Introduction to Physical Therapy, 2d ed.

Introduction to Physical Therapy, ed 2 Pagliarulo MA, ed. St Louis, MO 63146, Mosby Inc, 2001, paperback, 352 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-323-01057-1, $33.95.

This revised edition of Introduction to Physical Therapy has been updated to reflect current issues facing the physical therapy profession and the changes that have occurred since 1996. This edition continues the first edition's goal of providing an introductory text for students interested in physical therapy and for those at the beginning of physical therapy education programs. The updates that were included in this text incorporate the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, Second Edition, and actions taken by the 2000 House of Delegates (eg, the Vision Statement for Physical Therapy 2020 and the Model Definition of Physical Therapy for State Practice Acts [now titled Scope of Physical Therapist Practice]). Additional text boxes have been included to provide supporting information in an easy-to-read format. To assist the reader, each chapter begins with educational objectives and concludes with a summary section.

The book has 2 main sections. Part I, "Profession," deals with the profession of physical therapy, physical therapy employment settings, the physical therapist assistant, the American Physical Therapy Association, legislative and policy concerns, and current issues. The chapter on laws, regulations, and policies has been rewritten by a physical therapist who has a law degree and includes expanded references and applicable Web sites. Major changes in the chapter on current issues include a broader discussion of the effect of managed care on physical therapy and educational changes such as the entry-level (professional) clinical doctorate.

The patient/client management model of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice is incorporated throughout the book and is emphasized in part II, "Practice." A new chapter on the integumentary system has been added to part II, with the revised order of the chapters in this part directly reflecting that of the Guide. The depth of coverage for each of the chapters in this part remains at an introductory level--describing the applicable anatomy and physiology and the principles of the patient/client management model. Descriptive case studies in each chapter provide examples of general application of the principles discussed.

The second edition continues to fill its predecessor's role as an introductory text in physical therapy and would be appropriate for introductory courses in physical therapy. Part I presents information that is appropriate for both physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students. Part II focuses on the role of the physical therapist in patient/client management for each area, omitting a discussion of the physical therapist assistant. Key terms, which are identified at the beginning of each chapter, are bolded in the sections of the chapter in which they are discussed. The format for the chapters and the bolded words make this text easy to read and easy to refer back to. This text continues to be an appropriate choice for a broad description of the profession of physical therapy and its practice.

Linda J Tsoumas, PT, MS
Springfield College
Springfield, Mass

Ms Tsoumas is Associate Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Physical Therapy, where she teaches neuroscience and management of neuromuscular conditions.