(ARA) – Your shoulders are tight, your head throbs, your heart pounds and you don’t recall the last night you slept peacefully. Whether it’s because your 401(k) statement just arrived or you’re dreading the up-coming holiday shopping season, you – like millions of other Americans these days – are probably feeling economy-induced stress.

Whatever its source, prolonged stress can have serious health consequences – a well-known fact that may contribute to Americans’ willingness to spend money on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), like massage therapy. In 2007, Americans spent $33.9 billion on CAM, according to a study by the National Center for Health Statistics. And that was at least a year before most of us realized just how bad the economy had become.

“Even during these tough economic times, massage is thriving because more and more it is seen as a cost-effective way to influence your overall health,” says Grant Lessard, director of education for Cortiva Institute in Scottsdale. “For some who have had to make other sacrifices, massage is seen as an inexpensive substitute for more costly stress relievers such as vacations or extended time off from work.”

“Not enough has been written about the benefits of laying down and doing nothing for an hour in the day,” says Lisa Santoro, an instructor at Cortiva Institute – Boston. “Having someone work lotion or oil into the largest organ of the body, the skin, while relieving muscle tension at the same time, is an added bonus to just laying down.”

The professionals of Cortiva Institute, a network of massage therapy schools across the country, offer some helpful hints for easing your economy-induced stress:

Start with your eyes

“Many people are on computers during the day, whether for doing a job or trying to find a job,” Santoro says. “The eyes endure a lot of stress from staying focused on such a small area (the computer screen) for long periods of time.”

Santoro recommends giving your eyes a two-minute break every few hours. “Place your palms over your eyes to block out all light. If possible, lean back so the eyes can sink into the socket, which can be even more restful,” she says. “Do this for two minutes, breathing deeply. Just this simple two-minute rest can do wonders for increasing comfort and decreasing stress on the eyes.”

A getaway without going away

“Massage provides a positive and relaxing sensory experience,” says William Ensminger, co-director of the student clinic at Cortiva Institute – Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy. “The rest of the world goes away and you get a mini vacation.”

“Massage therapy has been found to elicit an energy-conserving state and decrease the levels of pain and stress chemicals in the body, as well as decrease blood pressure,” says Deanna Sylvester, education director at Cortiva Institute – Tucson. “Your time with a massage therapist feels good because you are slowing down, and you continue to feel good afterward because of the physiological changes that occur due to the treatment.”

Make time in your day

Don’t have time or resources to get a massage? “Take a few deep breaths, grab your foot and start to massage,” Ensminger suggests. “Your feet take a beating. Give them a treat and pamper them yourself. Feet don’t care who massages them, and you will reap the rewards.”

If you’re at work and massaging your feet isn’t an option, you can relax by massaging your hands for a few minutes, he adds. “Concentrate on slow, deep breaths. Massage the whole hand – the palm, the fingers and thumb, even between the fingers.”

A professional massage might be more affordable than you think, and there are good reasons to invest in one. “Allowing yourself to get a massage regularly is not only physically and mentally beneficial, it will give you something to look forward to and motivation for completing whatever tasks daunt you,” says Kathy Lee, graduate resources coordinator of Cortiva Institute – Tucson.

To find an affordable massage therapist, check with massage schools in your area to find out if they offer a student clinic, Ensminger suggests. “It’s a great way to try different therapies and therapists to see what style you like best. You can also check with your chiropractor’s office. Many now have a massage therapist on staff.”

Another way massage can help you relieve economy-induced stress is by providing a challenging, meaningful and financially rewarding career, the Cortiva staff agree. If you’re out of work or just looking for a career change, you can achieve a professional credential and be prepared for a job in massage with as little as six months of training.

“Many people have taken mandatory salary cuts, and massage can be a versatile alternative to make up the difference in income,” says Jeff Mann, president of Cortiva Institute – Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy. “They can ease their stress because massage therapy can provide the flexibility they need with a minimal investment. It works as a full-time or part-time career option.”

“Massage is a career that fits around your life, versus life fitting around your career,” Santoro says. “It is very flexible, every day is different, every person is different.”

To learn more about a career in massage therapy, visit www.cortiva.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – The recession is turning out to be a great equalizer, rearranging our priorities so that recent college graduates and seasoned professionals now share a single top concern — job security. Many of them will likely find what they’re looking for in the health care industry, where overall employment is expected to rise 21 percent by 2016.

