These are article references taken from a search on massage within the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies on Elsevier's Science Direct. Only articles with abstracts were include. Links to the journal title will do a Google search. Most doi, uri, and url links will successfully link to the article online. a pilot study Cesar Fernandez-de-las-Penas author Cristina Alonso-Blanco author Josue Fernandez-Carnero author Juan Carlos Miangolarra-Page author 2006-01 text continuing periodical academic journal The aim of this pilot study was to compare the effects of a single treatment of the ischemic compression technique with transverse friction massage for myofascial trigger point (MTrP) tenderness. Forty subjects, 17 men and 23 women, aged 19-38 years old, presenting with mechanical neck pain and diagnosed with MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle, according to the diagnostic criteria described by Simons and by Gerwin, participated in this pilot study. Subjects were divided randomly into two groups: group A which was treated with the ischemic compression technique, and group B which was treated with a transverse friction massage. The outcome measures were the pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the MTrP, and a visual analogue scale assessing local pain evoked by a second application of 2.5 kg/cm2 of pressure on the MTrP. These outcomes were assessed pre-treatment and 2 min post-treatment by an assessor blinded to the treatment allocation of the subject. The results showed a significant improvement in the PPT (P=0.03), and a significant decrease in the visual analogue scores (P=0.04) within each group. No differences were found between the improvement in both groups (P=0.4). Ischemic compression technique and transverse friction massage were equally effective in reducing tenderness in MTrPs. Fernandez-de-las-Penas2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.05.003 2006-1 10 1 3 9 Scoliosis, costovertebral dysfunction, and thoracic outlet syndrome Michael Hamm author 2006-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of massage therapy in the concurrent treatment of three related, but discrete, disorders: scoliosis, costovertebral dysfunction, and thoracic outlet syndrome.MethodsA 34-year-old female subject reported steadily increasing pain in the right shoulder over the previous 8 months. Chiropractic diagnosis and assessment by the author's clinical supervisor had identified these three conditions. Massage therapy was administered twice weekly for a total of 8 sessions. Each 75-min session included 15 min of intake and assessment, during which pain levels (PLs), sleep patterns, and functional limitations were recorded. Treatment was applied in the remaining 60 min, and consisted of Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, and Muscle Energy techniques. The clinical supervisor conducted three extended assessments, which were performed prior to, halfway through, and after the treatment series.ResultsReported PLs, sleep patterns, and functional limitations all showed substantial improvements over the course of treatment, despite a re-injury to the affected shoulder before the seventh session. Assessment by the Clinical Supervisor confirmed these results.ConclusionsMassage therapy is an appropriate tool for the concurrent treatment of these three conditions. Further research should focus on the ability of massage to address pathologies normally dealt with as separate entities. Hamm2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.10.002 2006-1 10 1 12 20 A pilot-test comparison Cynthia Price author 2006-01 text continuing periodical academic journal The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of body-oriented therapy, as an adjunct to psychotherapy, for women in recovery from childhood sexual abuse. A two-group randomized design was employed. Eight women were recruited from a community sample and randomly assigned to an experimental group or wait-list control group. The experimental condition involved eight 1-h weekly sessions of body-oriented therapy, a combination of bodywork and the emotional processing of psychotherapy. The study examined changes in somatic and psychological symptoms, and the subjective experience of the intervention using a mixed method approach. Methods included interview, written questionnaire, and self-report outcome measures of psychological symptoms, dissociation, post-traumatic stress, and physical symptoms. Pre-post comparison of the two groups revealed remarkable decreases on SCL-90 global score, PTSD, number and severity of physical symptoms, and a trend toward decreased dissociation for the experimental compared to the control group. Qualitative results revealed the positive impact of body-oriented therapy on sense of inner security and psychotherapeutic progress. Price2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.03.001 2006-1 10 1 58 64 Surussawadi Mackawan author Wichi Eungpinichpong author Rungthip Pantumethakul author Uraiwon Chatchawan author Tokamol Hunsawong author Pricha Arayawichanon author text continuing periodical academic journal Although both Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) and joint mobilization have been practiced in Thailand to reduce musculoskeletal pain, a comparative study of these in relieving pain is not been found in the literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of TTM versus joint mobilization on substance P and pain perception in patients with non-specific low back pain. Sixty-seven adults with non-specific low back pain were randomly assigned to receive either TTM (35 people) or joint mobilization (32 people). The duration of each treatment was 10 min. The levels of substance P in saliva and a visual analog scale (VAS) were measured before and 5 min after each treatment. Paired t-test was used to compare outcome variables at baseline with outcome measures 5 min after each treatment. