In order to achieve this type of experience for their customers massage therapists need the latest and greatest in equipment and supplies. Here are the top 10 massage products on the market today.

The Celesta Deluxe Medispa package offers massage therapists the ultimate in ergonomic style and comfort. This electric lift chair also offers patients the utmost comfort with their Aero-Cel padding and on command height changes that help ease tension.

If it is a lightweight and portable massage table you seek the Advanta Massage Table is for you. The unique ergonomic design of the Advanta table alleviates unnecessary reaching and twisting. Not only is this massage table lightweight and portable it has the ability to support up to 550 pounds.

What better way to offer your patients a feeling of comfort then by using a Premium Flannel Sheet Set on your patient beds? This Premium Flannel Sheet Set is made of 100% unbleached cotton and are machine washable.

The ProLuxe Provence Treatment Table is an ergonomic adjustable treatment table that offers increased comfort to massage therapists. Its ergonomic design helps to alleviate unnecessary reaching and stretching helping to create a comfortable experience for both masseuse and patient.

The adjustable air bolster is designed to work best with massage therapy or physical therapy treatments. It is designed with dual air chambers making it adjustable to suit your client’s individual comfort level. This bolster is suitable for use under the neck, knees, ankles or shoulders.

Seated massage is becoming more popular as it offers people the ability to sit down anywhere in order to receive a massage. The Portal Pro Massage Chair offers you the ability to take your practice to where the clients are. Offering complete access to cervical, thoracic, lumbar and shoulder regions the massage chair is ideal in order to provide stress relief within the workplace.

Biotone’s DP Massage Crème offers the perfect combination of workability and absorption. This dual purpose cream contains arnica and ivy extracts to help provide the ultimate in soothing relaxation.

For all of you on the go Massage Therapists and Physical Therapists the BOSS All- weather Portable Massage and Athletic Treatment Table may be right for you. The BOSS table is fully portable and lightweight. It is both water and puncture resistant and is able to withstand a load of 600 pounds.

The BioTone Revitalizing Massage Oil is unscented massage oil that will help ease even the most sensitive of skin types. It is water soluble and made from a blend of Kukui, Almond and Coconut oils, offering superior smooth texture.

Have oil conveniently at your side with an Oil Bottle Holster. Made of durable ballistic nylon this holster will adjust to fit up to a 40” waist. This holster also comes equipped with an 8 ounce pump bottle.

According to information provided by the Bureau of Labour Statistics in the United States over 160,000 Americans are Physical Therapists. Physical Therapists also earn a median annual wage of $69,760 with some of the highest wage earners earning above $120,000 annually.

With that in mind all of you who are interested in getting yourself started in this fulfilling and lucrative career there are 10 things you will need to get started.

The Winco 850CD Steel Frame Therapy Table, is a great solution for offices without much storage. With 2 shelves and 2 drawers all of your supplies will be on hand and organized when you need them. This treatment table is strong and can hold up to 400 pounds. Its stable design allows for its use for any type of treatment.

If it is an adjustable treatment table you are searching for, look no further than the Proluxe PT 300. This treatment table with a flexible top and leg adjustments allows you to offer treatments for a variety of different people while assuring the utmost comfort.

This mega capacity cooling unit is ideal for your busy practice, athletic training department or emergency room. The C-6 ColPac Chilling Unit comes decked out with 12 standard size ColPacs and its specially designed interior chills your packs faster with the use of a heavy duty compressor.

The 2793k Intelect Legend lives up to its name. The Legend offers users 7 different waveforms and 2 standard channels. It also comes complete with an on-board data management system which stores comprehensive patient pain profiles, generate electrode placement diagrams as well as help to ensure consistent patient care.

This 105 gallon Lo-Boy whirlpool is ideal for your patient’s rehabilitation. Constructed with a heavy gage stainless steel it provides both strength and durability. The turbine motor provides a soothing, cleansing and relaxing treatment and has a built in thermal overload protector.

The M4 Hydrocollator is Source 1 medicals largest mobile Hydrocollator. Its extra large insulated tank comes complete with 24 standard Hotpacs. Made from high quality stainless steel it has an almost indefinite lifespan. The design of this Hyrdocollator makes maintenance hassle free.

