Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, vol 1: The Upper Body.

Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Vol 1: The Upper Body

Chaitow L, DeLany JW. Philadelphia, PA 19106-3399, Churchill Livingstone Inc, 2000, hardcover, 492 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-443-06270-6, $75.

This book is intended to serve as reference for students in the health care professions as well as a framework for qualified clinicians for the clinical utilization of neuromuscular therapy. The text is unique in its thorough coverage of multifaceted approaches to soft tissue mobilization and theory and its implementation in the upper body region.

This book is an exceptionally well-written and comprehensive manual therapy text comprised of 14 chapters. The text integrates European neuromuscular technique and American neuromuscular therapy. Its content includes various aspects of soft tissue manipulation such as therapeutic exercise, holistic medicine considerations, muscle energy, positional release, myofascial release, and self-management techniques. The authors also provide information, albeit limited, on strain- counterstrain, Mulligan's mobilization with movement technique, and Travell's spray-and-stretch method.

Chapters 1 through 7 provide detailed coverage of the scientific and theoretical background for soft tissue dysfunction and neuromuscular interventions. Chapter 8 covers general assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. European and American neuromuscular techniques are delineated in chapter 9. Chapter 10 covers adjunct therapeutic modalities and techniques. Chapters 11 through 14 cover specific anatomical regions: the cervical region; the cranium; the shoulder, arm, and hand; and the thorax. These regional clinical application chapters comprise nearly two-thirds of the text and include specific examination techniques as well as treatment methods. Clinical chapters are thoroughly written and provide numerous step-by-step directions and figures to help readers use the interventions. In the clinical chapters, the authors present a detailed review of the anatomy, specific examination techniques, indications for treatment, and special notes. Detailed descriptions of specific muscular treatment techniques render the book invaluable as a quick reference. Every chapter concludes with a comprehensive summary of supporting literature. In addition, the tables and figures are well designed and serve as a helpful adjunct to the text.

This book is filled with a tremendous amount of information designed for clinical application. Experienced clinicians will find this an excellent resource for soft tissue mobilization. Although the book is not written for clinicians who lack experience in neuromuscular therapy, the first 10 chapters will provide any health care professional (eg, physical therapists, occupational therapists, osteopaths, athletic trainers, chiropractors) with a detailed scientific and theoretical basis for use of neuromuscular techniques and therapy. The depth and specific focus of this text exceeds the needs of an professional physical therapist curriculum. It is highly recommended for experienced clinicians or clinicians seeking advanced fundamentals in manual therapy.

Michael Rosenthal, PT, MPT, SCS
Naval Hospital
Jacksonville, Fla

Mr Rosenthal is Head of the Physical and Occupational Therapy Department.