Self-Massage: A Good Relaxation Technique

While working on the 6th edition of my book, Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques, I rediscovered three books on self-massage -- a relaxation technique that I think RTs should be using with their clients.

I had mentioned Mary Atkinson's A Practical Guide to Self-Massage in an earlier post some time ago. The book was published in London by Cico Books in 2005 and offers 50 self-massage movements. Two other books have good sections on self-massage, complete with many self-massage techniques that RTs can teach clients. These are Voner's (2005)Massage: Everything You Need to Relax, Rejuvenate, and Relieve Stress. The other is Stuart's (2006)The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy.

A common therapeutic benefit from RT is helping people deal with stress and find means to relaxation. If you haven't tried out self-message with your clients, now may be a good time because it offers great potential.