The Science and Practice of Manual Therapy

By Eyal Lederman, Director, the Centre for Professional Development in Osteopathy and Manual Therapy, London UK The Science and Practice of Manual Therapy, previously entitled The Fundamentals of Manual Therapy, is an extensive examination of how manual therapy (MT) techniques work, and how to match the most suitable techniques to different conditions. Drawing on evidence-based research, it explores the physiological, neurological and psychophysiological responses of the human body to MT techniques. A highly practical book, which provides useful clinical strategies for the treatment of common conditions seen in manual therapy practice. This new edition has been completely rewritten, extensively updated and expanded, with addition of new research material, novel clinical approaches and demonstration of new techniques and assessments. The text aims to assist practitioner and students of manual therapy develop a deeper understanding of their patient's processes and how they may be affected by different MT techniques. It aims to help MT practitioners deliver a more effective and safer treatment and to be able to treat a broader range of conditions. Professional groups that will find this book useful are: · Manual therapists of all disciplines · Physiotherapists · Osteopaths · Chiropractors · Massage therapists · Sports medicine practitioners · Physical therapists · Rehabilitation therapists · Orthopaedic consultants Other professional groups may also find the book useful: · Pilate's instructors / trainers · Alexander technique teachers · Feldenkreise therapists · Structural integration practitioners · Yoga teachers · All body therapists including Body-Psychotherapists Athletes and individual who participating in sports as well as patients who suffer from painful musculoskeletal conditions may also find this book useful in understanding their condition and how to assist their own recovery from injury. FEATURES Relevant to all manual therapist Provides MTs with the theoretic ammunition they need to be able to demonstrate why their techniques work Will help practitioners to an improved understanding of whatthey are doing when they carry out MT techniques and so will allow them to provide more effective and SAFER treatment. Will help students and practitioners in the MT field to understand WHY and HOW their techniques work Helps to present manual therapy as a research based technique. Draws together in one place material which has been difficult to locate Demonstrates the clinical relevance of the physiological research presented and presents it in a way which is accessible to clinicians and students. Highly illustrated to clarify and support the text. WHAT'S NEW Extensive update and expansion of first edition with addition of new research material and the references from the last 5 years. Section 1 expanded to include more on the responses of muscle to mechanical stimuli as carried out in MT techniques. Section 2 rewritten and restructured to make it easier to understand and updated in the light of recent research. Expanded material on pain All references thoroughly updated General updating of all text and some new illustrations. CONTENTS 1. Introduction SECTION 1 The effect of manipulation on the tissue organization 2. Manual therapy in the tissue dimension 3. Assisting repair with manual therapy 4. Affecting fluid flow with manual therapy 5. Assisting adaptation: manual stretching 6. Pain relief by manual therapy: the local tissue dimension 7. Overview and summary of Section 1 References SECTION 2 Neurological organization in manual therapy 8. Manual therapy in the neurological dimension 9. The motor system 10. Proprioceptive stimulation by manual therapy techniques 11. Affecting the lower motor system with manual therapy 12. The adaptive code for neuromuscular re-abilitation 13. Abilities, inability and re-abilitation 14. Treating the intact motor system: behavioural and psychomotor dysfunctions 15. Neuromuscular organisation in musculoskeletal damage 16. Re-abilitating the damaged motor system 17. Pain relief by manual therapy - neurological mechanisms 18. Muscle tone 19. Overview and summary of Section 2 References SECTION 3 Psychological and psychophysiological processes in manual therapy 20. Manual therapy in the psychological/psychophysiological dimension 21. Origins of therapeutic potential of touch 22. Psychological influences of manual therapy 23. Psychophysiology of manual therapy 24. Manual therapy in the psychosomatic field 25. Touch as a therapeutic intervention 26. Pain relief by manual therapy: psychological processes 27. Overview and summary of Section 3 References SECTION 4 Overview and clinical application 28. Overview and clinical application of the science