Principles of Manual Medicine: Muscle Energy and High Velocity Thrust Techniques, 9-Videotape Set.

Greenman PE. Baltimore, MD 21202, Williams & Wilkins, 1991, VHS, 60 min each tape, $495.

This series of videotapes was developed to teach the osteopathic method of evaluation and the techniques of muscle energy and high-velocity thrust. The videotapes discuss the osteopathic theory of dysfuncion, as well as evaluation and treatment of the spine, shoulder, elbow, pelvis, and hip. Each joint is present with an overview of its specific movements and pathological occurrences that frequently arise. An evaluation is then performed on a patient, along with treatment of each problem found. The presentation is clear and indepth. Each videotape follows a logical progression of biomechanics, common pathologies, evaluation, and treatment. The quality of this series is exceptional. Greenman demonstrates the biomechanics of each joint with a skeleton and frequently uses a grease pencil to point out landmarks on the patient for easier viewing and understanding. The beauty of this series is that it is like having an osteopathic course at your fingertips for review and accurate replication of techniques. The major drawback is, of course, that you cannot ask questions or receive feedback from the instructor. (These tapes are presented in such detail that questions would be minimal anyway.)

Considering the cost of continuing education courses today, a videotape series such as this may be an excellent, cost-effective method of improving the clinical skills of your staff, without incurring the astronomical expense. Overall, I would recommend these tapes to any physical therapist who works in an outpatient setting. Although some of the techniques are familiar, the osteopathic viewpoint on evaluation and treatment that is presented here should even enhance the knowledge base of an experienced manual therapist.

Eugene R Boeglin, Jr, PT Milton Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy PC Milton, Mass