As the study and diagnosis of disease, pathology is an area of medical science that not only the massage therapist, but any physical therapist needs to be familiar with in order to work safely, confidently and effectively with a wide range of clients. Knowledge about a common ailment, which system of the body is involved, whether it's chronic or acute, caused by infection, trauma or something else, provides the therapist with vital information, as does knowledge about frequently used medications and their effect on the body. Equipped with this information, the therapist can then make informed decisions about how to adapt a treatment to meet the needs of each client. The aim of this pocketbook is to provide a simple and accessible guide to pathology for both the student and professional body worker, and explain how to apply that knowledge in practice.