Many paths can lead to a career in health and wellness. Some emerging careers, such as massage therapy or home health aide, require less than four years of college to achieve professional status, and will experience high growth over the next few years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

These health care fields provide ample opportunity for quick entry and job security. The bureau predicts top growing health and wellness jobs will include massage therapy, personal and home care aides, home health aides and medical assistants — all of which are expected to increase by double-digit percentages by 2016.

Some, like massage therapy, offer greater flexibility and variety in career opportunities. A massage therapist can achieve certification in approximately one year and work in a wide range of settings, from a chiropractor’s office to an upscale hotel or day spa. Growing consumer awareness of the benefits of massage, increased acceptance by the medical community, and Americans’ perception of massage as a health maintenance tool, rather than a luxury, are driving demand for therapists.

“One of the major aspects that attracted me to the profession is its flexibility,” says Jeff Mann, president of the Cortiva Institute-Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy. “Massage provided me with a career at a time in my life where flexibility of schedule was really important. It allowed me to travel, pursue other interests and be very involved with raising my daughter.”

Massage therapy careers can span many related industries. Traditionally, massage therapists have worked in settings that include:

* High-end spas or resorts
* Solo business or independent business
* Chiropractor’s clinic
* Athletic club

New opportunities are emerging, however, thanks to the increasing demand. Dina Boon, president of Cortiva Institute-Seattle, cites a few:

“We have graduates working as preferred providers within an insurance network, or as a corporate account vendor contracted to provide therapy within a corporate office setting on a regular basis,” she says. “Some of our grads have worked in hospice care, providing therapy to both patients and their caregivers, while others work in hospital oncology, maternity or post-natal care departments.”

“We’ve even had graduates who traveled to Antarctica on contract to provide massage therapy at scientific outposts for the ‘summer’ months in Antarctica,” Boon says.

Students at Cortiva Institute, a network of massage therapy schools across the country, cite common reasons for pursuing massage therapy careers, and growing demand is just one of them. Many like the range of options for a working environment. Achieving professional status following a relatively short education and training time is also a benefit, Boon says.

And the ability to pursue “meaningful work in the world” that both helps others and allows therapists to support themselves is a key attraction.

“I once had a client who had suffered a severe trauma at a young age and developed an eating disorder because of it,” Mann says. After working with Mann, the client also worked with a personal trainer, dietitian and psychotherapist, and the patient was able to drop more than 300 pounds in a little over two years and achieve a more normal life. “She told me massage therapy gave her the acceptance and courage to live within her own body. Where else can you help people like that?”

Anyone considering a career in massage therapy should look for a school that also provides students with hands-on experience. “Getting real experience in a safe, managed environment builds confidence,” Mann says. “Many times the only difference between a good therapist and a great one is confidence.”

Evaluate schools based on their accreditation and what the program covers, Boon advises. “Also, consider how long the school has been open, what texts are required, the background and specializations of faculty members, the size of the student body and the school’s job placement rate for graduates,” she says. “Last but not least, talk to or get a massage from one of the graduates of the program.”

To learn more about Cortiva Institute, visit www.Cortiva.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Money Magazine lists massage therapy among its top 20 careers.

(ARA) – With high unemployment rates and a wide-spread recession, you might think jobs in a “luxury” industry would be in short supply. Yet many day spas have actually seen an increase in demand, and need qualified massage therapists, yoga instructors and other professionals to keep pace with business.

Penny-pinching Americans may not be willing to spend extra on some luxuries or comfort items, but a trip to the day spa can be seen as making sense for both economic and health reasons, points out Debbie Bates, a massage therapy and spa instructor at Everest College in Fife, Wash. People who once took long vacations and bought big-ticket luxury items are cutting back, but still want to feel like they are treating themselves.

“We find that many people have started indulging in affordable luxuries like massages and yoga,” Bates says. “Day spas aren’t competing with the local beauty parlor. A trip to the spa is seen as a luxury good, like a two-week vacation or diamond bracelet. But compared to a cruise or expensive jewelry, a 90-minute massage is a real bargain.”

There are well over 14,500 spas in the U.S, with about 80 percent of those being day spas, according to the International Spa Association’s 2007 estimates. With many day spas experiencing increased demand, qualified salon and spa professionals are needed.

Demand for massage therapists is expected to grow by 20 percent through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Money Magazine lists massage therapy among its top 20 careers. Demand for spa professionals has been growing for a while.

The industry has boomed since 1999, and 53 percent of salon owners had job openings in 2006, hiring nearly half a million new employees, according to a 2007 report commissioned by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Despite industry changes, the future of the salon and spa industry is strong, and demand for experienced employees still exceeds supply at many day spas, the commission found.

