Tidy's Physiotherapy, ed 13.

Tidy's Physiotherapy, ed 13

Porter SB, ed. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Butterworth-Heinemann Inc, 2003, paperback, 589 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7506-3211-9, $62.95

This revised edition of Tidy's Physiotherapy has been extensively redesigned in an effort to reflect the changes and evolution that the profession of physical therapy has undergone and embraced. This edition, like its predecessors, will be regarded by students and therapists alike as an extensive, clear reference guide that lives up to its reputation as a best seller since 1930. Thirty-five authors contributed to the 22 chapters and the numerous appendixes that make up this comprehensive text.

The primary purpose of this text is to provide a solid foundation upon which physical therapist students can build their knowledge base. Although the intended audience is students, this text is all invaluable resource tool for clinicians and facility libraries. It delivers what its authors set out to provide: an accurate and relevant guide that is grounded in the clinical world and presented in a clear format.

The chapters cover a diverse cross-section of topics reflecting current clinical practice and theory. The chapters touch upon professional responsibilities, examination, introductory information to fractures and back pain, patient management, disease management, the research process, accepted and current concepts (in biomechanics, tissue inflammation and repair, and exercise rehabilitation), and areas of specialization (women's health, osteoporosis, rheumatology, cardiology, neurology, joint arthroplasty, and amputation). The appendixes provide quick "go to" information. Each chapter has numerous illustrations, highlights key points or definitions, includes case studies, and concludes with extensive reference sources (including Web sites); however, the chapters have limited question-and-answer opportunities (eg, the "test yourself" at the end of chapter 2).

In summary, this book may help educators eliminate the numerous textbooks often required for a course. Physical therapist students will get their money's worth because the book can be used in several courses and as a reference source, especially during clinical internships. Clinicians are lifelong learners and this text will keep them broad-based and current and will complete most facility libraries.

As an educator and clinician, my only disappointment with this text is the limited question-and-answer opportunities that generally reinforce information presented in each chapter and serve as a study guide. The authors, however, do achieve their primary goal of providing an accurate, relevant guide that is based in the clinical world and is presented in a clear format. In future editions, I would encourage the editor to consider a supplemental teacher's edition or study guide to give this already comprehensive and nicely written text an everlasting endurance and popularity.

Maureen Becker, PT, DHSc College of Staten Island Devita/Becker Physical Therapy Staten Island, NY

Dr Becker has been a clinician for over 22 years and is the owner DeVita/Becker Physical Therapy. She is also Professor at the college of Staten Island where she teaches modalities. Her research interests are in ergonomics, women's health, and orthopedics.