Condition-Specific Massage Therapy

Is a versatile course that outlines treatment goals for relieving musculoskeletal conditions in the context of a relaxation/wellness massage session. Students in a basic 500-700 hour program and practicing therapists will both benefit from the techniques outlined, as well as build upon critical thinking and basic massage skills. This book will prepare therapists and students both in the clinical and spa setting for dealing with common musculoskeletal conditions. Templated chapters for eleven of these common conditions apply foundational science to massage practice and move the student from understanding each condition to assessing and working with the client. Each chapter ends with a Professional Growth section, which encourages further exploration and critical thinking.

Class	Topics	Reading Assignment
1	The basic tools for specific treatment Biomechanics: agonists and antagonists, range of motion Client assessment: health history, signs and symptoms, ROM assessment, palpation Massage therapy: general principles of massage, physiological effects of massage strokes, hydrotherapy, mobilization, post-isometric relaxation, client self care Treatment goals	Ch.1 pp. 1-28
2	Fascia What is fascia, factors contributing to dysfunction, special considerations for massage therapy, assessment, treatment goals, massage therapy research	Ch. 2 pp. 29-46
3	Myofascial Trigger Points What are myofascial trigger points, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 3 pp. 47-68
4	Hyperkyphosis What is hyperkyphosis, functional versus structural imbalance, the upper cross, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 4 pp. 69-100
5	Tension Headaches What are tension headaches, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 5 pp. 101-126
6	Thoracic Outlet Syndrome What is thoracic outlet syndrome, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 6 pp. 127-154
7	Carpal Tunnel Syndrome What is carpal tunnel syndrome, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 7 pp. 155-178
8	Hyperlordosis What is hyperlordosis, functional versus structural imbalance, the lower cross, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 8 pp. 179-208
9	Piriformis Syndrome What is piriformis syndrome, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 9 pp. 209-234
10	Patellofemoral Syndrome What is patellofemoral syndrome, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 10 pp. 235-260
11	Plantar Fasciitis What is plantar fasciitis, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 11 pp. 261-286
12	Muscle Strains What are muscle strains, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 12 pp. 287-306
13	Ligament Sprains What are ligament sprains, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 13 pp. 307-328
14	Tendinopathy What is tendinopathy, signs and symptoms, contributing factors, differentiating conditions, special considerations for massage therapy, massage therapy research, assessment, treatment goals, client self-care	Ch. 14 pp. 329-348