How Do You Perform a Reflexology Massage?

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massage therapist massaging clients feet

Interested in becoming a massage therapist? Want to learn the different massage techniques, including reflexology massage? While foot massage may feel a lot like reflexology, the reason for reflexology massage is to promote the healing of the body’s organs. Plus, reflexology takes foot massage to the next level by adding the hands and outer ear lobes. It is a full-body massage technique.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a hand, foot, and ear massage technique used to relieve pain and heal the connected parts of the body. The theory of reflexology is that all body parts are connected, and using pressure points can help manage pain throughout the body and its organs.

The ears, palms, soles, and outer parts are divided into zones. There are 10 vertical zones. These zones correspond to nerves, leading to muscles and organs throughout the body.

Hand Reflexology

Reflexology theorizes that hand parts correspond with the body’s different organs. For example, the tips of the finger correspond with the head and brain. Massage on the fingertips can help release hormones and relieve a client’s headaches. The joints under the fingertips are correlated to the teeth and sinuses. Massaging this hand area can improve a cold or reduce sinus pressure. The meaty part of the middle and pointer fingers is correlated with the eyes, whereas this part of the ring and pinky finger correlates with the solar plexus. Different parts of the palm correlate with the heart, diaphragm, liver, spleen, kidney, stomach, colon, small intestine, thyroid, and pancreas. The wrist corresponds with the appendix, lower back, prostate, or ovaries. During a massage therapy program, you will learn about these reflex points and utilize reflexology charts to target different body organs better.

Feet Reflexology

The feet correspond with organs like the body, such as the hands. Like the hands, the tip of the toes corresponds with the head and brain. Also, the joint under the toe corresponds with the teeth and sinuses, and down the foot corresponds to the arch and heel. Different parts of the foot have reflex points similar to those of the hands. Massaging both reflex points helps to balance the nerve systems throughout the body from head to toe.

Ear Reflexology

The ear also corresponds with organs in the body. As the nervous system is connected from our feet to our head, the ear lobes can be a conduit to relieve stress and promote healing in the corresponding organs of the body. Whether it is the outer part of the ear lobe that connects to the abdomen, chest, kidney, gall bladder, liver, tongue, or tonsils or the inner part of the ear lobe that connects with the sciatic nerve, bladder, pancreas, stomach, spleen, heart, and lungs; pressure on these reflex points can help promote healing and improve body and organ function through reflexology.

How Do You Perform a Reflexology Massage?

A typical reflexology treatment can last up to 60 minutes. Still, it will begin with an assessment, gathering health history, and understanding the chief complaints or goals the client wants to address. Doing an initial evaluation to set a baseline that will help you know where you are starting from is essential. How is the client’s range of motion? Where does the client feel pain? Throughout subsequent appointments, you can follow up with additional assessments and better understand how the massage is helping the client’s body.

During a reflexology massage, you will apply pressure to the feet, hands, and outer ear lobes and stimulate points on the feet, hands, and ears to identify areas of tenderness or tension. Rubbing and massage can help create heat that soothes the muscles and promotes relaxation. In addition to improved mood, reflexology helps improve blood circulation, which has many benefits, like increased oxygen to bodily organs and removing toxins.

The reflexology technique is similar to traditional massage but utilizes your fingers and hands more than the shoulders and upper body. There are three main techniques that you will use when performing reflexology. They include:

Thumb Walks

Thumb walks are like a hand crawl. Fingers or thumbs apply pressure followed by release as they move forward over reflex points in small increments. This technique is used on both hands and feet to reduce stress and help improve organ health.

Circle Technique

You will use your thumb or finger to apply pressure to the client’s soft tissue in a circular motion over the reflex point. This circular motion can help create heat that will relax the muscles.

Pivot-On-Point

You will push a flexed thumb against a reflex point while using the other hand to rotate the foot beneath it. By moving the foot instead of the thumb, you will maintain firm and consistent pressure. The light pressure helps release tension and soothe the muscles.

What are the Benefits of Reflexology?

Reflexology has many of the same benefits as massage, from stress relief, lower blood pressure, and pain relief to improved blood circulation and elimination of body toxins. However, reflexology’s many benefits can also help clients physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Benefit #1: Stress Reduction

One of the main benefits of reflexology is stress relief. Since our bodies are connected from head to foot, and there is a neurological relationship between muscles and organs, reflexology theorizes that the massage of the hands and feet can help organs within the many zones of the body that are connected through the body’s nervous system. Our nervous system will respond to nerve pain when a specific nerve is compromised. By stimulating the reflex points, you can help the body send messages to the brain to release hormones that help reduce stress. Some clients will need multiple sessions to relieve stress completely.

Benefit #2: Lowered Blood Pressure

Due to many of our lifestyle choices, physical activity choices, and diet, many people suffer from high blood pressure, especially as they age. Certain conditions like diabetes and obesity can contribute to a client’s high blood pressure. Reflexology massage can help reduce the risks of heart disease by minimizing high blood pressure and triglycerides. Stress reduction can also help lower blood pressure, a benefit of reflexology.

Benefit #3: Pain Relief

Many of your client’s chief complaints will be muscle pain. It is a common reason people seek out massage, especially reflexology. Reflexology theorizes that pain originates in the brain and that the brain can send signals to the body to reduce pain. When you massage the corresponding reflex point, the brain will signal to the muscle group that it should turn off pain and offer relief to the corresponding part of the body. The brain will also release hormones that can improve the balance of muscle chemistry, thus reducing pain in the body.

Benefit #4: Improved Blood Circulation

Massage can help improve blood circulation in the body, but reflexology, in particular, is good at dilating the blood vessels to increase blood flow. The body reacts by dilating blood vessels by using pressure on reflex points in the feet. Reflexology promotes the movement of blood that can better deliver oxygen to the organs to help their function and increase metabolism. The increased oxygen can help heal the body’s organs and regrow damaged cells in muscles, soft tissue, and essential organs.

Benefit #5: Eliminate Body Toxins

The body can build up muscle toxins during exercise, injury, or even while sedimenting. Reflexology can help reduce those toxins in the muscles by increasing blood circulation. Increased blood circulation can help the client’s body remove toxins that may be excreted from the body’s organs to protect the body from diseases and adverse health conditions.

Benefit #6: Better Sleep

Increased stress and chronic pain can disrupt the normal sleep cycle. For those who either have trouble falling asleep or suffer from insomnia, reflexology massage can help reduce stress while helping the brain become calm. Reflexology helps specifically by increasing hormones in the body that help regulate sleep.

Benefit #7: Increased Energy

Many clients will come to you with sluggishness and a lack of energy to do daily tasks. Reflexology, the repair of organs, can result in a higher metabolism, which in turn boosts the body’s natural energy level. Not only can reflexology help reduce sluggishness, but improving depression and anxiety can also increase the client’s energy.

Final Thoughts

Want to learn the techniques behind the healing power of massage? During a massage therapy program, you will learn traditional massage techniques, alternative techniques, and holistic massages like reflexology. With this vast arsenal of massage techniques, you can create a customized plan for your clients. Is it time to start a new career and help others simultaneously?

Ready to Learn More?

Are you interested in learning more about starting a career in massage therapy? Upon graduation, Massage Therapy Program students will receive diplomas and be qualified to seek entry-level positions as clinical, medical, or deep tissue massage therapists in wellness clinics and centers, spa environments including resorts and franchises, and self-employment.

The massage therapy training diploma program consists of a well-planned sequence of courses, each preparing the college student for the more intensive information to follow. The school curriculum includes training to provide college students with scientific knowledge, manual skills, and business mastery to become a professional massage therapist.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a massage therapist today.

What is Preventive Care?

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Want to help your community as a nurse? Did you know that Gwinnett College offers a Practical Nursing program? In addition to classroom lectures and hundreds of lab hours, you will learn about preventive care during Gwinnett College’s Practical Nursing program. Plus, preventive care is how you can give back to your community. You will educate your patients and help them with immunization and education, and you may even help increase their life expectancy. So, what is preventive care?

