Revised and updated: a fresh new look to an established best-seller--an essential tool for physical therapists that offers unique insights into the versatile and highly effective technique of muscle energy techniques. Muscle Energy Techniques is a must-have for any student or practitioner of physical therapy, osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, or massage therapy. This practical guide--packed with full-color photographs and illustrations--fully explains the theory and practice of a range of muscle energy techniques. The book is broken in 5 parts. In part I, John Gibbons examines the theory and principles behind muscle energy techniques, with chapters that explain the technique, muscle imbalances, myofascial slings, and core muscle relationships. Parts II to IV break down the technique by body area--upper body, lower body, trunk, and pelvis--with clear descriptive explanations of the techniques. Accompanied by color photographs with directional arrows, each shows the practitioner how to maximize treatment benefits. Clear drawings allow the reader to understand the basic anatomy of each muscle. A concluding part V shows two applications of muscle energy techniques: self-lengthening techniques for the shoulder complex and muscle weakness testing of the gluteals.

Revised and updated: a fresh new look to an established best-seller--an essential tool for physical therapists that offers unique insights into the versatile and highly effective technique of muscle energy techniques. Muscle Energy Techniques is a must-have for any student or practitioner of physical therapy, osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, or massage therapy. This practical guide--packed with full-color photographs and illustrations--fully explains the theory and practice of a range of muscle energy techniques. The book is broken in 5 parts. In part I, John Gibbons examines the theory and principles behind muscle energy techniques, with chapters that explain the technique, muscle imbalances, myofascial slings, and core muscle relationships. Parts II to IV break down the technique by body area--upper body, lower body, trunk, and pelvis--with clear descriptive explanations of the techniques. Accompanied by color photographs with directional arrows, each shows the practitioner how to maximize treatment benefits. Clear drawings allow the reader to understand the basic anatomy of each muscle. A concluding part V shows two applications of muscle energy techniques: self-lengthening techniques for the shoulder complex and muscle weakness testing of the gluteals.

Fully updated throughout, this popular book explains the history, rationale, and detailed descriptions of the class of soft tissue manipulation methods known collectively as NMT techniques. Complete with accompanying website - www.chaitowonline.com - which contains film sequences of the author demonstrating the techniques, this book will be ideal for bodyworkers and acupuncturists in Europe, the USA and beyond. Facilitates the rapid and accurate identification of local soft-tissue dysfunction Explains the origin of soft tissue distress Provides diverse maps and explanations for the patterns of tender and trigger points seen daily in clinical practice Includes guidance on the use of NMT for the treatment of the symptoms of fibromyalgia and abdominal dysfunction Gives important guidance on the treatment of trigger points in treating lymphatic dysfunction Discusses the use of NMT in the management of pain and hyperventilation Explains the diagnostic and therapeutic value of tender reflex points related to viscero-somatic and somatic-visceral reflexes Describes both European and North American versions of NMT Provides a clear set of treatment options for all bodywork therapists and acupuncture practitioners Authored by a highly respected, internationally known teacher, practitioner and author, with contributions from three leading practitioners from the U.S. and Europe Contains a new chapter on the value of Thai Yoga massage, associated with NMT methodology Contains source material and commentary on the contribution of Raymond Nimmo DC in the evolution of NMT Website - www.chaitowonline.com - containing updated video clips demonstrating the application of NMT

Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release, Second Edition, is a practical guide to understanding and applying soft tissue release (STR), including how it can be used to deactivate trigger points and maximize patient outcomes of treatment and rehabilitation. Whether you are a student or a professional, the detailed instruction and numerous photos will help you gain proficiency and confidence in applying these techniques. Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release thoroughly explains the differences between the three types of STR—passive (clients do not help), active-assisted (clients and therapists work together), and active (clients do it on their own)—and provides step-by-step descriptions for performing each type. This edition incorporates new content on how soft tissue release may be used to deactivate trigger points, aiding in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Additional updates include the following: • More than 150 new photographs and 21 new anatomical illustrations • Guiding arrows overlaid on photos to show the direction in which to apply pressure • Illustrations of trigger points found in 21 muscles • New descriptions of the use of active-assisted STR on the iliotibial band (ITB), infraspinatus, biceps brachii, and triceps • New sections describing how to apply active STR to gluteals, trapezius, scalenes, rhomboid, and pectoral muscles • Instruction for applying passive STR to shoulder adductors • Case studies providing examples of how STR was used with four clients with differing problems Complementing each technique are information on the key holds, moves, and stances for various muscles and handy reference charts indicating the types of clients and situations for which each technique is particularly useful. The full-color photos depict the locks and stretches, while some of the more difficult techniques are accompanied by photos showing the position of the therapist and a skeletal overlay on the client so you can pinpoint the specific muscle being targeted. The book also explains how to use alternative options—such as massage tools and forearms, fists, and elbows—to protect your hands and thumbs from overuse. Tip boxes offer practical comments on applying the techniques, while Client Talk boxes provide insight into real-world situations. Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release also shows you how to incorporate the proper techniques into a treatment program. It guides you through the consultation process and provides examples of initial questions to ask clients and various assessment forms to use in identifying clients’ needs. Using case studies and comparisons, you will learn how the data gleaned from clients can guide the design of an effective treatment program. Soft Tissue and Trigger Point Release, Second Edition, is part of the Hands-On Guides for Therapists series, developed to provide the best clinical and educational resources available for those in bodywork professions.

This illustrated guide provides useful information, techniques, and exercises to help you better understand—and alleviate—pelvic pain This step-by-step guide for assessing the pelvis and sacroiliac joint explores all aspects of this crucial area of the body and how it links within the kinetic chain system. A registered sports osteopath who specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of sport-related injuries, John Gibbons provides detailed information about how to recognize pain and dysfunctional patterns that arise from the pelvic girdle, in addition to offering techniques that correct these impaired patterns and functional exercises that promote recovery. He also addresses such key issues as: • The walking/gait cycle and its relationship to the pelvis • Leg length discrepancy and its relationship to the kinetic chain and the pelvis • The laws of spinal mechanics • Sacroiliac joint screening • The role of the glutes, psoas, rectus femoris, and other muscles, and what happens to the position of the pelvis if these soft tissues become shortened Complete with illustrations, photographs, and an appendix for quick reference, Functional Anatomy of the Pelvis and the Sacroiliac is an essential text for practitioners, students, and anyone who wants to understand pelvic pain and what they can do about it.