Muscle Energy Techniques.

This book primarily focuses on explaining muscle energy soft tissue techniques. The book's eight chapters cover a wide range of topics that take the discerning clinician, step by step. through the rationale and use of these techniques. The authors effectively present numerous schools of thought concerning muscle energy soft tissue techniques and thereby allow the reader to compare a variety of methods while reading a single text.

This book begins with a valuable introduction to muscle energy techniques. The author describes the evolution of this method, recognizing the contributions of physical therapy. osteopathy, and orthopedics. The neurological basis for this technique's effectiveness is presented and well-referenced, taking this book far beyond a "how-to." manual. Important terms are defined, and differing opinions are outlined. The second chapter addresses musculoskeletal dysfunction and describes several models of dysfunction, including those of Korr; Janda, Isaacson, Rolf, and Van Buskirk. Muscle imbalances, altered movement patterns, and trigger points are described in detail. These patterns, their mode of onset, and the implications for rehabilitation presented in a manner similar to a well-organized, thoughtful literature review The author quotes and compares many well-known sources.

The reader then progresses through the application of muscle energy soft tissue techniques, beginning with the foundational concepts of evaluation and intervention and advancing to specific methods. The idiosyncrasies of individual muscles are described along with the specific muscle energy technique used to treat them, making this section particularly interesting. The number of methods described for each muscle reflects Chaitow's commitment to the presentation of many different viewpoints. In a chapter entitled "Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique," the author describes several methods of combining trigger point therapy with muscle energy techniques. The sole chapter contributed by Liebenson outlines several musculoskeletal syndromes, including thoracic outlet syndrome, sacroiliac pain, and headaches and their management.

The use of muscle energy techniques for joint dysfunction is covered to a moderate extent. Specific references on muscle energy techniques for joint dysfunction may prove to be more helpful to the clinician. Chaitow ends the book by reporting on several outcome studies on muscle energy techniques.

The strengths of this text lie in the broad spectrum of approaches covered, the references provided, and the clarity of Chaitow's connections between rationale and treatment. Frequent summary sections pull information together for the reader. The diagrams are instructive. Chaitow provides a thorough background and problemsolving suggestions. His presentation of technique variations and controversies is impressive.

Compared with the remainder of the book, however, the chapter on muscle energy techniques for joint dysfunction is weak. Although the foundational concepts are well-presented by the author, it is evident that the book did not focus on this topic. This fact, however, does not detract from the overall high quality of this work.

This book is a strong resource for the physical therapist working with patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction. It is highly recommended for those individuals who use muscle energy techniques and who are guiding students through this intervention.

Ms Backstrom is Assistant Professor and coordinates the orthopedic track in the physical therapy program. Her clinical and research interests are in orthopedics and manual therapy.