This comprehensive introductory massage text is organized into 24 chapters that cover the key areas addressed in massage programs of 500 to 1200 hours in length. Topics inside the chapters are structured to allow for manageable reading assignments that build a student’s sense of accomplishment and motivation. Written and designed for today's adult learner, the book offers a broad discussion of foundation massage with appropriate depth for a beginning student progressing to an entry-level professional. It also contains new topics that are necessary to prepare today’s adult learners for successful massage careers. (Note: It does not cover anatomy and physiology, as A&P is best thoroughly covered in a separate textbook.) A helpful appendix on health care terminology, a comprehensive massage glossary, and a robust set of ancillary materials complete the package. The companion Study Guide contains topic-specific Rubrics, Learning Contracts, and a variety of exercises and activities for students.

Table of Contents:
Part I: Theory-Focused Topics Massage from Past to Present Topic 1-1: The History of Massage Topic 1-2: Overview of Techniques, Systems, and Approaches Topic 1-3: Contemporary American Massage Massage Equipment and Environmental Considerations Topic 2-1: Massage Equipment Topic 2-2: Lubricants Topic 2-3: Creating a Comfortable Massage Environment Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety Topic 3-1: Disease Topic 3-2: Preventing the Transmission of Disease Topic 3-3: Universal Precautions Topic 3-4: The Safety Plan The Therapeutic Nature of Massage Topic 4-1: Evidenced-Based Massage Topic 4-2: Massage Effects and Benefits Topic 4-3: Massage Indications Topic 4-4: Understanding Stress and Wellness Massage Cautions & Contraindications Topic 5-1: Areas of Caution Topic 5-2: Medications and Massage Topic 5-3: Massage Contraindications Ethics & the Law Topic 6-1: Ethics Topic 6-2: Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice Topic 6-3: Massage Law The Therapeutic Relationship Topic 7-1: The Power of Touch Topic 7-2: Psychological Factors in the Therapeutic Relationship Topic 7-3: Boundaries and the Therapeutic Relationship Topic 7-4: Bodymind Factors in a Therapeutic Relationship Topic 7-5: Managing Emotions in the Therapeutic Relationship Professional Communication Topic 8-1: Core Concepts in Communication Topic 8-2: Communication Blockers Topic 8-3: Active Communication Topic 8-4: Conflict Resolution Your Massage Career Topic 9-1: Your Career Plan Topic 9-2: Work as an Employee Topic 9-3: Starting a Private Practice PART II: TECHNIQUE-FOCUSED TOPICS Foundation Skills for Therapeutic Massage Topic 10-1: Overview of a Wellness Massage Session Topic 10-2: Positioning Topic 10-3: Draping Topic 10-4: Opening and Closing the Massage Body Mechanics and Self Care Topic 11-1: Prepare for the Demands of a Massage Career Topic 11-2: Good Body Mechanics Topic 11-3: Self-Care on the Job Assessment, Treatment Planning, and Documentation for Wellness Massage Topic 12-1: Assessment for a Wellness Session Topic 12-2: Palpation Topic 12-3: Session Planning for Wellness Massage Topic 12-4: Introduction to Documentation Swedish Massage Techniques Topic 13-1: Effleurage Topic 13-2: Petrissage Topic 13-3: Friction Topic 13-4: Vibration Topic 13-5: Tapotement Topic 13-6: Joint Movements Topic 13-7: Putting it all Together Seated Massage Topic 14-1: Introduction to Seated Massage Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Spa Therapies and Other Approaches Topic 15-1: Spa Therapies Topic 15-2: Aromatherapy Topic 15-3: Reflexology Topic 15-4: Stone Massage Hydrotherapy Topic 16-1: Introduction to Hydrotherapy Topic 16-2: Hydrotherapy Benefits and Effects Topic 16-3: Hydrotherapy Applications Eastern Approaches Topic 17-1: Asian Bodywork Therapies Topic 17-3: Ayurvedic Bodywork Energetic Approaches Topic 18-1: Key Concepts in Energy Medicine Topic 18-2: Reiki Topic 18-3: Polarity Therapy Topic 18-4: Therapeutic Touch Assessment, Treatment Planning, and Documentation for Healthcare Massage Topic 19-1: Healthcare Sessions and the Intake Process Topic 19-2: Pain Assessment Topic 19-3: Posture and Gait Assessment Topic 19-4: Range-of-Motion Assessment Topic 19-5: Treatment Planning for Healthcare Massage Myofascial and Deep Tissue Approaches Topic 20-1: Myofascia Topic 20-2: Myofascial Techniques Topic 20-3: Deep Tissue Approaches Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Approaches Topic 21-1: Key Concepts in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Approaches Topic 21-2: Neuromuscular Therapy Musculoskeletal Injury and Massage Topic 22-1: Factors in Musculoskeletal Injury Topic 22-2: The Inflammatory Response Topic 22-3: Understanding Common Musculoskeletal Injuries Massage for Chronic Pain Conditions and Selected Pathologies Topic 23-1: Understanding Pain Topic 23-2: Fibromyalgia Topic 23-3: Rheumatoid Arthritis Topic 23-4: Osteoarthritis Topic 23-5: Headaches Topic 23-6: Cancer Topic 23-7: HIV/AIDS Massage for Special Populations Topic 24-1: Massage for Athletes Topic 24-2: Massage for Mother and Infants Topic 24-3: Massage for Older Adults Topic 24-4: Massage for Obesity Topic 24-5: Massage for People with Disabilities Topic 24-6: Massage for End-of-Life Care Appendix A: Health Care Terminology Appendix B: References Glossary Index