Another factor driving increased demand at spas is the public perception of spas’ emphasis on overall wellness, Bates says. “Spas are not simply places for ‘pampering.’ Rather, they promote health and wellness. They really focus on helping clients relax and manage their stress.”

Americans’ stress levels have been rising for years. In fact, a 2004 APA survey found that 73 percent of Americans cited money concerns as the top factor affecting their stress level. “When times are tough, finding the right way to relax might be the best thing you can do for your health,” Bates says.

“Some see massage as a luxury, but in our Massage Therapy program at Everest Institute, we really emphasize how massage promotes overall wellness and can be an essential part of a healthy lifestyle,” says Erin Murphy, who also teaches massage and spa therapy at Everest College in Fife. She says that professionals find that even when times are tough economically, clients keep coming back for their massages because they know it’s essential to mental and physical health.

“There is no doubt that the recession is going to affect all sectors of our economy, but we have seen that the spa industry is quite resilient,” Murphy says.

To learn more about preparing for career opportunities in the day spa industry, visit www.Everest.edu.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Massage therapy is a must for holiday planning and shopping lists, both as a great gift idea and a way to take a break from extra-busy holiday schedules.

As Americans get into the full swing of the holiday season, massage therapy can be a winning addition to holiday planning and shopping lists. Massage therapy gift certificates are surefire holiday gifts; consumers love giving and receiving gift cards and certificates and first-time massage clients rate their massage experience as highly positive, according to consumer research sponsored by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and others.

What’s more, massage is a “green gift” — one that fits the increasing consumer preference for experiential gifts instead of more “stuff.” Massage therapy is right in step with what consumers say they want and these trends show no sign of slowing. Massage leaves only a small carbon footprint and prices have remained stable in recent years. It’s exactly the kind of gift Americans of all ages are looking for: One that fits their values and budgets.

Respite From the Rush
As well as making a great gift, massage is ideal for stressed-out shoppers, holiday travelers, party-givers and people hosting family gatherings. A bonus for these folks is that shopping malls and airports are increasingly offering chair massage — a quick and inexpensive remedy for shoulders and necks burdened by shopping bags and luggage. Chair massage is performed in a private or semi-private setting in a special, ergonomic chair and usually costs $1 a minute.

What You Need to Know
For best results, ABMP recommends finding qualified massage therapists from the thousands of practitioners listed at www.massagetherapy.com. A zip-code finder and search tool for different kinds of massage makes finding the right therapist a snap. Some massage therapists offer gift packages for a series of massage sessions. Most can sell gift certificates over the phone and mail them, and some Web sites even allow consumers to print the certificates themselves. ABMP is the nation’s largest massage membership association and has licensing and educational requirements for its 65,000 members.

Parties with Plus
Another holiday trend is the spa party, including massage and other services for those hard-working employees, family members in town or friends who want a new way to celebrate. This is a wonderful alternative to overindulgence in food and drink, or stress-filled activities that are unoriginal and time-consuming. Spa parties also strengthen bonds and create memories, while traditional events may soon be forgotten.

Thoughtful gift-givers can also create their own special days by scheduling appointments with independent massage therapists and adding excursions to favorite lunch spots, movie theaters or museums.

A Gift of Lasting Value
Massage will be the gift that keeps on giving as clients enjoy not only relaxation, but the health benefits of massage. In addition to providing relief from anxiety, pain and stress, research shows massage provides beneficial effects to the immune system and lessens the frequency of headaches. While massage may be perceived as a luxury by some, these health benefits are becoming more widely understood as medical professionals increasingly recommend massage for various conditions, especially back pain and sports injuries. More information on the health benefits of massage and how to get the most from a massage session (or a series of sessions) is available at www.massagetherapy.com.

A longer-term health and relaxation benefit will provide lingering memories of the experience and the gift-giver. The gift of massage therapy is something that can start people down the path to less stressful lives; that’s a very nice way to honor a friend or loved one. At an average $60 an hour, this makes massage an excellent value.

There are 250 types of massage therapy currently being practiced in the United States. ABMP encourages consumers to consult the glossary at www.massagetherapy.com to find just the right match.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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The Perfect End to Warm Weather Work is a Relaxing Massage

Many kinds of massage have blossomed in recent decades and a glossary at www.massagetherapy.com helps consumers find just the right treatment as well as a qualified massage therapist. According to national consumer research by Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), most people try their first massage on the recommendation of a medical professional; another third do so because they received a massage as a gift. Consumers report overwhelmingly positive experiences with their first massage, making a gift certificate a winning choice.

The following are some things to know about trying massage or giving it as a gift.