What is Preventive Care?

Preventive medical care is a proactive approach to health that focuses on identifying and mitigating potential health issues before they develop into significant problems. It is critical in improving overall health, extending life expectancy, and reducing disease for individuals, families, and communities. By focusing on prevention rather than treatment, nurses can empower individuals to take control of their health and lead healthier lives.

Routine Screenings

Routine screenings help patients detect health issues early, often before symptoms appear. The following screenings are based on age, gender, and individual risk factors:

Blood Pressure Checks: To identify hypertension, a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol Tests: To detect high cholesterol levels leading to cardiovascular disease.

Cancer Screenings: These are used to detect cancers early, such as breast (mammograms), cervical (Pap smears), colorectal (colonoscopy), and prostate (PSA tests).

Diabetes Testing: To catch diabetes early, enabling better management.

Bone Density Scans: For detecting osteoporosis in older adults and postmenopausal women.

Vaccinations

Vaccines protect individuals and communities from infectious diseases. These vaccination schedules are recommended by age and risk factors and include:

Childhood Immunizations: Measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and chickenpox.

Adult Vaccines: Influenza, tetanus, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines.

Travel Vaccinations: To protect against diseases specific to certain regions.

Health Counseling

Nurses offer personalized guidance to help individuals make healthier lifestyle choices. This counseling often covers nutrition, diet, exercise, stress management, and substance use counseling.

Early Detection and Risk Management

Preventive care helps identify risk factors for chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Early detection allows for interventions that can slow disease progression. For example, individuals with a family history of certain diseases need to be assessed for predisposition.

Wellness Check-Ups

Annual physical exams and periodic health assessments allow healthcare providers to evaluate overall health, update immunizations, monitor changes in weight, blood pressure, and other vital indicators, and discuss concerns or symptoms that may indicate underlying health issues.

What is a Nurse’s Role in Preventive Care?

Nurses are frontline workers who educate, advocate, and directly support patients in maintaining their health and preventing illness. Their knowledge of health conditions, ability to communicate effectively, and trusted position in healthcare make them perfect for promoting wellness and prevention.

Health Education and Patient Advocacy

Nurses educate patients about healthy habits, such as proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management. They help patients manage risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Nurses help patients understand their health conditions and encourage them to participate in their care actively. Nurses often work in community settings, teaching groups about preventive care and offering patient advocacy.

Providing Preventive Screenings

Nurses perform routine health checks, such as monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and BMI. They conduct initial screenings for cancers, infections, and chronic conditions, referring patients to specialists as needed. They also identify patterns that may indicate emerging health concerns by documenting and analyzing patient data.

Administering Vaccinations

Nurses are often responsible for administering vaccines to individuals of all ages, from childhood immunizations to annual flu shots. They address patient concerns and provide vaccine safety.

Chronic Disease Management

Nurses teach patients with chronic diseases how to manage their condition and reduce complications through diet, exercise, and medication. They assess patients’ health status, track improvements, and adjust care plans accordingly. Nurses also offer encouragement and practical strategies for managing long-term health challenges.

Advocating for Public Health

Nurses help promote public health measures, such as clean water, safe housing, and access to medical care. They do this while working with schools, workplaces, and community organizations to deliver workshops, health fairs, and wellness programs. Nurses also advocate for underserved populations, helping them access resources like affordable screenings, nutrition programs, and preventive care services.

Emergency Prevention and Risk Assessment

Nurses teach individuals and communities basic first aid and CPR, empowering them to respond to emergencies. They also identify environmental and occupational hazards and advise patients on reducing risks in their daily lives.

Why Does Preventive Care Matter?

Preventive medical care matters because it fundamentally changes the focus of healthcare from treating diseases to maintaining health and preventing illness before it occurs. This approach benefits entire communities by promoting wellness, reducing healthcare costs, and improving quality of life.

Improved Quality of Life

Preventive care helps identify health issues before they become severe, allowing for treatment and better health outcomes. It helps individuals to manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma more effectively, leading to fewer complications and greater overall well-being. By delaying the onset of illness, preventive care allows people to lead more active, fulfilling lives without being hindered by health issues.

Prolonged Life Expectancy

Regular screenings and timely interventions significantly lower the risk of life-threatening conditions like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Vaccinations and routine health checks protect against diseases that historically shortened life spans, ensuring more people live longer and healthier lives. Preventive care is personalized at each stage of life, from childhood immunizations to screenings for age-related conditions like osteoporosis and dementia.

Lower Healthcare Costs

Preventive care minimizes expensive treatments for advanced illnesses, reducing financial strain. Preventive care also reduces the overall burden on healthcare systems by avoiding hospitalizations, emergency care, and long-term treatments. Vaccines, screenings, and lifestyle interventions are often more cost-effective than treating advanced-stage diseases.

Reduced Burden of Chronic Diseases

Preventive care identifies and mitigates risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking before they lead to chronic conditions. When preventive measures are widely adopted, rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease decline, improving community health. Patients with existing conditions benefit from regular monitoring which helps prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Promotes Health Equity

Preventive services ensure that underserved populations have access to essential health resources. Community-based programs and preventive initiatives help address the specific needs of marginalized groups. Health education and early interventions motivate people to take control of their health regardless of socioeconomic status.

Supports Community Health

Widespread immunizations protect communities by reducing the spread of infectious diseases, creating herd immunity. Healthy individuals are more productive and less likely to miss work because of illness.

Encourages a Proactive Approach to Health

Preventive care teaches individuals to prioritize their health, motivating regular exercise, nutritious eating, and stress management. Routine check-ups and counseling increase awareness of personal health risks and encourage preventive action. Patients are more likely to address minor health concerns before they escalate, reducing the likelihood of severe outcomes.

Combats Preventable Diseases

Vaccines and public health campaigns reduce the prevalence of diseases like influenza and measles. Education on nutrition, stopping smoking, and physical activity decreases the rates of obesity and lung disease. Screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers save lives by catching diseases in treatable stages.

Final Thoughts

Preventive care is not just about avoiding sickness; it’s about creating a society where health is valued, prioritized, and achievable for everyone. It helps reduce illness’s personal and societal impacts. From families and workplaces to healthcare systems and governments, the ripple effects of preventive care create stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. In short, preventive medical care matters because it’s the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future. As a nurse, you can be at the center of a healthier future.

Practical Nursing Program

Are you looking for Practical Nursing training classes in Central Florida that prepares you to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? Gwinnett Institute in Orlando offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that trains LPN students for positions delivering basic bedside care to patients. The Practical Nursing diploma program provides the didactic and skills training needed to take the NCLEX-PN examination.*

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam. College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a prerequisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an LPN in Orlando at Gwinnett Institute.

What Classes are Included in the LPN Program?

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nurse standing and smile while taking a patients vital signs

Are you interested in completing an LPN program but want to know more about the curriculum? If so, you have come to the right place. This article will review the classes that you will complete in the LPN program at Gwinnett College. So, let’s look at the classes that will prepare you for your new career as a practical nurse.

What Classes are Included in the LPN Program?

The curriculum was created with instructor and employer input to prepare you for an entry-level role as a practical nurse. It also prepares you for the NCLEX-PN exam. The courses covered in the LPN program include:

Math for Allied Health Professionals – an introduction to math skills used while working in allied health. The curriculum reviews whole numbers, fractions and decimals, measurement systems, ratio and proportion, percent, business applications, basic statistics, rational numbers, and solving algebraic equations.

Basic Anatomy & Physiology – an introduction to the terminology of the 11 basic body structures and how they function.

Human Growth and Development – an introduction to the human development across a patient’s lifespan in regard to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes.

Fundamentals of Nursing – a course that concentrates on your ability to make a positive contribution to the health and healing of patients. Topics of focus include wellness concepts, nutrition, communication, cultural diversity, and basic assessment techniques utilizing the nursing process.

