Musculoskeletal Manual Medicine

Book excerpt: An evidence-based reference for integrating manual medicine into everyday clinical practice Written by the authors of the popular Manual Medicine: Diagnostics and Manual Medicine: Therapy, this book is a comprehensive guide to integrating manual medicine into the diagnosis and clinical management of musculoskeletal disorders and pain syndromes. Brimming with instructive images and illustrations, the book provides a solid foundation in general principles of manual medicine, spinal biomechanics, neurophysiology, as well as treatments for each disorder and condition. Separate sections on the spine, limbs, and muscles present clinical applications for structural diagnosis and functional treatment. Highlights: Practical examples of evidence-based approaches to manual medicine 1,313 illustrations and photographs of superb quality that rapidly demonstrate key concepts Coverage of the essentials of the neuro-musculoskeletal examination with step-by-step descriptions of the techniques for observation, palpation, motion tests, functional examination, and provocative tests, including quick screening tests Chapter on the various components of nonradicular pain syndromes, including muscle pain syndromes, with clear diagnostic criteria for distinguishing the non-radicular and soft-tissue pain syndromes from other pain syndromes Succinct descriptions of common clinical neuro-orthopedic disorders and syndromes of the spine, upper limb, and lower limb in tabular format - ideal for rapid reference and review Discussion of the rationale for selecting particular low-risk treatment interventions, as well as a thorough discussion of indications and contraindications for patients with potentially increased risk Discussion of important considerations for documentation, informed consent, patient monitoring, and follow-up measures Practical section with descriptions of exercises for patients to do on their own Potential considerations for future research This book will serve as the definitive reference for all practitioners involved in the diagnosis and medical management of locomotor disorders and painful conditions. It will enable clinicians to enhance their diagnostic and treatment armamentarium by incorporating manual medicine techniques based on the current, evidence-based knowledge of the interrelationships between structure and function.