The Twin Stim Plus digital offers 4 channels of portable digital electrotherapy. It features 3 modes of TENS and 3 modes of EMS and offers the use of 8 electrodes simultaneously. This unit would be ideal for use at home or in your clinic.

The Standard Size ColPac is an absolute necessity for anyone starting out in a Physical Therapy clinic. The standard 11”x 14” size offers effective cold therapy regardless of the area or shape of the injury.

The 2795K Intelect Legend XT’s 4 channel combination system with cart offers unparalleled value to any owner. With the use of 7 different wave forms as well as a 5” high contrast LCD screen and on board patient data management system each day is sure to be a breeze.

The 1006 Standard Size HotPac allows you to warm away all that ales you by applying this hydrocollator moist heat hot pack. This 10”x 12” size has been used since 1947 by thousands of doctors and physical therapists to treat patients. Once heated up the hydrocollator provides up to 30 minutes of deep, soothing moist heat.

*wage statistics for Physical Therapists found at: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm

If you are shopping for ultrasound equipment for your therapy clinic, you need to consider the Intelect Legend model. With excellent features and an ergonomically designed body, you can benefit greatly from adding this model to your equipment closet. After all, with all of the benefits of ultrasound for your patients, shouldn’t you invest in a great model for your clinic?

Benefits of Ultrasound Treatment

If you have not yet added ultrasound to your clinic’s therapy options, you should seriously look at the benefits of this treatment. Ultrasound machines give you the ability to heat tissue deep within your patient’s body, without causing discomfort to your patient. This can help heal muscle damage, break up scar tissue, and even relax tense muscles. Ultrasound therapy can also help reduce pain and chronic inflammation.

Features of the Intelect Legend Ultrasound Machine

The Intelect Legend Ultrasound machine is a great fit for most clinics. The LCD display is backlit and very bright, making it easy for your therapists to see the readout. The Intelect Legend Ultrasound machine comes with conductor gel and a 5 cm soundhead, so you will be ready to use it when you remove it from the box. If you wish to have greater flexibility with your device, you can purchase option 2 cm and 10 cm soundheads.

The Intelect Legend Ultrasound machine is a dual frequency clinical ultrasound system. The dual frequencies are 1 and 3.3 MHz. You can choose between a continuous and a pulsed delivery. The unit can warm the soundheads for greater patient comfort. Cattanooga offers a 2-year warranty on their Intelect Legend Ultrasound machine.

Benefits of the Device

The applicator on the Intellect Legend Ultrasound machine is ergonomically designed, making it comfortable for your therapists to deliver the treatment. The applicator’s handgrip has a comfortable 20-degree contour in its design. Also, the user interface is simple to understand, and the controls offer tactile touch control, allowing your therapists to make changes with a click of a button. Images on each button make it clear what it is supposed to do.

The Intelect Legend Ultrasound machine also features several automatic settings that contribute to its ease of use. For instance, the Electronic Signature feature allows the machine to calibrate automatically to the soundhead you place on the applicator, no matter which size you choose. This technology is unique to the Intelect Legend and is currently pending a patent. You can also program the start-up presets, allowing you to customize the device to your clinic’s unique needs.

Beyond these design and technology benefits, the Intelect Legend Ultrasound machine has a low price when compared to the number of features on the machine. Most machines with this level of customizability and user friendliness cost quite a bit more than the Intelect Legend. So, if you are looking for an affordable, yet high quality, ultrasound device, then this is the one for your clinic.

Is the Intelect Legend Right for My Clinic?

To answer this question, you need to decide what you are looking for in an ultrasound delivery device. If you want something compact with a variety of options, easy to use controls, and a low price, then the Intelect Legend Ultrasound machine is the right choice for your clinic. The device comes with a 2-year warranty, so you can have it fixed if you have any problems. Just remember that you will not be able to return the device for a refund after you have used it, since the Intelect Legend Ultrasound device is a Class II Medical Device. Returning Class II devices is against FDA regulations, so make sure this is the one you want before you make a purchase.