Pharmacology – an introduction to the history of medications and safe administration of medicines by using proper nursing processes, cultural considerations, good communication, scope of practice and management and delegation. Additional focus will cover the health continuum, expected actions, side effects, contraindications, and points of observation.

Adult Medical Surgical Nursing – a review of health management, maintenance and prevention of illness, care for the patient, and deviations from the normal state of health.

Maternal & Pediatric Nursing – a review of the nursing process for childbearing families from infancy through adolescence. A focus is placed on health problems, safety, wellness and prevention concepts, pharmacology and nutrition.

Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing – a review of health management, maintenance, and prevention of illness and good health outcomes. The curriculum reviews the 11 human body systems, and the reinforcement of diagnostic exams, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nutrition, geriatric considerations, spiritual, and psychosocial aspects of nursing.

Practical Nursing Lab – an introduction to the psychomotor nursing skills needed to provide patients with basic human needs. Lab work will focus on microbial, physical, and psychological safety along with the skills needed in therapeutic interventions. It will also review sterile and advanced invasive procedures for positive health outcomes for patients.

Practical Nursing Clinical – a focus on the utilization of the nursing process to care for patients. The skills that you will review include prioritization, decision making, time management, and critical thinking.

Practical Nursing Capstone – the final quarter of the LPN program that has you explore issues and trends in nursing. The focus on the capstone is to prepare you for licensure examination.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know which classes you will complete during the LPN program, it is time to learn more about Gwinnett College. We gets you ready for an entry-level role as a practical nurse working in a hospital, clinic, rehabilitation centers, urgent care clinics, nursing home or other medical facility. This LPN program also prepares you for the NCLEX-PN exam that is required to manage patients after graduation. So, let Gwinnett College prepare you for this lifelong career and help you advance throughout your career as an in-demand practical nurse.

Practical Nursing Program

Are you looking for Practical Nursing training classes in Central Florida that prepare you to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? Gwinnett Institute in Orlando offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that trains LPN students for positions delivering basic bedside care to patients. The Practical Nursing diploma program provides the didactic and skills training needed to take the NCLEX-PN examination.*

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam. College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a prerequisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an LPN in Orlando at Gwinnett Institute.

Why is the Demand so High for Nurses?

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Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Yes? The good news is that there is a high demand for nurses. And a great way to become a nurse is by completing the Practical Nursing program at Gwinnett College. So, why is the demand so high for nurses?

Why is the Demand So High for Nurses?

There are many reasons for the high demand for nurses. Some of biggest challenges facing nursing today include:

An Aging Population

As life expectancy increases so does our population. With more people accessing medical services we need more people like you to become nurses. Our aging population is leading to a increase in hospitalizations and long-term care needs. Plus, an increased demand for nurses in specialties like geriatrics, home health care, and chronic disease management. Now is the time to become an LPN.

Rising Rates of Chronic Diseases

Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are on the rise, largely due to lifestyle factors and an aging population. Managing these conditions requires ongoing medical care, including patient education about disease management, the administration of treatments, the monitoring progress, and supporting preventative health initiatives. You can play a vital role in helping patients manage chronic diseases, making your expertise indispensable.

Increased Access to Healthcare

With policies aimed at improving healthcare access like the Affordable Care Act, more people are seeking medical services. This increase in patient access has led to higher demand for nurses to provide care, and an increased need for nurses in underserved areas, including rural and low-income communities. By earning a nursing degree, you can help provide essential services to those who need it most.

Retirement of Current Nurses

Many experienced nurses are reaching retirement age, creating a significant gap in the workforce. As nurses leave the medical field, healthcare facilities must fill positions quickly to maintain patient care standards. This has created job openings for new nursing graduates and opportunities for advancement as experienced nurses retire.

Advancements in Healthcare Technology

Technological advancements are transforming healthcare, from electronic health records to telemedicine and robotic-assisted surgeries. These innovations have created a need for nurses who are technologically savvy and able to use modern tools in patient care, skilled in adapting to new healthcare practices and equipment, and educated in digital health systems and data analysis from schools like Gwinnett College.

Diverse Career Opportunities Beyond the Hospital

Nurses are no longer confined to hospitals. The demand for nurses includes:

• Home Healthcare: Helping patients recover in the comfort of their homes.
• Outpatient Clinics: Providing preventive care and minor treatments.
• Schools and Corporations: Promoting wellness in educational and workplace environments.
• Travel Nursing: Filling short-term needs across the country or even internationally.

Emotional Fulfillment and Job Satisfaction

For many, the motivation to become a nurse goes beyond job stability or financial incentives. Nursing offers the chance to save lives, provide comfort, and improve quality of life. It also offers human connection by building meaningful relationships with patients and families. Few careers offer the same level of personal and professional fulfillment as nursing.

Opportunities for Advancement

The nursing profession offers opportunities for growth and specialization. With additional education, certification and experience, you can pursue roles such as:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP): Providing primary or specialized care with more autonomy.
• Nurse Educator: Training future nurses and shaping the next generation of healthcare providers.
• Nurse Leader: Managing teams, improving processes, and influencing healthcare policies.

A Resilient and Essential Profession

The nursing profession has proven to be a stable, recession-proof career. During global crises like the pandemic, nurses are on the frontlines, providing critical care and ensuring public health. This essential role means job opportunities are available, even in challenging economic times. Nursing is a career that offers long-term stability and security.

Final Thoughts

There is a high demand for nurses because of an aging population, rising chronic disease rates, expanding healthcare access, and technological advancements. If you are considering your career options, nursing offers opportunities for personal fulfillment, financial stability, and professional growth. By enrolling in the Practical Nursing program at Gwinnett College, you’ll not only secure a bright future for yourself but also make a meaningful impact in your community.

Practical Nursing Program

Are you looking for Practical Nursing training classes in Central Florida that prepares you to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? Gwinnett Institute in Orlando offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that trains LPN students for positions delivering basic bedside care to patients. The Practical Nursing diploma program provides the didactic and skills training needed to take the NCLEX-PN examination.*

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam. College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a prerequisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an LPN in Orlando at Gwinnett Institute.

What is Bodywork Massage Therapy?

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Interested in learning more about bodywork massage therapy? There are many different disciplines from Swedish to shiatsu. Many massage disciplines, like shiatsu, fall under the term bodywork massage therapy. This article will review what a massage therapist does and give you an idea of what bodywork massage therapy is so you can decide on your path to becoming a massage therapist.

What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

A massage therapist is a professional that’s trained to relieve pain and stress in the body by manipulating soft tissue. This includes the ligaments, connective tissue, tendons, and muscles. After earning a diploma from Gwinnett College, you will have learned the different types of bodywork techniques. This will help you advance in your career and help others at the same time. It’s a win-win!

What Is Bodywork Massage Therapy?

Bodywork is a generic term that refers to re-aligning and manipulating different areas of the body to reduce pain, stiffness and improve the function of the body and the mind. This supplement to traditional medicine incorporates different methods to heal clients holistically. You will use techniques that enhance the client’s posture and the range of motion.

In traditional massage therapy, you use oils or lotions to reduce the amount of friction to the client’s muscles. During bodywork therapy, oils and lotions aren’t usually used. You will focus on fascia. The fascia is the connective tissue that covers the body’s internal organs and muscles. By stretching, warming, and relaxing the connective tissue, tension and pain in the muscles are released.

What is the Purpose of Bodywork Massage Therapy?

The purpose of bodywork therapy is to improve how the fascia functions, decrease discomfort, make movement more manageable, and provide the client with increased energy. Another way bodywork therapy is beneficial is in healing sports injuries, to prevent further damage to the muscles. Athletes and dancers find this bodywork treatment helps in preventing injuries.

Learning how to use one’s body safely and effectively is one of the goals of bodywork. The treatment is referred to as holistic because you may incorporate guided imagery or visualization techniques to make the client more self-aware. Teaching clients how to break old patterns of movement is one of the methods you may utilize.