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to compare the difference between groups. Both groups showed a decrease in the level of substance P after treatment when compared with levels pre-treatment (73.86[plus-or-minus sign]62.31 pg/ml versus 50.43[plus-or-minus sign]64.39 pg/ml in TTM and 80.61[plus-or-minus sign]85.26 pg/ml versus 56.27[plus-or-minus sign]72.77 pg/ml in joint mobilization; p=0.019 and 0.006; 95%CI: 4.03-42.82 and 7.48-41.19, respectively). Additionally, there was a marked decrease in VAS after treatment in both groups (4.22[plus-or-minus sign]1.98 versus 2.45[plus-or-minus sign]1.75 in Thai massage and 4.35[plus-or-minus sign]1.71 versus 3.39[plus-or-minus sign]1.66 in joint mobilization; p=0.000 and 0.002, 95%CI: 1.12-2.40 and 0.37-1.55, respectively). There was no significant difference in the substance P level after treatment between the two groups. However, the VAS pain score was slightly different between the groups after treatment (0.88; 95% CI: 0.16-1.59; p=0.017), where the TTM group reported less pain than the joint mobilization group (2.48[plus-or-minus sign]0.25 versus 3.36[plus-or-minus sign]0.25 VAS, respectively). Both TTM and joint mobilization can relieve pain in patients with non-specific low back pain. However, TTM yields slightly more beneficial effects than joint mobilization. Mackawan2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.11.001 2006 In Press, Corrected Proof Virginia S Cowen author Lee Burkett author Joshua Bredimus author Daniel R Evans author Sandra Lamey author Theresa Neuhauser author Lawdan Shojaee author text continuing periodical academic journal Many cultures have a massage or touch-based therapy that has been influenced by the development of culture over time. The origins of Thai massage (TM) can be traced to oriental medicine and yoga. Swedish massage (SM), the most popular type of massage practiced in the US, is based on anatomy learned from dissection. To date TM has been largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast a single general massage treatment, using one of two different styles of massage, on physiological and psychological outcomes.Fifty-three participants enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to receive one TM or SM treatment. Dependent variables included blood pressure, heart rate, range-of-motion, perceived anxiety, and mood. Physiological assessments (blood pressure, heart rate, range of motion) were conducted immediately before (T1) and after the massage (T2). Psychological assessments (anxiety and mood) were conducted at T1, T2, and at 48-h follow-up (T3).A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed overall significant differences for the massage. However, there were no differences between the treatment groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for individual dependent variables found significant improvement between T1 and T2 in resting heart rate, ankle plantar flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and shoulder abduction/rotation. Significant overall improvement was noted in mood at T2, and in tension-anxiety as well as confusion-bewilderment at T2 and T3 compared to T1. The findings suggest that a single treatment of TM is as effective as SM on general physiological and psychological outcomes. Cowen2006 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.08.006 2006 In Press, Corrected Proof Victoria Latifses author Debra Bendell Estroff author Tiffany Field author Joseph P Bush author 2005-10 text continuing periodical academic journal This study examined the effects of fathers massaging their pregnant wives and practicing relaxation with them. Participants were married American fathers who completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Paternal Fetal Attachment Scale. The fathers learned to massage their pregnant wives, learned relaxation techniques with their wives, or received no intervention. Massage therapy lowered the fathers' self-reported anxiety levels on the STAI and improved marital adjustment on the DAS. Latifses2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.02.004 2005-10 9 4 277 282 Uraiwon Chatchawan author Bandit Thinkhamrop author Samerduen Kharmwan author Jacqueline Knowles author Wichai Eungpinichpong author 2005-10 text continuing periodical academic journal The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of traditional Thai massage (TTM) among patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Swedish massage (SM) was selected as the treatment for the comparison group. One hundred and eighty patients were randomly allocated to receive either TTM or SM for 6 sessions during a 3-4 week period, with follow-up 1 month later. Results indicated that pain intensity, assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), among patients in both groups was reduced by more than half after 3 weeks of treatment and for up to one month afterwards (P) with no significant difference in VAS between the groups. Similar improvements were found for most other outcome measures. We conclude that TTM and SM are effective in reducing back pain among patients with MTrPs. We therefore suggest that massage therapy, and in particular Thai massage, be considered as an alternative primary health care treatment for this disorder. Chatchawan2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.02.001 2005-10 9 4 298 309 Watsu and Aix massage Kieren Faull author 2005-07 text continuing periodical academic journal Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness on health outcomes of a proposed holistic therapy (Watsu, WATer shiatSU) as a possible intervention for people with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) by comparing its effectiveness with the present water-based therapy, Aix massage.Methods: Thirteen females diagnosed with FMS completed Watsu and Aix treatments. Short-Form-36 General Health Survey (SF-36) data were collected at the start and completion of treatment in a two-condition, within-subject, reverse-order counterbalanced design. Each SF-36 subscale was tested with a two-way, repeated measure analysis of variance.Results: Significant change in treatment and interaction effects were found for Watsu on the SF-36 subscales of physical function, bodily pain, vitality and social function, but not for Aix treatment.Conclusions: Watsu was supported as an effective holistic intervention compared to Aix massage. Variables other than Watsu may have caused the significant result. A study with a larger sample and a control group is required before it can be inferred that the change is due to this therapy. Faull2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2004.12.001 2005-7 9 3 202 210 Tanya Fry author John W Xerogeanes author William C Reeves author 2005-04 text continuing periodical academic journal Rupture of the quadriceps tendon is an uncommon but severe injury that has a long recovery period and risk of sequelae especially when repair is delayed. This article presents a case of ruptured quadriceps tendon complicated by a post-operative wound infection causing a six-month delay of definitive surgical treatment. This paper discusses therapy following resolution of the wound infection (to prepare the patient for definitive repair) and therapy following repair (to restore the subject to previous levels of competitive activity). Fry2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2004.06.005 2005-4 9 2 158 165 Glenn M Hymel author 2005-01 text continuing periodical academic journal The massage therapy profession is currently engaged in a competency-based education movement that has as one of its several focal points an emphasis on promoting massage therapy research competencies (MTRCs) at an introductory or entry level. One of several dimensions that must be seriously considered in advancing MTRCs in the profession is that of the curricular and instructional contexts for teaching these skills (see J. Bodywork Movement Ther. 2003, 7(3), 194). It is precisely this dimension to which this paper speaks in proposing a systems-based model for integrating research competencies in massage therapy education. Specifically, basic guidelines are suggested for preparing, implementing, and evaluating instruction at the unit or module level. An illustrative unit titled "The Experimental Research Process" is provided as an exemplar that could serve any one or more of the following functions: (a) an initial unit among several constituting a foundational core research course in a massage therapy school's curriculum; (b) a self-contained unit as part of a continuing education workshop or mini-course; and (c) a generic unit for a networking educational seminar among diverse health care professionals. Hymel2005 10.1016/j.jbmt.2004.03.006 2005-1 9 1 43 51 Tiffany Field author Miguel Diego author Christy Cullen author Kristin Hartshorn author Alan Gruskin author Maria Hernandez-Reif author William Sunshine author 2004-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Objective. To determine the effectiveness of massage therapy for relieving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).Methods. Sixteen adults with CTS symptoms were randomized to a 4-week massage therapy or control group. Participants in the massage therapy group were taught a self-massage routine that was done daily at home. They were also massaged once a week by a therapist. The participants’ diagnosis was based on a nerve conduction velocity test, the Phalen test, and the Tinel sign test performed by a physician. The participants were also given the state trait anxiety