Rehabilitation of the Spine: A Practitioner's Manual 
asked by avi on November 28, 2006 6:44 AM
The foremost authorities from chiropractics, orthopaedics and physical therapy present a practical overview of spinal rehabilitation. This clinical resource presents the most current and significant spinal rehab information, showing how to apply simple and inexpensive rehabilitation in the office. The updated Second Edition includes clinical/regional protocols and chapters on diagnostic triage, acute care, functional assessment, recovery care, outcomes, and biopsychosocial aspects. A bonus DVD offers demonstrations of key therapies and procedures.
Reviews
0%
0%
Liebenson, Craig. Rehabilitation of the Spine: A Practitioner's Manual, 2nd edition. 2007.
By Ron LeFebvre, DC, Dean of Clinical Education, Western States Chiropractic College.
Because busy practitioners often rapidly skim articles, especially book reviews, let me start with the bottom line. Dr. Liebenson's second edition of Rehabilitation of the Spine is a "must" book. Any practitioner or student interested in physical rehabilitation of the spine must own and must read this book. The contributing authors represent an impressive array of some of the most notable experts across multiple disciplines, including Nikolai Bogduk, Paul Hodges, Vladimir Janda, Gwendolen Jull, Karel Lewit, Steven Linton, Stuart McGill, Robin McKenzie, Don Murphy, Vert Mooney, John Triano, and Howard Vernon. The cast is much larger yet, is international in reach, and represents some of the most important schools of thought in rehabilitation today. The second edition significantly improves upon the first, which was itself, a watershed document. Every chapter has been re-written and updated. The basic science chapters offer an exceptional overview for the clinical practitioner of what we have learned about the mechanics of the spine over the last 10 years. It re-establishes the foundation upon which so much of our practical rehabilitation lies. It also gives us a lens through which to judge both old and new approaches and techniques. But above all, this is a practitioner's manual, replete with a level of detail that is essential for actual application. In many of the chapters, one can almost hear the voice of an experienced workshop instructor correcting common errors in technique and imparting expert advice. The inclusion of the DVD-ROM is a huge leap forward, taking a lot of the guesswork out of trying to interpret what is written on the printed page. It also has the potential to standardize at least some procedures across multiple disciplines. This could have positive implications for co-treatment within or across professions and could provide a common therapeutic and assessment language for research.
The lay out of the book re-enforces the clinical strategy espoused, having sections devoted first to assessment, then the first 4 weeks of acute care, followed by later recovery care. Then the whole strategy is again re-packaged by region.
Having a keen interest in the field myself, I specifically perused the book for a few specific "bell weather" indicators. I was pleased to see a chapter devoted to manipulation of the spine, an omission which I thought was a weakness in the first edition. For those steeped in some of the current controversies in lumbar stabilization, I found it very interesting to compare the arguments posited by McGill and Hodges regarding the relative value of teaching patients to perform abdominal bracing versus abdominal hollowing. I was pleased to see that the simple and elegant three question Patient Specific Functional Scale was contained in the chapter on Outcome Assessment. And that DeFranca's section on pre-manipulation procedures for the cervical spine abandoned the recommendation to perform DeKleyn's maneuver and or any other extreme positioning of the neck--procedures which have a good sold base of evidence holding them to be worthless. I also noted that Janda's interpretation of the muscle firing pattern associated with hip extension has been abandoned (because of subsequent research findings).
The book also has welcome additions in the arena a neuromobilization, a much improved chapter on breathing, and many interesting additions from the Czech school of rehabilitation. Although not all of these schools of thought work together in complete harmony and although there are often significant differences in practical application, Dr. Liebenson has a real knack for organizing them into a coherent organization that suggests more agreement than disagreement in their overall strategies. The three great strategic pillars support the grand "unifying theory" behind the manual: a variety of approaches to hands-on manual therapy, specific low tech exercise prescription, and focused activity modification for the patient.
By Ron LeFebvre, DC, Dean of Clinical Education, Western States Chiropractic College.
Because busy practitioners often rapidly skim articles, especially book reviews, let me start with the bottom line. Dr. Liebenson's second edition of Rehabilitation of the Spine is a "must" book. Any practitioner or student interested in physical rehabilitation of the spine must own and must read this book. The contributing authors represent an impressive array of some of the most notable experts across multiple disciplines, including Nikolai Bogduk, Paul Hodges, Vladimir Janda, Gwendolen Jull, Karel Lewit, Steven Linton, Stuart McGill, Robin McKenzie, Don Murphy, Vert Mooney, John Triano, and Howard Vernon. The cast is much larger yet, is international in reach, and represents some of the most important schools of thought in rehabilitation today. The second edition significantly improves upon the first, which was itself, a watershed document. Every chapter has been re-written and updated. The basic science chapters offer an exceptional overview for the clinical practitioner of what we have learned about the mechanics of the spine over the last 10 years. It re-establishes the foundation upon which so much of our practical rehabilitation lies. It also gives us a lens through which to judge both old and new approaches and techniques. But above all, this is a practitioner's manual, replete with a level of detail that is essential for actual application. In many of the chapters, one can almost hear the voice of an experienced workshop instructor correcting common errors in technique and imparting expert advice. The inclusion of the DVD-ROM is a huge leap forward, taking a lot of the guesswork out of trying to interpret what is written on the printed page. It also has the potential to standardize at least some procedures across multiple disciplines. This could have positive implications for co-treatment within or across professions and could provide a common therapeutic and assessment language for research.
