383

Myofascial Release Manual

by Carol J Manheim. Slack Incorporated,
New Jersey, 1994 (ISBN 1 5 5642 24 1 5).
Illus. 185 pages, wire bound. 2nd edition.
$38.

This book is a good introduction to

the concept of myofascial release
@DO, defined as a highly interactive
stretching technique that requires
feedback from the patients body. . . .
It is the philosophic base which
separates MR from other stretching
techniques.
An updating of the first edition, the
purpose is to teach the techniques of
M R as a mechanical skill. This is
done very well, first by explaining
the sensations that will be felt by
therapists a n d also patients
reactions to the release. A large part
of the treatment i s t h a t the
therapists work with rather than on
the patients, allowing them to be
equal in the treatment process. The
therapists wait for guidance from
the patients bodies rather than
planning treatments ahead step by
step.
The book follows an organised and
logical layout sharing singletherapist, multi-therapist and then
advanced techniques (including
.three-dimensional treatments,
trigger points and dural tube
releases).
At the end of the book is a very
thorough assessment t h a t Ms
Manheim uses; however, it is a little
repetitive and could have been
condensed.
Throughout the book there are a
great many photographs illustrating
the different techniques, useful for
those who have no knowledge of
these - again they could have been
reduced. Also from some of the
photographs you would have to
choose your patients extremely
carefully!
The exact mechanism by which
M R works is still unknown - the
book does clearly state this but some
people may be dubious about reading
a book for which there is no concrete
or scientific basis although M is
known to have very good effects
clinically. The author also states that
M R is a very safe technique which
prevents inadvertent overstretching
of the soft tissues of the body when
the techniques are applied properly
- but what is properly?
I feel the book is relevant to
physiotherapiste as an adjunct to our
many different techniques, along

~~~

similar lines to connective tissue

massage and therefore aimed at
those with a greater interest in soR
tissue mobilisations.
It is very readable and easy to flick
through, especially with a wire-obinding making it impossible to
damage the spine (so long as the
holes do not rip over time). It would
be beneficial to have in a department
for reference to different stretches
and with good photographs illustrating those stretches.
St6phani8 Cain MCSP
~~~~~

Arthritis and Rheumatlsm:

A self-help guide COmbinlnQ
orthodox a i d complementii
approach to health

a baU and soeLtjoint

The

chaptern and is written in an easy

style in fairly large print. There are
byHesnain
waliii8ndAndraeffim
tables
and clear charts and
Headway, Ho&wamlStougMm, London,
1994 (ISBN 0 340 60563 4). Illus. 122 diagrams. The content

utterly exhausted after hydrotherapy. Physiotherapists may take

exception to this statement!
It is a readable book, but a trifle
unabalanced. The exercise section is
hopelessly short and unenthusiastic;
it makes no mention of muscle
strengthening, nor of the vital role
that exercise plays in the overall care
of these clients.
This would have been an excellent
opportunity to target those patients
who are anxious to try alternative
therapies for their condition. The
document appears to rely mainly on
passive therapies, and patients with
chronic ioint disease often have a
Readers of Arihritisand Rheumatism
desire initiate and participate in
d*-essentiol~ a~i*iaameehnniecll
an activity of their own volition,
ahice Bone is a living tissue made up of
a h,-m ofDm&in which bin& calcium.
One recommended
their
physiotherapist or alternative
m&nes& andphosphorus Somejoi&
are like a hinge (knee and elbow, above) therapist!
while others are like a ball and socket fiip
Jill Lloyd BA MCSP
and shoulder, top right )

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