inventory (STAI), the profile of mood states (POMS), a visual analog scale for pain and a test of grip strength.Results. Participants in the massage therapy group improved on median peak latency and grip strength. They also experienced lower levels of perceived pain, anxiety, and depressed mood.Conclusion. The results suggest that symptoms of CTS can be relieved by a daily regimen of massage therapy. Field2004 10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00064-0 2004-1 8 1 9 14 The validity of meta-analysis conclusions Leon Chaitow author Zachery Comeaux author Jan Dommerholt author Edzard Ernst author Peter Gibbons author John Hannon author Douglas Lewis author Craig Liebenson author 2004-01 text continuing periodical academic journal A recent review has concluded that: "Initial studies have found massage to be effective for persistent back pain. Spinal manipulation has small clinical benefits that are equivalent to those of other commonly used therapies. The effectiveness of acupuncture remains unclear. All of these treatments seem to be relatively safe. Preliminary evidence suggests that massage, but not acupuncture or spinal manipulation, may reduce the costs of care after an initial course of therapy" (Cherkin et al., Ann. Int. Med. 138(11) (2003) 898). This review was based on a meta-analysis comparing the value of manipulation with massage therapy and acupuncture that concluded that: "There is no evidence that spinal manipulative therapy is superior to other standard treatments for patients with acute or chronic low back pain" (Assendelft et al., Ann. Int. Med. 138(11) (2003) 871). A number of opinions were sought as to the validity of these conclusions, and a commentary was offered by Professor Edzard Ernst on these opinions. Chaitow2004 10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00078-0 2004-1 8 1 25 31 do sources agree? Mitchell Batavia author 2004-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Objectives: To explore the extent to which professional sources agree on contraindications (CIs) and precautions for therapeutic massage. Methods: Textbook and peer-reviewed journal sources containing CIs on therapeutic massage in English within the past 10 years were searched (January 1992-July 2002). Descriptive statistics and stacked bar graphs were employed to illustrate agreement of categorical data. Results: Twenty-one sources listed anywhere from 3 to 86 CIs and precautions for therapeutic massage. Over half of the sources failed to indicate a CI or precaution for the majority of patient conditions. Seventy-six percent of the sources failed to cite references to support CI claims. Conclusion: Sources markedly varied regarding what conditions were considered contraindicated for massage. Advisory panels and greater reliance on evidence-based data may help to enhance consistency when documenting future CIs. Batavia2004 10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00084-6 2004-1 8 1 48 57 injuries reported in Medline relating to the practice of therapeutic massage--1965-2003 Keith Eric Grant author 2003-10 text continuing periodical academic journal Medline citations from 1965 to 2003 were searched for cases relating significant injury to the practice of therapeutic massage. Eleven such cases were found from over 12 million medical citations. While this number is far too small for statistical analysis of injury patterns, six recommendations for training and practice were obtainable from these reports on mechanistic grounds. A conclusion of the general safety of massage follows from the paucity of report injury cases in conjunction with corroborative insurance statistics. Grant2003 10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00043-3 2003-10 7 4 207 212 Gail Dudley author Kerry N McGrath author Alfred M Pheley author 2003-10 text continuing periodical academic journal Forty-one women (mean age 44 years, S.D. 10) undergoing hysterectomy surgery received a 30-min massage plus standard care (n=19) or standard care without massage (n=22) the day after their surgery. Twenty-six procedures used a vaginal approach, the remaining 16 were abdominal. Women were assigned based on their month of delivery/surgery during the spring and summer of 1998. No interaction was observed between procedure type and massage condition (P=0.92), nor was there a main effect for massage (P=0.49) when examining length of stay and pain medication use. Women undergoing abdominal hysterectomies had longer hospital stays (average 61 vs 44 h, P=0.001) and required almost twice as much pain medication as those having vaginal hysterectomies (P=0.003). Other preliminary observations related to massage are discussed. Dudley2003 10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00037-8 2003-10 7 4 222 227 Part IV: Experimental research designs Claire M Cassidy author Jacqueline A Hart author 2003-10 text continuing periodical academic journal In the last part of this four part series, the application of design principles for experimental research is considered and put in the context of how they apply to research in massage and bodywork therapy (MBT). At the end, key elements from all four parts of the