International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Effect of Foot Reflexology on Reduction of Labour Pain Among Primigravida Mothers","authors":"Manju Mohan, L. Varghese","doi":"10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.386","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.386","url":null,"abstract":"Background Reflexology may help induce labour and reduce pain during childbirth. Fear of pain associated with childbirth leads to increase in the irregular use of cesarean method. Purpose This study was performed to evaluate the effect of reflexology on relieving labour pain and assess the recipient’s opinion regarding foot reflexology. Setting The study taken place in the labour room, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kerala, South India. Participants 50 primigravida patients experiencing labour. Research Design A quasi-experimental study design was used. Subjects were selected by convenience sampling technique with the first 25 patients allocated to the experimental group and the successive 25 primigravida mothers to a time-control group, to avoid data contamination. Intervention Intervention consisted of foot reflexology applied by a trained therapist to five pressure points of both feet that correspond to the uterus. Total intervention time lasted 20 minutes. Control group rested quietly for 20 minutes to serve as a time control. Main Outcome Measure(s) Pain associated with labour was recorded on a visual analogue scale immediately prior to intervention, and at 20- and 40-minutes postintervention. Patient satisfaction with reflexology treatment was recorded. Results Mean baseline pain score in foot reflexology group was significantly reduced across the study timeframe relative to control group (p < .001). Post hoc tests confirmed a reduction in labour pain at both the 20-min (p < .001, 95%CI 0.764–1.796) and 40-min (p < .001, 95%CI 0.643–1.677) time points. Eighty-one per cent of patients would recommend reflexology during labour. Conclusion The findings showed that foot reflexology was effective in relief of labour pain, with a high degree of patient satisfaction in primigravida mothers.","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"21 - 29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41978846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural Integration Case Report: a Global Intervention Challenging the Limitations of Local Rehabilitation*","authors":"Bernice Landels, Bachelor Health Studies","doi":"10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.597","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.597","url":null,"abstract":"Background Conventional rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries post-surgery is generally site-specific and aims to return the person to ‘normal’ function. Commonly, conventional treatment focuses locally and little or no attention is given to comorbidities, other symptoms, postural compensations, or adaptations either pre-existing or resulting from the injury. Structural Integration (SI) is a manual therapy applied to and focusing on fascial continuities throughout the whole body. This case report explores SI as a global, whole-body intervention for rehabilitation. Purpose To examine the effects of a whole-body approach that addresses local and global symptoms following ankle surgery. Methods The Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI formerly KMI) 12-series protocol was applied and a selection of outcome measures were used to track progress and assess the efficacy of SI. Ankle mobility and function was assessed primarily using Weight-Bearing Lunge Test and Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Local pain was reported using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. General well-being was evaluated using subjective questioning and the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results Local results included increased mobility and function to affected leg, and reduced pain and swelling. Global results included an improvement in physical and psychological well-being, with the reduction of pain and dysfunction in other areas. Conclusion This case report demonstrates global benefits of a whole-body approach when structural integration is applied during rehabilitation. More clinical research that includes SI is needed to determine if the local and global results shown in this case study can be demonstrated in additional rehabilitation populations.","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"39 - 48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45020955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Case for Therapeutic Massage as an Adjuvant in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients","authors":"Assem Al Refaei","doi":"10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.623","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.623","url":null,"abstract":"Massage therapy is one of the most popular complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies, in which the manipulation of soft tissue alleviates muscular aches and pains, improves sleep, and promotes mental wellbeing.(1) Massage therapy significantly affects general wellbeing, and has been shown to have beneficial effects in many diseases, including autism, pain syndromes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders.(2) According to a recent systematic review, the utility of massage therapy in adult intensive care unit patients improved vital signs and reduced pain and anxiety. (3) The latter, along with other psychiatric disturbances, exhibited an increase during COVID-19 pandemic.(4) For instance, Zhao et al.(5) observed an increase in the Chinese general public anxiety levels during COVID-19 pandemic when compared with previous studies. Measured for by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), anxiety was significantly higher among hospitalized COVID-19 patients who eventually died, when compared to survivors.