Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

74 • Massage Therapy Journal

TOMCATT Study CA-M Routine Outline Routine Component Time Allotment (minutes)

Veteran Component Activity

Care-Ally Component Activity

Deep breathing and self-grounding, centering

Deep breathing and self-grounding, centering Breathing/grounding, observing; Self-lymph drainage Active body movement of neck, arms, wrists, hands, shoulders Laying on of hands, making connection, assessing the tissue with gentle touch

Grounding

1

Lymph Address

2

Self-applied lymph drainage

Active body movements of head, neck, shoulder and trunk

Range of Motion (ROM)

1

Check-in/Initial Connection

1

Receive and provide feedback

Receive and self-apply

Stretching

3

Apply to partner and self

Receive—give feedback

Warming of Neck Tissue

2

Gliding strokes to neck, shoulders

Receive—give feedback

More Specific Neck Work 3

Kneading and point work: neck, shoulders

Back Work and Abs

Receive—give feedback and self-apply ab work

3

Compression, point work, gliding strokes, upper and lower back

Receive—give feedback

Shoulders, Neck, Scalp

3

Apply as continuation of above; add scalp

Receive—give feedback

Arms and Pecs

3

Apply to both sides through hands.

Receive—give feedback

Back, Shoulders, Neck, Scalp Veteran Applied Specific Point Work

3

Final specific work and additional attention items

4

Self-apply deep back and front of the neck work

Observe and/or self-apply

Final “Sweep” and Closure 1

Receive

Compression, effleurage, gentle tissue movement or stretching, closure

Teaching Clients to Use These Techniques

• The neck stretch described in this article. • Self-administered trigger-point techniques for as needed neck comfort support. Encouraging your clients to incorporate these self-care massage approaches can reinforce the therapeutic effects of your work and foster a collaborative approach to wellness. The TOMCATT study’s CA-M intervention highlights the potential of structured, accessible massage routines to reduce neck pain and disability—even when applied by non-professionals. For massage therapists, the self-care components of this protocol offer a

The CA-M self-massage components are not only useful for therapists but also easily teachable to clients. Consider incorporating brief demonstrations into your sessions or providing handouts with illustrations and instructions. Encourage clients to use these techniques between visits to maintain progress, reduce discomfort and feel more empowered in their own care. For example, you might teach a client: • A simple lymph drainage sequence.

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