As a massage therapist, you likely wonder which equipment is the best for your business. Perhaps you have seen massage chairs and treatment tables and wondered if there was a benefit of one product over the other. Both massage chairs and treatment tables have benefits, so you will need to evaluate your business’s needs when choosing between these products.

Main Differences Between the Two

There are several main differences between massage tables and massage chairs. First, massage chairs can be portable, whereas massage tables are stationary for the most part. Portable tables do exist, but are not as common as portable chairs. Massage tables require patients to lie down in order to receive a massage. Massage chairs allow patients to receive massage therapy from a seated position. Finally, when you give a massage with a massage chair, you will not have to bend over quite as far as you will with a table.
Benefits of Massage Chairs

Massage chairs have many benefits over massage tables. They are far more portable than tables. Whether you are visiting a local fair or taking your business into corporate offices or malls, you can do this so much easier with a massage chair.

Also, massage chairs allow you to give a massage to someone while they are fully clothed. Some patients are uncomfortable removing their clothing for a massage, even though you handle the massage as a trained professional. With a massage chair, this is no longer an issue.

You will not have to bend over as far when you use a massage chair. This can make it easier on your back to give the massage. Sometimes bending over the massage table creates strain on your back, and this is limited somewhat with a massage chair.

Benefits of Massage Tables

Massage tables also have many benefits as well. Because clients usually remove their clothing to receive a massage on the table, you can use therapeutic oils to help the muscles relax. Also, you will have easier access to the major muscle groups with a table.

Some massage chairs, particularly portable ones, do not hold up well under the repeated strain that comes from multiple clients. Keep in mind that you may have some clients that are overweight, and your massage apparatus needs to be able to withstand this weight. Massage tables, particularly permanent ones, tend to be sturdier and can handle the stress of repeated usages much better than chairs.

Massage tables are made out of one main surface. This makes them easier to disinfect between clients. There are fewer crevices and folds in a massage table than in a massage chair.

Special Types of Massage Chairs

If you decide that massage chairs are the best fit for your business, or if you decide to use both chairs and tables for your business, you should know that there are a variety of massage chairs on the market. Portable massage chairs are made out of aluminum so they are strong while at the same time lightweight. They can be adjusted when you set them up to accommodate patients of different shapes and sizes.

You can also choose a desktop massage chair. If you visit offices to deliver your services, this can help. These chairs sit on the top of your client’s desk or any other flat surface in the office. You can deliver your massage without taking too much time out of the client’s day.

Finally, you can choose on-site massage chairs. These are more durable than portable massage chairs. They also can be adjusted for different sized clients. If you wish to give seated massages at your clinic, this is the type of chair to use.

Whether you use a chair or a table, you are providing important services to your clients as a massage therapist. Take the time to evaluate the differences between massage chairs and tables. Then you will be able to decide which is best for your business.

Pregnancy is a joyous time although many women experience back pain and other aches as a result of carrying extra weight in their mid section. This type of pain may never have been experienced before. Often times, something as simple as a massage can make a huge difference, but not every woman can utilize the services of a massage therapist.

Sometimes this has to do with the cost associated with massage therapy and with a baby on the way money is usually a little tight. If as a result of pregnancy you are experiencing pain and discomfort that thought of buying massage therapy equipment may have crossed your mind, however this is not recommended depending on the type of equipment you are considering for your purchase.

Amongst those massage therapy devices that should not be used is anything with an implanted electrode. These can offer a bit of a shock and can be potentially harmful to a baby. Magnets should not be used either. Also, anything that requires the back to arch is something that a pregnant woman should not use. With all of this said, it may seem like she can’t do anything because it is also suggested that she stay away from anything with heavy vibrations.

Small handheld massagers can be used around the neck and in the upper back area but it should not be used in the lower back or in the stomach area. All of these devices should be kept away from the baby. Other devices that are safe are foot massagers that use heat and vibration. Pregnancy can be tough on an expectant mothers feet, so these can be really great, but these devices are pretty much all mommy can use. Even those wrap around neck pillows that massage are not out of the question.

