Tidy's Physiotherapy, 12th ed.

Thompson A, Skinner A, Piercy J. Oxford, England OX2 8EJ, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1991, paperback, 489 pp, illus, $45.

The authors of Tidy's Physiotherapy have successfully put together a very comprehensive, well-written text. This book would serve as an excellent reference guide for students, as there are chapters that deal with almost every aspect of physical therapy. The topics of the text's 27 chapters range from orthopedic, pediatric, pulmonary, carciac, and neurological disorders to wound care, burns, common operations, obstetrical/gynecological issues, and care of the elderly. Each chapter explains the etiology of the disease/disorder, offers various treatment approaches (conservative versus surgical), explains physical therapy goals, describes methods of patient education, and incorporates an interdisciplinary approach involving occupational therapists, physicians, dietitians, and other medical personnel within the total treatment plan. The entire text is well organized with multiple illustrations, photographs, and radiographs to complement the chapters. A guide for further reading is available and is quite necessary as this book is written on a rather elementary level.

There is an entire chapter devoted to the explanation and treatment of common surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy, colostomy, gastrectomy, hernia, mastectomy, nephrectomy, and prostratectomy. This informative chapter, as well as the sections on electrocardiogram readings, decubiti, and deep vein thrombosis care, may not be applicable for the private practitioner. This chapter, however, is an excellent introduction for students who will be entering acute care clinical affiliations.

Although the text is well written, the authors' English roots become apparent through spellings such as oedema, aetiology, and haemaomia. Treatment approaches may differ as well. The authors sugges, for example, achieving immobilization in a long leg cast for 2 to 3 weeks following an anterior cruciate ligament repair or reducing pain with a pulsed electromagnetic energy machine. Students and educators should be aware of certain cultural variations when using this text as a reference.

The text draws to completion with an appendix entitled "Physiotherapy Skills." This brief, concise overview of just about every physical therapy skill offers explanations into movement techniques, manual muscle testing, Frenkel's exercises, balance activities, vertigo exercises, Cybex [R] training, assistive devices, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, soft tissue mobilization, traction, stretching, hydrotherapy, and all other physical therapy modalities.

Although this book is not intended for the advanced practitioner, it does provide an excellent overview into the scope of physical therapy. This clinically oriented text, with its practical approach and emphasis on treatment programs, is highly recommended as a reference source for all physical therapy students.

Jeanine M Stanfield, PT North Shore University Hospital Manhasset, NY