Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques

In this text, the companion to Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques: Volume 1, The Upper Body, Chaitow and DeLany take a broad based and primarily regional approach to the assessment and treatment of the soft tissues of the lumbar spine, pelvis and entire lower limb. These high profile and well respected authors have incorporated a multitude of static and dynamic assessments of each region with a comprehensive, but easy to use, selection of treatments designed to address dysfunctions of both the local and global muscle systems. Several features set this text apart from the host of manual therapy texts available, but perhaps the most enticing is the strong research base so desired in the current climate. The text is presented in a logical fashion with a mass of useful information preceding the regional breakdown of assessment and treatment. This information includes all of the basic principles of neuromuscular techniques and the anatomical and physiological basis for their use. Posture and gait analysis are also covered with insights into how the local environment affects human locomotion. These sections are useful particularly for the student or new graduate not only because they give a quick reference and review of causes of abnormal posture and gait, but because they also highlight when a gait/ posture is not just asymmetrical but abnormal. A particularly interesting perspective on automobiles is also included. This section looks at MVAs and their after effects and also the implications of everyday use of automobiles. (NB: Implications of use do not include those specific to the upper limbs and spine because these are covered in Volume 1: The Upper Body) A useful guide to training and overtraining is provided with examples of sport-specific dysfunctions scattered throughout, particularly useful in the management of sports injuries when one is not a sports therapist. Another great advantage of this section of the text is its use of simple language which aids greatly in explaining to patients the nature (and potentially repetitive nature) of their injury. A section on the nutritional and overall health influences on musculoskeletal pain is also provided and although a little thin, the content is concise and the level of detail quite surprising. Another particularly useful section covers self-help strategies, not only providing useful and practical exercises for patients, but also exploring the issue of patient compliance. Chaitow and DeLany argue that a patient will seldom comply with practitioner advice …