There is, however, a piece of massage equipment that pregnant women should consider and that is a prenatal massage table. These tables are specifically designed for expectant mothers. What it does is relieve aches in the back and improves circulation by reducing stress. Mothers to be find it difficult to lie down flat due to tenderness of the breasts and a growing belly, so the prenatal massage table has what resemble cutouts that can be taken out of the table for her belly and her breasts to go through. By simply placing the plugs back into the table, the table becomes perfectly flat so she can lay on her side or on her back if she has to.

With such a table, prenatal massage techniques can be used to make the expectant mother feel better. There are such techniques as the labor massage in which the mother will lie on her side and is in a reclined position. This is when a pregnancy pillow can really come in handy. There are also post-pregnancy massages in which this special technique can rebalance the mother’s body, which can also improve the elasticity of the skin.

So if the expectant mother gets the urge to buy massage equipment, a prenatal massage table as well as small hand held massagers would be her best bet as long as they will not administer any electric shock, contain magnets, or cause any trauma to the baby. Mother’s to be deserve to feel comfortable and pain free!

We see all of the infomercials on TV talking about the different types of exercise equipment and how each one is so much better than the rest. It then provides you with a 1-800 number throughout the infomercial wanting you to buy the product and may even offer you a special deal for ordering during the broadcast. There is, however, a piece of exercise equipment that is rather affordable and can actually yield results. As simple as it may seem, it is in no way boring because of the many different exercises associated with it.

It comes in different colors, brands, and even sizes. So what is it? Believe it or not, this piece of exercise equipment is the exercise ball.

The exercise ball works the body’s core. By toning this area, the rest of your body receives additional support and stability. In other words, it improves your overall balance. The exercise ball has become a very important part of core workouts and has resulted in another one of those revolutionary ways to tone and strengthen your body.

Now you’re probably wondering why there are so many companies selling expensive exercise equipment when something as simple as a ball can provide results. The exercise ball helps to improve core strength and stability ultimatly strengthening your entire body. This giant inflatable ball is strong enough for a person to sit on, lie on, and lean on. The idea is for you to be able to balance yourself on it without rolling over. What this does is put your core muscles to work, which in turn strengthens them. As for what exercises you can do with an exercise ball, there are books and videos available and even gyms conduct exercise ball classes for core training. Some of the most basic exercises involve sitting on the ball and doing what resembles sit-ups or even doing pushups against the ball while keeping it stable.

However, as simple as it sounds to buy a large rubber “ball,” There is a little bit of work involved because exercise balls certainly don’t come in just one size. The most common sizes are:

• 30 cm for those under 4′6″

• 45 cm for those 4′7″ to 5′3″

• 65 cm for those 5′4″ to 6′0″

• 75 cm for those 6′1″ to 6′7″

Many of these exercise balls are burst resistant and their firmness can vary. It is up to you what kind of firmness you need because everyone’s comfort level varies. Also, your height is going to determine what size you need. That means your exercise ball preference is going to be different than the person next to you. They may be of a different height and require a different firmness, so you probably won’t be able to borrow their exercise ball if you need to at any time.

There are so many different variations that it can actually be a tough decision. It is also possible to find an exercise ball with feet, so not only is the selection vast, but they are actually pretty fun. The exercise ball can make exercise anything but boring when working on those external and internal obliques and the abdominal muscles. Your core muscles are what transfers power between the upper and lower portions of your body and there are so many exercises that can be done to get your body in shape. That definitely eliminates the need to call that 1-800 number to buy that super expensive piece of exercise equipment when an affordable piece of equipment like the exercise ball is so easy to obtain.

One of the general needs of include tables. The types of tables needed in a physical therapy office are usually much different than the standard exam tables often found in other physicians’ offices. There are many types of therapy tables designed for many varied purposes depending on the needs of your particular clientèle. You may find it beneficial to have general all-purpose tables within the office. However, often there are particular needs that are not met with standard tables, and you will need much more specialized tables for your particular patients.

