Rheumatic Disease in the Adult and Child: Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation, 3rd ed.

In this third edition, the author expanded and revised an already useful text on the rehabilitation of patients who have arthritis. Although the author's primary aim was to bring together in one text the knowledge from various fields (such as rheumatology, rehabilitation, psychology, and orthopedics) needed by occupational therapists to effectively treat patients with arthritis, she has put together a book that should be examined by all members of the rehabilitation team.

The text includes sections on the major disease categories (including a new chapter on fibromyalagia), patient evaluation methods, basis of therapy (including psychosocial, patient education, and drug therapy), surgical treatment, and specific occupational therapy modalities. A new section on arthritis in children approaches evaluation and treatment from a combined biomechanical and developmental perspective that is essential to diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases in children; the appendix contains new material on children as well. The text also includes a section on the role of occupational therapy in rehabilitation of the patient who has arthritis. Most of the chapters in the text have been revised, reorganized, or updated to reflect the current practice in the rehabilitation of theses patients.

The book clearly presents the reader with an excellent collection of information essential to the rehabilitation of patients who have rheumatic disease. The photographs and drawings add to the reader's understanding of the pathodynamics of hand deformities, orthotics, evaluation procedures, and specific of joint protection techniques. The tables and charts allow easy access to certain information, such as activities-of-daily-living assessment and use of specific assistive devices. Each chapter ends with appropriate references and additional sources of information on related topics. A concluding glossary and index make this an even more informative, useful book.

Although written specifically for occupational therapists, this book contains much information that would be useful to physical therapy practitioners treating patients who have arthritis. It is an essential reference for practitioners treating patients who have rheumatic disease. It also is an excellent reference for health care practitioners and students who treat patients who have arthritis or are interested in learning more about arthritis rehabilitation programs.