“One of the most discouraging times I have experienced was being diagnosed with prostate cancer. I also have high blood pressure and had concerns about a possible stroke or some other debilitating impairment. I am grateful for my regular sessions with a qualified massage therapist. I find that I get better rest when
I have regular massage.
My massage therapist’s knowledge and encouragement
are very helpful, and I find she
helps bring my body to a position of accepting
positive change.”
--John H. (age 83)
Retired Hospital VP,
Mount Dora, FL
“I wish this book existed when I first began practicing massage 10 years ago! Even as an experienced therapist, I have already found it to be incredibly helpful in working with several regular clients with complex medical conditions: specifically MS, cardiovascular issues, and cancer. The information it provides is thorough and beautifully organized. I am able to see these clients and conditions with fresh eyes and more knowledge.
I'm thrilled to have this resource in my office for new clients to come!”
--Erin Sweeney,
Waltham, MA
“I have been a massage therapist for quite a while now and this is the therapeutic guide that I have been searching for. Tracy clearly and thoroughly explains a multitude of conditions that I have come across in my practice. The "Decision Tree Approach" guides the therapist through the massage protocol. I have never come across another book that so clearly lays out the guidelines for treatment as well as the detailed medical information about the condition. Another of my favorite aspects of the book is a series of interview questions for the client. I have found those incredibly helpful in my practice. Many of the questions directly affect my choices in
massage treatment.”
--Susan Spencer
Orange, NJ
As a reference Specific…Easy to use…Relevant for daily work…Encouraging
As a result Understanding…Effectiveness…Confidence…Purpose
As massage therapists, we’re often tempted to categorize clients according to conditions, applying the same condition-based contraindications to every client in that category. This approach can lead to an overly restrictive massage, dissatisfied clients, and a dwindling practice. Or it can lead to overly vigorous work, with potentially dangerous implications for the health of the client and our liability as practitioners. Almost always, condition-based contraindications prevent us from integrating our training, experience, and intuition most effectively.
As a rapid and thorough reference, Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy (MCMT) bases massage therapy
on client presentations, rather than the name of each condition. MCMT guides massage therapists facing unfamiliar or complex cases, and addresses many presentations of each condition. By providing a system
of sound decision-making, the book supports practitioners at all points. Specific interview questions, instructive illustrations, and practical decision trees
help therapists adapt their work to any situation. Based on a client’s answers and an understanding of how massage therapy can interact with the condition, the therapist chooses safe and effective positioning, pressure, and movements.
Keeping the client at the heart of the discussion, MCMT also provides a clear overview of current research on massage and specific conditions to give massage therapists a better professional context. Understanding what is actually known about the benefits (and contraindications) of massage prepares therapists to communicate thoughtfully and accurately with clients and other health care practitioners. It allows practitioners to integrate knowledge from solid research evidence with the real testimonials of our clients. MCMT connects research to practice. It can also help in shaping the policies and procedures for any setting: private practice, spa, franchise, etc.
By understanding how to adjust and adapt massage therapy to serve clients facing disease and injury, therapists can practice more safely and confidently. This reduces liability and increases effectiveness with a wider range of clients. In a rapidly changing world, with a population living longer with challenging medical conditions, massage therapists can build and sustain their practices. They can serve clients with care and skill, even as clients’ needs become more complex.
Key Advantages
Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy:
is easy to use
prepares therapists to face medical conditions with confidence and purpose
As a rapid and thorough reference, Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy (MCMT) bases massage therapy
of current research on massage and specific conditions to give massage therapists a better professional context. Understanding what is actually known about the benefits (and contraindications) of massage prepares therapists to communicate thoughtfully and accurately with clients and other health care practitioners. It allows practitioners to integrate knowledge from solid research evidence with the real testimonials of our clients. MCMT connects research to practice. It can also help in shaping the policies and procedures for any setting: private practice, spa, franchise, etc.