Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapy just informed me that they are publishing my book review of Chronic Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction: Practical Physical Medicine
in 2013;17:77-78. I cannot post the version they sent me, but legally I can post
the one I submitted:
Book Review
CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN AND DYSFUNCTION: Practical Physical Medicine
Leon Chaitow, Ruth Lovegrove Jones
Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier 2012
ISBN 9780702035326
I give this book a very enthusiastic 4.5/5 star recommendation. A slight confusion
may exist in part of the title “physical medicine.” The reader is not given a
clear definition thereof and it should not be confused with the medical
specialty named Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, of which there is
apparently one contributing author. Rather, I believe that the term “Physical
Medicine” applies to a broad category of hands-on, non-surgical,
non-pharmacological approaches, practiced by a variety of clinicians, perhaps
appreciated by perusing the table of contents, and the interdisciplinary,
international list of contributing authors. Would “manual and movement
therapies” be the same as “physical medicine?” It begs some definition. The
contributing authors cover very wide territory, from multiple specialties. It
truly is an inter-disciplinary work. Hence it is not a book to sell an
alternative or complimentary paradigm, not a “we versus them” approach, but
rather, a large palate that acknowledges the singular complex canvas of complex
chronic pelvic pain that mandates multidisciplinary perspective, and certainly
benefits from skilled hands-on expertise.
This book has the accompanying DVD placed inside the front jacket, and there are
instructions for downloading and access to telephonic tech assistance if needed.
Fortunately, it opened with no difficulty and was very much appreciated. It is
very nice to see this very useful DVD in the inside front cover so that readers
will perhaps immediately access it. It is especially helpful in learning some of
clinical applications that are best understood visually and dynamically, versus
only being read.
An early disappointment is the fact that not all authors are identified beyond
acronyms such as “MD”. What is their medical specialty, such as urology, or
gynecology, etc.? From the foreword of the book: “…The nature of pelvic pain is
complicated,…This is a coherent volume that helpfully gathers the variety of
regimens and techniques.” This goal is accomplished with an interdisciplinary
group of 22 authors who bring a wealth of experience. The introductory chapter
states: “This book has a single primary aim – to offer a one stop source of
relevant information for clinicians – specialists, practitioners and therapists
– on the subject of non-malignant chronic pelvic pain (CPP), with particular
emphasis on current trends in physical medicine approaches to assessment,
treatment, management, and care.”
Every chapter is well written and very well referenced. The graphics and pictures are
very useful as are the various tables. Some of the authors use minor
terminologies that may differ from “American English”, such as “whilst,”
“saddle” for “seat”, “football” for “soccer”, etc., which simply reminds the
reviewer that this is an international group of authors, and perhaps reminds the
reader of this reviewers attempt at being thorough. The book does give broad
coverage in 16 chapters and several sub chapters. Several chapters provide very
unique perspective, such that it is with regret I make mention of only a few
(see previous recommendation re TOC). For example, a chapter authored by a
Urologist brings clinical gems that are clearly beyond textbook knowledge, and
which can only be accomplished with many years of dedicated observation and
experience. A remarkable chapter by an Irish physiotherapist is worth the price
of the book alone, titled; Practical anatomy, examination, palpation and manual
therapy release techniques for the pelvic floor. An exceptional chapter on
external soft tissue manipulation approaches is very thorough in presentation,
very well researched with over 100 references and an abundance of images. It is
followed by another exceptional one on connective tissue and the pudendal nerve,
with an abundance of hands-on eval and treatment strategies. The chapter on
urological CPP has broad overview in 7 pages and does not disappoint the manual
soft tissue clinician with 12 pages on neuromuscular treatment, especially of
internal trigger points. The reviewer feels compelled to remind the reader of
the exceptional DVD covering much of the clinical content. Both genders are
covered throughout the book, and in fact, there is a specific chapter titled
“Gender and CPP”. A noteworthy chapter on sports and CPP which happens to be the
longest chapter in the book, covers broad territory, including detailed coverage
of pressure studies on bicycle saddles (seats) as it relates to pudendal
neuralgia and several other important topics such as osteitis pubis, sports
hernia, hip pathology and peri-inguinal neuropathies, etc.. Many of the sub
topics could be a chapter unto itself, yet the introductory resource here is
still very valuable.
