Massage Tools: The Tools That Help
More and more physical therapists are using tools in their massage sessions, finding new applications and new ways of using them.
THE physical therapy με τη χρήση εργαλείων προσεγγίζει τthe body and the musculoskeletal injuries more effectively. The tools can be used when there are restrictions in areas of the bodyas in soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation or degeneration. As rehabilitation tools they reduce pain and increase the variety of appropriate movements.
There are many things to think about when including the use of tools in your session, such as how the physiotherapist feels with the tool and how the client feels, or how the tool fits into the physical therapy method being used and the type of massage being done. Also the cost of the tool as well as the time it will be used must be taken into account.
Using tools in the session
Understanding how the body responds to different uses of a tool will help you use that tool in the best possible way with your clients. Methods and use of tools differ between physical therapists. So it is up to each therapist what he decides to do and how he will be trained on it. One of the ways in which the tools are used is by causing stimulation in the area to be worked on, thereby causing a local inflammatory response. This way it becomes easier to restore.
An important factor is the customer's response to the tool. Different tools work better on different parts of the body. Some of them have many sides and corners so they are versatile. And because they are so different from each other they bring different results. How the client feels with each different use is key to their treatment.
Another element to consider is the understanding that the physical therapist will have regarding the use of the respective tool. Depending on how he uses it, he can offer his client sometimes therapy and sometimes relaxation.
Using the tools as an extension of your hands you can better understand the tissues and locate the problem area. It is not necessary to use them only in more aggressive tasks. Identify all the features of your tools and let your customers know about them too.
Avoid using outdated methods as they can harm both your work efficiency and your reputation. Some customers don't understand the different uses and options they have and so using the tools makes them a little nervous. Talk to them, listen to their point of view and use your tools to their advantage.
Care
Cleanliness is very important when using tools. Clean them thoroughly using rubbing alcohol, otherwise germs are likely to be transferred. Special care should be taken when tools are used on the feet. Also take care of the tools themselves, especially when transporting them, so they don't get dirty or scratched.
Ergonomics
Many physical therapists have already integrated the use of tools into their work, because in this way they can work more with less pressure on both their hands and their body. So when we incorporate the tools into the massage, their ergonomics is the first thing we should look at. That is, how the client feels the tool and also how the physical therapist himself feels.
Prefer expensive tools, which are made of good quality plastic or pure steel. Feel free to use all the tools to see which ones work best for you. Try their different sizes and see how their grip is right for your hand. Finally try different ways of holding the tool during the session.
Choosing tools
Massage tools can be expensive but they are definitely worth the investment. It is preferable to choose, as your supplier, a company with whom you will have good communication and will provide you with both training on the use of their products and support. This way you can stay up to date on new products as well as how others are using the same tools. See reviews of other industry-recognized suppliers and curate your selection very carefully. Finally, your customers are the best judges of your tools and their effectiveness. Listen to them.
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