How Is Bodywork Therapy Performed?

Bodywork uses different techniques to release the body’s energy and relieve pain and tension. Unlike traditional massage, bodywork focuses on the mind-body connection. The massage therapist chooses the method that will benefit the client based on the initial assessment.

Bodywork may leave the client feeling sore after the first few sessions, but this usually diminishes as the treatment starts to have positive effects on the muscles and deep tissue.

What Are Some of the Common Types of Bodywork?

There are a wide variety of bodywork techniques. Each with their own benefits. These bodywork techniques include:

Craniosacral Therapy

CST or Craniosacral Therapy is a therapy in which the massage practitioner manipulates the skull, the membranes that cover the spinal cord and skull, and sometimes the bones in the face. The bodywork treatment creates an adequate distribution of cerebrospinal fluid. For this type of treatment, the client lies on a table while the massage practitioner presses on the spine or skull, using a gentle touch. When the cerebrospinal fluid isn’t flowing naturally, the massage therapist must identify where the interruption of the flow and abnormalities are. Soft manipulation with the hands and fingers can release abnormalities and create a normal flow. CST is especially useful for migraines, problems with the sinuses, ringing in the ears, and head injuries.

Hellerwork

The purpose of Hellerwork is to release tension in the fascia. Physical stress can result in the fascia getting rigid, which can cause pain and stiffness. A massage practitioner begins a session by working with connective tissue to release fascia stress. Once the tension begins to diminish, the practitioner educates the client about movement with the use of videos. Clients learn new methods of movement that keep their bodies in alignment. The third portion of the bodywork treatment is a constructive dialogue between the practitioner and client to teach about how emotions can affect stress levels in their muscles.

Rolfing

Rolfing is a holistic type of bodywork therapy that manipulates soft tissue to balance the body and get the structure of the myofascial into alignment. Ida Rolf, the founder of this holistic method, studied with alternative health practitioners. She created a technique called structural integration.

Initial Rolfing treatments consist of multiple sessions. Each Rolfing session is a duration of around an hour. Practitioners usually recommend that clients have advanced sessions every few months. The massage therapist uses hands, knuckles, elbows, and fingers to make the connective tissue soft and more pliable. When the body’s deep tissue is pliable, the muscles can lengthen and will be appropriately aligned.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu has been practiced in Japan for centuries and is considered to be the oldest type of bodywork massage therapy. In Japanese, Shiatsu means finger pressure. Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture. Both are based on the concept that energy or Ki flows through the body and the meridians through which energy travels to the body’s organs. According to Asian beliefs, Shiatsu unblocks the energy and redistributes it, so it goes to where it’s needed within the body. Shiatsu helps stimulate endorphins and relieve pain.

The first Shiatsu treatment involves the massage therapist conducting an assessment of the client’s health. The practitioner evaluates the client’s skin tone, condition of their hair, and posture. They use this information with the energy level of the client for the most effective treatment.

The practitioner uses pressure with their fingers to locate the trigger points where energy collects. Pressure on these points releases the energy, so it’s distributed to parts of the body where it’s needed.

Trigger Point Therapy

Myotherapy, also referred to as Trigger Point Therapy, is a form of treatment that relieves pain in the musculoskeletal system by applying pressure to the body’s trigger points. Trigger points may be within the muscles or in other susceptible spots within the body. When the trigger points are located, the pressure helps to relieve tension and pain.

What Are the Benefits of Bodywork Therapy?

Medical experts estimate that a significant proportion of disease is the result of stress. Bodywork is a natural method of managing stress. Reduced stress levels result in more restful sleep, less fatigue, more energy, better circulation, and improved concentration. Better, overall health is a benefit of bodywork, including:

• The lymphatic system is stimulated, which helps build immunity to disease.
• Less pain in the lower back.
• Joints become more flexible and less painful.
• Scar tissue can be reduced when treatments regenerate the skin.
• Swelling and adhesions following surgery can be reduced.
• Muscles that suffer from overuse following strenuous activity are relaxed and pliable.
• Endorphins that reduce pain are released.
• Clients have fewer incidents of anxiety and depression.
• Holistic treatments reduce the need for prescription medications.
• More oxygen is pumped into the organs and tissue of the body and improves circulation.

What Are the Essential Bodywork Therapy Skills?

Massage therapists treat several clients each day and require a lot of stamina. Standing for long periods and kneading muscles with the hands and fingers requires a lot of dexterity. Knowledge of physiology is a must for a massage therapist. They must know how tissue, muscles, and organs function to treat clients and alleviate pain and stress. This is learned during the Massage Therapy program at Gwinnett College.

Any professional who works with the public must have excellent communication skills. It’s essential to listen closely to clients, ask questions, so the massage therapist understands what treatment will be most effective, and make sure the client understands the procedure.

Final Thoughts

Do you have an interest in holistic medicine? Ready to help others relieve stress and reduce pain with massage therapy? Attending a massage therapy program will give you the massage skills and bodywork knowledge needed to succeed in this new career. Be a general massage practitioner or choose a specialty, the choice is yours.

Ready to Learn More?

Are you interested in learning more about starting a career in massage therapy? Upon graduation, Massage Therapy Program students will receive diplomas and be qualified to seek entry-level positions as clinical, medical, or deep tissue massage therapists in wellness clinics and centers, spa environments including resorts and franchises, and self-employment.

The massage therapy training diploma program consists of a well-planned sequence of courses, each preparing the college student for the more intensive information to follow. The school curriculum includes training to provide college students with scientific knowledge, manual skills, and business mastery to become a professional massage therapist.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a massage therapist today.

How Can I Support My Medical Community?

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Do you want to support your community but not sure how to do it in the most impactful way? A rewarding way to support your community is by becoming a medical professional. And the good news is that Gwinnett College offers Practical Nursing, Medical Assistant, and Medical Billing and Coding programs so you can start supporting your community in less than a year.

How Can I Support My Medical Community?

You can support your medical community in significant ways. Each effort contributes not only to improving patient healthcare outcomes but also creates a culture of compassion, collaboration, and learning. So, how can you support your medical community as a medical professional?

Collaboration and Teamwork

You can support your medical community by partnering with other medical professionals, public health officials, and local leaders to address systemic health concerns such as the spread of infectious diseases or rising rates of chronic illnesses. You can also engage in international collaborations through programs like Doctors Without Borders or other global health initiatives, contributing expertise and resources to underserved populations worldwide.

Community Outreach

As a medical professional, you can participate in initiatives that bring healthcare to underserved communities. Services like free check-ups, vaccinations, or basic medical care can significantly improve health outcomes. You can support programs that address pressing health concerns, such as mental health stigma, substance abuse, or women’s health. You can also support your medical community by working with non-profits, schools, and faith-based organizations to extend the reach of health services.

Advancing Medical Knowledge

You can help support your medical community by taking an active role in clinical trials, case studies, or public health research to contribute to the broader understanding of diseases, treatments, and healthcare delivery models. You can write research papers, articles, or case studies to share new discoveries with the wider medical community.

Advocacy

A great way to support your medical community is to stand up for policies that prioritize patient access to healthcare, such as affordable treatments, accessible clinics, or inclusive healthcare for marginalized groups. You can collaborate with policymakers to create laws that improve healthcare infrastructure, funding, and patient safety. Or you can advocate for preventative measures like screenings, immunizations, and early interventions to reduce the burden on acute care systems.

Leadership and Inspiration

Once you become a medical professional, you can serve as a role model by upholding the highest ethical standards, providing patient-centered care, and fostering an inclusive environment. You can create support networks and wellness programs for colleagues to address mental health challenges, combat burnout, and promote work-life balance.

Volunteerism and Humanitarian Work

To support your medical community, you can offer services at free clinics, community health fairs, or in response to local emergencies. You can join disaster response teams to provide medical care in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or pandemics.

