Good books

[queenz11]

Hi was just wondering if anybody could recommend any good massage book. Am qualified in holistic massage and would like to learn some new movements and some more general information on conditions that massage can help. So if any one can suggest anything would be very grateful. Thank you x

 

[Sooo Happy]

I was going to start this exact thread yesterday! There is one book I would not be without now:

A Massage Therapists Guide to Pathology, by Ruth Werner
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0781754895/

"Over 200 conditions and thoroughly examined, including the definition, etiology, signs and symptons, common treatments and applicability of massage"

It really is my bible to massage and contra-indications, I refer to it so often - occasionally when I have seen a condition mentioned on here. Highly recommend it.

Mat xxx

 

[Binst is happy]

I agree on Ruth Werner - an excellent book that is easy to use as a reference for conditions. My only caveat is that it can be somewhat conservative (not a bad thing)- I think because it American and because it covers all types / modalities of massage. Make your own judgement but it gives you lots of very good data - I wouldn't be without it. I see my copy is out of date and only black and white :-(

The otherbook I would recommend is Handbook of Massage Therapy - Mario Paul Cassar. This is the best book I know for technique and does as good a job as a book can in showing the 'how too', also good on systems and conditions. For some reason (out of print?) its very expensive on Amazon (c £80) - but the authorclaims to havecopies at £30.99 (still pricey!)
[link=http://www.cassar-93.freeserve.co.uk/]http://www.cassar-93.freeserve.co.uk/[/link]. I havn't seen his later book Handbook of Clinical Massage - but it looks good on Amazon.

Lastly I use the Touch Research Intitute website [link=http://www.miami.edu/touch-research/]http://www.miami.edu/touch-research/[/link]to discover what research exists on massage for particular conditions. I also like Tiffany Field (TRI's research director) book - Touch

Those are my top picksfrom a rather full bookshelf!

Hope that helps

InTouch

 

[Annamazing.!]

Hi Alison

If you don't already have it, I would strongly recommend 'Basic Clinical Massage Therapy' by Clay & Pounds. It is extremely well-illustrated, and includes detailed guidance on how to treat the deeper (and more difficult) muscles that don't usually seem to be covered on a standard 'ITEC-type' course.

Regards

Alan

 

[Whose that chick?]

I would agree with Alan; the Basic Clinical Massage Therapy book (Clay et al) is a v. useful guide , is well thought / laid out, is great for 'dipping in and out of. I particularly like the way in which the book presents photos of the body with illustration overlays, it helps to provide a somewhat clearer view of muscle / ligament etc positions in relation to the body. You may also find : Practical pathology for the massage therapist by Su Fox (Corpus Publishing) a helpful, albeit succint guide on 'commonly' noted disorders a therapist may be presented with. This Book presents a broad list of common ailments, discusses each briefly, any relevant contraindications, and how best massage can be used to alleviate /assist.


Hi fozzyo by the way...I'm still training at the London College of Massage, it seems an age. I recall you told me about the College last year when I was searching for a place to learn. I'm two thirds of the way through the Practitioners now, experienced my first clinic day today....it was a tad daunting as I'm sure you're aware! ..particularly as client was half hour late....all good practice eh?!