series are summarized so that the reader has a snapshot picture of several of the unique aspects of research in MBT. Finally, a step-by-step blue print is included at the end for the inspired MBT researcher who is ready to begin (See Table 3.) Cassidy2003 10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00067-6 2003-10 7 4 240 250 trigger point therapy for triceps and extensor muscles Clair Davies author 2003-07 text continuing periodical academic journal Supported by the work of Janet Travell and David Simons, the author asserts that myofascial trigger points in triceps and extensor muscles can be the major cause of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). When conventional treatment protocols for tennis elbow prove less than satisfactory, it may be to their not being suited for deactivating myofascial trigger points.The author presents techniques for self-applied deep stroking massage of trigger points in triceps and extensor muscles that patients can employ to complement or even replace other therapies in the treatment of tennis elbow. Practitioners are encouraged to explore these techniques on themselves as a test of their efficacy and as a way to gain enough familiarity with the method to feel confident when teaching it to patients. Davies2003 10.1016/S1360-8592(02)00071-2 2003-7 7 3 165 172 a case for using an integration model Joffrey Scott Suprina author 2003-07 text continuing periodical academic journal Chronic pain is a prominent and costly challenge for the healthcare industry. Research has identified the biopsychosocial model to be the most effective treatment for chronic pain. This article discusses the efficacy of a biopsychosocial model and explores utilizing an integration model - a single practitioner applying a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial construct. A case study of a young woman living with chronic low back pain is used to exemplify an effective integrated approach. The treatment resulted in a successful reduction of symptoms. Although no single practitioner can effectively treat all chronic pain, there are a number of potential advantages to the one-person integration treatment model: it may save time and money; can be more efficient and effective and may be more easily researched, than a multidisciplinary team approach. Suprina2003 10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00022-6 2003-7 7 3 184 193 dimensions for thought and action Glenn M Hymel author 2003-07 text continuing periodical academic journal Two major developments in the therapeutic massage and bodywork profession have recently brought to the forefront, in a most comprehensive fashion, the issue of research competencies. Specifically, the efforts of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Foundation's Massage Research Agenda Workgroup and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation's (COMTA) expansion of competency-based standards to include a research component have both called the profession to a potentially heightened level of credibility. Accompanying such an opportunity for the massage/bodywork profession's development, though, are challenges still to be successfully deliberated and acted upon. One such challenge is that of coordinating the various curricular, instructional, organizational, and resource areas essential to advancing massage therapy research competencies. Accordingly, this paper suggests a multi-dimensional framework intended to initiate critical discussions of how the profession might now proceed. Hymel2003 10.1016/S1360-8592(03)00021-4 2003-7 7 3 194 199 Tiffany Field author Jesse Delage author Maria Hernandez-Reif author 2003-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Forty patients with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to a movement/massage therapy group or a relaxation control group. The movement/massage therapy group attended a 50-min session twice per week for 3 weeks and the relaxation group simply relaxed in a lying down position on the same schedule. The movement/massage therapy group in contrast to the relaxation control group showed decreases in depressed mood, state anxiety and regional pain immediately after the first and last sessions of the study and a decrease in depressed mood, state anxiety and regional pain at baseline from the first to the last session. Both the movement and the massage portions of the session involved self-administered stimulation of pressure receptors. The positive effects on pain relief in particular suggest that self-administered pressure stimulation may reduce pain. Field2003 10.1016/S1360-8592(02)00078-5 2003-1 7 1 49 52 Judy M Lovas author Ashley R Craig author Yvette D Segal author Robert L Raison author Kathryn M Weston author Margaret R Markus author 2002-07 text continuing periodical academic journal Little scientific investigation has been conducted to examine objectively the belief that massage therapy can effect the immune system of healthy people. If there are any links between massage therapy and improved immune function, the mechanisms by which they operate are not known. This study evaluated the effects of massage therapy on immune functions