The Massage Therapy Career Focus Workbook
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Wellness Area Supplemental Information
This section provides additional information and suggested resources for therapists specializing in a particular Wellness Area.
Psychosocial Wellness Area
Career Issues:
- An individual considering specialized work in the psychosocial area will be mainly concerned with the overall healing power of touch.
- Assessment procedures, as well as treatment outcome measurement, will be both feeling and behavior based; that is, largely dependent on the subjective reports of the client.
- Relationship difficulties (i.e. work, marriage, friendships), emotional repression, or other psychosocial stresses will be considered as the primary root of the particular condition for which treatment is being sought.
- Treatment techniques focusing on deep relaxation and emotional release will be utilized whether one seeks to work with individuals who, on the one hand, are in need of simple psychological stress management or release - or whether one plans to work with those who are behaviorally challenged or the psychologically ill.
Resources and Networking:
Traditional health disciplines and sciences operating in the psychosocial area where you may find resources and networking possibilities include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Relationship Counselling
- Pastoral / Spiritual Counselling
- Sports Psychology
- Criminology
- Psychopathology
- Psychophysiology
- Substance Abuse Counselling
- Anxiety / Depression Counselling
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming
Biochemical Wellness Area
Career Issues:
- An individual considering specialized work in the Biochemical area will be focused on the "cleansing of tissues" approach to massage.
- Assessment and measurement of treatment outcomes will focus on issues of metabolic function and the body's management of waste and toxins.
- Poor diet, unhealthy work or living environment, improper hygiene - including the build up or inability to expel metabolic or dietary wastes will be considered as the primary root of conditions for which treatment is being sought.
- Quality of muscle metabolism and fitness will be stimulated, enhanced, or rehabilitated through the effect of massage primarily on the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
- Direct or indirect stimulation of the digestive system through various methods will also be used to encourage proper assimilation of nutrients or the expelling of waste from the body.
Resources and Networking:
Traditional health disciplines and sciences operating in the biochemical area where you may find resources and networking possibilities include:
- Diet / Nutrition Counselling
- Oncology
- Sports Nutrition
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Study of Allergies / Sensitivities
- Metabolic Profiling and Analysis
- Environmental Medicine
Biomechanical Wellness Area
Career Issues:
- An individual considering specialized work in the Biomechanical area will be focused on "measurable mechanical outcomes".
- Assessment and measurement of treatment outcomes will focus on muscle strength, joint range of motion, and rates of fatigue.
- Specialized muscle use patterns triggered by overuse, under use, or repetitive strain - including postural factors or protective contraction/spasms in cases of traumatic injury will be considered as the primary root of conditions for which treatment is being sought.
- Affected muscles and related soft tissues will be approached with myofascial or trigger point release strategies (among others) to correct and rehabilitate their function. Objective measurement devices and technology may be used to guide the treatment or program.
Resources and Networking:
Traditional health disciplines and sciences operating in the biomechanical area where you may find resources and networking possibilities include:
- Orthopedic Medicine
- Ergonomics
- Physical Therapy
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Chiropractic
- Physiology
- Posture and Health
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