Mobilisation of the Spine: A Primary Handbook of Clinical Method, 5th ed.

Mobilisation of the Spine: A Primary Handbook of Clinical Method, ed 5

Grieve GP. New York, NY 10011, Churchill Livingstone Inc, 1991, paperback, 426 pp, illus, $45.

This book is written for both students and practicing physical therapists; however, it seems to be more suited for someone who has some practice background. If this book is to be used by a student, it would be important that a teacher, skilled in the techniques, guide the student in application. Such a book could well become a classic, as an introduction to a method of spinal mobilization. The author treats the topic with great detail and clarity. The difficult part in reading this book is the coding system that accompanies the evaluations presented. Mastery of this coding system will take some time, and usage will be difficult for those not accustomed to the arrows and indicators. This area would be easier if a therapist skilled in this particular record-keeping technique could guide the beginner. Appropriate methods of recording treatment are also presented.

The author demonstrates his great ability with the technique by his presentation of the material. The coverage of anatomy and function of the spine is thorough and concise in the first six chapters. A large section of the book is then devoted to the examination process. This extremely well-illustrated section allows the reader to have access to the full process and to see how the writer approaches the various parts of the examination. The author includes a sizable section that addresses passive movement, both manual and by other devices, and active movement. His coverage of the various methods of traction, from manual to motorized to autotraction, is very complete. He addresses the proper use of manipulation as a therapeutic agent and not as a system that requires regular, repeated visits over a long period, as seen by some practitioners.

As mentioned above, some of the stronger features of the book are the photos and illustrations, which clearly present the visual approach to the topic.

Grieve addresses a topic that is destined to become a greater issue in our literature: "diagnosis" by the physical therapist. He approaches the term with caution and encourages the reader not to leap to overuse of "diagnosis," as this term has multiple meanings to a variety of practitioners, and simply "localizing" the problem area may not constitute "diagnosis."

In addition to a well-presented text, the book offers a wealth of references and titles of related reading. This is a book that every therapist who works with patients with spine-related problems should have in his or her library.