of two healthy females.Using a single-case experimental ABAB design, two subjects received a relaxing massage during the experimental phases (B) and no massage during baseline phases (A). Assays were conducted for T and B lymphocyte mitogen-induced proliferation, enumeration of T and B lymphocyte subsets, quantification of immunoglobulins A, G and M (IgA, IgG, IgM) and cortisol levels. Trait and state anxiety levels were also examined.The results indicated a consistent and significant trend of increased activity of both T and B lymphocytes and levels of serum IgG for both subjects during the B phases compared to the A phases. There were no other significant differences between experimental and control conditions for the remaining measures, although serum IgM levels approached significance (P=0.06). Both subjects demonstrated a reduction in trait anxiety over the period of massage therapy.Further studies with larger sample sizes in control and experimental groups, over a longer experimental period are necessary. The study of the effects of massage therapy poses an exciting challenge in psychoneuroimmunology. Lovas2002 10.1054/jbmt.2001.0251 2002-7 6 3 143 150 a pilot study Maria Hernandez-Reif author Tiffany Field author Shay Largie author Christy Cullen author Julia Beutler author Chris Sanders author William Weiner author Dinorah Rodriguez-Bateman author Lisette Zelaya author Saul Schanber author Cynthia Kuhn author 2002-07 text continuing periodical academic journal Sixteen adults diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (M AGE=58) received 30-min massage therapy or progressive muscle relaxation exercise sessions twice a week for 5 weeks (10 sessions total). Physicians rated participants in the massage therapy group as improved in daily living activities by the end of the study. The massaged group also rated themselves as improved in daily functioning, and having more effective and less disturbed sleep. Urine samples revealed that at the end of the 10 sessions, the massage therapy group had lower norepinephrine and epinephrine (stress hormone) levels, suggesting they were less stressed. The progressive muscle relaxation group had higher dopamine levels, which is interesting in that Parkinson's is associated with a decrease in dopamine. The relaxation group also showed higher epinephrine levels, suggesting that although the relaxation exercises might have been beneficial, some Parkinson's participants might have found the relaxation technique stressful. Hernandez-Reif2002 10.1054/jbmt.2002.0282 2002-7 6 3 177 182 an introduction for health care professionals James L Oschman author 2002-04 text continuing periodical academic journal Clinical application of natural and artificial electric and electromagnetic fields has had a long and controversial history. This presentation will summarize this history and recent research. Sensitive magnetometers, called SQUIDs, are being used by medical researchers to map the biomagnetic environment of the human body in health and disease. The well-known electrical activities in the body, which provide the basis for the electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, and electromyogram, have biomagnetic counterparts, called the magnetocardiogram, magnetoencephalogram, and magnetomyogram, respectively. These measurable biomagnetic fields extend into the space around the body. After a long period of discouraging clinical application of electric or electromagnetic fields, orthopedic researchers developed a pulsing electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) that stimulates repair of fracture non-unions. Extensive clinical trials led the FDA to approve this device as ‘safe and effective’ in 1979. The method has been modified for treating soft tissues, such as nerves, ligaments, skin, and capillaries. Research into the mechanisms involved in PEMF therapy has led to a better understanding of the ways cells and tissues respond to minute environmental fields of particular frequencies. This research is beginning to provide a logical scientific basis for some of the subtle effects of complementary therapies such as Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Polarity Therapy, Massage, and Acupuncture. Oschman2002 10.1054/jbmt.2001.0259 2002-4 6 2 117 125 the experts respond Leon Chaitow author 2002-01 text continuing periodical academic journal In the October 2001 issue of JBMT the editorial raised questions as to the value, validity and accuracy of palpation methods in assessing musculoskeletal dysfunction. The reason for the topic of palpatory reliability being of current interest results from a steady series of published papers, which cast doubt on inter- and intra-rater reliability, and accuracy, in the performance of manual forms of assessment. The trigger for the exercise, which has resulted in this collection of responses on that theme, was an article by Comeaux et al. (2001), which noted relatively poor inter-rater reliability when three similarly trained practitioners evaluated the lower cervical and upper thoracic spine. In the interest of clarification JBMT invited a number of eminent clinicians and researchers to answer a series of