Soft Tissue Manipulation: A Practitioner's Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Soft Tissue Dysfunction and Reflex Activity

Book Review by Peter Osborne, DC, DACBN

Title:

Soft Tissue Manipulation: A Practitioner's Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Soft Tissue Dysfunction and Reflex Activity

Author:

Leon Chaitow

Publisher:

Healing Arts Press

Length:

270 pages

Purpose:

Doctor education

Price:

$49.95

Part #:

T-240

Dr. Leon Chaitow's Soft Tissue Manipulation is a well-written summary of different techniques used to treat soft tissue aberrations commonly seen in clinical practice. The text begins with a nice review of soft tissue physiology and pathophysiology (fascia, muscles, tendons, etc.) and various aspects of soft tissue dysfunction. I particularly enjoyed this section, as many texts fail to discuss the full role that soft tissue plays in overall health. Chapters 2 and 3 discuss aspects of reflex points, their associations with somatic and visceral pathology, and diagnostic methods used in patient evaluation. Included are Chapman's Reflexes, acupuncture alarm points, Bennett's neurovascular reflex points, Travell's trigger points, and more. The large overlap that exists between these different diagnostic systems is discussed, as is their clinical usefulness in treating soft tissue. Diagnostic palpatory findings are listed, and their significance is explained. Excellent illustrations and charts illustrate trigger points, including pain referral patterns and viscerosomatic responses.

A chapter on postural and emotional considerations follows, with an emphasis on stretching techniques utilized to reduce muscular tension. Chapters 5, 6 and 7 illustrate and discuss neurolymphatic techniques and points. Treatment protocols for specific muscles, the spine and the abdomen are provided. Definitions and protocol for neuromuscular technique (NMT), muscle energy techniques (MET), and strain-counterstrain compose chapters 8, 9, and 10, while chapter 11 discusses energy as it relates to electrical properties, radiation, acupuncture points, Kirlian photography, etc.

The book is an excellent compilation of the different techniques most commonly utilized in private practice, particularly for practitioners seeking to enhance their overall understanding of soft tissue function and treatment. The text provides a very holistic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue disorders; however, I felt that some of the techniques discussed were lacking in the way of supporting research and literature. From the chiropractic and osteopathic standpoint, I was a little surprised that the author did not put more emphasis on the role that joint manipulation plays in soft tissue healing. Nonetheless, Soft Tissue Manipulation is a great reference book to add to the chiropractor's library.

Dr. Osborne's rating:

9 out of 10