This New Edition of the foundational work on soft tissue massage has been completely updated and revised to provide a convenient reference source that integrates theory with practice. The 4th Edition continues to follow classic Swedish remedial massage therapy, along with the Hoffa System of local and general massage. It describes how individual techniques affect the human body and then shows how to apply these techniques to specific body regions, allowing the therapist to combine techniques for specific sequences. An introduction to other massage traditions, such as sports massage, trigger points and pressure, rolfing, and shiatsu, is new to this edition. Features Detailed descriptions and a classification of massage techniques inform the reader about each specific massage stroke. Descriptive illustrations demonstrate basic massage techniques. Local and general massage sequences provide an overview of common treatments, which can be modified to meet specific needs. What's New A new section details individual massage strokes, accompanied by all new, step-by-step photographs that show the direction and sequence of each individual stroke. 3 new chapters review other schools of thought, particularly Eastern therapeutic massage techniques. Updated references at the end of each chapter help the user to follow up on specific topics. Contents Part I. General Principles: Historical Perspectives. Basic Requirements for Therapeutic Massage. A Classification and Description of Massage Strokes. Physiological, Psychological and Therapeutic Effects of Massage. Part II. Practice: A General Massage Sequence. Local Massage Sequences. Soft Tissue Massage Techniques as an Evaluation Tool. Massage for Specific Purposes. Massage for the Patient with a Respiratory Condition. Connective Tissue Massage (CTM). Specialized Systems of Massage. Eastern Systems of Massage. Appendix: Closed-Chest (External) Cardiac Massage.