Therapeutic Massage: A Scientific Approach.

Therapeutic Massage: A Scientific Approach Turchaninov R. Phoenix, AZ 85024, Aesculapius Books, 2000, paperback, 242 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-9675868-1-X, $35.

This is a very unusual and very interesting book on massage. The author does an excellent job of explaining the history, scientific basis, indications, contraindications, and techniques of massage. Physical therapists will find this work to be an excellent source in understanding evidence-based practice as it relates to therapeutic massage.

Chapter III is uniquely organized because the effects of massage are discussed using a systems review method. The systems discussed are the nervous system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, muscular system, skeletal system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, genital system, and integumentary system. Massage during pregnancy and massage for pediatric patients are also discussed. Numerous research studies are cited, mostly in chronological order, for each system. The author does not treat massage as a generic tool, but he often recommends specific types of massage for specific diagnoses.

Chapter IV discusses the effects of therapeutic massage on cellular metabolism and on the orientation of collagen fibrils through piezoelectric effects. The chapter also provides reports of many adverse effects of therapeutic massage, citing specific, documented case examples. Chapter V contains a detailed review of the pathophysiology of pain and the effect of massage on pain perception.

In chapter VI, the author introduces the reader to the use of the hand when applying the various massage techniques. He details the skin of the hand and describes why the hand is an excellent diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The chapter also includes common repetitive strain injuries in the hand that may occur when doing massage and general measures for injury prevention. It provides a detailed review of the bony anatomy and muscle origins, insertions and actions of the forearm, wrist and hand, and a chart of normal ranges of motion of all the upper extremity joints. However, I found this information superfluous and not helpful for the student attempting to learn the art and science of massage.

Chapter VII describes the actual massage techniques, including effleurage, friction, kneading, vibration, percussion, and compression. There are many variations within each technique, and the chapter provides excellent photographs and diagrams of each variation.

Throughout the book, segments marked with a symbol contain important practical recommendations that, according to the author, can be immediately put to use.

I believe this book to be of great value to the physical therapy profession. The author methodically and scientifically defends the use of massage as part of an overall treatment program. I would highly recommend that this book be adopted as a textbook in massage courses in physical therapist education programs.

Roslyn Sofer, PT, MA, OCS Touro College Bayshore, NY

Mrs Sofer is Assistant Professor and teaches classes on adult neurological rehabilitation and orthopedic physical therapy for extremities and spine. She is also in private practice specializing in orthopedic manual therapy and neurological rehabilitation.