Physiotherapy June 2002/vol 88/no 6

379Book reviews

to research. The types of research covered in this sectioninclude historical research, philosophical research, meta-analysis, survey design, descriptive methods, epidemiologicalresearch (a new addition), experimental and quasi-experimental designs and qualitative research. Allapproaches are clearly described, and throughout thissection, as indeed throughout the entire book, researchterminology is carefully defined in a series of ‘side notes’ oneach page.

The fourth section describes the final stages of theresearch process, and is largely concerned with methods ofreporting and dissemination of the findings of the researchprocess. This section also includes a sub-section onpreparing and presenting research proposals, which mightpossibly fit more easily in the first part of the book, but thisis a minor criticism.

This is an excellent book on research methods – probablythe most comprehensive, clearly presented and enjoyable toread. The authors believe that the topic of research need not

be presented in a ‘dry, pompous manner’. They succeed inpresenting an informative and detailed text on researchmethods, which is liberally peppered with amusinganecdotes and delightful photographic illustrations. Theoverall layout of the book is pleasing, and there is clever useof a single contrast colour (blue) to highlight areas of text,and to border and shade worked examples. Each chapterends with a summary, and suggested tasks to ‘check yourunderstanding’.

Although not specifically directed towards research forthe health professions, I believe this book can be of immensevalue to physiotherapists undertaking research. I wouldhighly recommend that this book should be a source ofreference in any hospital or academic physiotherapydepartment, and for those with full-time research app-ointments, I would recommend individual purchase of thisbook.

Kate Kerr PhD BA MCSP CertEd

Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh2002, 2nd edn (ISBN 0 443 07081 4). Illus. 206 pages

by Leon Chaitow £37.95The theme of this paperback, which is accompanied by a CDROM, is as the title suggests. Chaitow, who is an osteopathicpractioner, has pulled together different theories andclinical contributions from various sources and disciplines to develop further the concept of positional releasetechniques. The aim is to teach manual therapists thesetechniques through descriptive instruction and illustrations,complemented by CD ROM text and video demonstrations.

This second edition expands on the first in its history and theoretical constructs, the addition of the CD ROM and contributions by physiotherapists Ed Wilson and DylanMorrisey.

The overall presentation is very good. The style makes easyreading and the layout and illustrations are clear. Theopening page of each chapter conveniently shows anoverview of the chapter contents for quick reference.Literature reference lists are at the end of each of the 12chapters.

Chapter 1 discusses various different approaches on thetheme of positional release techniques, based on theexperiences of other authors and practitioners, and somehistorical insight. Chapter 2 attempts to explain some of thecausative factors behind the evolution of dysfunction.Chapters 3 to 10 describe various treatment techniques formany parts of the body.

Chapter 11 is by Ed Wilson on the Mulligan concept andchapter 12 is by Dylan Morrisey on unloading andproprioceptive taping. Both these latter chapters are verywell integrated, structured and well documented. They bothmake excellent use of case histories separated from the main

text to help illuminate treatment indications and results.In most of chapters 1 to 10 Chaitow gives rationale

and explanations behind various techniques presented.While this is commendable I am disappointed, in the light of increasing physiological and clinical evidence in thepublished literature surrounding movement dysfunction,that in this second edition there have not been moreattempts to update this line of material.

The user-friendly CD ROM is a very useful adjunct to thetext and is designed as such. The book clearly indicates witha CD icon which sections of the instructive text can be foundin video form. These show demonstrations of techniques onlive subjects with clear and concise audio commentary.

At £37.95 this provides a wealth of clinical ideas and withthe added appeal of the CD ROM I consider it good valuefor money. I would recommend it to any discerning manualtherapist dealing with myofascial pain, who has an interest inincorporating these techniques into a more comprehensivemovement dysfunction model.

Jacqui Clark MCSP NZRP

Positional Release Techniques

Position for assessment of elevated first rib: A hint from the sectionon ‘strain/counterstrain technique’

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