questions, which had been compiled in consultation with various experts. Professions represented in the responses include medicine (David Simons and Karel Lewit), osteopathy (Peter Gibbons and Philip Tehan), chiropractic (Craig Liebenson and Don Murphy), physiotherapy (Joanne Bullock-Saxton and Dianne Lee) and massage therapy (Shannon Goosen). Chaitow2002 10.1054/jbmt.2001.0253 2002-1 6 1 18 18 Tiffany Field author Christy Cullen author Miguel Diego author Maria Hernandez-Reif author Phillippa Sprinz author Kristen Beebe author Bonnie Kissell author Vivian Bango-Sanchez author 2001-10 text continuing periodical academic journal Twenty children with leukemia were provided with daily massage therapy by their parents and were compared to a standard treatment control group. Following a month of massage therapy, depressed mood decreased in the children's parents, and the children's white blood cell and neutrophil counts increased. Field2001 10.1054/jbmt.2001.0228 2001-10 5 4 271 274 squaring the circle of practitioner damage Gerry Pyves author 2001-07 text continuing periodical academic journal Massage therapists are incurring serious injury as a result of using techniques that have not changed in over 200 years. Recent research points to an injury pandemic that is only now coming to the surface. Massage has reinvented itself over the last 100 years into numerous body-therapies that would be unrecognizable to Per Henrik Ling, the father of western massage. Techniques originally designed to be used for only a few minutes are now used throughout the session to the detriment of the practitioner's health. Altering the contact point of massage and the practitioner's own body-movements are essential for healthy practitioners and a healthy profession. These alternative contact points can be safely used for soft and nurturing strokes as well as for deep structural bodywork. The forearm in particular offers a variety of appropriate surfaces that enable the bodyworker to achieve the same effects as conventional hand-based massage strokes. Pyves2001 10.1054/jbmt.2000.0213 2001-7 5 3 173 180 Andrzej Jancewicz author 2001-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Tai Chi Chuan has traditionally been used and is still practised by millions of Chinese people, especially the elderly as an exercise and therapeutic tool. Since the advent of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the west, there has been an increasing interest in its potential health benefits by an increasing number of health professionals, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. This literature review focuses on the increasing evidence of Tai Chi as an exercise activity which can improve fitness, and that with regular application can lead to an increase in functional abilities of coordination and joint mobility, as well as improve self esteem and confidence. The literature review on Tai Chi provides evidence as to the potential for Tai Chi in the prevention and treatment of many conditions associated with ageing, amongst them loss of balance and strength (frailty), and cardiorespiratory function, as well as psychological factors associated with the ageing process.It is concluded that Tai Chi Chuan can prevent many of the problems associated with ageing, but that further research needs to be undertaken into the use of Tai Chi as a therapeutic tool for combating chronic disease. Jancewicz2001 10.1054/jbmt.2000.0178 2001-1 5 1 70 77 Maria Hernandez-Reif author Tiffany Field author Josh Krasnegor author Z Hossain author Hillary Theakston author I Burman author 2000-01 text continuing periodical academic journal High blood pressure is associated with elevated anxiety, stress and stress hormones, hostility, depression and catecholamines. Massage therapy and progressive muscle relaxation were evaluated as treatments for reducing blood pressure and these associated symptoms. Adults who had been diagnosed as hypertensive received ten 30 min massage sessions over five weeks or they were given progressive muscle relaxation instructions (control group). Sitting diastolic blood pressure decreased after the first and last massage therapy sessions and reclining diastolic blood pressure decreased from the first to the last day of the study. Although both groups reported less anxiety, only the massage therapy group reported less depression and hostility and showed decreased urinary and salivary stress hormone levels (cortisol). Massage therapy may be effective in reducing diastolic blood pressure and symptoms associated with hypertension. Hernandez-Reif2000 10.1054/jbmt.1999.0129 2000-1 4 1 31 38 a bridge between complementary and orthodox approaches Elizabeth A Holey author 2000-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) is a bodywork technique which lies at the boundary between alternative and orthodox approaches. A manual therapy technique, it utilizes connective tissue reflex zones which are then manipulated by a gentle shear force with the aim of reducing pain, restoring balance in the autonomic nervous system and inducing segmental and suprasegmental reflex effects on the visceral and hormonal systems. CTM requires a holistic approach