Take special note of the main focus of your office to assess the your patients’ needs. This will greatly aid in the decision of the tables needed for your office, and help you make the appropriate decision. For example, is the therapy mainly performed in your office in need of stationary tables or would adjustable tables be more beneficial? Do your physical therapists travel or perform home heath visits? If so, you may need to invest in special portable tables.

Often you may have many patients with mobility issues, especially if working with orthopedic, geriatric or intense rehabilitation patients. If this is the case, you’ll do best to look into the wide variety of tables designed for those with these particular medical issues that accommodate wheelchairs and other common mobility devices. Depending on the types of therapy performed within your practice, you may need flat tables, positioning tables, mat tables, tilt top tables, inversion tables or specialized hydraulic tables.

Once you’ve determined your patients needs depending on your main clientèle and are highly familiar with the types of therapy performed within your office, it will become quite evident the best types of tables to suit your needs. Often you may find that you need many different types of tables within the same office to handle the wide variety of physical therapy performed in your facility. This is quite common in less specialized practices that perform many different functions to the many different types of patients they may see in their office.

If you are looking to purchase physical therapy tables, be sure to spend plenty of time becoming fully informed of the types of therapy being performed at your facility. This is especially important if you are not a physical therapist yourself. You’ll want to spend plenty of time consulting with and observing the professionals within your facility to get a well-rounded idea of their daily needs to best treat the patients on a daily basis. You can also contact other similar offices for their input. The more time you spend evaluating your patients needs and the treatments used for their types of therapy, the more beneficial your table choices will be both financially and medically.

Physical therapy in general is a type of practiced medicine that involves highly specialized exercises designed to improve the quality of movement and strength for those with illnesses or injuries and is also designed to prevent future injuries or health problems. Physical therapy may include such varied activities as stretching limbs, weight lifting, walking exercises or water aerobics. Physical therapy can also include what is known as manual therapy. This is when the physical therapist will perform twisting, pushing or pulling of body parts to improve function, strength and mobility for those that need this type of therapy.

The best way to determine what type of physical therapy equipment you may need is to have a thorough knowledge of the types of physical therapy being performed in your office. If you mainly work with geriatric patients for example, many of the needs of your patients will focus on mobility issues and increasing daily function as well as aiding those with the many physical and mental disabilities associated with aging. Common devices used can include walkers, canes, crutches, lifts and transfer boards as well as other equipment patients can use at home to promote self sufficiency.

Orthopedic physical therapy often also focuses on mobility issues and will include some types of similar equipment as well. Other equipment often used for orthopedic patients include the additional use of collars, splints and braces. Rehabilitation physical therapy for those with severe injuries and physically disabling illnesses may need specially designed treatment tables, mattresses, wedges and scales. Other types of physical therapy that need specialized equipment include pediatric physical therapy and therapy to aid function in those with cardiac and pulmonary diseases and disorders.

First determine the type of patients that are the main focus of your facility. Then list all the types of physical therapy that are commonly (and perhaps even not so commonly) needed for your particular clientele. Once you have determined this, you can then go through each type of therapy you will be using in your office to meet your patients’ needs and take inventory of all equipment needed for each particular type of physical therapy.

If you are the manager or owner of the office or facility, you may not know enough about the specifics of the therapy performed to determine your needs on your own. It will be highly beneficial to consult with the physical therapists within your office. You will need to spend time speaking with them to get their personal feedback on the specific physical therapy equipment needs of the patients coming to your practice. It is also best to spend time observing the types of therapy they perform on a daily basis and how each is performed. This will give you a much better idea of what is needed within the office to adequately meet your needs.

1. Squats: Hold the ball between your lower back and the wall. Slowly bend at your knees and hips in order to achieve a sitting position. Make sure the ball stays between you and the wall. Return to the standing position and repeat this between 8 and 15 times to strengthen the legs and hips.

2. Birddogs: You want to get on all fours like a dog with the exercise ball under your stomach. You are now going to extend an arm and a leg that are opposite from each other off of the floor at the same time and keep the ball balanced beneath you. Repeat this o 8 times for each side to strengthen arms and legs

3. Subpine Bridges: Have your hands on your hips while sitting on the ball and start walking. The ball should roll out until it gets to your head and your shoulders, then walk back to go back to the sitting position. Repeat this 8 to 15 times to strengthen the thighs and buttocks.

