Integrative Pain Management

This book provides an overview of pain mechanisms as currently understood, and details a variety of approaches to pain management used across a wide range of complementary disciplines. A final chapter integrates these body-based and mind-body approaches, and helps the clinician offer the most effective care for the patient.

Diana Thompson, a licensed massage therapist for 30 years, has a private practice in Seattle, USA, treating acute and chronic soft tissue disorders, specializing in post-operative care. She is author of Hands Heal: Communication, Documentation and Insurance Billing for Manual Therapists", now in its fourth edition. She was also the author from 2010-2013 of a regular column in Massage and Bodywork Magazine, titled "Somatic Research". Diana lectures internationally at massage, acupuncture, midwifery, chiropractic, physician and physical therapy conferences and is a consultant for massage therapy research with The Research Institute at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle. She is a past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education, and community service.

Marissa Brooks has worked in healthcare since 1995. She is currently Director of Health Improvement Programs for the Health Benefits Trust where she oversees the administration and development of health care benefits for 14,000 Home Care Aides in Washington State. She develops programs to help HCAs improve their health and reduce their cost of health care. Recently retired from 18 years in clinical massage practice, Marissa is able to contribute to the field of integrative health in other ways. Prior to the Health Benefits Trust, Marissa worked in clinical research, best practice guideline development, scientific review committees, as chair of the state massage board, and on a public health research panel. She also managed a public health research program investigating the translational process, cost effectiveness and return on investment of Community Health Worker home visits for chronic health conditions. Her varied health care experience and expertise have allowed Marissa to deploy allopathic, complementary and alternative healthcare approaches to create an integrated approach to supporting the individual, the care system and the target population hence improving health and quality of life. Marissa has worked in healthcare since 1995. She is currently Director of Health Improvement Programs for the Health Benefits Trust where she oversees the administration and development of health care benefits for 14,000 Home Care Aides in Washington State. She develops programs to help HCAs improve their health and reduce their cost of health care. Recently retired from 18 years in clinical massage practice, Marissa is able to contribute to the field of integrative health in other ways. Prior to the Health Benefits Trust, Marissa worked in clinical research, best practice guideline development, scientific review committees, as chair of the state massage board, and on a public health research panel. She also managed a public health research program investigating the translational process, cost effectiveness and return on investment of Community Health Worker home visits for chronic health conditions. Her varied health care experience and expertise have allowed Marissa to deploy allopathic, complementary and alternative healthcare approaches to create an integrated approach to supporting the individual, the care system and the target population hence improving health and quality of life.