The lay out of the book re-enforces the clinical strategy espoused, having sections devoted first to assessment, then the first 4 weeks of acute care, followed by later recovery care. Then the whole strategy is again re-packaged by region.
Having a keen interest in the field myself, I specifically perused the book for a few specific "bell weather" indicators. I was pleased to see a chapter devoted to manipulation of the spine, an omission which I thought was a weakness in the first edition. For those steeped in some of the current controversies in lumbar stabilization, I found it very interesting to compare the arguments posited by McGill and Hodges regarding the relative value of teaching patients to perform abdominal bracing versus abdominal hollowing. I was pleased to see that the simple and elegant three question Patient Specific Functional Scale was contained in the chapter on Outcome Assessment. And that DeFranca's section on pre-manipulation procedures for the cervical spine abandoned the recommendation to perform DeKleyn's maneuver and or any other extreme positioning of the neck--procedures which have a good sold base of evidence holding them to be worthless. I also noted that Janda's interpretation of the muscle firing pattern associated with hip extension has been abandoned (because of subsequent research findings).
The book also has welcome additions in the arena a neuromobilization, a much improved chapter on breathing, and many interesting additions from the Czech school of rehabilitation. Although not all of these schools of thought work together in complete harmony and although there are often significant differences in practical application, Dr. Liebenson has a real knack for organizing them into a coherent organization that suggests more agreement than disagreement in their overall strategies. The three great strategic pillars support the grand "unifying theory" behind the manual: a variety of approaches to hands-on manual therapy, specific low tech exercise prescription, and focused activity modification for the patient.
reviewed by pauls on November 29, 2006 9:49 AM
0%
0%
As a Licensed acupuncturist focusing on muskuloskeletal pain, I am always looking for pragmatic, integrative data to increase the wellbeing of my patients and their resiliency to injury. Dr. Liebenson did an excellent job in combining top of the line clinical pearls that are ready to melt into one's practice essentially the next day. The DVD is great in adding visual cues to enhance the learning experience acquired throughout the textbook. Excellent work.
Tarek Adra, L.Ac
Los Angeles, CA
Tarek Adra, L.Ac
Los Angeles, CA
reviewed by allnet on November 29, 2006 12:12 PM
0%
0%
One of the remarkable aspects of this text, and there are many, is that Dr. Liebenson has added so grandly to his original book. New and re-written chapters reflect the continued evolution of the current biopsychosocial model of lower back pain. New authors have been added and contribute further depth to this updated gem.
The chapters are written by many of the giants of the field, and they don't disappoint. Contemporary perspectives, evaluation and treatment techniques are frequently presented by the researchers whose studies have continued to bring light to the current approach.
This text is appropriate to the practioner who is getting his first exposure to this information as well as the seasoned student. Introductory chapters explore, in great detail, rationalle for current approaches in spinal care. Essentially taking the most current research of the past decade and giving it perspective. Sections on basic science, assessment and treatment all are made contemporary and vibrant as they are taught from the perspective of a multifaceted approach.
This text is NOT a re-tread of basic anatomy, common orthopedic tests(of questionable validity), and treatment options that have not been properly scrutinized. Treatment, including practitioners techniques as well as patient driven active exercise prescriptions, tissue sparing techniqies and behavioral modification are based on specific patient assessment consistent with the biopsychosocial model.
In studying this book you will be challenged to re-evaluate your perspectives and treatment options, and will be exposed to new information and approaches. Scientific evaluations that elucidate the most common generators of lumbar pain are presented in aggressive and compelling fashion. We all must rise to the challenge of incorporating these facts into our understanding of the problems of the spine.
In contrast to a text with only pictures, the enclosed DVD is a tremendous training tool that allows you to see the new techniques and study them repeatedly.
Reading this text is invigorating and will be a wonderful present to your patients.
The chapters are written by many of the giants of the field, and they don't disappoint. Contemporary perspectives, evaluation and treatment techniques are frequently presented by the researchers whose studies have continued to bring light to the current approach.
This text is appropriate to the practioner who is getting his first exposure to this information as well as the seasoned student. Introductory chapters explore, in great detail, rationalle for current approaches in spinal care. Essentially taking the most current research of the past decade and giving it perspective. Sections on basic science, assessment and treatment all are made contemporary and vibrant as they are taught from the perspective of a multifaceted approach.
This text is NOT a re-tread of basic anatomy, common orthopedic tests(of questionable validity), and treatment options that have not been properly scrutinized. Treatment, including practitioners techniques as well as patient driven active exercise prescriptions, tissue sparing techniqies and behavioral modification are based on specific patient assessment consistent with the biopsychosocial model.
In studying this book you will be challenged to re-evaluate your perspectives and treatment options, and will be exposed to new information and approaches. Scientific evaluations that elucidate the most common generators of lumbar pain are presented in aggressive and compelling fashion. We all must rise to the challenge of incorporating these facts into our understanding of the problems of the spine.
In contrast to a text with only pictures, the enclosed DVD is a tremendous training tool that allows you to see the new techniques and study them repeatedly.
Reading this text is invigorating and will be a wonderful present to your patients.
reviewed by gilbert on November 29, 2006 3:52 PM