This is a comprehensive text for entry-level massage therapy programs. It covers the wide variety of competencies and prepares you for employment in a range of settings when you graduate. The book's title conveys that successful massage therapists excel at blending the art and science of the profession. Massage therapists must be knowledgeable abou the human body in health and disease, skillful interpersonal relationships, ethical in their behavior, and shrewd in building their careers. This in addition to mastering theory, physical skills, and finally curricular standards, the expectations of employers, and the demands of a growing profession. It provides the foundations, guidance, and the know-how that you will need in order to master the essential task of blending art with science and becoming an outstanding massage therapist. [From preface].

Textbook for MT 104 Western Massage I\MT 204 Western Massage II\MT104\MT204.

PART 1 FOUNDATIONS FOR MASSAGE THERAPY PROFESSIONALS -- Massage Therapy Profession -- History of Massage as a Vocation -- Professional and Personal Development -- Physical Skills, Fitness, and Self-Care for the Massage Therapist -- Ethics and the Therapeutic Relationship -- PART 2 FOUNDATIONS OF PLANNING AND GIVING MASSAGE SESSIONS -- Effects of Massage and Research Literacy -- Clinical Applications of Massage -- Endangerment Sites, Contraindications, Cautions -- Medical Terminology, Goal-Oriented Planning, Documentation -- Hygiene, Equipment, Environment -- Body Mechanics, Table Skills, General Guidelines -- PART 3 TAPPAN'S GUIDE TO HEALING MASSAGE -- Swedish Massage Techniques -- Joint Movements -- Full-Body Swedish Massage -- Regional Massage Applications-Upper Body -- Regional Massage Applications-Lower Body -- Hydrotherapy and Temperature Therapies -- PART 4 TAPPAN'S GUIDE TO SPECIAL APPLICATIONS -- Special Populations and Adaptations -- Spa Treatments -- Seated Massage -- PART 5 TAPPAN'S GUIDE TO CONTEMPORARY MASSAGE AND BODYWORK -- Myofascial Massage -- Trigger Point Therapy -- Lymphatic Facilitation -- Reflexology -- Energy-Based Bodywork -- PART 6 FOUNDATIONS OF CAREER AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT -- Career Plans and Employment -- Private Practice and Finances -- Business Ethics -- APPENDICES -- Appendix A Organizations and Publications -- Appendix B Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Massage Therapists -- Appendix C Goal-Oriented Planning -- Appendix D Performance Evaluation Forms -- Appendix E Intake, Health History, Note Forms -- Appendix F References and Additional Resources -- INTERACTIVE GLOSSARY -- INDEX.