Building a Culture of Empathy and Respect

The best way to support your medical community is to foster an environment where everyone’s voice is valued, and patients from all backgrounds feel respected and heard. You can do this by supporting groups that help patients navigate complex healthcare systems, understand their conditions, and access resources.

By committing to these strategies, you not only enhance the immediate outcomes for patients, but you also contribute to the long-term support of your medical community. This ensures that healthcare systems grow stronger, more collaborative, and better equipped to handle the challenges of the future.

How Can I Support My Medical Community as a Nurse?

nurse setting with aged individuals in a circle

As a nurse, you play a vital role in supporting your medical community. Here are some impactful ways to contribute:

Deliver Compassionate Patient Care

As a nurse, you can prioritize empathy and understanding as you work with patients. You can do this by advocating for patients’ needs, ensuring they receive appropriate care. For example, if you work in a pediatric ward, you can use storytelling to make young patients feel more comfortable during treatments.

Promote Preventive Healthcare

You can support your medical community by educating patients and their families about healthy habits, disease prevention, and the importance of regular check-ups. You can do this by participating in community health fairs or vaccination drives.

Foster Teamwork

Once you become a nurse, you can mentor new nurses and share your knowledge. You foster teamwork by supporting new nurses, walking them through procedures and shadowing them during their initial weeks to ease their transition.

Educate Future Nurses

A great way you can support the future of the medical community is to share your experiences through teaching, speaking engagements, or mentoring. This can help inspire others to pursue nursing as a career. For example, you can partner with a local nursing school to mentor students during clinic rotations and provide guidance as they practice their trade.

Get Involved in Professional Organizations

Another way you can support the medical community and improve your standing in the industry is to join nursing associations to network, share best practices, and advocate for the profession. You can do this by joining the American Nurses Association (AMA) and participate in advocacy campaigns for better nurse-to-patient ratios.

By integrating these actions into your professional life, you can make a lasting impact on your medical community and enhance the quality of care for patients.

How Can I Support My Medical Community as a Medical Assistant?

medical assistant giving high five to children smiling at camera

Becoming a medical assistant is another way you can join the medical field and help support your medical community. As a medical assistant, you can support your medical community by:

Providing Excellent Patient Care

As a medical assistant, you can ensure patients feel comfortable, respected, and understood during their visits. You can act as a liaison between patients and providers, improving communication and quality of care.

Promoting Preventive Healthcare

Another way you can support your medical community is to educate patients on healthy habits and the importance of preventive measures. You can do this by participating in community health events like screenings and vaccinations. For example, you can help organize community health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes, ensuring patients receive education about their results.

Supporting the Healthcare Team

You can support your local medical community by collaborating with nurses, doctors, and administrative staff to provide coordinated care. You can also take the initiative to assist where needed, fostering a positive team environment. For example, you can coordinate with nurses, doctors, and administrative staff to minimize wait times

Promoting a Culture of Inclusivity

Supporting your medical community also means treating every patient with respect and dignity, fostering a welcoming environment. You can promote a culture of inclusivity by supporting efforts to improve access and equity within the healthcare system.

Contributing to a Positive Patient Experience

Ultimately, you can support your medical community by focusing on clear communication, professionalism, and empathy in every interaction. This helps you build trust and confidence with patients and colleagues.

How Can I Support My Medical Community as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?

Although you are not working directly with patients, as a medical billing and coding specialist, you play a important role in the healthcare ecosystem. Your work ensures that medical professionals are paid promptly, patients understand their bills, and healthcare organizations remain financially stable. Supporting your medical community as a medical billing and coding specialist involves ensuring accuracy, reducing medical errors, improving processes, and fostering collaboration. Here’s how you can make a meaningful impact:

Ensure Accurate Coding and Billing

It is important to stay updated on coding systems like CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS, as well as insurance policies and regulations. Accurate billing prevents delays, reduces denials, and ensures patients receive the care they need without administrative hurdles. You can ensure accurate billing and coding by training colleagues in the importance of proper documentation. You can offer tips for better charting practices to minimize errors or work to ensure that billing processes are ethical and transparent, minimizing unnecessary costs for patients while ensuring compliance with laws.

Streamline Administrative Processes

To streamline administrative processes, you can suggest software tools that can reduce manual work and improve billing and coding accuracy. You can conduct routine audits to identify and correct errors before they escalate into financial or legal issues. You can do this by working proactively with insurance companies to resolve claim disputes and reduce processing times.

Improve Patient Understanding and Advocacy

Help patients understand their medical bills by providing clear explanations of charges, insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket expenses can help improve patient understanding. You can act as a liaison between patients and insurance companies to address billing concerns, appeals, or denials. You can also advocate for clear communication about costs upfront, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

Collaborate with Healthcare Teams

You can support the medical community by working closely with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to ensure that patient records are complete and accurate, reducing discrepancies in billing. This can be done by providing feedback to clinical staff about documentation quality and its impact on billing and reimbursement.

Educate and Advocate for Your Profession

Support your medical community by sharing your expertise with new or aspiring medical billing and coding specialists, guiding them on best practices and industry standards. Educate your medical community on the importance of billing and coding in healthcare and highlight how your work ensures financial stability and compliance with regulations.

Stay Updated on Regulations

As a medical billing and coding specialist, you can regularly update yourself on healthcare laws, HIPAA regulations, and changes in coding standards. Make sure to share your knowledge with your team to maintain compliance. You can stay updated by anticipating updates like ICD-11 adoption or changes in insurance policies and help your organization transition smoothly.

Support the Financial Health of Your Organization

Support the financial health of your organization, by analyzing denial patterns and implementing strategies to prevent them in the future. Ensure that all services are coded and billed correctly so your organization can recover rightful reimbursements. Also, use your expertise to spot anomalies or inconsistencies in billing data, protecting the integrity of the healthcare system.

Advocate for Technology Adoption

Encourage the adoption of advanced EHR systems to reduce manual coding errors and improve efficiency. Help your team understand and integrate new software, ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing its benefits.

As a medical billing and coding specialist, your contribution extends beyond paperwork. You are important in creating a healthcare experience for supporting providers and patients alike. By focusing on accuracy, efficiency, and advocacy, you can significantly strengthen your medical community.

Medical Assistant Program

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical assisting courses to help students gain essential skills and training at multiple campuses, from Lilburn, Roswell/Sandy Springs, and Atlanta/Marietta to Orlando, FL, and Raleigh, NC. The core curriculum at these campuses focuses on the medical assisting skills and training you will need to seek entry-level employment.

Medical Billing and Coding Program

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute’s Medical Billing and Coding programs will provide you with the opportunity to learn insurance coding and processing, medical administrative procedures, and the regulatory requirements in the healthcare delivery system. School externships provide the opportunity to apply the medical billing and coding skills learned in the classroom in actual medical settings. This program will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Practical Nurse Program

Are you looking for practical nursing training classes in Central Florida to prepare you to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? Gwinnett Institute in Orlando offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that trains LPN students for positions delivering basic bedside care to patients. The Practical Nursing diploma program provides the didactic and skills training needed to take the NCLEX-PN examination.*

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam. College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a prerequisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact Gwinnett Colleges & Institute today to learn more about becoming a medical assistant, medical billing and coding specialist or practical nurse.

What Law Specialization is Best?

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header image of two paralegals walking in law firm smiling

Do you have a passion for the legal field? Do you want to help others and support your community? If so, becoming a paralegal may be the right career path for you. However, before we look into what the best law specialty is for a paralegal, let’s look at why people become paralegals.

Why Do People Become Paralegals?

People choose to become paralegals for a variety of personal and professional reasons. Here are some common motivations:

Passion for the Legal Field

Many individuals are drawn to the legal field because they want to help others resolve disputes, uphold justice, or navigate complex laws. Becoming a paralegal allows you to contribute to the legal process without the time or financial investment required to become an attorney.

Meaningful and Rewarding Work

Paralegals play a crucial role in the legal system by conducting research, drafting legal documents, and assisting lawyers in preparing cases. This work is intellectually stimulating and provides a sense of accomplishment in supporting clients and ensuring justice.

