Are you pregnant and experiencing agonizing and unrelenting back pain?  You’re not alone; Pregnancy and Back Pain almost always go hand-in-hand.  The reasons why this happens is due to the following: you’re gaining weight, you’re walking in a different way, and your hormones are relaxing the muscles and ligaments in your body. 

How to ease back pain at home

There’s absolutely no reason to do nothing about the back pain while pregnant.  Here is a list of some common things to perform at home to reduce the effects: sleep on your side holding a body pillow between your legs and arms, sit and stand appropriately, always practice good posture by tucking the buttocks under bringing the chin and head to anatomical position, when lifting lift with your legs and also only objects that aren’t too heavy, wear proper fit shoes with a good arch support, exercise regularly but not strenuously, perform pelvic tilt exercises, and try heat or cold compresses at home. 

How to ease back pain outside of the home

While performing at home regimens is necessary, sometimes it’s just not enough to ease the pain and discomfort of back pain.  Some women choose to seek out the care of Chiropractors, Massage therapists, and Acupuncturists.  Some Chiropractors are skilled in the Webster technique, a technique which stabilizes the women’s pelvis by adjusting the sacrum and performing soft tissue techniques to the ligaments of the pelvis like the round, broad, and the sacro-tuberous ligaments.  Massage therapists may receive additional training in the art of pregnancy massage.  In these classes, the massage therapists are trained in proper bolstering of pillows, proper draping, and techniques to not only reduce the patient’s back pain but also the therapist who is performing the massage session.  It is always important to obtain clearance from the OBGYN before administering massage therapy, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.  Skeptics claim that it could possibly cause a spontaneous abortion and must be contraindicated.  However, this has not been proven recently.  In addition, Acupuncture may provide the pregnant patient with reduced back pain and a sense of calm as well.  Acupuncturists will help to balance the patient’s chakras and meridians.  In the third trimester upon the delivery date, they will be able to induce delivery by applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet.  These points may also reduce the pain that the pregnant women feels while laboring.   

Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.  Millions of people experience pain at some point in their day.  The most common condition linked to neck pain and tension is a cervical subluxation.  Chiropractic treatment for the neck improves the mobility of the spine and restores loss of motion.  Physical therapy and massage therapy for the neck will increase flexibility and strengthen weak muscles in the neck and shoulders.  Nerve Impingement Syndrome and Pain can be evident within the lower back.  Unfortunately, 80% of the population will experience some sort of back pain within their lifetime.  Most cases of back pain are mechanical in origin.  Spinal subluxation and muscle weakness are key elements that are linked to chronic lower back pain.  Chiropractic and physical therapy can alleviate many symptoms associated with such low back conditions such as the following: Sciatica, disc herniation, Scoliosis, spinal degeneration, stenosis, pelvic imbalance, and core strengthening.  The primary causes of Nerve Impingement Syndrome and Pain include the following: auto accidents, pregnancy, repetitive stress, poor posture, lack of exercise, and sports injuries. 

Auto accidents

When you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, the extent of the physical injury to your spine can not be linked to the amount of damage to your vehicle.  Whether you are involved in a minor “fender bender” or a rear-end collision, you should have your spine evaluated for subluxation and abnormal curvature of the spinal column. 

Pregnancy

In contrast, pregnancy can be a wonderful blessing in a women’s life; however, this process involves a physical change in a women’s body which may result in long term effects to her spine and pelvis.  The effects of pregnancy can result in the following: exaggerated spinal curves, an irritated sciatic nerve, overstretched and weakened abdominal muscles, and loosened pelvic joints.  Chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists are trained in providing safe and comfortable care to women before and after their pregnancy. 

Repetitive stress

Nerve Impingement Syndrome can be caused from repetitive stress.  Whether you’re at work or play, doing the same activity over and over again can produce repetitive stress injuries.  Some symptoms of repetitive stress injuries include: stiffness, pain, weakness, and loss of motion.  Muscles, tendons, and joints that are not properly treated will result in chronic problems. 

Conclusion

Chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists are all skillfully trained in the art and science behind the musculo-skeletal system and can aid in much-needed relief to Nerve Impingement Syndrome.

What is Trigger Point Therapy 

During a trigger point therapy session, the massage therapist will apply pressure to sore muscles in order provide some relief.  It is not uncommon that masseuses will combine a Swedish massage with trigger point therapy to obtain the best results.  There are two types of trigger points, active and latent.  Active trigger points will pass on pain to another area of the body when pressure is applied to the original sore spot.  Latent trigger points are only painful when pressure is applied to the direct spot.  The pain does not travel to other areas unlike active trigger points.  Physicians believe latent trigger points are caused from stiff joints and a restricted range of motion.  Trigger points are also known as knots and are very common in many people.  Some causes of trigger points include: accident or falls, poor posture, and overexertion. 

