In order to discuss clinical massage, we must first remind ourselves where massage has come from and understand the importance touch has had in the realm of health care. This chapter begins by giving a brief history of massage therapy and discussing different types of touch therapy. It then discusses two popular systems of clinically relevant massage, listing their major objectives and principles. The components of clinical massage are introduced in this chapter and expanded on throughout the remainder of the text. The basis of treatment—putting all the components involved in clinical massage together—closes out the chapter, stressing the importance of understanding why, when, and to what extent the techniques of clinical massage are applied.
