Books and training materials
You will find here some of the best books available to students and experienced practitioners of bodywork. Some are books that I have used as a beginning bodyworker - long before I practised myofascial release, but was still getting good results in pain release - and others I now use in the clinic all the time. They have all introduced me to new ways of working and inspired me to improve my expertise and broaden my scope of practice.

I have presented them in sections although there is often considerable overlap. It is crucial to have a good grounding in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics and to know where one is in the body, and what should be happening there. This provides the necessary foundation for the practice of myofascial release. There are excellent courses in advanced bodywork for qualified massage therapists focusing on outcome based massage. In the UK Jing Advanced Massage Training provide some of the best.

Beyond advanced massage, 'beyond technique', but with the knowledge and experience of technique, we venture into the area of artistry. We use techniques described in all these books in the clinics, and we integrate them with myofascial release - i.e. we do them in the myofascial way. This means that one technique flows seamlessly into another, direct techniques are carried out indirectly, traditional strategies are highjacked to enable a release of fascia and body memory. We adapt gleefully techniques that were originally developed with the mindview that the body worked in a purely mechanistic, biochemical way, and that we were only practising a sort of human mechanical engineering. Successful biomechanical balance and tensegrity are dependent on release of the fascia throughout the body brought about through listening touch, intention and a very sharp awareness of the fundamentals.

This selection of books is designed to help you join us on the journey towards mastery and beyond to inspired practice.

Basic structural sports and remedial massage
Pregnancy massage
Scientific fundamentals, anatomy, biomechanics and pathology
Triggerpoint therapy
Manual therapy
Myofascial release
Craniosacral therapy
Visceral manipulation

Basic structural sports and remedial massage

Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage Sandy Fritz.
Mosby's textbooks are superbly clear and comprehensive. for a beginning massage therapist, these are highly recommended. Include 2 CDs showing techniques. This book covers everything a student massage therapist could need to pass their exams and for a successful start to their practice. Check out also their Mosby's Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage, below.

"Basic Clinical Massage Therapy", James H. Clay, David M. Pounds .
A superb study guide integrating anatomical structure and massage technique for the serious student. This text will take the those beginning in the profession, and those more experienced, beyond basic massage into the realm of effectively treating pain and dysfunction, step by step and with full photographic support. This book has had rave reviews from the foremost professional bodyworkers, both in clinical practice and teaching at massage schools. The following text is taken from the preface:

"Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment is primarily a textbook for advanced massage therapy students who have already acquired the basic skills of Swedish massage and are now pursuing additional training in clinical massage therapy. In this book, I define "clinical massage therapy" as the use of manual manipulation of the soft tissues to relieve specific complaints of pain and dysfunction. As its title implies, our book integrates detailed anatomical information with basic clinical massage therapy techniques. By imbedding illustrations of internal structures into photographs of live models, we are able to show exactly what muscle is being worked on, where it is, where it attached, how it can be accessed manually, what kind of problems it can cause, and one or more basic techniques for effectively treating it. The student can clearly see the involved structures in relation to surrounding structures, surface landmarks, and the therapist's hands. This book therefore offers a truly innovative visual and tactile understanding of anatomical spatial relationships integrated with the learning of treatment technique, which has not been possible with traditional approaches."

Handbook of Clinical Massage: A Complete Guide for Students and Practitioners, Mario-Paul Cassar.
comprehensive and clear, this manual gives a good introduction to clinical massage techniques including how to conduct visual assessment and how to spot symptoms and signs relating to pathology. Its strength is in presenting applied massage techniques for common conditions.

"Sport & Remedial Massage Therapy ", Mel Cash.
A very useful, practical introductory guide for sports and remedial massage. Starting with the very basic principles of massage, its effects, contraindications, working posture and general massage techniques, it goes on to introduce causes and effects of soft tissue injuries and how massage can help in prevention and rehabilitation. Packed with photos and clear descriptions, this book presents many different techniques and explains when to use them, what to do and how to do it. This text covers far more than initially meets the eye, and students will find themselves returning to this text long after they have qualified. Very highly recommended.

"Orthopedic Massage: Theory and Technique ", Whitney W. Lowe.
'Orthopedic Massage: Theory and Technique' is a useful overview of the orthopedic view of soft tissue and the role it plays in pain and injury conditions.