Spa Specials
More than ever, spas are offering bonding experiences for those celebrating special events like proms, graduations, wedding showers and wedding days. These promote fun for family and friends, and ensure everyone from flower girls to mothers-of-the-bride will look smashing and feel great on the big day. Massage is a key part of the package for smoothing jittery bridal nerves or as part of a wedding shower or spa party. Don’t forget couples’ massage — ABMP reports more than ever, men are trying massage and this can be a wonderful gift for when the hectic wedding day is over.

Weekend Warriors
Sports massage isn’t just for professional athletes and you don’t have to be injured to use massage as part of your athletic regimen. Weekend warriors working themselves back into shape can enhance their sports performance by using massage before, during and after events.

Professional athletes use vigorous massage before sports events to loosen up, bring blood to critical parts of the body and support muscle memory while they visualize their optimum athletic performance. Immediate after-event massage shortens recovery time and disperses toxins and waste from muscles. Both can be done fully clothed. Massage can also help if you truly overdo it, as muscles near an injury tend to tighten up and create a ripple effect that spreads discomfort, tightness and even muscle spasms.

Massage: A Vital Honey-Do
The home do-it-yourselfer is another good candidate for massage therapy after cleaning out gutters and garages, painting the house, mowing the lawn and being hunched over in the garden. Many of these activities engage muscles rusty from disuse that may not sound any alarms in the body while being stressed. It’s afterward they express their displeasure. Taking frequent rest breaks, stretching and changing positions while working can help up front; massage therapy can help with after effects.

A gift certificate for that hardworking homeowner could be just the ticket — ABMP research reveals wives often underestimate how much that special man will appreciate a massage gift certificate. Men already seem to understand that massage as a gift will be appreciated by their significant others.

What to Expect
Here’s how to enjoy massage yourself and give it as a gift:
* Find a qualified massage therapist at www.massagetherapy.com and you’ll work with a professional. At this Web site you can choose the massage method you prefer and use the zip-code finder to locate someone convenient. Ask whether they offer gift certificates.
* Many people worry about modesty. You’ll undress only to your level of comfort and will be covered under a sheet or towel for the entire massage session except for the area being worked on. You’ll undress and dress in privacy.
* You’ll be massaged only on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders. Tell your massage therapist about any aches and tightness and whether the pressure is comfortable.
* Drink plenty of water after your massage to help clear away lactic acid and toxins.
* The average price of a massage has remained steady at $60 for one hour in recent years, a bargain when you consider the rising prices of flowers, home wares, food-and-wine gifts and travel. Tipping is appreciated; 10 to 20 percent is customary.
* Most people find quiet is conducive to relaxation, but it’s okay to chat and ask questions if you wish. Just don’t feel obligated to make small talk – the focus is on your relaxation and it’s perfectly polite to be quiet.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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According to a recent survey conducted for the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 32 percent of Americans who received a massage in the past five years cited medical purposes, such as muscle soreness and spasm, injury recovery and rehabilitation, or pain relief.

Something for our weekend warriors to keep in mind — research shows those who get massages before they engage in strenuous activity, or activities out of the norm, can actually prevent pain and injury.

“We want people to know that getting a massage as a preventive treatment will help them avoid injuries when they hit the golf course for the first time or play a softball doubleheader,” says Caryn Henderson, an instructor for Georgia Medical Institute’s massage therapy program. “As massage treatments become more and more accepted, they have become less of a luxury and more of a necessity for a lot of people.”

So what does it take to become a successful massage therapist? Henderson says it requires more than just being good with your hands. A trained massage therapist has a good understanding of how all of the muscles in the body work. “We teach our students to address specific muscle groups throughout the body and to identify typical tension areas based on a person’s job, hobbies, and other lifestyle factors, and to customize the massage based on that.”

Dr. Debra Penman, massage therapy program chair at Bryman College, City of Industry, Calif. campus, points out that massage therapists also need a soothing and reassuring manner with clients, as well as good business sense, since those who are self-employed must attract and maintain a client base.

“It’s a strenuous job that requires long hours of standing, and physical strength to perform one massage after another. Massage therapists must be able to keep themselves healthy physically and emotionally,” says Dr. Penman. “And finally, massage therapists need to adhere to a strict code of ethics that includes never repeating the confidences clients often tell them while on the table.”

The massage therapy programs offered by Bryman Colleges and the Georgia Medical Institute provide students with basic knowledge, tools, ethics and behaviors that will enable them to successfully practice in a variety of health care settings. Among the possibilities: medical and rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health spas, fitness centers, sports organizations and tourist destinations.