Interest in a Specialized Area of Law

Some people are passionate about specific legal topics, such as family law, criminal law, or immigration. Becoming a paralegal in a chosen specialty allows you to focus on your interests while gaining hands-on experience.

Career Opportunities and Stability

The legal field is consistently in demand, and paralegals enjoy a wide range of job opportunities in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. This provides a sense of job stability and the ability to work in many different specialties.

Shorter Educational Pathway

Unlike becoming a lawyer, which requires 8 or more years of law school, you can become a paralegals through a shorter diploma or associate degree program at Gwinnett College. This makes it an appealing option if you want to enter the workforce quickly.

Potential for Growth and Advancement

Being a paralegal can serve as a stepping stone to other legal careers, such as becoming a lawyer or a legal consultant. You can use the experience and connections gained in the role to further your professional aspirations.

Love for Research and Organization

Paralegals often enjoy tasks that require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical thinking. Do you thrive in roles where you can investigate, manage documents, and prepare for legal proceedings?

Desire to Help People

Many paralegals find satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses solve legal problems, whether it’s guiding someone through a divorce, assisting with immigration issues, or helping a company draft a contract.

Affordable Career Change

For individuals seeking a career change, becoming a paralegal offers you an accessible pathway to enter the legal field. It’s especially attractive if you have prior experience or interest in fields like business, criminal justice, or social services.

Paralegals are vital members of the legal team, and their contributions can make a significant impact. This career offers both personal fulfillment and professional opportunities for those who are driven by curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to justice.

What Law Specialization are Available to Paralegals?

As a paralegal, you have many specializations to choose from. Here are a few of those specialties:

Criminal Law

Criminal law focuses on behaviors that are considered crimes against society, the state, or individuals. Defense lawyers protect the rights of the accused, while prosecutors work to enforce laws by representing the government. A paralegal in criminal law assists attorneys by conducting legal research, organizing case files, preparing legal documents, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating trial logistics. They support both prosecution and defense teams, helping to build strong cases while ensuring legal processes are followed.

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys resolve non-criminal disputes between parties, including individuals, businesses, and government entities. A paralegal in civil litigation supports attorneys by managing case files, drafting pleadings and motions, conducting legal research, organizing evidence, and coordinating with clients and witnesses. They play a vital role in preparing cases for hearings, mediations, or trials.

Family Law

Family law attorneys address issues related to familial and domestic relationships, often involving emotionally sensitive matters.

A paralegal in family law assists attorneys by drafting legal documents such as divorce petitions, custody agreements, and prenuptial agreements, conducting research, managing case files, and coordinating with clients during emotionally sensitive situations. They help ensure cases run smoothly and efficiently.

Corporate Law

Corporate law involves advising businesses on their legal obligations and ensuring compliance with regulations. A paralegal in corporate law assists with drafting and reviewing contracts, preparing corporate governance documents, maintaining compliance records, conducting legal research, and supporting mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions. They ensure legal and regulatory requirements are met for the company.

Employment and Labor Law

Employment and labor law focuses on the relationship between employers and employees, including rights and obligations under workplace regulations. A paralegal in employment and labor law supports attorneys by researching workplace regulations, preparing employment contracts, drafting legal documents for discrimination or wage disputes, managing case files, and coordinating with clients and witnesses. They help ensure compliance and assist in resolving employment-related issues.

lawyer working with client talking about immigration law

Immigration Law

Immigration attorneys assist clients with navigating the complexities of citizenship, residency, and visa laws. A paralegal in immigration law assists law firms by preparing visa applications, gathering supporting documents, conducting legal research, drafting petitions, and communicating with clients about immigration processes. They play a key role in helping clients navigate complex immigration laws and procedures.

Real Estate Law

This area covers transactions and disputes related to property ownership and land use. A paralegal in real estate law assists with preparing and reviewing contracts, conducting title searches, managing closing documents, coordinating transactions, and ensuring compliance with property laws. They support attorneys in facilitating real estate purchases, sales, and disputes.

What Law Specialization is Best for Me?

The “best” law specialization depends on your interests, skills, career goals, and the type of work environment you desire. Here’s how to evaluate the best fit for you:

Does it Align with Your Interests?

Consider your interests and what you learned in the Paralegal program at Gwinnett College. Consider what you are interested in including:

Criminal Law: If you’re passionate about justice, courtroom advocacy, and protecting rights, criminal law might be a great fit.

Family Law: If you enjoy working closely with individuals on personal and emotional matters, like custody or divorce, this area could be fulfilling.

Corporate Law: Ideal for those interested in business, mergers, contracts, and governance.

What are Your Work Environment Preferences?

You can choose between a fast or steady pace and whether you want to make a social impact.

Fast-Paced and High-Stakes: Specialties like criminal law, litigation, or corporate law often have intense schedules and high-pressure deadlines.

Steady and Structured: Real estate law, estate planning, or tax law might be appealing if you prefer consistency and structured tasks.

Socially Impactful: Civil rights law, immigration law, and public interest law are ideal for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives.

What are Your Desired Skills?

Gwinnett College will help you find a job after graduation that fits your skills and passions. Some of those skills include:

Analytical and Research-Oriented: Specialties like constitutional law, international law, or environmental law demand strong research and analytical skills.

Interpersonal Skills: Family law, elder law, and employment law involve direct interaction with clients, requiring empathy and strong communication.

Problem-Solving and Strategy: Litigation, corporate law, and intellectual property law often require innovative thinking and strategic planning.

What are Your Long-Term Goals?

Now that you know you want to attend a Paralegal program, consider your long-term goals.

Growth Opportunities: Corporate law, technology law, and intellectual property law often offer lucrative and upwardly mobile career paths.

Global Reach: If you aspire to work internationally, consider international law, maritime law, or immigration law.

Specialization Flexibility: Fields like general civil litigation or employment law provide broad experience, allowing you to pivot later in your career.

What is in Demand?

It is important to consider specialties that are in demand to increase job stability and job opportunities

Emerging Areas: Technology and cyber law, healthcare law, and environmental law are growing due to societal and technological changes. With the rise in cyber threats and stringent data protection regulations, there’s a heightened need for legal professionals specializing in cybersecurity and data privacy. These experts help organizations navigate complex legal frameworks, ensuring compliance and protecting sensitive information, according to HeadHunter.

Steady Demand: Family law, real estate law, and criminal law are consistently in demand due to their essential nature. There will always be families and real estate for attorneys and paralegals to manage disputes.

What Matches Your Personality?

Consider your personality when choosing a paralegal specialty. Are you:

Competitive and Assertive: Litigation and criminal law may align with your natural tendencies.

Detail-Oriented and Organized: Real estate, tax law, and estate planning are great for those who excel in detail-oriented work.

Empathetic and Compassionate: Family law, elder law, and immigration law are rewarding for those who prioritize client relationships.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” law specialization—it’s about finding what excites and motivates you while aligning with your strengths and career aspirations. Take time to explore the fields while completing your degree or diploma with Gwinnett Colleges & Institute and choose a path that matches your values and professional goals.

Paralegal Studies Program

Ready to start a new career as a paralegal? Our Lilburn, Marietta, and Raleigh campuses offer the following degree and diploma training programs in paralegal studies and legal assisting. Graduates from these Paralegal Studies Degree and Diploma Programs learn the technical and computer skills to assist law firms in managing cases in different specializations. These paralegal courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Contact Gwinnett Colleges & Institute today to learn more about becoming a paralegal.