(6) Anxiety levels in these patients were correlated with cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, which, for its part, was associated with higher mortality among COVID-19 patients.(6,7) In fact, there’s a 42% increase in the hazard of mortality in COVID-19 patients with doubled cortisol concentrations.(7) The primary mechanism by which cortisol exerts the aforementioned outcomes is at the heart of its immunoregulatory functions, which include altered neutrophil, macrophage, and dendritic cell functions along with impaired lymphocyte egress, natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes.(8-10) The majority of these changes directly and indirectly impair the initiation and progression of an adaptive immune response, the response that eventually clears severe infections and confers long-term protection through memory cell maturation and antibody production.(9) This is evident in the cortisol-correlated reduction in influenza-specific IgG antibodies, upon influenza vaccination in chronically stressed dementia caregivers.(11) Furthermore, a 2009 meta-analysis revealed inadequate antibody responses to influenza vaccine among 59% of stressed individuals versus 41% of less-stressed individuals.(12) Herein lies the case for massage therapy as a complementary piece in COVID-19 management, as it could reduce cortisol levels and thus reduce its accompanied immunological disturbances and improve clinical outcomes.(13) In support of this hypothesis is a study by Loft et al.,(14) in which a 4-week massage intervention improved antibody responses to hepatitis B vaccine in students in an academic examinations period. Massage therapy also reduced cortisol, and improved natural killer cells numbers and functions in HIV patients.(15) Furthermore, massage therapy reduced the nuclear accumulation of the inflammatory transcription factor, NFκB in exercise-induced muscle injury biopsies. Massage therapy also benefited m","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"49 - 50"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44759800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Massage for Combat Injuries in Veteran with Undisclosed PTSD: a Retrospective Case Report","authors":"Mica Rosenow, N. Munk","doi":"10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.555","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.555","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction Massage has shown promise in reducing symptoms related to dissociation and anxiety that can exacerbate chronic pain and suffering. The combat wounded, veteran population is increasing and requires a multidisciplinary approach for comprehensive treatment. This case study examines massage therapy use to improve veteran combat injury rehabilitation and recovery experience through purposive, retrospective, and comprehensive SOAP note review. Methods A 31-year-old White male received seven, 60-min, full body massages for combat related shoulder injury complications incurred approximately six years before presentation. The right shoulder sustained a broken humeral head and complete dislocation during a defensive maneuver in a life-threatening attack. This case study utilized data from three different assessments: goniometric measurements for shoulder range of motion, observation and documentation for environmental comfort behaviors, and client self-report for treatment goal attainment. Six weekly, full body, 60-min massages were completed sequentially. A follow-up 60-min treatment was completed at Week 8. Treatment to the injured area included focused trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to the neck, shoulder, and chest. Results Total percent change for active flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation were 12.5, 150, 40, 167, 14.3, and 0%, respectively. Total percent change for passive flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation were 63.6, 350, 66.7, 450, 133, and 77.8%, respectively. Environmental comfort behaviors were reduced. Client treatment goals were attained. Conclusions Massage therapy provided meaningful benefit to a combat injury for a veteran with PTSD.","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"4 - 11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42608449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pain Improvement After Healing Touch and Massage in Breast Cancer: an Observational Retrospective Study","authors":"Danielle Gentile, Danielle Boselli, Susan I Yaguda, R. Greiner, Chase Bailey-Dorton","doi":"10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/IJTMB.V14I1.549","url":null,"abstract":"Background Healing Touch (HT) and Oncology Massage (OM) are nonpharmacologic pain interventions, yet a comparative effectiveness study has not been conducted for pain in breast cancer. Purpose This breast cancer subgroup analysis compared the effectiveness of HT vs. OM on pain. Setting The research occurred at an outpatient setting at an academic hybrid, multi-site, community-based cancer institute and Department of Supportive Oncology across four regional locations. Participants Breast cancer outpatients along the cancer continuum who experienced routine clinical, nonexperimentally manipulated HT or OM. Research Design The study was an observational, retrospective, comparative effectiveness post hoc subanalysis of a larger dataset. Patients reporting pain < 2 were excluded. Pre- and posttherapy pain scores and differences were calculated. Logistic regression modeled posttherapy pain by modality, adjusting for pretherapy pain. The proportions experiencing ≥ 2-point (clinically significant) pain reduction were compared with chi-square tests. Intervention The study focused on the first session of either HT or OM. Main Outcome Measures Pre- and posttherapy pain (range: 0 = no pain to 10 = worst possible pain). Results A total of 407 patients reported pre- and posttherapy pain scores, comprised of 233 (57.3%) who received HT and 174 (42.8%) who received OM. Pretherapy mean pain was higher in HT (M=5.1, ± 2.3) than