4. Pushups: Put the exercise ball underneath your stomach and have your palms flat on the floor. Walk out with your hands until the ball is somewhere between your hips and your ankles. Now bend your elbows to do pushups. Repeat this 8 to 10 times to work the upper arms

5. Abdominal tucks: Being in the same position as with pushups except with the ball under the knees, tuck the knees to make the ball roll toward the ankles and then return to the beginning position. Repeat 8 to 15 times.

6. Hamstring curls: This one requires you to lie on your back. With your palms flat on the floor, the ball should be under your hills. From here you will slightly bend your knees while lifting our hips to bring the ball toward your buttocks. Repeat 8 times.

7. Crunches: Crunches benefit the abdomen and the mid-back should be against the ball with feet shoulder-width apart flat on the floor. Your hands should also be behind your head and repeat 8 to 10 times.

8. Walk-outs: Walk back and forth with the ball under your belly, walking out with your hands until the ball reaches your ankles. Repeat 6 to 8 times for abs and upper arms.

9. Balance: Sit on the ball with hands on hips and spine straight and lift one foot at a time. Repeat with each leg 8 times to balance your core.

10. T, Y, I: This exercise has you placing the ball between the hips and thighs while keeping the knees bent and the toes down and moving the arms into a T position, a Y position, and then an I. Repeat this 4 times to strengthen abdominals and shoulders.

These fun exercises are a great way for you to get in shape.

There are many reasons as to why children may need physical therapy. It could be because they have cerebral palsy and they need physical therapy to help them move their bodies easier or perhaps they broke a leg, or they may have weak muscles somewhere in their body. Even those with brain injuries may need to see a physical therapist since the brain has a lot to do with the functioning of muscles and knowing how to do things such as sit, walk, and roll.

There are a number of different conditions and injuries that require physical therapy in children. There is even one such condition called Jumper’s knee that becomes a problem for a lot of children and adolescents. If the child complains of tenderness and pain around the bottom of the kneecap, then this might be the problem. Kids who are involved in sports tend to have this problem during growth spurts. A physical therapist may use heat and ice as well as ultrasound to gain control over the pain and any inflammation. The physical therapist also works on strengthening the knee and creating a balance through exercises such as posture exercises.

However, children are always severely spraining ankles, breaking legs, arms, hands, and feet. They may pull something somewhere or tear a muscle during physical activity. All of these incidents call for some kind of physical therapy whether short-term or long-term. Physical therapy is important in children who have injured a part of their body because an injury can actually stunt growth, so it is important to make sure proper growth is inhibited by creating proper alignments and balances within the body.

Equipment

There are different types of equipment that may be used with children who are going through physical therapy. An example is a safety belt that prevents the child from falling down or stumbling when they are learning how to walk. Crutches may also be used and the child and parents will be instructed on how to use them when the child encounters such obstacles as stairs. Children may also be required to wear a safety belt while learning how to walk on crutches so they do not injure themselves further.

Other types of equipment include:

• Walkers made just for children that help them learn to walk.

• Toys such as balls, swings, benches, and slides. Toys are an important tool because it encourages the child to work their muscles through fun.

• Ultrasound devices that are used in controlling pain and inflammation.

• Therapy balls are kind of like exercise balls, but they are made in smaller sizes for children

• Therapy rolls are like long noodle type objects that the child can lean on, roll on, and simply have fun with.

• Steps, incline mats, and hurdles can create a great physical environment for a child because these objects encourage them to climb and jump.

Many of the different types of physical therapy equipment that is used promotes physical activity in some way. Then there are others types of equipment that is used in reducing pain and inflammation and helps restore a balance within the injured area. There seems to be a little something for every situation for every single age, whether it be devices to help a child walk or to rehabilitate a muscle that has been torn. With sports becoming so intense nowadays, sports injuries are very prevalent and a physical therapist is required for the healing process. Then again, children are born with conditions that physical therapy can provide relief for. That is why it is important that the proper equipment be available to help these children.