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              Thanks to timtinman for permission to use this Photo.                 

Even though you massage only one body part at a time, it’s critical that you keep the body’s “wholeness” in mind.  The book explains this concept well.  For example, when someone has a headache, you know that they will benefit from a head massage.  That’s obvious.  But if you have a good understanding of the body’s wholeness, you’ll know that you need to massage the neck and shoulders as well.  As we’ve discussed in previous lessons, it’s all connected.  Everything!  I know you’ll be absolutely amazed as you begin to experience for yourself the interconnectedness of bodily regions and parts.   

You’ll probably find that the majority of the massages you give focus on relaxing the neck or back.  These are the two most common “problem areas.”  Both of these regions affect posture, which can be dramatically improved with massage.  I’m sure you know someone who spends a good part of the day sitting hunched over a computer or desk.  Prolonged sitting with a forward head position is by far the most common cause for bad posture.  Again, consider the body’s wholeness.  Work the neck and back, but don’t forget about the chest.  By loosening up the chest and the front of the shoulders, you can “open up” the upper body, bringing shoulders and neck back into proper positioning.  Stretch the neck, shoulders, and chest on a regular basis, and you will improve posture. 

Kristy Carter
Massage Techniques Program Instructor
Ashworth University

 
              Thanks to Gisela Giardino for permission to use this Photo.

I enrolled in April of last year, but I had to set my studies aside for a few months due to a sprained left ankle and a fractured right ankle.  It was kind of hard to study when you’re constantly sleeping!

I’m now back to work and studying…

The medical billing course has been extremely helpful in my present job working for the “Insurance” company.  It has really opened my eyes to the health-care industry as a whole. I can now see why doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies do what they do—not saying that either side is right or wrong.  I have worked both sides of the fence. 

However; I now have a greater understanding of the whole concept and I really do think that Ashworth has been my greatest teacher EVER!!

I highly recommend that all who are studying this course to not get discouraged. There is light (and a great job) at the end of the tunnel!!

Good Luck and Be Blessed…

Dani
Medical Billing Student
Ashworth University School of Health Care

From Hannah Waight of Experience:

No longer is healthcare confined to doctors and nurses - now more than ever jobs are available for people with all types of interests within this highly diverse industry. Although you may not look forward to that trip to the dentist or those yearly shots from the doctor, no one can deny that healthcare is an essential aspect of all of our lives.  People who are willing and able to work in the health industry will always be in demand.  In fact, healthcare has long been one of the biggest industries in the nation, and now, because of the aging population of the United States and advances in medical technology, the need for qualified workers is only going to increase.  Your ideal job is within your grasp as long as you have the appropriate background and inside information.

As an industry, healthcare offers a diverse range of jobs for many different types of people.  You can work in the traditional health provision sector as a doctor or nurse, or in a wide variety of medical fields.  Preventative medicine and recovery is getting increasing attention from insurance companies looking to keep their costs down: dietitians, counselors, and physical therapists all play key roles in keeping people healthy. Research in academic medicine and biotechnology provides opportunities for professionals interested in discovering the next generation of treatment.  The people- and paperwork-oriented are needed to run the business and administrative side of the industry.

Copyright © 1996 - 2008 Experience, Inc. - All Rights Reserved

To read more of Hannah’s great article, login to the Ashworth University Career Center through the student portal and click here.

Ryan Rode
Interactive Services Manager
Ashworth University

                Thanks to Lina Nunez for permission to use this Photo.

A study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami suggests that Massage Therapy can help with migraine headaches.  A group of randomly assigned participants received twice-weekly massage for 30 minutes.  A second group was not treated.  The group receiving massage reported fewer headaches than those in the second group.  In fact, almost 60% of them went the entire month without a headache!

Massage has also been known to alleviate tension headache pain for some time now.  Massage relieves muscle tension, which plays a large part in making the pain worse. 

Prevention is key to beating headache and migraine pain.  Regular massage can help keep you and your muscles relaxed and loosened, which leads to fewer, less-intense episodes.