"Soft Tissue Release: A Practical Handbook for Physical Therapists", Mary Sanderson.
Mary Sanderson presents the techniques and rationale of STR, developed originally by Taws and Young, in a concise, easy-to-read way. Photos and diagrams show exactly how the technique is applied and the book is well organised making quick reference easy. 'Soft Tissue Release: A Practical Handbook for Physical Therapists' is recommended as a good introduction to a highly effective technique.


"The Whartons' Stretch Book ", Jim Wharton, Phil Wharton, Bev Browning.
'The Whartons' Stretch Book' Presents active isolated stretching in a clear, concise and eminently readable way. Practitioners will find this book invaluable in teaching clients short sequences of stretches. After essential myofascial release they really do make the difference between short-term and long-term relief from muscular imbalance and resulting pain.

"Sports Injuries: Their Prevention and Treatment", Lars Peterson MD PhD, Per Renstroem MD PhD.
'Sports Injuries: Their Prevention and Treatment' is an outstanding text on treatment and prevention of sports injuries. The information on treatment of injuries is concise and specific and there is an very useful section on rehabilitation.

"Handbook of Osteopathic Technique ", Laurie Hartman. An essential guide for osteopathic techniques.
Modern osteophathic techniques, including indirect technique are featured with the use of photographs and detailed descriptions. In addition this text shows which techniques might be considered for different body types, and how to adjust for individual cases. This text aims to assist the practitioner in refining skills and directing further learning. The book is designed for students of osteopathy, but is also considered suitable for physiotherapists, chiropractors and manipulative therapists who wish to expand their knowledge of effective, modern, gentle osteopathic methods. Highly recommended.

Save your hands! Lauriann Green.
As essential for prevention as for cure. If you are beginning to experience 'wear and tear' or 'carpal tunnel' symptoms from massage therapy practice, get this book. I had to buy it within 3 months of qualifying - injury prevention was not high on the agenda at my massage school - and its very basic premises prevented the excruciating pain that I was already experiencing in my thumbs, hands and wrists, and enabled me to continue with my career in bodywork.


Advanced massage courses by Jing Advanced Massage Training in the UK focus on good body mechanics for bodyworkers and the tutors will work with you tirelessly to find the right position for you and and how to use your hands, forearms and elbows effectively and without damaging yourself.

Pregnancy massage

"Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy: A Comprehensive Practioners' Guide to Pregnancy, Labor, Postpartum", Carol Osborne Sheets.
The recommended book for experienced massage therapists treating pregnant women. Sadly not available from amazon.co.uk, but order instead from amazon.com


Scientific fundamentals, anatomy, physiology and biomechanics

Mosby's Essential Sciences for Therapeutic Massage: Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics and Pathology , James Grosenbach, Sandy Fritz.
A superb volume which I would recommend each and every massage therapy student. It covers everything in its title with specific regard to massage therapy and is laid out in such a way to make learning as painfree as possible. This one does what it says on the tin.

Manual of Structural Kinesiology, 14th edition. Clem Thompson
A fascinating manual explaining location, functions and innervation of all muscles used in everyday movement and sport. The text not only lists these in good detail, but explains the relationship of muscles with their antagonists, synergists and stabilisers. For experienced practitioners involved in sports or remedial bodywork, the way in which common movements in sport and fitness training are shown in terms of their biomechanics is particularly interesting, as are the suggested exercises to strengthen weak muscles and release hypertonic areas. The book can be used as a workbook (there are worksheets to complete) as part of a class or for self-study. A superb selection of websites is listed after each chapter. The accompanying CD features dynamic three-dimensional animations which demonstrate the complex relationships between anatomical structures and their functions in the human body, covering each body system with clinical applications. Currently only available used from amazon.co.uk but still worth it.

The Science and Practice of Manual Therapy: Physiology Neurology and Psychology Eyal Lederman
Those who are familiar with Eyan Lederman's highly technical and almost entirely theoretical previous book 'Fundamentals of Manual Therapy' will be exceedingly pleased at the update. This from the synopsis:

'The Science and Practice of Manual Therapy", previously entitled "The Fundamentals of Manual Therapy", is an extensive examination of how manual therapy (MT) techniques work, and how to match the most suitable techniques to different conditions. Drawing on evidence-based research, it explores the physiological, neurological and psychophysiological responses of the human body to MT techniques. This is a highly practical book, which provides useful clinical strategies for the treatment of common conditions seen in manual therapy practice. This new edition has been completely rewritten, extensively updated and expanded, with addition of new research material, novel clinical approaches and demonstration of new techniques and assessments. The text aims to assist practitioner and students of manual therapy develop a deeper understanding of their patient's processes, and how they may be affected by different MT techniques. It aims to help MT practitioners deliver a more effective and safer treatment, and to be able to treat a broader range of conditions.

