MASSAGE THERAPY: What It Is and How It Works is a highly approachable book for those who want to learn more about massage. It begins with a history of the field that has been included to provide a context within which to understand the evolution of the important ideas and principles set forth in this text.
MASSAGE THERAPY: What It Is and How It Works is an excellent resource that presents a unique and easy to comprehend model of the scope and field of the massage profession. It includes an in-depth review and analysis of the existing continuum of massage and bodywork therapy in the form of four massage and bodywork therapy layers or levels including 25 of the most commonly practiced forms of massage and bodywork modalities. The four layers are 1) Somatic, 2) Somato-Psychic, 3) Bio-Energetic and 4) Energetic. Categorized within these four layers, the book also provides a history of each modality and its founder, its theory, principles of assessment, treatment planning, major techniques used in each form and the mechanisms responsible for its efficacy.
The second phase of this book elucidates the important discussion on the Three Paradigms. These paradigms present the scope and levels at which massage and bodywork therapy can be practiced and are classified as follows: 1) Relaxation and Stress Reduction, 2) Remediation, Therapy, and Pain Relief and 3) Holistic or Integrative. These paradigms form a continuum of possible practice beginning at the most basic levels of touch to the most comprehensive and advanced levels of holistic care. Also presented are some relevant case histories that showcase different areas and levels of practice within each paradigm.
Other chapters include highlights and challenges of the profession and the role of a massage and bodywork therapist within the context of the entire realm of health care today.
Also covered is an overview of the various practice settings in use today including private practice, hospital and clinical settings, spas, athletic arenas, and corporate environments. In addition, a quick look at a day in the life of a massage therapist in each one of these settings provides a taste of what it’s like to actually work in these environments. This should further help the reader understand the scope of what this field offers in the way of professional services on many levels, according to personal needs.
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