Review for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Certification (2nd Edition) by: Joseph Ashton and Duke Cassel

Synopsis

Thorough preparation for the National Certification Exam for Massage Therapy and Bodywork is now at your fingertips. Inside this new edition you will find detailed information on all the key concepts and principles covered on the exam, all in an easy-to-read format. Numerous review questions cover all the main areas of study, including human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology; clinical pathology; massage therapy and bodywork; and professional standards, ethics, and business practices.

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Reviewer:Kenneth B Siegfried, BA(Pace University)
Description:The authors have written a complete review book for the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. It is well organized and it can be a useful tool for studying for state examinations or refreshing one's knowledge.
Purpose:The purpose is to help prepare students for the exam. Since a course preparing students for this exam is not offered nationwide, a review book with a sample exam is a very useful tool. This book covers all the coursework required for this exam in a simple and well-organized, easy-to-read text.
Audience:According to the authors, this book is written for any student of massage therapy who is interested in taking the exam, but it is also useful for students taking state and local school exams. I concur with the authors stated audience, however certain states may require more focus in additional modalities such as Traditional Chinese Medicine for their state licensing or certification than is offered in this text. It does cover the stated areas thoroughly and concisely. Both authors bring their expertise together for this compilation. Joseph Ashton earned his MS degree at Washington University and he has assisted in writing and editing other anatomical manuals and study guides, including Human Anatomy and Physiology from the Schaum's Outline Series. Duke Cassel is a graduate of the Basic Core Course and the Advanced Therapeutic Bodywork Course at the Myotherapy College of Utah in Salt Lake City. He is nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and currentlypractices massage therapy in his own private clinic.
Features:Contained in this book is a concise and thorough review of anatomy, physiology, and pathology that will benefit any practitioner of massage therapy whether studying for the exam or as a personal refresher in these areas. Sample test questions at the end of the book are very useful. Other areas covered in this book that are beneficial to all practitioners of massage therapy include medical terminology, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, professional standards, ethics and business practices.
Assessment:This well-organized review book would be a tremendous asset to anyone interested in taking the exam. It covers concisely many areas of massage therapy, and I believe it is a good book for all practitioners of massage. Whether your are looking for a review book or a guide book to supplement a textbook, you will not be disappointed with this book.