Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: From Research to Practice.

Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: From Research to Practice Cameron MH, ed. Philadelphia, PA 19106, WB Saunders Co, 1999, paperback, 512 pp, illus, ISBN:07216-6244-7, $39.95.

Physical Agents in Rehabilitation is an excellent resource for physical therapist clinicians, students, and faculty. The topic coverage is inclusive, comprehensive, and yet straightforward; readers from a variety of settings will find the information clearly presented.

The text is divided into 3 primary sections: section 1, "Pathology and Patient Problems"; section 2, "The Physical Agents"; and section 3, "Integrating Physical Agents Into Present and Future Practice." Each chapter begins with the objectives and an introduction, and ends with clinical case studies, a review, and references.

The chapters from section 1--"Inflammation and Repair," "Pain," "Motion Restrictions," and "Tone Abnormalities"--provide an in-depth discussion of the topic anatomically or physiologically, and the role of physical agents in treating the pathology or problem is addressed.

Each chapter in section 2--"Thermal Agents: Physical Principles, Cold, and Superficial Heat," "Hydrotherapy," "Traction and Compression," "Ultrasound," "Electromagnetic Radiation," and "Electrical Currents"--uses a similar format that addresses effects, uses, contraindications and precautions, adverse effects, and application techniques for that agent. Documentation guidelines are given, and case studies provide clinical application. In addition, any chapter may present specialized information for a specific agent. For example, the ultrasound chapter includes information on buying a unit and equipment standards, and the hydrotherapy chapter covers issues of infection control and pool safety.

Section 3 includes chapters entitled "Selecting the Ideal Physical Agents for Patient Treatment" and "Directions for Future Research." In the first chapter in this section, the reader is brought back to the initial concepts presented in section 1. Treatment choices for the pathology or problem are discussed. The use of the agent alone or in combination with additional interventions is examined, and the use of agents across health care delivery systems is considered. The final chapter identifies areas where further research is needed and includes methodological considerations for that research.

There are many strengths to this text. The format is easy to follow and uniform throughout each section. The chapter authors skillfully integrate the basic and applied sciences of physical therapy (ie, anatomy, physiology, a broad spectrum of evaluation and treatment rationales and techniques, the use of Nagi's model of disablement) with the topic of physical agents. The language is straightforward and easy to understand. Visually oriented terms, such as the "picture frame theory of wound closure," add clarity. Multiple tables, diagrams, flow charts, and photographs enhance the written text. Especially useful are the simple, easy-to-comprehend schematic diagrams. The text is well referenced throughout all chapters. Finally, because theory and application parameters are included within the same text, the reader and practitioner can find information efficiently.

Additional resources that complement Physical Agents in Rehabilitation include a student study guide and instructor's manual. The study guide includes multiple choice, true/false, and short-answer questions; diagram and table completions; and case studies. The instructor's manual includes chapter outlines, copies of selected tables and charts, suggestions for lab activities, and a curriculum guideline.

Although the focus of the text is physical agents, the presentation style encourages the appropriate selection and use of agents within the concept of total patient care. Physical Agents in Rehabilitation will be a useful text for clinicians, students, and faculty.

Renee Mabey, PT, PhD
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

Dr Mabey is Assistant Professor and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of evaluation, physical therapy intervention, and research. Her research interests include academic and clinical outcome assessments.