Book Description

"This third edition of Makofsky's Spinal Manual Therapy: An Introduction to Soft Tissue Mobilization, Spinal Manipulation, Therapeutic and Home Exercises marks the 20th anniversary of the publication's first edition. This comprehensive introductory text has been used for the instruction of manual therapy in academic programs across the country. It has been purposely written to incorporate an eclectic approach in ideologies and encourages integration of various treatment interventions. Simply put, it is not a "one size fits all" approach. While this textbook has served as a primary staple for physical therapy programs it is also intended to assist physicians, doctors of osteopathic medicine, doctors of chiropractic, physical therapist assistants, certified athletic trainers, and bodyworkers in their care for others. It is meant to imbue its readers and facilitate movement toward clinical excellence. The writing style and accompanying illustrations help simplify the presented concepts allowing for an easier translation into hands-on practice. Students often remark on the book's versatility to function as a textbook and lab manual all in one. So, what's new in the third edition? The most notable additions are the 40 instructive videos for select evaluation and treatment techniques. The aim of these videos is to walk the user through each technique step by step and allow for full control of viewing ease. Techniques chosen for videos were largely based on their level of complexity or frequency of use in daily practice. Voice-overs were added later for greater audio clarity. In addition to the videos other revisions include: Enhancement of existing content related to the Maitland approach including refinement of mobilization grades (I through V), stiff dominant/pain dominant movement diagrams, and detailed passive accessory intervertebral motion techniques Enhancement of existing content related to the McKenzie method including a clinical decision-making algorithm for the cervical and lumbar spine, and updated force progression illustrations for extension and lateral principles Enhancement of existing content related to neurodynamics including a recommended tri-level approach for patient examination and the addition of neurodynamic self-mobilization for home exercise Updated supportive peer-reviewed literature spanning the last 10 years of evidence-based practice Illustration, description, and diagnostic accuracy of select special tests Updates on the categories of pain, mechanisms of manual therapy, and pain neuroscience education Much of the foundational content remains in the third edition. As mentioned in the first edition, the goal of the textbook is "to make the complex simple." Manual therapy is an art form of healing touch based on science and its continuance as formal training is largely dependent on how many it touches and inspires. It is therefore our obligation to heighten interest through meaningful experiential learning, fellowship training, and mentoring. It is with great hope that this textbook serves as a first step for those headed in that direction"--