Development of a taxonomy to describe massage treatments for musculoskeletal pain.
BACKGROUND
One of the challenges in conducting research in the field of massage and bodywork is the lack of consistent terminology for describing the treatments given by massage therapists. The objective of this study was to develop a taxonomy to describe what massage therapists actually do when giving a massage to patients with musculoskeletal pain.


METHODS
After conducting a review of the massage treatment literature for musculoskeletal pain, a list of candidate techniques was generated for possible inclusion in the taxonomy. This list was modified after discussions with a senior massage therapist educator and seven experienced massage therapists participating in a study of massage for neck pain.


RESULTS
The taxonomy was conceptualized as a three level classification system, principal goals of treatment, styles, and techniques. Four categories described the principal goal of treatment (i.e., relaxation massage, clinical massage, movement re-education and energy work). Each principal goal of treatment could be met using a number of different styles, with each style consisting of a number of specific techniques. A total of 36 distinct techniques were identified and described, many of which could be included in multiple styles.


CONCLUSIONS
A new classification system is presented whereby practitioners using different styles of massage can describe the techniques they employ using consistent terminology. This system could help facilitate standardized reporting of massage interventions.
Sherman
Karen J
KJ
Center for Health Studies, Group Health Cooperative, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA. sherman.k@ghc.org
Dixon
Marian W
MW
Thompson
Diana
D
Cherkin
Daniel C
DC
D001828:Body Image; D002965:Classification / Q000379:methods; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage / Q000145:classification* / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009068:Movement; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000628:therapy; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D059408:Pain Management; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D012064:Relaxation Therapy