found to reduce a child’s tension and anxiety, help alleviate chronic pain, and support sensory integration. When a parent gives a massage to their child it can also enhance interpersonal communication between the parent and child.
Don’t be afraid to touch your child. As you work on them your confidence will grow. You will begin to anticipate when they are ready to be touched or if they want to be touched at all. When we feel good, it brings a smile to our face. Our children are the same – they will express what they are feeling. Maybe it is not in the same way that a more verbal child can, but just look at how much a baby communicates without words. As a parent of a special needs child you already have the key to successful massage with your child – the desire to enhance their quality of life .
Here are some suggestions for massaging your special needs child:
Use edible products. If you are going to use a lotion, be sure it is food grade. Most topically applied lotions are absorbed into the body; therefore always use edible oil for massage such as organic almond or sesame oil. You can also use an organic ingestible essential oil, such as lavender or orange oil and add a drop or two to the massage oil.
Give your full attention to your child. Find a time when you are not in a rush to get dinner started or run errands. Usually right before bedtime is a good time to get started. You may want to have some music playing if you feel that this will not over stimulate your child. Have your child pick the special place or a pillow that they will lie on.
Ask your child permission to work on them. Explain to your child that you are going to touch them to help them relax and make their muscles or arms, legs, etc. feel better. Have your child tell you what they would like you to massage first or if any part of their body hurts. Even if your child is non-verbal, you can talk to them and explain what you are going to do. Talk to your child while you are working on her and ask for feedback – “does this feel good”? Each child has a preference for the pace at which you will work. Learn from your child’s cues to know if they like you to work slowly or at a quick pace.
Trust your intuition and be attuned to your child. Your time with your child is a discovery for both of you. Trust your inner guidance. If you feel you are pushing your child to do something they don’t want to do, stop and work on them again the next day. Intuition is something that can be developed. It is about listening, really listening, not just with your ears or eyes but listening from your gut. Does he like what you are doing or is he pulling back? Is he smiling as you work?
Move deliberately. You can start out slowly by gently stroking your child’s head or arm. If you are working with an infant, you can incorporate massage movements into the diaper changing routine. Gently squeeze their shoulders between the palm and fingers of your hand. Use your palms and rub in circles from the top of the back to the bottom or up the neck. Gently squeeze down each arm, lace your fingers with your child’s and gently pull them out. You can continue to squeeze down each leg and stretch out the feet. Be mindful if your child is sensitive to touch, and if so, apply more pressure. You can do circles and squeezes most anywhere. My son loves to have his face massaged and so I do little circles on his cheeks.
Results take time. At first you may not be able to work on your child for more than five minutes. They might be anxious about the massage or have too much sensory stimulation. Over time, your child will begin to adjust to the touch and be able to receive it for a longer period of time.
Enjoy. Most of all, this is a time for you & your child to bond together.Author Resource:- Maria G. Turchi, NCTMB is a nationally certified massage therapist and mother of a 12 year old boy with Down syndrome. Maria travels internationally, lecturing and teaching both health-care professionals and the general public about the benefits of essential oil therapy. Maria can be reached at Massage & Essential Oil Therapy, 120 County Road, Suite 206, Tenafly, NJ 07670 201.655.4253. http://www.bodyworker.us , or maria@bodyworker.us Article From Mister Article Wednesday June 27, 2007 - 08:10pm (CDT) Permanent Link | 0 Comments