Purpose 

The purpose of treatment is to reduce pain and retrain the muscles into painless habits.  After 3 or 4 treatments the tenderness and pain is reduced and range of motion is increased.  Many individuals will also see an increase in flexibility, coordination and circulation.  Some people who would benefit from trigger point therapy include: athletes, arthritis patients, individuals with carpal tunnel, migraine sufferers, or people recovering from accidents or trauma.  People who can perform trigger point therapy are physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors.  Medical doctors are not trained in this specialty.  This treatment is a great non-invasive alternative to prescription drugs or surgery. 

History of Trigger Point Therapy

Janet Travel is credited for creating many theories behind trigger point therapy.  She was John F. Kennedy’s personal physician and treated him for back pain with this method.  This was defiantly a first for women during this time period.  She published papers on trigger point and then published the first volume of The Trigger Point Manuel.  In 1992, a second volume was released. 

According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), it is estimated there are currently 265,000 to 300,000 massage therapists practicing in the United States.  Massage therapy was said to be a $6-11 billion dollar industry in 2005.  The US Dept of Labor states that massage therapy as a profession will grow by 20 percent from 2006 to 2006-this is faster than average.  This is great news for newly graduated massage therapists since 80 percent of all Americans will experience some sort of back pain within their lifetime; many of these will be chronic sufferers.  Massage therapists have many options when obtaining a school for certification.  More and more colleges and private universities and institutions are now offering certification in massage therapy with most programs being a minimum of 500-hours or more of instruction.  During school massage therapists take several classes in the following subject areas including: human anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, orthopedic testing and range of motion evaluation, and clinical application.  Most all massage programs offer a period of time when the therapist can be intern delivering treatments to the general public.  This is a win-win situation for both the therapist and the public because the therapist finally gets to put their technique to use and receive feedback in a clinical setting; and the individual gets a deep discounted massage in a safe school setting.    

Employment

Upon graduation the newly-trained therapist has many job opportunities within the U.S. and foreign countries including but not limited to: spas, health clubs and gyms, Chiropractic offices, physical therapy rehabilitation centers, acupuncture offices, hospitals, and sporting and social events within the community like marathons, triathlons, and even bachelorette parties.  So if you’re curious about becoming a massage therapist now is a better time than ever to become certified.   

Waubonsee Community College

Waubonsee Community College, located in Sugar Grove, IL has an open door policy that allows anyone to enroll in the college.  Requirements for admission include: High school diploma or GED; 18 years of age; or non-graduates ages 16 or 17 who have established a connection with their high school.  Any student can be admitted to Waubonsee, but they are only admitted to the program they are eligible for.  Admittance to the college doesn’t mean the student will be accepted into the Therapeutic Massage Therapy program.  This type of degree requires a certain amount of general education requirements to be complete before starting therapeutic massage classes.       

About the Massage Program

Waubonsee Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Therapeutic Massage.  Students will learn different techniques such as Swedish massage, hydrotherapy, sports massage, trigger point therapy, foot reflexology and several others.  They will take classes such as kinesiology, physiology, and pathology to effectively learn how the body works and how massage influences the healing process.  Students are given the option to complete clinical work on campus or at an off-site location.  Waubonsee’s program is a member of American Massage Therapy Association Council of Schools.  After the completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.           

About Universal Class.

Universal Class is an online education company that provides affordable classes to scholars, educators, and students.  Approximately 300,000 students have enrolled in at least one course at Universal Class.  The program is open to anyone who has a high school reading level.  This type of program is appealing to people with busy schedules that don’t have time to make it to an in-person class.  To ensure that all students are receiving quality education, the staff monitors student progress during the course.  Students can create an online portfolio and manage all their certificates and course completions.  It is not guaranteed that any courses will transfer as college credit as that decision is up to an admissions counselor at the university/college.   

Massage Therapist Class

 This class was created for individuals who are interested in understanding the techniques and basics of massage therapy.   The Massage Therapist class lasts for 6 months and is self-paced.  During the course, an instructor monitors student progress by checking online.  Students will be notified by the instructor if their progress is behind.  The basic course without a certificate will cost $35, but individuals who want to become certified will need to pay $60.  Certificates are viewable online and can be printed to verify proof.  The course is divided into 16 different lessons which include: History of Massage Therapy; Anatomy and Physiology; Types of Massage; Massage Therapy for Women; Eco-Friendly Massage Products; Ethics; and Setting up a Massage Business. 