Pathophysiology: An essential text for the Allied Health Professions Delva Shamley (editor)
Useful reference of pathologies explained simply, but from an entirely mechanistic point of view. We have not yet found a text on pathology that takes a wider view. In the absence of such, this is a good ongoing reference. Plenty of diagrams, drawings and photographs.

Functional anatomy of the Spine Alison Middleditch, Jean Oliver
Excellent layout, clear and detailed explanations of the functional anatomy of the spine. Both drawings and text are exceedingly clear without being simplistic. Comprehensive references at the end of each chapter. I refer to this constantly.

Myofascial Release and manual therapy resources based on MFR

"Myofascial Release Manual ", Carol J. Manheim.
'The Myofascial Release Manual' is a valuable resource for learning the skills of myofascial stretching and release. Carol J. Manheim introduces the theory of myofascial release, then guides the practitioner into interpreting the appropriate feedback from the patient and responding to it with specific releases. The text features over 150 photographs which clearly illustrate the key steps of each release. Look at the amazon.com page (right) to see inside the book. We have found this to be the clearest, most comprehensive manual of mfr, featuring not only structural mfr but approaches for the release of tissue memory as well.

"Tendon and Ligament Healing : A New Approach Through Manual Therapy ", William Weintraub.
Weintraub aims to show how manual therapy can heal tendon and ligament injuries non-surgically. The book is extremely informative in its clear, accessible descriptions of the cellular, neural, electrical and biomechanical levels of injury and healing and how manual therapy can assist complete recovery. It provides the professional bodyworker with specific explanations of how to work precisely with the microstructure of the tissue and will be of particular help for dealing with people who suffer from sports, overuse, or accident injuries.

"Anatomy Trains", Tom Myers.
Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists by Tom Myers is an extraordinary work for bodywork practitioners, describing a 'whole systems' view of the possible connections between muscles within the fascial net. Myers explains how patterns of strain are communicated through the web of connections to contribute to stability, balance and compensation in posture and movement. Very highly recommended. Look at the amazon.com page (right) for sample pages.

"Spinal Manipulation Made Simple: A Manual of Soft Tissue Techniques", Jeffrey Maitland, Kelley Kirkpatrick.
This book focuses on the problem of joint fixations which often lie at the root of common soft-tissue pain syndromes. Jeffrey Maitland presents techniques for manipulating the soft tissues of the back in a safe, simple manner, focusing special attention on issues of back pain. He shows how to release joint fixations in the spine, sacrum, pelvis and ribcage using a gentle type of soft tissue manipulation, starting with extremely easy, safe techniques to help develop palpatory skills and leading on to further techniques which will release 'stuck' vertebral facets gently and effectively. (NO CRACKING OR SNAPPING!) Excellent drawings and photographs accompany the text for even further clarity. This book has been described as 'The most accessible book on this subject yet' and is highly recommended.

Trigger point therapy

"The Manual of Trigger Point and Myofascial Therapy ", Dimitrios Kostopoulos, Konstantine Rizopoulos.
A textbook for students and clinicians describing the techniques of trigger point as they relate to structural myofascial therapy. Includes latest research and clear applications for the clinic. Does not touch on tissue memory release.

"Informed Touch", Donna Finando and Steven Finando.
Trigger-point release for the treatment of myofascial pain syndromes. 'Informed Touch' explains clearly the nature of muscles and trigger points and how they can lead to myofascial pain. The introductory chapters are extremely useful in giving professional guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain. The text then procedes to feature each muscle in turn with essential information about typical pain patterns and causative or perpetuating patterns, palpation of trigger points, affected organ systems, and suggestions for active and passive stretching exercises which the patient can carry out at home. This book does not touch on tissue memory release.


