Physiotherapy 93 (2007) 81–86
Book reviews
Physiotherapy in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2nd ed.
Jill Mantle, Jeanette Haslam, Sue Barton (Eds.), Butterworth
Heinemann, 2004, 516 pages, £36.99, ISBN 0-7506-2265-2
This is the second edition of this informative textbook
and is dedicated to Margie Polden, co-author of the first
edition, who died tragically in 1998. This edition has con-
tributions from several physiotherapists, all enthusiastic and
expert in their field, and is a fitting tribute to Margie’s
memory.
Modern printing techniques have resulted in a clearer lay-
out of the book and an improvement in the quality of the
illustrations. The shades of grey of the printing are pleasing
to the eye and easy to read. The book is well referenced,
including useful appendices on the International Continence
Society’s Standardisation of Terminology. The book is aimed
at a wide range of physiotherapists; students, junior phys-
iotherapists on women’s health rotations, those doing post
registration courses, and as a reference for physiotherapists
established in this field.
Chapter 1 is a comprehensive, understandable text on the
female anatomy. The first half of the book is devoted to preg-
nancy, labour and the postnatal period, and reflects current
practice and the importance of the role of the obstetric physio-
therapist within the multidisciplinary team. The second half
of the book covers gynaecology and continence, and there is
a welcome new chapter on anorectal dysfunction that reflects
the growing expertise in the treatment of anorectal problems
by specialist physiotherapists.
The book has been updated throughout in terms of both
the physiotherapy and the wider aspects of this work. It is
a reflection of the pace of change within medicine that in
the chapter on gynaecological surgery, the surgical proce-
dures for stress urinary incontinence in the two editions are
almost entirely different. The chapter on continence has been
renamed ‘urinary function and dysfunction’, a far more apt
description, and one which better covers the range of work
done. There is an emphasis on the promotion of continence
through education, this being particularly relevant today with
the UK Government drive for health promotion.
Physiotherapists are in an ideal position to promote health
in the various stages of a woman’s life. All physiotherapists
should be equipped to ask relevant questions and impart a
0031-9406/$ – see front matter © 2006 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
basic knowledge of good health relating to obstetrics and
gynaecology. This book is an invaluable reference and should
be on the shelves of all physiotherapy departments and uni-
versities.
Rachel Grubb
Physiotherapy Department, Wavwide Hospital,
Lakin Road, Wavwide, CV34 5BW, UK
Tel.: +4401926 49532.
E-mail address: rachelgrubb@btinternet.com
doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2006.02.006
Patient Self Referral: a Guide for Therapists
Lesley Holdsworth, Valerie Webster, Radcliffe Publishing
Ltd., 2006, 136 pages, £19.95, ISBN 10-1-84619-165-3
This is a well-written and informative book focusing on
the theme of patient self-referral to therapy services. The
authors seek to inform therapists about the process of intro-
ducing patient self-referral and they have gone a good way to
explaining the complexities of this process and possible pit-
falls. The book is intended for therapists generally but is very
focussed towards physiotherapy services and, in particular,
to managers of physiotherapy services.
It could be seen as an introduction to establishing a
self-referral therapy service and is a very useful source of
information for the manager who would like to explore
the ramifications of introducing such a service before ‘dip-
ping their toes in the water’. The authors discuss issues that
mangers need to be aware of before starting along this jour-
ney: examining the possible need for new staff, reducing
waiting lists to manageable levels, building a network of ‘crit-
ical friends’. These are just a few of many examples of the
suggestions made to guide the process to a successful com-
pletion.
The book is easily read and the process is explained in a
simple to follow, step-by-step logical manner. The Top Tips
and Cautionary Points included in each chapter allow the
reader to take away the most significant points and serve
as an overall reminder of the chapter theme. The checklists
at the end of the chapters would be useful to any man-