Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68175
the topic is controversial. If the latter is so, full disclosure is recommended. Full investigation requires some legwork on the part of the author or educator. Because our profession did not develop in an academic environment, we are not accustomed to questioning authority, as it were. We trusted the expertise of our teachers and mentors and our education was steeped in traditions and customs demonstrated to be effective over time. But we have new information about the underlying mechanisms of basic tenants taught 10 years ago, rendering some of our theories and practices invalid. Through scientifi c studies, we know massage in general, and lymph drainage in particular, does not spread cancer14, 15 and massage does not enhance the removal of lactic acid from muscles.16, 17 More theories need to be challenged by research, and safer, more effective approaches to treatment identifi ed. By challenging our educators to research the research, our knowledge base and skill level can expand. CHALLENGING CITATIONS, IMPROVING OUR KNOWLEDGE Let's put our new skills to the test. Pull out the March/April issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine. Turn to the article titled, "Working With Whiplash, Part 1" (page 109). The author, Til Luchau, did a fi ne job of referencing his text. He wrote a thoughtful and thorough article on the signs, symptoms, and treatment of whiplash. Because his approach is sound and his delivery is well-documented, I felt confi dent asking Mr. Luchau if I could use the one less-than-stellar source he cited as an example for this article. It is a perfect opportunity for us to practice researching the research. Our goal is to gain better knowledge about the topic—whiplash—and learn to critique our sources of information, not to criticize Mr. Luchau. He graciously agreed to let us use this citation as a learning experience (see Til Luchau's response on page 121). Citation 6 supports a statement made early in the article on page 109, second column, fi rst paragraph: "…whiplash patients can be involved in legal or insurance diffi culties, which may complicate or even hinder recovery." The citation includes the direct quote from the source and is credited to: connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 119