Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/77424
SOMATIC RESEARCH prevalence of this condition in the older adult population, and a literature search of current research on the use of massage or similar modalities for this condition. The stated objective is to delay knee surgery, so research studies that demonstrate a reduction in the symptoms and the ability to maintain current activity levels as a result of the intervention will be effective in substantiating the hypothesis. The methods section covers two broad topic areas: the profi le of the client and the treatment plan. The profi le of the client includes a detailed account of how the condition affects the client—presenting symptoms and changes in activities of daily living—and a medical history as it pertains to the condition. Also included are fi ndings from other members of the client's health-care team, including the physician's diagnosis and recommendations for care. Most importantly, address the client's desired outcomes, not just your own. The second part of the methods section—the treatment plan—details the selected massage and bodywork techniques and assessment techniques, how and where they are applied, the duration and frequency of sessions, and a rationale for the plan. The selections should be supported in the literature; if not, a rationale is expected. The results section presents data in an organized fashion: charts, graphs, or tables, with captions and legends. Common assessments include range of motion, pain levels, or disability indices, and are collected periodically over time. For an example of pain levels charted over a period of several sessions, see the Pain Scale above. If any changes were made to the treatment plan once the course of care began, describe them in this section and provide the rationale. Discussions/conclusions provide meaning to the results. Here, explain the effects of the treatment, how they support or refute the hypothesis, and suggested implications to the 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 FEB 23 MAR 6 MAR 20 APR 4 APR 18 APR 30 TREATMENT DATES profession. Identify limitations to the study—what you learned that you might do differently next time or recommend that someone else consider in the future. For example, knee swelling may have been reduced as reported by the client, but no measurements were taken and therefore cannot be objectively accounted for. A recommendation can be made to include this assessment in future studies. Most importantly, tell it like it is and avoid exaggerating outcomes or conclusions. Unfounded claims diminish the impact of the report. It is more respectable to identify your shortcomings and inform future research than to overstate your results. Be measured in your assertions, be open to alternative possibilities, and recognize your limitations. SHARING YOUR CASE REPORT Now it's time to get it published. There are two journals that focus on massage and bodywork research: The International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (www.ijtmb. org) and The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (www.elsevier.com/ jbmt). Both are peer-reviewed scientifi c 118 massage & bodywork january/february 2011 journals with submission criteria outlined on the websites. Follow the guidelines and submit electronically. A preliminary step is to submit your case report to the MTF Case Report Contest. Guidelines for writing case reports and for submission are on the website (www. massagetherapyfoundation.org/ practitionercontest.html). A committee of researchers and practitioners review the reports, and if you place in the top three, detailed feedback is provided and prizes are awarded. Support is available, should you choose to submit it for publication, and cash prizes follow if you are selected for publication. Once your paper is submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, a rigorous review is employed. The paper is critiqued by two or more researchers or advanced practitioners. Comments are exhaustive and usually require an extensive rewrite. This process ensures the paper is fi t for publication and will withstand critique by readers, including scientists, physicians, and the like. Support through the MTF contest can provide the fortifi cation necessary to weather the critique. PAIN SCALE PAIN LEVEL