695

ABC of Rheumatology edited by Michael L Snaith. BMJ Pub- lishing Group, BMA House, Tavistock Square, London WClH 9JR, 1996 (ISBN 0 7279 0997 5). Illus. 90 pages. f14.95. This reference book covers a varied range of musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic diseases, including chapters on the multidisciplinary team approach, podiatry, and the use of laboratory tests.

I t is designed t o be used as a supplement to other more detailed texts and can be used by a wide range of medical practitioners, paramedical staff, students and all those wishing to ‘brush up’ on their rheumatological knowledge.

It would therefore be a useful

Primitive Ancestral Modem

Human ADe A

limb horse horse

* Osteoanhritis common % Osteoarthritis rare

purchase for physiotherapists with an interest in rheumatology and a

Association between osteo-arthritis and evolution. Both illustrations from ‘ABC of Rheumatology’

valuable reference book to have in the department.

It is very readable and easy to understand. It is organised and Presented in a logical fashion, with relevant key Points highlighted in

Chapters are well illustrated using photographs, X-rays and graphs, with no off-putting over- detailed tables.

Limited references are used. More would have supported the text and

boxes. been of benefit in directing readers towards further reading material.

In chapter 19 ‘The team approach in a rheumatology department’ reference is made to patients being taught ‘a self-help programme’ by physiotherapists, but not enough attention is paid to the importance of the approach to patient education and self-management by the multi- disciplinary team, and what these programmes should include.

Also, as a physiotherapist, I am obviously particularly interested in our role, and I feel the text is a little out-dated - focusing primarily on Forces involved in a whiplash injury

types of electrotherapy and hotlcold therapies used for pain relief, without explaining their physiolog- ical effects, and no detailed reference to appropriate use of exer- cise therapy.

Another small but misleading point is that two of the authors of this chapter, according to the index of the book, are based at the Royal Bath Hospital, Harrogate -which unfortunately ceased to exist over two years ago - information a little out of date!

This book is very pleasing to read and handle -being a relatively slim paper-backed text, approximately A4 in size, with high quality, glossy paper - which should stand up t o some fairly heavy use. Good value for money.

Philippa M Moreno GradDipPhys MCSP

Physical Therapy for Sports

by Werner Kuprian. W B Saunders, Foots Cray High Street, Sidcup, Kent DA 74 5HP, 1994 (2nd edn) (ISBN 0 72 16 3758 2). 485 pages. f39. This book has been written by German authors and translated into English initially for the US market. I t is aimed at physiother- apists, trainers, doctors, instructors, coaches and athletes. The authors do not claim this to be an authori- tative text on theoretical scientific explanations but rather a practical guide to various treatment methods.

There are three parts to the book, the first covering passive treat- ments, the second active treat-

ments and a third covering general issues and discussing some typical examples.

The passive treatments include massage, heat, cold, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy. The last two chapters include some modalities which are different, to say the least! However, the predominantly Euro- pean influence provides an alter- native perspective with some inter- esting ideas for adapting treatment techniques. Active treatments include strengthening, PNF ‘loos- ening’ exercises, hydrotherapy and manual techniques.

Some of the practical examples for specific injuries are quite varied

and useful. However, the absence of sound research based theories in many areas would make the text more difficult to use as a reference when trying to take a more analy- tical approach. Despite this the explanations of mechanisms of common injuries in various sports with clear aims and goals of treat- ment make it a worth-while text.

It would be more suited to a larger library as a source of additional reading rather than a basic text for an individual. Students and clinicians looking for different ideas for treatment might find this book useful.

Nicola Phillips MCSP

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Physiotherapy, December 1996, vol82, no 12