Corvita Institute

Established in 1981, Corvita Institute is dedicated to providing their students with a well-rounded education to prepare them for future careers.  Corvita offers a Professional Massage Therapy Program that teaches top healing techniques, massage theory, ethics, business, communication, and clinical experience.  The experienced facility use textbooks, technology and hands-on experience to prepare students to take the National Certification Exam and state licensing exam.  Once students graduate, they can return to the program to complete continuing education courses on topics such as maternity massage or deep tissue massage.  Each Corvita massage school is licensed by the state it is located and is recognized by an agency accepted by the U.S. Department of Education.

Waubonsee Community College

Waubonsee Community College, located in Sugar Grove Il, offers an Associate Degree in Therapeutic Massage.  Students will learn different techniques such as Swedish massage, hydrotherapy, sports massage, trigger point therapy, foot reflexology and several others.  They will take classes such as kinesiology, physiology, and pathology to effectively learn how the body works and how massage influences the healing process.  Students are given the option to complete clinical work on campus or at an off-site location.  Waubonsee’s program is a member of American Massage Therapy Association Council of Schools.  After the completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Certification Exam in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.           

First Institute

Located in Crystal Lake Illinois, First Institute is devoted to providing advanced skills and job placement assistance to graduates.  First Institute was created in 1982 in response to an increasing job market that required a level of skills for certain professions.  Classes are designed to integrate theory and practice to help students integrate into the work force after graduation.  With millions of people becoming more health conscious across the nation, the demand for massage therapists continues to grow.  Students will take courses in Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Sports Massage, Aromatherapy, and Chair Massage.  First Institute provides all students with the newest massage techniques so they can give them the best education possible.   

Wellness and Massage Training Institute

The Massage Therapy Program at WMTI assists each student to become prepared at entering the work force after graduation.  The program is designed to produce confident and self-motivated massage therapists that can interact with a variety of clients.  Students will complete 556 hours of massage therapy techniques in classes and clinicals.  Some of the courses include anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, and business ethics.  People choose WMTI because of their positive reputation, the experienced faculty, and the flexible schedule options.  This program is also offered at Joliet Junior College and College of Dupage, two junior colleges that are partnered with WMTI.   Graduates of WMTI may find employment in hospitals, spas, health clubs, and rehabilitation facilities. 

When you think of receiving a massage, you probably think: therapist, table, sheets, lotion and relaxation music. While these things are common and used by therapists, they represent only a percentage of what a therapist may have as a part of their massage therapy supply stash. Generally, the type of massage session that a therapist is offering dictates what type of supplies they may need. Also, supply needs will be different if they are self employed versus an employee working under the supervision of a practitioner.

Necessary Supplies

Aside from the massage supplies such as lotion, tables, bolsters, sheets and essential oils, a therapist also requires items such as text books, anatomy charts, business cards, intake forms and other paperwork and office supplies. If self employed, the therapist is responsible for purchasing all of these supplies, but if they are an employee of a business, almost all massage supplies are provided at no cost to the therapist. There are many online stores available that offer any type of massage therapy supplies. Medical supply catalogs are also available for a therapist needing to order or reorder various items. For any massage therapist, it is important that they find a supply dealer they trust and are comfortable with because over the course of a career, they will be doing business with that supplier countless times.

References Cited in this Article

www.massage-therapy-supply.com

www.scriphessco.com

www.source1medical.com

An at home massage is a great alternative for someone who cannot make it in to the massage therapy clinic.  Patients are able to get total convenience and schedule a massage in the comfort of their home.  It is becoming very popular for those who have busy schedules or debilitating issues that prevent them from receiving a massage at the spa or clinic.  A home massage is done the same way as a traditional massage.  Massage therapists will typically bring a table along with a variety of different lotions or massage oils.  Some massage therapists will also bring candles and aromatherapy oils along with extra amenities at your request. 

Different options

Every home massage is different, and each massage therapist will offer different options for you.  A lot of patients that are wheelchair bound will also receive in-home massages. This helps with the elasticity in the patient’s skin, along with the circulation within the body.  There are a number of people that also have debilitating issues or diseases that may prevent them from operating a vehicle.  This is a great alternative for the patient who cannot make it into the office. 

Benefits

A large number of patients that have medical issues or cannot exercise find massage as a great stress reliever and pain reliever.  Massage also helps to release the extra toxins and build up within the muscles.  Home massage is offered in all major cities and suburbs.  Your spa or local massage therapy clinic may also do house calls on occasions.  Many clients will book massage spa parties at home, or bridal shower spa parties.  You can often call ahead to ask for specials and pricing to locate the best deal and location nearest you.  Home massage is not for everyone.  Clients that don’t have the space to set up a table in their apartment or home are left with few options.  Home massage is great for someone who has a quiet room that is away from the noise within the house.  It’s important to have an open room the massage therapist can use to ensure the relaxation is complete.