A quick peek into the books

In this book Mike covers the topic of joint play of the axial skeleton in an organized manner that is simple, yet thorough. Each page addresses a specific mobilization that is demonstrated with a clear photo and described completely, along with helpful suggestions.

What a fantastic resource for any therapist! The accompanying illustrations and conceptual format make utilization and application of the techniques simple and effective.

Joint Play the Right Way For The Axial Skeleton is an easy to read, easy to follow, and very thorough comprehensive book for anyone who is interested in learning ways to better understand and apply corrective techniques for the axial skeleton. The pictures and instructions on how to apply corrective modalities have been very beneficial for me because of how straight forward and obvious they have been instructed. I will definitely be keeping this book readily available in my own practice as a quick and easy to follow reference.

Massage therapists have certain treatment options at their disposal. Certainly, Western-based 'Swedish' massage strokes are at the center of these options. But other options that can increase the effectiveness of their treatment are also available. One of these treatment options is joint play. However, joint play is greatly underutilized. This is unfortunate because it is a powerful adjunctive technique that can be such an effective addition to our clients' treatment plans.

Of Massage Therapy Course, anything that has the power to do good also has the power to do harm, if not performed and applied correctly. This is why Mike Dixon's book Joint Play the Right Way: Axial Skeleton is so valuable. In this book, Mike covers the topic of joint play of the axial skeleton in an organized manner that is simple, yet thorough. Each page addresses a specific mobilization that is demonstrated with a clear photo and described completely, along with 'helpful suggestions' for the most effective utilization by the therapist. In addition, the kinesiology of each region is given, the common pathologies of the region are addressed, and indications and contraindication are discussed, so that the therapist has a true understanding of the safe and effective application of the technique. Rounding this out, Mike has included Muscle Energy Technique (MET), stretching, and remedial exercises to create a multidimensional treatment approach for the therapist.

Mike has utilized his many years in private practice as well as his many years of teaching experience to craft this book, Joint Play the Right Way: Axial Skeleton, as well as his first book, the companionJoint Play the Right Way: For the Peripheral Skeleton, to serve as in-class manuals or as reference Massage Therapy Textbooks. So, whether you are a student learning joint play for the first time, an instructor who needs the perfect manuals to use in the classroom to help your students accurately learn and master joint play, or a practicing massage therapist who needs an excellent refresher reference text that is quick and easy to use, I strongly recommend these books to you. Both of them are invaluable books that will not sit on your bookshelf, but will be used everyday in your study and practice.

Joint Play the Right Way For The Axial Skeleton is an easy to read, easy to follow, and very thorough comprehensive book for anyone who is interested in learning ways to better understand and apply corrective techniques for the axial skeleton. The pictures and instructions on how to apply corrective modalities have been very beneficial for me because of how straight forward and obvious they have been instructed. I will definitely be keeping this book readily available in my own practice as a quick and easy to follow reference.

I personally will be getting a lot of use out of my copy as I strive to integrate all that I was trained in.

It looks awesome and great text descriptions," "Brief and to the point. I like it and would buy it. "This book is descriptive, concise and practical. I Manual Therapy.

Highly recommend it for anyone pursuing a career in Massage Therapy.

Mike Dixon has had seventeen years of private practice and spent over ten years teaching orthopedics and treatment techniques and theory at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. This has given Mike a great deal of insight into the stumbling blocks encountered by students as they endeavor to master these skills.  Mike bears witness to many students' needs, weaknesses, and common mistakes. 

A major impediment he found was the lack of a clear and concise textbook delineating the description of joint anatomy and function, common pathologies, and treatment. Mike set out to create such a book.

The result is a practice guide for therapists laced with informative pictures displaying precise hand positioning, stance, and technique, and including useful pointers for commonly occurring difficulties that arise with each given maneuver.  The reader can quite simply see how the joint should work, what can go wrong, and go on to apply an appropriate treatment to increase its function.

With his years of blended clinical and educational experience, Mike is able to determine the most efficient and necessary procedures and present them in a simple linear format.

Mike has created an easily negotiated learning tool, which the practicing professional can also use as a ready reference for review of a procedure.