"The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook", Clair Davies, N.C.T.M.B..
This book is intended both to be a step-by-step guide to self-treatment for readers suffering from soft-tissue pain, and for practitioners treating these patients. Trigger-point therapy is proven to be extremely successful in treating fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, low back pain, frozen shoulder, repetitive strain injuries, accident trauma, sports injuries and more. Very clear, detailed drawings and explanations for finding and treating specific trigger points make this an immediately practical book. This text enables practitioners to initially find and treat trigger points, further explanations for self treatment will enable sufferers to continue treatment on their own. Both this book and 'Informed Touch', Donna Finando and Steven Finando. (above) are based on the original works on trigger points by Travell and Simons.

"Travell & Simon's Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction Vol 1: Upper Extremities", Janet G. Travell MD, David Simons MD, New edition 2000
Most of what is known about trigger points is documented in these two volumes, the original work on trigger point therapy. Janet Travell is recognized as the leading pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain and by the time the first volume was published in 1983, she had already published more than 40 articles about her research in medical journals. This book is the main reference work for any massage or bodywork practitioner involved in the treatment of soft tissue, neuromuscular, and myofascial pain as well as other symptoms of disfunction such as muscle stiffness or weakness, edema, nausea, dizziness and postural distortions.

"Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: the Trigger Point Manual Vol 2: The Lower Extremities", Janet G. Travell MD, David Simons MD.

"Trigger Point Flip Charts", Janet G. Travell MD, David Simons MD.
Trigger Point Flip Charts for the above two volumes.


Craniosacral Therapy

I am sometimes asked what I suggest in terms of craniosacral training. Craniosacral therapy is at one and the same time one of the most demanding modalities in terms of the rquirement for anatomical and technical knowledge but also the use of very fine calibration, intuition, energy work and intention. I find that the better my academic understanding is, the better I can work intuitively. The following are books by three main exponents of craniosacral therapy: John Upledger, Franklyn Sills and Hugh Milne. All three run comprehensive training courses in which there is technical overlap (the system and the anatomy remain the same) but they differ in emphasis and approach. This can be overwhelming for the student / practitioner wishing to train in CST, so here is a simple suggestion based on the way I myself have gone about finding my way through this field:

Upledger provide excellent 'basic' training in CST in short modules. They are very hot on students acquiring technical skills and good fundamental knowledge of the structures involved. I would recommend doing CSTI and II with Upledger which will provide an extremely solid foundation. After that, decide whether you want to go the SER / Cell talk route with Upledger, the Buddhist-inspired biodynamics route with Sills or the visionary route with Milne. Happy journeying.


Your Inner Physician and You: Craniosacral Therapy and Somato Emotional Release , John Upledger.
An excellent introduction to craniosacral therapy, explained in layman's terms by one of the masters of this modality. Plenty of case histories.

Craniosacral Therapy John Upledger
The first of two volumes which form the textbooks for Upledger's craniosacral training courses. Extremely detailed technical information interspersed with advice on clinical practice.


Craniosacral Therapy II: Beyond the Dura John Upledger
volume II


Somato Emotional Release: Deciphering the Language of Life John Upledger
SomatoEmotional Release is about tissue memory and using psychotherapeutic approaches to help release it. This book is a good introduction and is suitable for clients and for those considering training in SER.


Cell Talk John Upledger
More about tissue memory. When a person experiences physical, mental or emotional trauma, this is logged at cellular level. In this book Upledger explains how 'talking' to individual cells in the body initiates self-healing and release of tissue memory.


Craniosacral Biodynamics Franklyn Sills
A beautiful pioneering approach to craniosacral work, going beyond the craniosacral rhythm to locating and working with deeper, slower tidal rhythms within the human mind-body, with specific reference to the 'Breath of Life', as defined by the osteopath William Garner Sutherland . An extremely readable clinical textbook.


Craniosacral Biodynamics: Primal Midline and the Organization of the Body Vol 2 Franklyn Sills
Volume 2


The Polarity Process: Energy as a Healing Art Franklyn Sills
An introduction to Polarity Process as founded by Dr. Randolph Stone


The Heart of Listening: Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work: Vol 1 Hugh Milne
Yet another insired pioneer in craniosacral work, Hugh Milne interweaves the physical, emotional and energetic aspects of this modality in a way that allows the practitioner to work at increasingly refined levels. In this volume Milne introduces us to the philosophy of craniosacral therapy as he teaches it.


The Heart of Listening: Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work: Vol 2 Hugh Milne
Volume 2 is almost entirely geared towards clinical practice.