Just one more reason to have a massage!

Kristy Carter
Massage Techniques Program Instructor
Ashworth University

                            Image courtesy of Susanne Riber.

As a physical therapy aide, you should be aware of a number of exercises that may be beneficial in promoting healing of lower back pain.  The following exercies have proven very effective for me during my career. 

Have the patient lie on his or her back with a rolled blanket or small pillow under the knees and with hands held beside the head; in this position, have the patient tilt the pelvis to flatten the lower back by pulling up and in with the lower abdominal muscles; instruct the patient to hold the back flat and breathe easily in and out; relax the muscles of the upper abdomen.

Instruct the patient to lie supine with knees bent and feet placed flat on the table.  With hands beside the head the pelvis should tilt to flatten the lower back.  In this position, straighten the legs as much as possible.  Return the knees to a bent position, one leg at a time.

The patient should sit with legs extended forward.  Place a rolled blanket under the knees to allow a slight bend.  Then, pull in with the abdominal muscles, keeping the pelvis tilted back.  Reach toward the toes, bending the lower back.

If you’ve had anyexperience working with these particular methods, be sure to share your story in the comments section.

Wade Balance, PTA
Physical Therapy Aide Instructor
Ashworth University

               Thanks to Rachel Zack for permission to use this Photo.I want you to understand how truly wonderful an experience massage can be for the terminally ill.  No matter what condition the person is in, conscious or unconscious, it’s nice to think that somehow, on some level, he or she knows that you are there and are caring for them in such a gentle, loving way.  This type of massage may not seem appealing to you.  Maybe you have a hard time dealing with death.  That’s okay.  Never do anything that makes you uncomfortable.  But if someone you love is at the end of his or her life, you may be surprised by the strength you are able to find.  It is very important that you practice self-care in this situation.  If you are able to maintain your emotional well-being, this massage can be a very powerful experience for both the receiver and the giver.  This memory will be one you will cherish after your special friend is gone.  Also keep in mind that massage can be a blessing to the grieving family members of the person who has passed.  Be prepared for emotional release.  Just be loving and understanding.  That’s all you can do. Kristy CarterMassage Techniques Program InstructorAshworth University

 
        Thanks to Geoffrey Chandler for permission to use this Photo.

I remember when I wanted to join a gym about a year and a half ago.  I remember calling gyms around the area and trying to see what each offered. There were the well known gyms like Gold’s Gym, Bally’s Total Fitness and LA Fitness, which all were really nice gyms. LA Fitness was a decent price and I was really considering joining there.  It was really close by, but like the other 2 gyms, you had to pay extra for things like classes and personal training. I then found this gym that was kind of hidden, but the membership came with everything I wanted - personal trainer and classes at no cost! Also, the gym was a good size and people of all fitness levels.  Although it wasn’t a well known gym, I ended up joining there because of what they offered.

If you’re considering joining a gym, there are things to keep in mind: (more…)

 
            Thanks to Luke Johnson for permission to use this Photo.

I’ve been very impressed with the Nintendo Wii. The game system is simple to use and very fun. Even though I have a Sony Playstation 2, I hardly ever play it any more. When I do try to play it, I find the games to be far too complicated to play (especially trying to learn the complex controls for sports games). Personally, I think Nintendo has a great business plan that is taking advantage of the theory of disruptive innovations as described by Clayton Christensen.

Basically, Nintendo is expanding the market of game players and not competing for the same “hard-core” gamers that Sony and Microsoft target. Instead, Nintendo focuses on fun, easy to learn games that seem more family and group oriented. Okay, the graphics aren’t great, but after playing a Nintendo Wii, all I remember was how fun it was.

Nintendo’s fitness product called the “Wii Fit”: it consists of “a flat, board-like object that rests on the floor and is touch-sensitive.” The purpose is to use the game system to get into shape by engaging in fitness activities like yoga, aerobics, and other activities that get your heart pumping. With obesity a public health risk, maybe this product can get kids more physically active. (more…)