OM (M=4.3, ± 2.1) (p < .001); posttherapy mean pain remained higher in HT (M=2.7, ± 2.2) than OM (M=1.9, ± 1.7) (p < .001). Mean difference in pain reduction was 2.4 for both HT and OM. Both HT (p < .001) and OM (p < .001) were associated with reduced pain. Proportions of clinically significant pain reduction were similar (65.7% HT and 69.0% OM, p = .483). Modality was not associated with pain improvement (p = .072). Conclusions Both HT and OM were associated with clinically significant pain improvement. Future research should explore attitudes toward the modalities and potential influence of cancer stage and treatment status on modality self-selection.","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"14 1","pages":"12 - 20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47813392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Hand Self-Shiatsu to Promote Sleep in Young People with Chronic Pain: a Case Series Design","authors":"Cary Brown, PhD, Annette Rivard, PhD, Kathy Reid, NP, Bruce Dick. PhD, Leisa Bellmore, MSc, Pei Qin, MSc, Vineet Prasad, MSc, Yuluan Wang, MSc","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.567","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.567","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Sleep problems exist for up to 30% of young people, and increase in the case of those with chronic pain. Because exclusive pharmacological management of sleep problems for children with pain is contraindicated, the development of appropriate non-pharmacological sleep interventions is a significant, largely unmet, need. Purpose: This study examined whether the application of a standardized hand self-shiatsu (HSS) intervention within a population of young people with chronic pain would be associated with improved objectively and subjectively measured sleep. Setting: The Pain Management Clinic of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Hospital, a large tertiary care centre in Edmonton, Alberta and the University of Alberta. Research Design: Sixteen young adults, aged 17 to 27, were recruited for a case series study. The intervention involved participants self-applying a standardized hand shiatsu protocol. Participants wore an actigraph for one week at baseline before learning the HSS technique, and then at four- and eight-week follow-up. At the same measurement points they completed validated self-report measures of their sleep quality and daytime fatigue. Each participant also completed a sleep log to supplement the actigraphy data and to collect their general impressions of the HSS experience. Data were analyzed with SPSS 23 software, using Freidman’s test for analysis of variance. Results: The objective data did not support the hypothesis that this standardized HSS protocol improves objectively measured sleep. However, standardized self-report measures demonstrated statistically significant improvement in perceived sleep disturbance (chi-squared test [χ2] = 8.034, p = .02), sleep-related impairment (χ2 = 7.614, p = .02), and daytime fatigue as measured by the PROMIS Fatigue SF 8-a (χ2 = 12.035, p = .002), and the Flinder’s Fatigue Scale (χ2 = 11.93, p = .003). Qualitative sleep log information indicated wide-spread endorsement of HSS for the management of sleep difficulties. Conclusion: Contrary to objective findings, self-report data support the technique of HSS to improve sleep. Participants’ comments reflected an overall high level of acceptance and appreciation for the HSS technique. Results highlight the importance of expanding the theory and practice related to sleep measurement to better integrate the qualitative domain.","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"13 1","pages":"3 - 11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49194215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Next Steps for the Massage Therapy Foundation Research Agenda","authors":"Ann Blair Kennedy, LMT, BCTMB, DrPH","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.599","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.599","url":null,"abstract":"Foundational to any health profession is the seeking of new knowledge based upon, and guided by, scientific inquiry. To determine what new knowledge is most needed, stakeholders will often create research agendas to guide the path of future research. This editorial introduces the Massage Therapy Foundation’s 2020 Research Agenda, and invites readers to provide input into the prioritization of objectives and goals within the Agenda.","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"13 1","pages":"1 - 2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46550838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Practice-Based Research Networks and Massage Therapy: a Scoping Review","authors":"Samantha Zabel, N. Munk","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.535","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.535","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are means to connect practitioners with researchers and increase the body of rigorous research. PBRNs have been used in medicine for decades, but efforts to create PBRNs in massage therapy (MT) are limited. Purpose: Examine and describe the amount of and nature of MT-related publications derived from PBRN-supported endeavors. Publication Selection: Databases: Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, ClinicalKey, EMBASE, Google Scholar. Keywords: massage, massage therapy, practice-based research network, PBRN. Key items: publication year, operating PBRN, article type, study design, general theme, massage therapist involvement/MT application. Inclusion Criteria: studies conducted through a PBRN using MT/massage therapists as an investigated factor; articles/editorials focused on PBRN-related MT research. Results: Initial database search resulted in 444 records; 40 articles included in analysis from database search, PBRN website access, and PBRN staff contacts. Publication dates ranged from 2005 to 2019, with nearly all published