Synopses & Reviews
Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, 5th edition is the classic text in the massage industry including the essential knowledge and skills needed to become a successful, professional massage therapist, plus the essentials of anatomy and physiology. Essential topics to the industry such as ethics, hygiene, communication skills, and body mechanics are discussed. Full-color illustrations and photographs clearly illustrate techniques and procedures. Classical massage is expanded with clinical techniques including neuromuscular and myofascial techniques, and lymph massage, combined to better serve the client by following therapeutic procedures. Numerous career tracts are explored including massage in a spa environment and athletic massage. A new chapter discusses massage for special populations including pre-natal, infant, elder, critically ill, people with cancer, and hospice. The final chapter has been revised to cover business practices for finding employment or successful self-employment.
Review
"The Beck textbook is filled with an incredible amount of knowledge for the up and coming massage therapist. The real-life photos in the text help to reinforce the lessons in each chapter."
Review
"I was extremely impressed by the quality of this new text and how it encompassed every aspect of massage therapy all 'under one roof'. This is a valuable asset to not only students but for any massage therapist to add to their library as reference tool."
Synopsis
Comprehensive, engaging, and easy to read, this exciting new edition continues to set itself apart as the original and classic introductory massage text. Now in gorgeous full color, filled with hundreds of photos of procedures and techniques Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, Fourth Edition, truly is the book to have. This highly respected, best-seller covers everything from the history of massage to massage modalities to practical information on how to have a successful, fulfilling career in massage. It provides readers with a solid understanding of the body and its functions, including a thorough but uncomplicated chapter on anatomy and physiology. Readers will learn massage techniques and therapeutic skills, including sports massage, prenatal massage, medical massage, hydrotherapy, lymph massage, massage in a spa setting and much more. Thoughtfully revised, this is the foundational book for the study of massage therapy.
About the Author
Mark F. Beck has been a massage therapist since 1975 and a massage educator for over 20 years. He has served as a school director and was active in the National Massage School Association (AMTA Council of Schools). He has held several offices in state and national professional associations. Mr. Beck was the owner/director/instructor of Magic Valley Massotherapy Institute from 1980 to 1990 and is currently the owner/director of Cooperative Training Systems (1996 - present). He is recognized as one of the original "thought leaders" in massage education and is the creator/author of Structural Muscular Balancing.
Table of Contents
Part I: The History and Advancement of Therapeutic Massage. 1.Historical Overview of Massage. 2.Requirements for the Practice of Therapeutic Massage. 3.Professional Ethics for Massage Practitioners. Part II: Human Anatomy and Physiology. 4.Overview. 5.Human Anatomy and Physiology. Part III: Massage Practice. 6.Effects, Benefits, Indications and Contraindications of Massage. 7.Equipment and Products. 8.Sanitary and Safety Practices. 9.Consultation and Documentation. 10.Classical Massage Movements. 11.Application of Massage Technique. 12.Procedures for Complete Body Massages. 13.Hydrotherapy. 14.Massage in the Spa Setting, by Steve Capellini. 15.Clinical Massage Techniques. 16.Lymph Massage. 17.Therapeutic Procedure. 18.Athletic/Sports Massage. 19.Massage for Special Populations. 20.Massage in Medicine. 21.Other Somatic Therapies. Part IV: Massage Business Administration. 22.Business Practices. Appendix I: Basic Pharmacology for Massage Therapists, by Faye N. Schenkman.