The Myofascial Release Manual.

This book expands on the portions already published as a lesson from APTA's Postgraduate Advances in Physical Therapy, Course II. The manual's clearly stated purpose is to teach myofascial release/myofascial stretching as a purely mechanical skills. The authors succeed admirably in this goal with the help of nearly 70 pages of captioned photographs illustrating the techniques.

After opening with an overview of treatment, the anatomy of fascia, and some very general instructions for therapists, the book describes numerous myofasical stretches, including those applied to the arm, shoulder, lower extremities, deep abdominal and hip musculature, neck, head, back, pelvic floor, and so on. Most of the techniques can be delivered by one person, although some maneuvers require two or three persons. Chapters are also included on superficial release, trigger points, strumming, scar release, balancing the dural tube, dural tube tension, anatomy of the dural tube, and testing and release of the dural tube.

The final section on assessment includes very thorough evaluation forms for posture, movement, and palpation. The subject of postural evaluation is organized into six pages and would benefit from a more space-efficient layout. Lacking are any descriptions of case studies, patient photographs before and after treatment with myofascial release, and discussion of commonly seen restrictions and frequently encountered patterns and applications.

Most physical therapists reading this book would be able to teach themselves the mechanical maneuvers illustrated in the excellent photographs. In most cases, however, physical therapists who are inexperienced with myofascial release would not be able to glean enough clinical information from the manual to fully utilize the techniques.

This book has its place as a technical manual, useful in teaching myofascial techniques, especially when complemented with other works that describe the clinical ramifications. This book would also be a helpful reference to those who are already familiar with the use of myofascial release.