since 2013. Nine PBRNs published 29 articles based on 20 studies and sub-studies as research papers (n=21) or poster/oral presentation abstracts (n=8), and articles discussing the need for PBRNs in MT (n=8). Most research studies were conducted as surveys (n=21), examining practice characteristics (n=9) and patient perspectives/utilization (n=7). Three articles discussing PBRNs in MT were not connected to any specific PBRN. Conclusion: The PBRN model holds promise to further the field of MT, but implementation needs significant development. Promoting the creation and growth of massage-specific PBRNs should be a focus of professional associations and research institutions to expand the body of scientific evidence supporting MT. While the United States has had the most PBRN-related research efforts, a sustainable implementation model is not evident as highlighted by inactivity from US-based PBRNs after initial productivity. An Australian PBRN may serve as a needed sustainability model for massage-related PBRNs in the US if their productivity trajectory continues.","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"13 1","pages":"25 - 34"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45073981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Massage Therapy on Multiple Sclerosis: a Case Report","authors":"Amy Frost-Hunt","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.545","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.545","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by degeneration of the myelin sheath of an axon resulting in decreased transmission of nerve impulses. It is an autoimmune disease with periods of exacerbation and remission. Types of MS include relapsing-remitting, acute progressive, chronic progressive attack-remitting, and benign. Symptoms vary from patient to patient. Common symptoms include fatigue, spasticity, swelling, and altered gait. MS is commonly treated with medications that help relieve symptoms and prolong disease progression. Massage Therapy (MT), specifically Swedish techniques, have been effective in treating MS. Objective: To examine the effects of MT on mobility, fatigue, and edema in a patient with MS. Methods: An MT student from MacEwan University’s 2,200-hour Massage Therapy program administered five MT treatments over a six-week period to a 58-year-old female diagnosed with MS 11 years earlier. She presented with symptoms of decreased mobility, fatigue, and left ankle edema. Assessment included active and passive range of motion (ROM), myotomes, dermatomes, reflexes, and orthopedic tests. Goals for the treatment sessions were to increase mobility, decrease fatigue, and decrease edema. Assessment measures included the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test for mobility, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) to measure fatigue, and Figure-8 ankle measurement to measure edema. Techniques used included Swedish massage, passive ROM, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and home-care exercises. Results: Little change was noted in mobility. The patient’s fatigue level and left ankle edema decreased. Conclusion: The results suggest that MT is effective in reducing fatigue and edema in a patient with MS. Future studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between mobility and massage.","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"13 1","pages":"35 - 41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46197488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Canadian Massage Therapy Education Environmental Scan","authors":"Amanda Baskwill, Bryn Sumpton, S. Shipwright, L. Atack, J. Maher","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.453","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v13i4.453","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Massage therapists have been a part of Canadian’s health care since 1919. The profession has gone through great change over the past 100 years including adjustments to entry-to-practice education. An important recent change was the implementation of massage therapy (MT) education program accreditation. In light of the likely disruption as a result of programs becoming accredited, a scan of the current state of MT education in Canada was undertaken. Methods: An environmental scan informed by seminal medical education efforts was used to describe the thoughts and opinions of MT education stakeholders in Canada. Specifically, stakeholders were interviewed regarding the current state of MT education and their comments were analyzed for common themes. Results: Twenty-one stakeholders participated. Four themes were constructed: variation, isolation, stagnation, and accreditation. Variation is described as the impact of differences in content and quality of the education provided in MT colleges. Isolation is described as the feeling of the participant being separated, or disconnected, from the regulator, accreditor, or colleagues due, at least in part, to a lack of communication or networking opportunities. Stagnation is described as a lack of activity, growth, or development within MT education. Participants talked about accreditation, both as a solution for some of the challenges previously mentioned, and as a potential challenge in itself. Conclusions: Several challenges to MT education were described by stakeholders that they hoped would be remedied by national MT program accreditation. Despite some limitations, this environmental scan forms a baseline for stakeholder views on massage education in Canada upon which future comparisons can be made. While the environmental scan results are most useful when applied to the MT in Canada context, stakeholders in other countries may also find them interesting and valuable when considering challenges facing their own education programs.","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"13 1","pages":"12 - 24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46198563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}