Manual Physical Therapy of the Spine, 3rd Edition

Author :
Kenneth A. Olson
Date of Publication: 12/2021
Build your skills in examination and manual therapy treatment techniques! Manual Physical Therapy of the Spine, 3rd Edition provides evidence-based guidelines to manipulation, evaluation, and treatment procedures of the spine and temporomandibular jo ...view more

Build your skills in examination and manual therapy treatment techniques! Manual Physical Therapy of the Spine, 3rd Edition provides evidence-based guidelines to manipulation, evaluation, and treatment procedures of the spine and temporomandibular joint. A perfect blend of theory and practice, this text uses an impairment-based approach in showing how to reach an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective plan of care. The book’s photos and drawings — along with some 200 videos — demonstrate examination and manipulation procedures, including therapist hand placement, applied direction of force, and patient positioning. Written by clinician and educator Kenneth Olson, this comprehensive resource will help you improve your clinical reasoning and provide successful outcomes.

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Build your skills in examination and manual therapy treatment techniques! Manual Physical Therapy of the Spine, 3rd Edition provides evidence-based guidelines to manipulation, evaluation, and treatment procedures of the spine and temporomandibular joint. A perfect blend of theory and practice, this text uses an impairment-based approach in showing how to reach an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective plan of care. The book’s photos and drawings — along with some 200 videos — demonstrate examination and manipulation procedures, including therapist hand placement, applied direction of force, and patient positioning. Written by clinician and educator Kenneth Olson, this comprehensive resource will help you improve your clinical reasoning and provide successful outcomes.


New to this edition
  • NEW! Enhanced eBook version is included with print purchase, which allows students to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.
  • NEW! Expanded content describes the impact of use of language, pain science education, and a psychologically informed approach in the management of complex musculoskeletal pain conditions.
  • NEW! Coverage of clinical reasoning includes additional decision making tools relating to the biopsychosocial approach for spinal and temporomandibular conditions in musculoskeletal and manual physical therapy practice.
  • NEW! Updated red flag screening content addresses serious spinal pathologies and assessment of central sensitization, pressure pain thresholds, and impaired sleep.
  • Updated research evidence supports the examination/classification, diagnostic accuracy, and treatment of spinal and temporomandibular disorders including mobilization/manipulation and specific therapeutic exercises.
  • Updated background information and instructional materials make it easier to integrate manipulation and manual physical therapy examination and treatment procedures into professional education and clinical practice.

Key Features
  • Approximately 200 video clips teach the skills needed to effectively implement evidence-based treatment recommendations related to manual therapy, manipulation, and therapeutic exercise.
  • Descriptions of manual therapy techniques include evidence-based coverage of the examination and treatment of spine and TMJ disorders, along with discussions of alternative treatment methods and potential adverse effects and contraindications to manipulation.
  • Guidelines for completing a comprehensive spinal examination include medical screening, the patient interview, disability assessment, and tests and measures, along with an evaluation of the examination findings and the principles involved in arriving at a diagnosis and plan of care.
  • Impairment-based manual physical therapy approach includes a review of the evidence to support its use in evaluating and treating spinal and TMJ conditions.
  • Full-color photographs show procedures from multiple angles, illustrating hand and body placement and direction of force.
  • Case studies demonstrate the clinical reasoning used in manual physical therapy.
  • Clear, consistent format for explaining techniques makes this reference easy to use in the classroom and in the clinical setting.
  • Guide to Physical Therapist Practice terminology is used throughout the book for consistency and for easier understanding.
  • Expert author Ken Olson is a highly respected international authority on the subject of spinal manipulation in physical therapy.

Author Information
By Kenneth A. Olson, PT, DHSc, OCS, FAAOMPT, Adjunct Faculty, Physical Therapy Program, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA