Physical Therapy.

Physical Therapy Scully PM, Barnes MR, eds. Philadelphia, PA 19105, JB Lippincott Co, 1989, hardhack, 1,319 pp, illus, $49.50.

The editors of Physical Therapy, stated that they undertook the writing of this hook to provide "a conceptual framework for articulating the knowledge and skills of the general practice of physical therapy as well as providing a foundation for the development of specific areas of clinical expertise." This book does very well at meeting this very ambitious goal.

The structure of this hook is ideal for both a systematic exploration of all aspects of physical therap), and a specific review of the pathophysiology evaluation procedures, and treatment procedures of one aspect of physical therapy. The hook is divided into six sections. The first section puts the practice of physical therapy in historical, contemporary, ethical, and clinical reasoning frameworks. The second section "presents the theoretical foundations of movement and function" in developmental and social perspectives. The third section of the hook discusses the pathophysiological basis of physical therapy practice. The fourth section examines the basic clinical tests and evaluation measures that physical therapists use to develop a physical therapy diagnosis. The fifth section develops a discussion of the "intervention strategies that may he used to prevent, diminsh, or correct the problems found" as a result of the application of the evaluation procedures discussed in the previous section. The final section presents 12 detailed case studies written by "master clinicians."

There are many exciting features of this book. it emphasizes the importance of the teaching/learning process, of up-to-date presentations, and of the discussion of evaluation procedures in a context of pathophysiology. The most interesting and perhaps most valuable aspect of the book is the final Clinical Management Studies" section. This section allows the reader to follow the thought processes of "master therapists" through a clinical case and offers insight into the problem-solving process that these therapists use. Each chapter has an annotated bibliography; these appear to have been designed to cite only the key literature in each field with an appropriate annotation. The annotated bibliographies, in general, are valuable assets of this hook. There is a wide variation, however, in the quality of these bibliographies, both in the key literature cited and in the annotations with each reference. The chapter "Integumentary Causes" has precise, informative annotations for each key reference, whereas the chapter Mechanical Agents: Traction" has primarily old references and no indication of which are the best reviews of traction techniques. The chapter "Neuromuscular Causes" includes an unpublished research presentation and all article from the nonrefereed physical Therapy, Forum as "key" references.

There are also some disappointments. There is no chapter on clinical research, nor is there an emphasis on clinic I research in the evaluation and treatment chapters. The discussion of electrotherapy, in the chapter "Physical Agents: Electrical, Sonic and Radiant Modalities" is somewhat unorganized, presents unsubstantiated observations as fact, and uses outdated terminology, The chapter Neurological Training and Retraining" does not reflect the more recent therapeutic approaches, such as the motor relearning approach of Carr and Shepherd. There is an occasional lack of continuity among related topics. For instance, the chapter "Normal Development of Movement and Function: Neonate, infant, and Toddler" puts development into a broad theoretical framework, whereas the following chapter, "Normal Development of Movement and Function: Child and Adolescent," simply. descriptive.

Overall, the editors should be congratulated for developing an outstanding introductory book to the field of physical therapy. Physical Therapy provides a perfect resource for both a quick review of an unfamiliar aspect of the profession for the experienced therapist and an initial foundation for an understanding of the entire profession for the entry-level student. I highly recommend this book, particularly to entry-level students who can use this book to get a good foundation in each area of their curriculum prior to starting the more in-depth, specialized texts.

David A Lake, PhD, PT

Northeastern University 

Boston, Mass