The first book of its kind, this basic science text is written specifically for massage and bodywork students and eliminates the need for multiple resources. It contains an overview of the body as a whole, mechanisms of health and disease, medical terminology, nervous system basics, an extensive unit on bones, joints, muscles, biomechanics and much more all in one source! This text combines Western science with an overview and correlation to Eastern methods, including acupuncture, accupressure, shiatsu, chakra systems and ayurveda. Sections on pathology with suggestions for intervention protocols and indications and contraindications for soft tissue and movement approaches are also included.

The first basic science book to focus specifically on soft tissue and movement therapy students. Included in each chapter are key terms with definitions, outlines, objectives, and a workbook section (at the end) with an answer key. The book covers all basic science content needed to use structured touch or soft tissue and movement therapy as a main modality. Inclusion of Western science and Eastern methods had resulted in a comprehensive text. The design of this book combines the features of a workbook and a textbook by emphasizing critical thinking through activities, short essays, fill in the blanks, and much more. It provides practical applications for professional practice to enable the student to see how the material applies to the real world. It includes sections on pathology with suggestions for intervention protocols and indications and contraindications for soft tissue and movement approaches. Featuring 661 high quality illustrations and photos, 77 of them in full color, provides a visual guide to the material presented.

Table of Contents

Section Fundamentals

Chapter 1 The Body as a Whole

Chapter 2 Mechanisms of Health and Disease

Chapter 3 Medical Terminology

Section II Systems of Control

Chapter 4 Nervous System Basics and the Central Nervous System

Chapter 5 The Peripheral Nervous System

Chapter 6 The Endocrine System

Section III The Body Moves

Chapter 7 The Skeletal System

Chapter 8 The Joints

Chapter 9 The Muscles

Chapter 10 Biomechanics Basics

Section IV The Rest of the Body

Chapter 11 The Integumentary, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Chapter 12 The Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary and Reproductive Systems

644 pages