Massage for Orthopedic Conditions by: Thomas Hendrickson

Synopsis

This book introduces massage techniques for orthopedic conditions, promoting the alignment of soft tissue relating to pain and dysfunction. An essential manual for clinical massage therapy, it contains brief descriptions of rationale behind orthopedic massage, mechanisms of injury to and repair of soft tissue, and anatomy of each body area. This text includes detailed assessment for each body region, discusses common lesions, and provides illustrated instructions on how to administer this scientifically based style of massage. Based on traditional orthopedic assessment protocols, coverage includes range of motion, passive and isometric testing, and tests that determine the severity of a condition or injury.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Dana J Lawrence, DC, MMedEd(Palmer College of Chiropractic)
Description:This book provides a wealth of information on the regional anatomy, common conditions, and various massage treatments for the different regions of the body. It is organized regionally and is heavily illustrated with line drawings, all of which are extremely well drawn.
Purpose:The book is intended to provide advanced training in massage therapy, specializing in the management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This is an objective that will surely be well received in the massage therapy profession, as well as within the chiropractic profession and by others who deal regularly with musculoskeletal conditions. Since the topic is so thoroughly covered here, the book meets it objectives quite well.
Audience:Although the book is obviously directed mainly toward massage therapists, it will receive a warm reception from chiropractors, physical therapists, and osteopaths as well as anyone else who deals with bodywork practice. Since the topics are covered in great depth, I think it will have an audience among both practitioners and students in all these fields. The author is a chiropractor at the Institute of Orthopedic Massage.
Features:The first two chapters provide background information covering topics such as the theoretical foundations of orthopedic massage and assessment and techniques of massage. This is background for the main part of the book, a region-by-region exploration of anatomy, common conditions, and management procedures. Each chapter covers the anatomy, function, and dysfunction of a particular region of the body.Specific massage techniques are covered in depth. The book is comprehensive in its coverage, a true strength. There are numerous line drawings illustrating procedures and structures.
Assessment:This is an excellent book. Its scope of coverage is such that even a skilled practitioner will take something from it. One great strength is that for each region of the body, a number of different forms of massage intervention are described, such as muscle energy, transverse friction, release, etc. It is hard to find this kind of information in one place. Further, the scope of the book is such that it has use in many different professions. I am unaware of any books similar to this one, and this one is a far deeper book than most I have seen from the massage therapy profession. I highly recommend it.