The Science & Practice of Manual Therapy

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.

1. Introduction
   
   SECTION 1 The effect of manipulation on the tissue organization
   2. Manual therapy in the tissue dimension
   3. Assisting repair with manual therapy
   4. Affecting fluid flow with manual therapy
   5. Assisting adaptation: manual stretching
   6. Pain relief by manual therapy: the local tissue dimension
   7. Overview and summary of Section 1
   References
   
   SECTION 2 Neurological organization in manual therapy
   8. Manual therapy in the neurological dimension
   9. The motor system
   10. Proprioceptive stimulation by manual therapy techniques
   11. Affecting the lower motor system with manual therapy
   12. The adaptive code for neuromuscular re-abilitation
   13. Abilities, inability and re-abilitation
   14. Treating the intact motor system: behavioural and psychomotor dysfunctions
   15. Neuromuscular organisation in musculoskeletal damage
   16. Re-abilitating the damaged motor system
   17. Pain relief by manual therapy – neurological mechanisms
   18. Muscle tone
   19. Overview and summary of Section 2
   References
   
   SECTION 3 Psychological and psychophysiological processes in manual therapy
   20. Manual therapy in the psychological/psychophysiological dimension
   21. Origins of therapeutic potential of touch
   22. Psychological influences of manual therapy
   23. Psychophysiology of manual therapy
   24. Manual therapy in the psychosomatic field
   25. Touch as a therapeutic intervention
   26. Pain relief by manual therapy: psychological processes
   27. Overview and summary of Section 3
   References
   
   SECTION 4 Overview and clinical application
   28. Overview and clinical application of the science