Massage therapy is a booming field, projected to grow by between 20 and 35 percent through 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. To learn more about the massage therapy program offered at Bryman Colleges, log on to www.bryman-college.com. Information about Georgia Medical Institute’s program can be found at www.georgia-med.com. The schools are part of Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest providers of post-secondary education and training in North America.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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The human body has over 650 muscles, more than 200 bones and uncounted connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and more tying them all together. Though the therapist doesn’t have to memorize every single one, he or she has to be familiar – both intellectually and physically – with a great many of them.

Add to that the knowledge of physiology required – not just the names of parts but how they work and interact – and you have a formidable hurdle to overcome on the way to becoming a massage therapist. As if that weren’t enough, the massage therapist has to understand and detect directly with the hands, arms and feet what is happening with a particular client in a particular session.

The therapist has to go beyond even this when specializing. There are a dozen different forms of massage – Swedish, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue and others. There are combinations of styles, such as sports massage.

Proper stance, pressure, alignment and much more is required in order to deliver a quality massage. To achieve that the massage therapist has to recognize which muscles are affected by what kind of activity. He or she has to know how to work them to remove knots, achieve relaxation, improve circulation and more.

A knowledge of possible injury during the session is necessary, as is recognizing when not to massage. Deep tissue techniques in particular can cause more problems than it solves. A client who comes in with pain may be just suffering from the usual ache that prompted the desire for a session in the first place. Or they may have a medical condition that means no session should be performed.

To do this hour after hour, day after day, without injuring his or her own body is a perpetual challenge of the practice. A therapist’s body can also become sore from effort – the effort involved in the practice. Techniques are taught in massage schools to preserve thumbs, ease hands, shelter the back and knees – all parts easily stressed by an active therapy practice.

Then there is the proper equipment. Sometimes a simple mat, or even a towel-covered floor is enough. Other styles require a table that has to be judged properly. Chair or corporate massage requires a specially designed and built chair for clients. Recognizing quality is important, both for client safety and to avoid losing money on bad investments.

All those aren’t simply business decisions, since they affect the effectiveness of the massage delivered. Poor equipment, lack of knowledge, poor technique can all make even the most skilled massage artisan a less than complete success.

That sums up to a considerable amount of theory and practical knowledge, and experience needed to be an effective massage therapist. And you thought, perhaps, that all they did was rub oil around?

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Muscles work when a set of protein molecules composing them ‘overlap’ by being electro-chemically stimulated. These long chains slide past one another and the accumulated effect is a muscle contraction. Essential to the process are two things: nerve stimulation and minerals, particularly calcium (Ca).

The theory of trigger points involves the specific accumulation of Ca at certain points and the way nerve and muscle tissue react as a result. While still under investigation, the theory isn’t just wild speculation. One chief researcher was the official physician to President John F. Kennedy, known to have severe back pain. Trigger point therapy was regarded, at least by him and the doctor, as effective in his case.

Finding a trigger point, a small area where the muscles are in this particular condition, is a matter of careful examination. Many believe that taut bands of muscles are an indicator and a hard nodule (a central locus or area) can be felt. One difficulty is that trigger points can often refer pain.

To ‘refer pain’ means to stimulate one area where damage may actually be present but have it felt elsewhere. Naturally that makes finding the actual trouble spot tricky. One way is to run a finger perpendicular to the muscle direction, then look for a twitch response. Pressing the muscle at the point that causes it to contract is thought to be a way of locating the trigger point.

Others have reported an increase in heat in the area near the trigger point. If there’s higher chemical activity in an area of pain, this might be valid. Pain is often accompanied by inflammation, which can produce a small amount of heat.

Though the theory has its skeptics (which is healthy), and isn’t taught in medical schools, studies suggest there’s more to it than just wishful thinking. Once trained, therapists can regularly locate trigger points in independent trials. That suggests there is a factual basis that each is identifying.

The neurophysiology of muscular pain is still a hot area of research. But there are serious studies that tend to locate trigger points at the juncture of small, overstimulated muscle spindles. Think of a group of vines twisting around one another. Then imagine that at some point that ‘rope’ has a small knot other than at the ends. That’s a visual metaphor for a trigger point.

One way to approach them as a massage therapist is to use the common technique of tapotement. This is a gentle to moderate tapping motion that is frequently part of Swedish or sports massage. Using the fingers or a small instrument the area is tapped, moving above and below the suspected problem. Sometimes elbows are employed for slightly greater force. Keep in mind, it’s important to seek client feedback since excessive pressure can cause bruising.

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