Physical Therapy of the Shoulder, 2d ed.

The editor states that this book was written to enhance the knowledge base of musculoskeletal assessment and treatment of shoulder dysfunction. This text is fairly comprehensive and meets its goal by providing an excellent overall reference on physical therapy of the shoulder.

The second edition differs from the first in that new chaptesr have been added on shoulder girdle fractures and arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder. In addition, five of the chapters have been completely revised: those on normal mechanics and anatomy of the shoulder, evaluation of the shoulder, isokinetic evaluation and treatment of the shoulder, the shoulder in hemiplegia, and evaluation and treatment of brachial plexus lesions.

The first chapter reviews the anatomy of the shoulder and helps to clarify the complex interactions between the bony and soft tissue structures of the shoulder girdle. Biomechanical principles as they relate to the shoulder girdle are also covered in some detail. Chapter 2 covers evaluation of the shoulder complex using a sequential approach and has several detailed case studies that help to reinforce manmany of the concepts discussed. Chapter 3 is devoted solely to isokinetic training and testing of the shoulder and includes many practical ideas regarding the use of isokinetics in the patient with shoulder dysfunction. Chapter 4 reviews the role of posture in the treatment of any upper-quarter dysfunction. This chapter is a rather brief overview, considering the numerous interactions between the shoulder girdle and other structures in the upper quarter, and would have benefited from a few case studies. Chapters 5 to 8 cover the pathologies of frozen shoulder, the shoulder in hemiplegia, thoracic outlet syndrome, and brachial plexus lesions. These chapters are thorough and similar in format, presenting etiology and background information, followdd by evaluative techniques and treatment programs. Chapter 9 reviews common shoulder problems in the athlete, concentrating on isokinetic tsting of athletes. Relatively few injuries are covered in this chapger; the chapter would have benefited from being expanded.

Injuries to the shoulder resulting from throwing are covered in chapter 10, which is an excellent synopsis and includes evaluation and treatment with specific exercise programs. Chapter 11 is devoted to joint mobilization techniques and is covered in considerable detail, with a good basic introduction to joint mobilization. The mobilization techniques described are reinforced by excellent photography. Chapter 12 is based on myofascial trigger points as a basis for shoulder girdle pain and includes a thorough review of the literature and principles for treatment. Chapters 13 through 16 complete this text and cover the following topics on medical and surgical treatment of the shoulder: myofascial dysfunction, shoulder girdle fractures, total shoulder replacement, and arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder. These chapters present easy-to-understand and current information that will be of value to physical therapy practitioners.

The authors have made significant improvements in this text from the first edition and should be commended for an excellent text. I would certainly recommend this book for all physical therapy practioners and any other health care professionals involved in the care of patients with should dysfunction.

David Levine, PT Univ of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tenn