Massage Therapy
Principles and Practice
- 8th Edition - November 26, 2026
- Latest edition
- Author: Susan G. Salvo
- Language: English
Trust this approachable text to help you master essential massage therapy principles! A user-friendly, all-in-one resource, Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice, 8th Editio… Read more
Purchase options
Description
Description
Trust this approachable text to help you master essential massage therapy principles! A user-friendly, all-in-one resource, Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice, 8th Edition, provides expert coverage of massage fundamentals, techniques, anatomy, physiology, and pathology. This edition emphasizes cultural humility, trauma-informed care, clinical safety, and inclusive practices. Updated protocols and clinical focus — plus interactive kinesiology palpation activities; expanded content on pain management, lymphedema, and dialysis; and detailed side-effect and adverse-event guidance — are paired with more than 700 images and thought-provoking questions to help you succeed in class, on licensing exams, and in real-world practice.
Key features
Key features
- Comprehensive, all-in-one coverage combines massage techniques, anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, ethics, and business practices in a single, in-depth, industry-standard resource backed by more than 40 years of professional insight
- 550+ high-quality images and expert anatomical drawings visually clarify key concepts
- End-of-chapter case studies and review questions bridge theory and practice to foster essential critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills
- Interactive practice tests on the Evolve companion website help reinforce comprehension and streamline exam preparation for both licensing and board certification
- Updated, evidence-informed protocols and practices throughout promote research literacy
- Massage modifications address the special needs of various populations, including prenatal clients, minor children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities or impairments
Readership
Readership
Massage therapy students
Table of contents
Table of contents
Unit 1: Foundations for Practice, Complementary and Integrative Methods, and Business Practices
1. History of Massage: Prehistoric Times to the Modern Era and Professional Societies, Organizations, and Associations
2. The Therapeutic Relationship: Ethics, Cultural Competencies, and Boundaries
3. Tools of the Trade: Tables, Accessories, Linens, Lubricants, Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, and the Massage Environment
4. Career Longevity: Wellness, Wellbeing, and Self-Care
5. Evidence-Informed Practice and Research Literacy
6. Massage Therapy Research
7. Body Mechanics, Client Positioning, and Draping
8. Massage Techniques, Mobilizations, and Stretches, Endangerment Sites, and Contraindications
9. Concepts of Disease, Standard Precautions, Transmission-Based Precautions, Disinfection Procedures, and Emergency Preparedness
10. Professional Standards: Scope of Practice, Standards of Care, Assessments, Documentation, Informed Consent, Treatment Planning, and Referrals
11. Special Populations: Massage for Pregnant and Postpartum Clients, Infants, Children, Adolescents, Aging Adults, and Those with Visual, Hearing, and Mobility Impairments
12. Hydrotherapy: Clinical Applications, Spa Applications, and Spa Procedures
13. Foot Reflexology: Principles and Practice
14. Clinical Massage: Pain Theories and Pain Management, Clinical Assessments, Clinical Application Methods, Sports Massage and Working with Athletics, Soft Tissue Injuries, Hospital-Based Massage, Surgery, and Working with Hospice Patients
15. Seated Massage: Principles and Practice
16. Asian Bodywork Therapy: Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Ayurvedic Principles, and Chakras
17. Business Practices: Getting Started, Marketing, Professional Development, Accounting, and Planning
Unit 2: Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, and Pathology
18. Introduction to the Human Body: Medical Terminology, Cells, Tissues, and Body Compass
19. Skeletal System, Pathologies, Disorders, and Injuries
20. Muscular System, Pathologies, Disorders, and Injuries
21. Kinesiology
22. Integumentary System, Pathologies, Conditions, and Injuries
23. Nervous System, Pathologies, Disorders, and Injuries
24. Endocrine System and Pathologies
25. Reproductive System, Pathologies, Conditions, and Disorders
26. Cardiovascular System, Pathologies, and Disorders
27. Lymphatic System, Pathologies, and Conditions
28. Respiratory System, Pathologies, Conditions, and Disorders
29. Digestive System, Pathologies, Dysfunctions, and Disorders
30. Urinary System, Pathologies, and Disorders
1. History of Massage: Prehistoric Times to the Modern Era and Professional Societies, Organizations, and Associations
2. The Therapeutic Relationship: Ethics, Cultural Competencies, and Boundaries
3. Tools of the Trade: Tables, Accessories, Linens, Lubricants, Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, and the Massage Environment
4. Career Longevity: Wellness, Wellbeing, and Self-Care
5. Evidence-Informed Practice and Research Literacy
6. Massage Therapy Research
7. Body Mechanics, Client Positioning, and Draping
8. Massage Techniques, Mobilizations, and Stretches, Endangerment Sites, and Contraindications
9. Concepts of Disease, Standard Precautions, Transmission-Based Precautions, Disinfection Procedures, and Emergency Preparedness
10. Professional Standards: Scope of Practice, Standards of Care, Assessments, Documentation, Informed Consent, Treatment Planning, and Referrals
11. Special Populations: Massage for Pregnant and Postpartum Clients, Infants, Children, Adolescents, Aging Adults, and Those with Visual, Hearing, and Mobility Impairments
12. Hydrotherapy: Clinical Applications, Spa Applications, and Spa Procedures
13. Foot Reflexology: Principles and Practice
14. Clinical Massage: Pain Theories and Pain Management, Clinical Assessments, Clinical Application Methods, Sports Massage and Working with Athletics, Soft Tissue Injuries, Hospital-Based Massage, Surgery, and Working with Hospice Patients
15. Seated Massage: Principles and Practice
16. Asian Bodywork Therapy: Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Ayurvedic Principles, and Chakras
17. Business Practices: Getting Started, Marketing, Professional Development, Accounting, and Planning
Unit 2: Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, and Pathology
18. Introduction to the Human Body: Medical Terminology, Cells, Tissues, and Body Compass
19. Skeletal System, Pathologies, Disorders, and Injuries
20. Muscular System, Pathologies, Disorders, and Injuries
21. Kinesiology
22. Integumentary System, Pathologies, Conditions, and Injuries
23. Nervous System, Pathologies, Disorders, and Injuries
24. Endocrine System and Pathologies
25. Reproductive System, Pathologies, Conditions, and Disorders
26. Cardiovascular System, Pathologies, and Disorders
27. Lymphatic System, Pathologies, and Conditions
28. Respiratory System, Pathologies, Conditions, and Disorders
29. Digestive System, Pathologies, Dysfunctions, and Disorders
30. Urinary System, Pathologies, and Disorders
Product details
Product details
- Edition: 8
- Latest edition
- Published: November 26, 2026
- Language: English
About the author
About the author
SS
Susan G. Salvo
Dr. Susan Salvo has a diverse career in massage and academia spanning over 40 years. Susan is well-known as a thought leader and pioneer in evidence-informed practice, has written two widely-used textbooks, and presents at professional conferences around the world. She also reviews case reports for the Massage Therapy Foundation and was a task force member for the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge project and the Council of State Governments Interstate Compact. Susan’s writings, teachings, and research efforts focus on advancing the fields of massage, complementary and integrative health care, and higher education.
Affiliations and expertise:
Adjunct Professor, Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy, USA
Adjunct Professor: Unitech Training Academy, USA
Adjunct Professor: Northeast College of Health Sciences, USA
Adjunct Professor: New Mexico School of Massage, USA
Affiliations and expertise
Director of Education and Instructor, Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy, USA