In this book Robert King, former national president of the "American Massage Therapy Association", uses over 150 colour photos and step-by-step instructions to explain basic massage therapy for athletes, dancers, and other physically active people. This massage therapy features a combination of muscle stretching and high-impact massage techniques; teaches simple, specific skills; applies direct pressure to muscle just beneath the skin so lubricants are not needed, and allows the recipient to remain clothed. It's easy for readers to insert these massage techniques into their exercise routines. The book also shows readers how to combine specific techniques to develop a warm-up massage, cool-down massage, and maintenance massage. In addition to the basic skills and techniques for therapeutic massage, the book features detailed instructions for a whole body massage. It also includes reference information on equipment,,, touching skills, receiving a massage, and the benefits of ongoing performance massage.