Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, 2d ed.

This book is an update of the first edition, which was written in 1989. It represents a compilation of chapters written by well-known physical therapists in respective areas of orthopedic physical therapy. The second edition has a new chapter on orthopedic neurology, soft tissue mobilization, and lumbar rotations in the treatment of back pain. The book contains four sections consisting of 27 chapters. The sections include fundamental orthopedic principles, the upper quarter, lower quarter, and special considerations in orthopedic neurology, and soft tissue mobilization. Each chapter has been revised, and the section on the wrist and hand has been completely rewritten.

Each chapter has pictures and diagrams depicting examination and treatment techniques. All of the chapters are well-referenced, and each chapter also includes a case-study description of respective patient problems related to the specific region being reviewed.

This book is an excellent addition to physical therapy and orthopedic literature. Not only does it depict current thinking in orthopedic physical therapy practice, it takes the reader through a sequential thought process of diagnosis, patient history, physical examination, and, ultimately, treatment. It is not a "cook book" or "how to" method of patient treatment. Each chapter reviews a multitude of clinical entities germane to specific anatomic regions and allows thereader to go through the thought process of developing a treatment regimen based on subjective and objective criteria.

I would recommend that all therapists who deal with orthopedic physical therapy consider having this book in their libraries. Even if you have Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, ed 1, the second edition does include some very important updates that are not included in the first edition. I am extremely impressed with the work that the editors have put forth in developing this text. It would make an excellent addition, not only for the clinical physical therapist dealing with orthopedic entities on a day-to-day basis, but also for students in orthopedic physical therapy, as well as instructors who teach on a graduate level. It is an outstanding text and deserves high praise from the profession.

Steven A Hoffman, PT, ATC, SCS North Hills Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Pittsburgh, Pa