Massage Therapy
Principles and Practice
- 8th Edition - November 26, 2026
- Latest edition
- Author: Susan G. Salvo
- Language: English
This accessible and comprehensive text is a reliable resource for mastering the key principles of massage therapy. With a focus on massage fundamentals, techniques, and anatomy and… Read more
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This accessible and comprehensive text is a reliable resource for mastering the key principles of massage therapy. With a focus on massage fundamentals, techniques, and anatomy and physiology, the 7th Edition of "Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice" equips you for success in academic studies, examinations, and professional practice. Featuring over 700 images, updated information on current protocols, thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, and revised content on common pathologies encountered in the field, this user-friendly text simplifies the essential concepts of massage therapy to help you excel in your educational journey, licensing exams, and clinical practice.
- Detailed sports massage section in Clinical Massage chapter
- Unified anatomy, physiology, and fundamentals content throughout book
- Practice Exam simulating major certification tests for thorough preparation
Massage therapy students
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
- Edition: 8
- Latest edition
- Published: November 26, 2026
- Language: English
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Susan G. Salvo
Susan G. Salvo is a massage therapist with more than 30 years of experience. As an author, Susan has written best-selling massage textbooks and created online courses and instructional videos. She has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Instructional Technology and is enthusiastic about bringing 21st century resources into the classroom. She has also participated within the professional MT community, notably as a task force member for the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge (MTBOK) Project. In 2011, Susan was named Teacher of the Year during the World Massage Therapy Festival. She holds memberships in several prestigious associations and societies and is very passionate about massage therapy and massage education.
Affiliations and expertise
Director of Education and Instructor, Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy, USA