In addition to being a useful tool for you, a medical dictionary can be an educational tool for your clients. All mas­sage therapists should understand medical language and be able to use it on a functional level, but the words and terminol­ogy each therapist uses with her clients is an individual choice. Some clients expect their therapists to use medical terminol­ogy, but others are intimidated by it. Gauge your client’s com­fort level and use language that keeps your client at ease but still promotes professionalism. Sometimes primary care physi­cians use medical terms their patients do not understand, and those patients may be uncomfortable asking the healthcare professionals for explanations. People occasionally ask their massage therapists for explanations or definitions of medical words. Pulling out a medical dictionary and finding informa­tion with your client is an opportunity to learn and teach at the same time. Demonstrating your interest in the client’s con­cerns while admitting that you do not know everything, but are willing to learn, generates trust and respect from your client.