in its assessment in order that the degree of autonomic imbalance is established and that subsequent clinical decision making is guided by the zonal positions. The technique, itself, however, is firmly rooted within orthodox scientific concepts and the zones can be seen, palpated and anatomically explained. The approach to treatment, the scientific rationale and research findings are discussed to justify the claims made for this powerful technique. Holey2000 10.1054/jbmt.1999.0125 2000-1 4 1 72 80 the use of props to encourage repose John Charles Hannon author 1999-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Methods of encouraging repose are presented which may be useful with the apprehensive client as well as with those who are unable to relax. Muscular relaxation is prerequisite to the success of many manual therapy skills as well as being a desired outcome for most massage techniques. Three standards are presented to help gauge the quality of repose. These consist of: 1) determination of the degree of support of the client by the treatment surface upon which they rest; 2) observation of respiration; and 3) noting the quality of passive movements. The use of pillows or props may be useful or even necessary as a catalyst for repose. Fourteen approaches to prop placement are presented for inducing repose in the recumbent client. Hannon1999 10.1016/S1360-8592(99)80043-6 1999-1 3 1 55 64 Maria Hernandez-Reif author Tiffany Field author Tory Field author Hillary Theakston author 1998-07 text continuing periodical academic journal Twenty-four adults with multiple sclerosis were randomly assigned to a standard medical treatment control group or a massage therapy group that received 45-minute massages twice a week for 5 weeks. The massage group had lower anxiety and less depressed mood immediately following the massage sessions and, by the end of the study, they had improved self-esteem, better body image and image of disease progression, and enhanced social functional status. Hernandez-Reif1998 10.1016/S1360-8592(98)80009-0 1998-7 2 3 168 174 J M McPartland author the Census Subcommittee of the Alternative Medicine Research Institute and Teacher's Academy (AMRITA) author 1998-04 text continuing periodical academic journal The number of bodyworkers and movement therapists in Vermont, USA was estimated by searching for advertisements (yellow pages, newspapers and magazines, business cards and brochures), surveying membership lists (e.g. Vermont Massage Guild) and reviewing state registrations (e.g. the roster of licensed chiropractors). This search was supplemented by careful word-of-mouth canvassing. We located 609 Vermonters who practise at least one of 62 different types of bodywork or movement therapy. Most practitioners were women (66%), and practised more than one type of bodywork. Classic Western massage therapists were the most prevalent practitioners, followed by chiropractors, practitioners of Asian styles of bodywork, and nurses using therapeutic touch. On a per-capita basis, there is one practitioner per 960 Vermonters (or 164 practitioners per 100 000 population). Extrapolating this Vermont census to a nationwide estimate of practitioners suggests there are over 273 700 bodyworkers and movement therapists practising in the USA. McPartland1998 10.1016/S1360-8592(98)80033-8 1998-4 2 2 125 128 Tiffany Field author Maria Hernandez-Reif author sybil Hart author Olga Quintino author Levelle A Drose author Tory Field author Cynthia Kuhn author Saul Schanberg author 1997-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Women (mean age = 35 years) who had experienced sexual abuse, were given a 30-minute massage twice a week for 1 month. Immediately after the massage the women reported being less depressed and less anxious and their salivary cortisol levels decreased following the session. Over the 1-month treatment period the massage therapy group experienced a decrease in depression and in life event stress. Although the relaxation therapy control group also reported a decrease in anxiety and depression, their stress hormones did not change, and they reported an increasingly negative attitude toward touch. Field1997 10.1016/S1360-8592(97)80002-2 1997-1 1 2 65 69 Whitney W Lowe author 1997-01 text continuing periodical academic journal Accurate assessment of soft tissue injuries is crucial to both pain relief and proper treatment. Orthopaedic assessment skills are systematic problem solving methods that give the massage practitioner or bodyworker a sound basis for making educated decisions about treatment with choices. The emphasis on manual examination in orthopaedic assessment is appropriate for the therapist who primarily uses manual treatment methods since highly developed skills of palpation are crucial for proper assessment and treatment. Treatment will be most effective when the therapist is able to match the physiology of the tissue injury with the physiological effects of specific massage techniques. This article utilizes a fictional case study to illustrate the value of orthopaedic assessment skills in the treatment of rotator cuff pathology. Lowe1997 10.1016/S1360-8592(97)80008-3 1997-1 1 2 81 86