Process for massage therapy practice and essential assessment

Ann Blair Kennedy; Jerrilyn A Cambron; Patricia A Sharpe; Ravensara S Travillian; Ruth P Saunders

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.01.007

Process for massage therapy practice and essential assessment

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2016 Jul;20(3):484-96. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.01.007. Epub 2016 Feb 1.

Authors

Ann Blair Kennedy¹, Jerrilyn A Cambron², Patricia A Sharpe³, Ravensara S Travillian⁴, Ruth P Saunders⁵

Affiliations

¹ University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, USA. Electronic address: Kenneda5@email.sc.edu.
² National University of Health Sciences, Department of Research, USA.
³ University of South Carolina, College of Social Work, USA.
⁴ Pacific Northwest College of Allied Health Sciences, Seattle, WA, USA.
⁵ University of South Carolina, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, USA.

PMID: 27634069
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.01.007

Abstract

Background: Little evidence exists about processes in massage therapy practice. Investigating current frameworks is warranted. This qualitative study is a secondary data analysis using grounded theory to understand how massage therapy experts describe massage therapy practice.

Methods: 31 massage therapy experts were invited to a 2-day symposium to discuss best practices for the profession. Through qualitative analysis, memoing, and discussion, the data were summarized into themes.

Results: Three themes were identified around massage therapy practice: 1) client centered, 2) structure for practice, and 3) influencing factors. Each theme is clarified and expanded.

Discussion: Conceptual models were developed for research and clinical practice and a definition for massage therapy practice was identified. Challenges and limitations are discussed.

Conclusion: The goal of providing these models is to give massage therapists tools to deliver the best possible care. The models need testing to see if they help advance the profession.

Keywords: Grounded theory; Massage therapy; Outcome and process assessment; Practice guideline; Professional practice; Qualitative research.

MeSH terms

Documentation
Humans
Massage / methods
Massage / organization & administration*
Massage / standards
Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / organization & administration*
Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / standards
Patient Care Planning
Patient-Centered Care / organization & administration
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Qualitative Research