Physical Therapy in Sport 4 (2003) 200
www.elsevier.com/locate/yptsp
Book Review
doi:10.1016/S1466-853X(03)00081-6
Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques—
Volume Two. The Lower Body
Leon Chaitow, Judith Walker Delany (Eds.), Churchill
Livingstone, 2002. (Cost £50.00)
This is the companion text to Volume One which was
published in 2000 and focused on the upper quadrant. This
particular volume is dedicated to the lower body. It is a
comprehensive text, which is well presented. It attempts to
address the underpinning theoretical principles and concep-
tual models relating to neuromuscular dysfunction. It also
addresses several potential management strategies in depth.
The authors state that some of the introductory information
in Volume One is relevant to this book. The two volumes
would mean a considerable outlay in terms of cost.
Many of the assessment and treatment methods derive
from personal experience of the authors with Leon Chaitow
having already written several texts on neuromuscular
techniques. This book goes a step further and attempts to
integrate the differing perspectives in the treatment of
neuromuscular dysfunction. For this reason it would be
particularly suitable as a reference tool in a busy department
or clinic. It could also be of value to the post-graduate
student studying in the field of manual therapy.
Each chapter has a summary of contents and a useful
reference list which make it easy to locate an area of
interest. There are two main sections to the book.
The first nine chapters cover interesting issues that
impact upon neuromuscular dysfunction. It endeavours to
develop understanding of key concepts and provide a
contextual background. Areas covered include biomecha-
nical principles, biochemistry, the environment, psychology
and nutrition. Chapter 5 is dedicated to adaptation and sport,
it covers some useful principles and has some more valuable
insights into treatment options, however, the practitioner
working in sport may require a more comprehensive text.
The chapter on self-help was also helpful and detailed but
would have benefited from the inclusion of diagrams or
pictures. The strength of the book lies in Chapters 10– 14,
which focus on regional anatomy and the application of
assessment and treatment possibilities. Whilst reference is
made to a wide range of management options the emphasis
is on neuromuscular technique, muscle energy, positional
release, myofascial release and massage. The text is detailed
and specific with comprehensive explanations.
On the whole the text is logical and easy to read,
however, the main reservation regarding this book relates to
the evidence base. Whilst acknowledging that an extensive
use of reference material has been utilised there is minimal
critique or challenge to the ideas presented. If then you are
interested in a clinical book which clearly demonstrates
neuromuscular techniques then it would be a valuable
addition to the departmental or clinic library.
Sonia Phillips
Faculty of Health and Social Care,
University of the West of England,
Bristol, UK