This practical book offers 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. In doing so, it helps MT practitioners deliver a more effective and safer treatment for a broader range of conditions. Comprehensive overview helps provide an understanding of how and why MT techniques work. Content is written in jargon-free, easy-to-read style, with most terms explained. Text is enhanced by over 120 diagrams, photographs and tables. Manual pain relief is extensively discussed throughout the book. Section 1 examines the direct effects of manual therapy on connective tissue and muscle physiology, examining how MT can help assist repair and adaptation processes in these tissues. Section 2 examines the effect of MT on the neuromuscular system, identifying conditions where neuromuscular dysfunctions can be treated by MT. Section 3 examines the psychological, emotional and behavioral impacts of MT, in addition to the psychophysiological affects of MT, including psychomotor, neuroendocrine, and autonomic responses. More than 1,000 references relevant to manual therapy are included, making this an essential source book for students and researchers of MT. Content is completely rewritten, extensively updated and expanded, adding new research material, novel clinical approaches, and demonstrations of new techniques and assessments. Pain coverage is expanded. More information is included on the responses of muscle to mechanical stimuli when applying MT techniques.

The Science and Clinical Application of Manual Therapy is a multi-disciplinary, international reference book based on work by the top basic science researchers and clinical researchers in the area of Manual Therapy and Manual Medicine (MT/MM). The first book to bring together research on the benefits of MT/MM beyond the known effects on musculoskeletal disorders, the volume presents evidence of the benefit of MT/MM in treating systemic disorders. This book makes a powerful case for how MT/MM affects the central nervous system and the autonomic effector systems (the circulatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal systems, and pelvic organs) which impact on a person’s health. The volume covers how MT/MM works and details the conditions – such as chronic skeletal and visceral pain diseases, asthma, pneumonia, and cardiovascular deregulation – that can benefit from it. Longstanding theoretical models of MT/MM mechanisms are critically assessed in the light of current understanding of physiological and neurophysiological function, and the influences of psychological and cortical processes on the effects of MT/MM are explored. The book, which is divided into four main sections, will appeal to osteopathic physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists, as well as all body workers/health practitioners who use their hands in health care. It will be of particular value to all practitioners involved in treatment of chronic pain disorders as well as those involved in basic and clinical research in this field. Authored by the leading multidisciplinary basic science and clinical researchers from throughout the world Describes research confirming benefit of MT for musculoskeletal disorders (which helps provide a rational for greater utilization of manual therapy and reimbursement for this healthcare service) Presents the latest findings on the beneficial effect of MT on systemic disorders including asthma, pneumonia, otitis media, heart rate dysfunction and GI disturbance Critically assesses longstanding theoretical models of MT/MM mechanisms with respect to the current understanding of physiological and neurophysiological function Explores the influences of psychological and cortical processes on the effects of MT/MM, including the effect of placebo Uniquely presents research findings from all the manual therapy professions and scientists making the case for the benefits of MT The symposium from which the book was derived was supported by the NIH National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

This book examines the physiological effect of therapeutic manipulation and touch on the human body. It presents the physiological, neurophysiological, and psychological basis of manual techniques, giving the therapist the background and theory needed to support practice, and helping therapists to provide safer and more effective treatment.

Master the techniques and problem-solving skills needed to manage spinal and TMJ disorders! Manual Physical Therapy of the Spine, 2nd Edition provides guidelines to manipulation, manual physical therapy examination, and treatment procedures of the spine and temporomandibular joint. Informed by evidence-based research, this text offers detailed instructions for reaching an accurate diagnosis and developing a plan of care. Written by well-known spinal manipulation expert Kenneth Olson, this resource provides the complete information you need to make sound decisions during clinical interventions. Descriptions of manual therapy techniques include evidence-based coverage of the examination and treatment of spine and TMJ disorders, along with discussions of alternative treatment methods and potential adverse effects and contraindications to manipulation. Guidelines for completing a comprehensive spinal examination include medical screening, the patient interview, disability assessment, and tests and measures, along with an evaluation of the examination findings and the principles involved in arriving at a diagnosis and plan of care. Impairment-based manual physical therapy approach includes a review of the evidence to support its use to evaluate and treat spinal and TMJ conditions. Case studies demonstrate the clinical reasoning used in manual physical therapy. Guide to Physical Therapist Practice terminology is incorporated throughout the book, using accepted terms familiar in physical therapy settings. Expert author Ken Olson is a highly respected authority on the subject of spinal manipulation in physical therapy. A clear, consistent format for explaining techniques makes this reference easy to use in the clinical setting. NEW! Coverage of emerging topics includes soft tissue assessment, mobilization, dry needling, myofascial pain and trigger points, thoracic outlet syndrome, cervicogenic dizziness, and differentiation of headache types, plus expanded coverage of examination procedures and psychologically informed management strategies for chronic low back pain. NEW! Full-color design and photographs show essential concepts and procedures from multiple angles, illustrating hand and body placement and direction of force. UPDATED evidence-based research provides the latest thinking on manual therapy of the spine.

A clinically oriented manual that provides a comprehensive knowledge of physical therapy, this text covers examination, diagnosis, and treatment organized by body system. It discusses general considerations such as oncology, the immune system, and age-related concerns, and presents extensive coverage of the neurologic and neuromuscular system. It is fully illustrated and written by over 40 leading experts.

Complete Manual Therapy: Combining Chiropractic and Physical Therapy in One Approach is the first text ever to combine the professions of chiropractic and physical therapy. Written by a chiropractor/physical therapist, the sole purpose of this book is to make the reader a more knowledgable, more effective clinician. The practicing chiropractor will find this text offers him many techniques his physical therapy colleagues already utilize, including strain-counterstrain, myofascial release and therapeutic exercise. The practicing physical therapist will find this book equally helpful, as it presents the chiropractor's view of musculoskeletal dysfunction along with numerous techniques he/she can implement into practice., Dr. Oliver also includes a new approach to manual therapy with the best of chiropractic, physical therapy, movement therapy and energy-based medicine.