Overview
This book examines the research base of touch in massage therapy while linking the implications of these results to massage practice. It was written by the director of the world-renowned Touch Research Institute. Each chapter gives a clear and authoritative review of what is known about the effects of touch in a variety of clinical conditions. It specifically addresses the areas of stress reduction, pain reduction, growth and development, immune functions, and auto-immune disorders.
The book contains black-and-white illustrations.
Synopsis
This book examines the research base of touch in massage therapy while linking the implications of these results to massage practice. It was written by the director of the world-renowned Touch Research Institute. Each chapter gives a clear and authoritative review of what is known about the effects of touch in a variety of clinical conditions. It specifically addresses the areas of stress reduction, pain reduction, growth and development, immune functions, and auto-immune disorders.
Dana J. Lawrence
In this text the author looks at the research foundation for the use of massage and touch therapy in a variety of clinical situations. In each chapter she presents a thorough review of research papers covering a number of different clinical conditions and situations. In addition, she presents clinical approaches to the use of massage in those clinical situations. The purpose is to examine the research basis of touch or massage therapy, and to describe the practical results in practice. This is directed at anyone who utilizes bodywork in practice, including massage therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists, physiatrists, and other CAM practitioners, as well as students in each of those disciplines. The text is generally organized around six chapters in which pain reduction, enhancing growth and attentiveness, alleviating depression and anxiety, and autoimmune and immune disorders are covered. In each chapter information is provided on possible underlying mechanisms for the benefits conferred by massage therapy. The author also looks at important research papers supporting the use of touch therapy in those specific clinical settings. The chapters are comprehensively referenced, with quite up-to-date references. The text also contains a number of appendixes, most of which are reprinted assessment tools that can be used in touch therapy practice. Included here are ""feel good"" thermometers, headache history inventory, happy face scale, life event questionnaire, and so on. I found this book to be a fascinating read -- the author did a rather good job covering the conditions presented. Her referencing is especially strong, especially the contemporary citations. Thesehelp provide a foundation for the therapeutic approaches discussed in each chapter. I cannot think of a text covering similar material that does as adequate a job. This is a worthy library addition for anyone practicing bodywork on a regular basis.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Dana J Lawrence, DC, MMedEd, MA(Palmer College of Chiropractic)Description: In this text the author looks at the research foundation for the use of massage and touch therapy in a variety of clinical situations. In each chapter she presents a thorough review of research papers covering a number of different clinical conditions and situations. In addition, she presents clinical approaches to the use of massage in those clinical situations.
Purpose: The purpose is to examine the research basis of touch or massage therapy, and to describe the practical results in practice.
Audience: This is directed at anyone who utilizes bodywork in practice, including massage therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists, physiatrists, and other CAM practitioners, as well as students in each of those disciplines.
Features: The text is generally organized around six chapters in which pain reduction, enhancing growth and attentiveness, alleviating depression and anxiety, and autoimmune and immune disorders are covered. In each chapter information is provided on possible underlying mechanisms for the benefits conferred by massage therapy. The author also looks at important research papers supporting the use of touch therapy in those specific clinical settings. The chapters are comprehensively referenced, with quite up-to-date references. The text also contains a number of appendixes, most of which are reprinted assessment tools that can be used in touch therapy practice. Included here are "feel good" thermometers, headache history inventory, happy face scale, life event questionnaire, and so on.
Assessment: I found this book to be a fascinating read — the author did a rather good job covering the conditions presented. Her referencing is especially strong, especially the contemporary citations. These help provide a foundation for the therapeutic approaches discussed in each chapter. I cannot think of a text covering similar material that does as adequate a job. This is a worthy library addition for anyone practicing bodywork on a regular basis.
Dana J. Lawrence
In this text the author looks at the research foundation for the use of massage and touch therapy in a variety of clinical situations. In each chapter she presents a thorough review of research papers covering a number of different clinical conditions and situations. In addition, she presents clinical approaches to the use of massage in those clinical situations. The purpose is to examine the research basis of touch or massage therapy, and to describe the practical results in practice. This is directed at anyone who utilizes bodywork in practice, including massage therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists, physiatrists, and other CAM practitioners, as well as students in each of those disciplines. The text is generally organized around six chapters in which pain reduction, enhancing growth and attentiveness, alleviating depression and anxiety, and autoimmune and immune disorders are covered. In each chapter information is provided on possible underlying mechanisms for the benefits conferred by massage therapy. The author also looks at important research papers supporting the use of touch therapy in those specific clinical settings. The chapters are comprehensively referenced, with quite up-to-date references. The text also contains a number of appendixes, most of which are reprinted assessment tools that can be used in touch therapy practice. Included here are ""feel good"" thermometers, headache history inventory, happy face scale, life event questionnaire, and so on. I found this book to be a fascinating read -- the author did a rather good job covering the conditions presented. Her referencing is especially strong, especially the contemporary citations. Thesehelp provide a foundation for the therapeutic approaches discussed in each chapter. I cannot think of a text covering similar material that does as adequate a job. This is a worthy library addition for anyone practicing bodywork on a regular basis.4 Stars! from Doody