Palpation is a continuous process in which a massage therapist feels the client’s tissue with keen attention to better understand the client’s condition, determine treatment goals, compare tissue from one session to the next, choose effective techniques, and adapt techniques if needed during the session. Palpation is both an art and an essential skill. It […]
Lesson 12-2: Palpation Read More »
Assessment is the process of collecting information about a client, interpreting the information to better understand the client’s condition, and then making safe and effective treatment decisions based on this understanding. Pre-session and post-session assessments can be compared to document changes in the body brought about by the massage session. Assessment skills help therapists know
Lesson 12-1: Assessment for a Wellness Session Read More »
Assessment, session planning, and documentation are interrelated skills that, when mastered by a massage therapist, ensure the client’s safety and comfort and the choice of effective and appropriate techniques. The skills discussed in this chapter form the foundation for more advanced assessment, session planning, and documentation methods described in Chapter 19. Scroll through the slides
Lesson 12-0: Introduction Read More »
A full-time massage career is demanding, and without good on-the-job self-care, therapists are more likely to develop repetitive stress injuries or burnout and leave the massage profession. This lesson looks closely at repetitive stress and the reasons why therapists are injured. You will learn strategies to take care of yourself while on the job. Your
Lesson 11-3: Self-Care on the Job Read More »
Extensive use is made of the forearms, wrists, hands, fingers, and thumbs in massage. Incorrect placement of the feet, repeatedly bending over the table, hyperextending the knees, or overusing the hands during a massage can lead to foot, ankle, knee, wrist, thumb, and low back injuries. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use your
Lesson 11-2: Good Body Mechanics Read More »
Massage is like an athletic sport. It takes strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, coordination, and overall physical fitness to deliver an effective massage, even a relaxation massage! Massage therapists may become models of healthy living for their clients, and to have credibility must practice good self-care. It is more challenging to convince clients to adopt meaningful
Lesson 11-1: Prepare for the Demands of a Massage Career Read More »
Massage therapy is a physically challenging career. So in this chapter, we’ll look at how you can prepare for the physical demands of the job. More specific to massage, we’ll examine principles of good body use and self-care on the job. Chapters that discuss special populations (e.g., pregnancy massage) or particular techniques (e.g., seated massage)
Lesson 11-0: Introduction Read More »
Consider the following examples of how two different massage therapists open and close their sessions. Steve pays attention to how he opens and closes his massage. He likes to use resting and holding strokes and breathwork (described below). To open the massage, he places his hands on the client with clear intent and allows the
Lesson 10-4: Opening and Closing the Massage Read More »
A sheet, towel, blanket, or a combination of these always covers the client during massage. Even if the client leaves on underclothing or is dressed in clothing such as a sports bra and shorts, draping is used. Draping establishes professional boundaries, preserves the client’s and therapist’s modesty, and ensures that the client stays warm during
Lesson 10-3: Draping Read More »
Clients take different positions on a massage table or chair. Positioning allows access to specific areas of the body. Bolsters are foam supports placed under the neck, knees, ankles, abdominal area, or upper chest or along the side of the body to decrease stress on joints and provide soft surfaces to support the client. Pillows
Lesson 10-2: Positioning Read More »
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