What is the Difference Between Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

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shiatsu massage

A career as a massage therapist is an effective and meaningful way to help people who are dealing with chronic pain, stress, or recovering from an injury. However, in addition to helping people, many massage therapists choose this profession because of the flexibility it offers. Massage therapists enjoy their independence, because most practitioners learn a wide array of massage techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, Shiatsu and Thai massage. Another advantage is the wide range of work environments, including:

  • Home or Offices
  • Clinics and Hospitals
  • Hotels and Resorts
  • Fitness Centers and Spas
  • Sports Events and Teams
  • Cruise Lines

Why Do Clients Get Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

When the muscle and tissue of the body are massaged using Shiatsu and Thai massage, the pressure on the area slows and calms the nervous system. Plus, the heart rate and blood pressure are lowered. When there is less tension, and the body is relaxed, stress and pain are decreased. During Shiatsu and Thai massage, the calming or parasympathetic response in the body increases, causing less anxiety.

What is the Difference Between Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

There are many different massage techniques, two of which are Shiatsu and Thai massage. You may have wondered what the difference of these two massage techniques include. First let’s look at what is Shiatsu and Thai massage.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a form of massage therapy that was originally practiced in Japan. The treatment is based on traditional medicine from Asia Pacific, combined with some Western medicine therapies. As a Shiatsu therapist, you will use the palms of your hands, fingers, and thumbs to apply pressure to various areas of the body to aid in correcting imbalances and relieving multiple painful conditions.

With Shiatsu, you apply pressure to increase the flow of energy throughout the client’s body and alleviate imbalances that cause pain and tension. In addition to relieving pain, anxiety, and stress, the treatments promote a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing. Shiatsu treatments can help to regulate the nervous system and improve the systems that control hormones, the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Among the conditions that Shiatsu is beneficial for are:

  • Bronchitis
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Joint Pain
  • Sprains
  • Sinus Problems
  • Issues with Posture

Shiatsu can increase the natural painkillers in the body called endorphins. The treatments can reduce the heart rate and blood pressure to manageable levels.

Shiatsu is similar to physiotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and osteopathy. However, Shiatsu considers health problems as blockages in energy and imbalances in the body rather than a diagnosis of traditional health providers. Combined with acupressure and stretching exercises, Shiatsu can improve bone structure and muscle tone.

What is Thai Massage?

Thai Massage is one of the oldest alternative health therapies and dates back to the time of Buddha. The technique is said to have been created by Buddha’s personal physician. Thai massage provides a feeling of relaxation. The treatment can relieve tension and pain in the muscles and joints and relieve stress.

Thai Massage is usually administered with the client wearing a loose shirt and pants. The loose clothing offers a much more relaxing experience than clothes that restrict movement. You may use your hands, thumbs, knees, or elbows to apply pressure to various parts of the body. Rather than lying on a table, the client lies on the floor and is a more active participant in the treatment.

What is The Main Difference Between Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

A Shiatsu treatment primarily consists of applying pressure and manipulating the pressure points. Shiatsu uses palm and finger pressure on the meridians to balance the body, mind, and spirit.
However, Thai massage is similar in some way to yoga. It mobilizes, stretches, and pulls the client’s body to relieve tension and stress. Thai Massage is designed to make the energy points of the body accessible and combines acupressure, yoga movements, and stretches to balance the body.

Where Will You Learn Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

For a career in massage therapy, you must enroll in an accredited, vocational school program. Vocational training prepares you to work as a massage therapist by teaching you the skills you need. Training to work as a practitioner can be completed in less than a year. After passing the licensing exam, you are prepared for entry-level positions as a massage therapist. During the massage therapy program at Gwinnett College, you will learn how to determine the most effective treatment plan for each client.

Final Thoughts

A larger portion of the time spent in this problem includes clinical lab work so you will gain the skills you need to heal clients naturally by correcting imbalances in the body. Adding Shiatsu and Thai massage to your knowledge of massage therapy to help give a well-rounded treatment to your clients and help them relax, relieve pain and improve stress levels.

Want to Learn More?

Are you interested in learning more about starting a career in massage therapy? Upon graduation, Massage Therapy Program students will receive diplomas and be qualified to seek entry-level positions as clinical, medical, or deep tissue massage therapists in wellness clinics and centers, spa environments including resorts and franchises, and self-employment.

The massage therapy training diploma program consists of a well-planned sequence of courses, each preparing the college student for the more intensive information to follow. The school curriculum includes training to provide college students with scientific knowledge, manual skills, and business mastery to become a professional massage therapist.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a massage therapist today.

 

What Is the Difference Between a Vocational School and On-The-Job Training?

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vocational school students

Choosing your career path is a big decision. For most people, getting a job after high school or making a mid-career pivot to a new industry requires a particular diploma or degree. However, you may have heard about people receiving on-the-job training instead. Knowing the difference between a vocational school and on-the-job training is essential. While vocational school prepares you for a career in an industry, on-the-job training typically just prepares you for a specific job role with one company. Here’s what you need to know when choosing between enrolling in vocational school and pursuing on-the-job training.

What Is a Vocational School?

A vocational school teaches students the knowledge and skills they need to enter specific career fields. Often called trade or technical schools, vocational schools are post-secondary institutions offering high school graduates’ diplomas and degree programs. Vocational school programs are accelerated because they teach students career-focused skills in as little as one to two years. While students do engage in book learning, the emphasis is focused on hands-on training with instructors who are experts in their fields.
Diploma programs create skilled, competent graduates who are hirable in their fields. To demonstrate competency, students are tested using comprehensive exams and demonstrations. One of the most significant benefits of attending vocational school is that students can do “real world” work in real scenarios under the careful supervision of instructors.

Hands-On Training vs On-The-Job Training

While vocational schools offer hands-on training that equates to real-world experience, it shouldn’t be confused with on-the-job training. People who choose to enter careers using on-the-job training forgo a diploma or degree in favor of employer-based training. There’s great value in being able to learn “on the job” because this creates an immersive learning experience. However, it can also come with lots of pressure.

Most people new to an industry won’t be able to access jobs that offer training without first obtaining a diploma from a vocational school. You may be wondering if you should try to find a job offering on-the-job training before considering enrolling in a vocational school. One of the best ways to make a decision is to compare the benefits and drawbacks of vocational school and on-the-job training.

What Is the Difference Between a Vocational School and Job Training?

When you obtain a diploma or degree in your chosen field from a vocational field, that diploma or degree is yours forever. It can be used to find a job, start your own business, or obtain certifications and licenses that can increase your salary potential. When you complete on-the-job training with a company, that training is specific to the job role you’ve been offered. Of course, many on-the-job skills obtained during your time with an employer can transfer to other companies or similar roles. However, the specificity of the training you receive can be limited.

Vocational School vs On-The-Job Training

Let’s talk about the choice between vocational school and job training. When students complete a vocational program, they are equipped to complete the full scope of job duties. For example, someone who studies to be a medical assistant or massage therapist will undergo extensive training to perform a wide range of duties. By comparison, a person who receives on-the-job training may only be responsible for a few core tasks. They may feel like they are pigeonholed into a specific task without any room for advancement. When they feel that they’ve outgrown their role, they may discover that they don’t have the training or diploma required to be promoted to the next level. They may also worry that their skills won’t transfer or be recognized when they want to apply for jobs outside their current employers.

Long-Term Commitment

Finding a job opportunity that promises to train you can be exciting if you don’t have experience. However, it’s essential to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a long-term career that allows you to change jobs, switch employers, and steadily grow your advancement potential. Of course, choosing vocational training requires a strong academic commitment. You’ll need to be dedicated to attending classes and studying.

The Ability for Career Advancement

In many cases, the ability to advance in your career after landing a job with on-the-job training is tied to legal requirements or industry norms. You don’t have to look any further than the examples of medical assistants or massage therapists mentioned above. These in-demand careers require training or certification because they are highly regulated. Even people who can land careers in fields they love using on-the-job training often find that they are passed over for promotions because employers are looking for professionals with the proper credentials for upper-level jobs.

Employers Want Highly Trained Professionals

It’s also important to note that on-the-job training opportunities are becoming increasingly rare. Some industries don’t offer apprenticeship programs designed to replace vocational training. Employers expect applicants to show up with their diploma before they can receive training. A diploma after completing a vocational program can give an applicant a significant advantage when searching for jobs. Additionally, vocational schools have job-placement programs that help graduates find jobs matching their skills and career goals. In many situations, local employers rely on these vocational schools to provide competent graduates who can enter entry-level roles.

The Licensing Issue: Skipping Vocational School Can Hold You Back

Vocational school is a steppingstone to a license or certification in specific fields. In many industries, completing an educational program is a prerequisite for sitting for state board exams, allowing you to be legally employable in specific job roles. For example, a massage therapist needs a special license that requires completing an educational program. Employers won’t be able to hire you for anything beyond a front-desk or assistant position unless you have that certification. For aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s important to know that certification is a legal requirement for opening a massage therapy clinic, salon, spa, or similar business.

Final Thoughts

A degree or diploma from a vocational school program can give a job applicant a significant advantage. Vocational programs combine traditional learning with hands-on, practical knowledge that can replace the need for on-the-job training. That means many graduates from vocational programs can step into professional roles after graduation. They also enjoy more room for growth and flexibility in their career. If you’re considering a new career, look at your long-term goals for stability and flexibility before deciding between attending a vocational program and pursuing opportunities offering on-the-job training.

Ready to learn more about vocational diploma and degree programs? Contact Gwinnett Colleges & Institute today.

The Importance of Dexterity and Stamina for Massage Therapists

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As a massage therapist, you enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to a person’s health and well-being. However, it is important to note that being a massage therapist requires strength, dexterity, and stamina.  Not sure you have what it takes? Well, the good news is that there are ways you can build up your strength, stamina, and dexterity to become a successful massage therapist.

Why Do People Become Massage Therapists?

In addition to the satisfaction of helping others, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for massage therapists will grow by 18 percent from 2023 to 2033. This figure is higher than the average rate for many other professions.

More people recognize the need for a healthier lifestyle, which may include massage therapy as an alternative healing method. Plus, medical professionals are increasingly turning to alternative medicine as a complement to traditional medicine. Many doctors even prescribe massage therapy for their patients. As the demand for more qualified professionals grows, the job market will continue to expand.

What Is Dexterity?

Dexterity is the skill of performing a task, specifically with your hands and fingers. As a massage therapist, you must use acute, slight motions with the hands and fingers. This helps identify tense, sore, or painful muscles and allows you to apply the proper amount of pressure to relieve the stress. You must have strong hands and fingers to manipulate soft tissue to alleviate pain or discomfort.

What Is Stamina?

Stamina is the ability to withstand prolonged mental or physical activity. As a massage therapist, you must possess strength and energy. Treatments require you to stay on your feet for long periods of time, stand in place, and reach and bend. Fortunately, stamina can be built up over time.

How Can a Massage Therapist Prepare for Stamina and Dexterity?

While working as a massage therapist, you may care for people all day. You will need stamina and dexterity to alleviate your stiff, sore muscles, so it’s crucial for you to keep yourself healthy. Staying fit is essential to physical as well as mental health. When you’re healthy physically and mentally, your outlook is more positive. Being healthy makes it easier to face daily challenges and stress. What can you do to increase your stamina and dexterity?

  • Go to the gym for a workout whenever possible. Exercise is an excellent way to stay physically fit.
  • Take regular breaks to stretch your muscles and get your blood flowing. Standing up and stretching a few times daily can help you avoid lower back pain.
  • Take an exercise class. An exercise class keeps your mind fit as you listen to instructions and remain focused. It’s often easier to exert extra effort when exercising with a group.

What is the Proper Technique for Giving a Massage?

You must have the stamina and dexterity to give a client a massage treatment for an hour. To be effective as a massage therapist, you must:

  • Learn all the principles of practical body mechanics
  • Be able to assist elderly patients on and off the massage table
  • Keep from getting fatigued at the end of the day

Effective body mechanics includes making healthy choices about diet and exercise after a long day. Healthy lifestyle choices impact body mechanics. The proper techniques for a massage therapist include stamina, strength, balance, breathing, foot stance, groundedness, and stability.

Technique #1: Stamina

One of the most effective ways to have enough endurance and stamina to treat clients throughout the day is to take care of yourself. The best way to increase stamina is cardiovascular training. It is important to keep your heart rate up for intervals of 30 minutes a few times each week to increase stamina. Proper sleep and hydration are also necessary. Drinking plenty of water and fluids keeps you hydrated and reduces fatigue.

To improve stamina, warm up before you start a massage session to increase blood flow and reduce the risk of injury. Take time for regular stretching of your whole body, including hands and fingers. When you’re treating a client, use the proper stance and positioning. When lifting a client, stay as close to the table as possible to avoid injury.

Technique #2: Strength

Strength training and proper nutrition can help you avoid fatigue. Massages require physical ability. Strength training builds muscle mass, making it easier to manipulate soft tissue. Resistance and weight training also help build muscle mass, offering additional stamina and dexterity.

Technique #3: Balance

A balanced posture during a massage therapy session reduces fatigue and energy loss. Yoga and Tai Chi are exercise regimens that promote excellent balance. Taking a class in either of these exercises teaches you the basic moves to increase stamina.

Technique #4: Breathing

Using the proper breathing technique makes you more adept at pacing massage movements. Proper breathing helps send oxygen to your muscles, which reduces fatigue and makes you more relaxed and focused. Correct breathing technique also enhance physical and mental health.

Technique #5: Foot Stance

How your feet are placed provides a stable base and influences the direction of your massage strokes. It also significantly affects your body’s alignment. Massage therapists use two standard foot stances, bow, and warrior, to provide stability and balance during treatment.

Bow Stance – used when standing at the head or foot of the massage table and applying strokes that proceed from one point on the body to the next. Your feet are positioned at a 30 to 50-degree angle—your lead foot points forward, with the other foot pointing to the side. Your knees should be flexed, and the weight will shift from one foot to the other.

Using the Bow Stance allows you to maintain contact with the client while maintaining a consistent flow of therapeutic touch. To avoid back injury, it’s important to bend at the hips rather than the waist. Bending at the hips also aids in keeping your balance.

Warrior Stance – used when performing short strokes that cause friction on the body, this stance helps you reach the far side of the client while maintaining balance and stability. Using this stance allows you to face the opposite side of the massage table while keeping your feet approximately hip-distance apart. Your toes should be pointed straight ahead, and your back should be kept straight. Your hips should point toward the table to reduce the risk of injuries.

Technique #6: Groundedness

You have a strong connection between your mind and body when you’re grounded. Being grounded is an essential principle emotionally, physically, and mentally. Taking the time to be grounded makes you more compassionate and better at providing healing. You can learn to be grounded by practicing yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation. This groundedness will significantly improve your stamina and dexterity.

Technique #7: Stability

Your feet are the foundation for all movement during massage sessions. Using the lower portion of your body during the procedure is more powerful. This provides more stability than moving the upper part of the body. Standing and applying equal weight to each foot and shifting a substantial amount of pressure to the lower portion of the body reduces the risk of injury.

Final Thoughts

Anyone who wants to enjoy an active lifestyle is an ideal candidate to work as a massage therapist. During a session, you will use your hands, arms, and feet for treatments. Not only do you help clients to heal, but the strenuous activity helps to keep you in excellent physical condition.

If you have the strength, stamina, and dexterity to work as a massage therapist or need to improve your skills through proper techniques, becoming a massage therapist is a great career path. You will be helping others and working in a growing field that is only becoming more popular every day.

Are you interested in learning more about starting a career in massage therapy? Upon graduation, Massage Therapy Program students will receive diplomas and be qualified to seek entry-level positions as clinical, medical, or deep tissue massage therapists in wellness clinics and centers, spa environments including resorts and franchises, and self-employment.

The massage therapy training diploma program consists of a well-planned sequence of courses, each preparing the college student for the more intensive information to follow. The school curriculum includes training to provide college students with scientific knowledge, manual skills, and business mastery to become a professional massage therapist.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a massage therapist today.