In other chapters, topic such as a recent improvement in a wand for self-treatment
of pelvic floor trigger points, and neuromodulation of sacral nerves with
electrodes applied distally (lower leg) truly meet the definition of “cutting
edge” as much as that term can be over utilized and pedestrian. The pudendal
neuralgia chapter is remarkably lucid. Very slight redundancy in some soft
tissue treatment and graphics is non-detracting, especially as different authors
bring unique perspective, and there are enough novel graphics of this complex
region. Limited coverage of the role of physical therapy in utilizing
manipulation and mobilization of the spine and pelvic girdle is disappointing,
seeming to favor the Osteopathic approach. Otherwise, there is an excellent
chapter specifically on Osteopathic approaches, except for an attempt within it
to over generalize the physical therapy approach to lumbopelvic dysfunction,
citing only one rehab model. A 5-star bonus is the appendix with functional
outcome scales with very helpful introductory paragraphs and instructions for
scoring. There are 11 listed clinical outcome measurement tools, including the
very comprehensive IPPS pelvic pain assessment form. The final inclusion is a
description of eight standard pelvic pain provocation tests from the European
guidelines.
One disappointment is what I call “a missing chapter element”. Partially covered in
a general manner within the multi-specialty and multidisciplinary (UK) chapter
and the interdisciplinary (US) chapter; is the team approach to this complex
topic, and the listing of multiple specialties. However, the missing element is
a much needed guide which would go beyond the assumption that the client is
already under the care of an appropriate medical physician(s) as part of the
team for CPP. The title of a proposed chapter would be something similar to:
“The necessity of screening for medical referral, what every manual,
alternative/complimentary, body/mind and movement practitioner should know.”
Additional coverage on the topic of pelvic joint instability, obstetric pubic
symphyseal diastasis and orthopedic trauma instabilities seem worthy of
inclusion, perhaps as its own chapter. Unfortunately, some of this is actually
trivialized in the first chapter as being a false belief system that predicts
failure of intervention, which mentions avoidance behavior leading to a belief
in pelvic instability, to interventions to stabilize it, and that this will only
lead to failure of intervention. Although this perception is valid at times,
frightening so, based on heavy-handed web based and social media marketing for
so-called sacroiliac joint instability, there is another side of the coin. Many
other times, as evidenced with traditional imaging, it is a valid contemporary
source of debilitating CPP, as evidenced by web sites such as the www.PelvicInstabilityAssociation.com,
(one of several) orthopedic trauma research, obstetric literature, diagnostic
categories for traumatic (external) and obstetric symphyseal diastasis,
etc..
The
book is a carefully crafted work that belongs in the hands of all hands-on
clinicians who specialize in the subject matter or who want to specialize, and
for others who simply desire to be more aware of it. Also as a relevant resource
to practitioners who utilize the team approach. The book has solid, vast,
theoretical underpinning within the first eight chapters, and the following
eight chapters are specific to intervention with an abundance of hands-on
techniques such that “Physical Medicine” practitioners can learn and integrate
in their practice, or, at the very least, fine-tune current skills. This text is
placed prominently on the reviewer’s accessible bookshelf in the clinic, and it
is endorsed with a 4.5/5 star recommendation.
Jerry
Hesch, MHS, PT
Henderson,
NV USA
in 2013;17:77-78. I cannot post the version they sent me, but legally I can post
the one I submitted:
Book Review
CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN AND DYSFUNCTION: Practical Physical Medicine
Leon Chaitow, Ruth Lovegrove Jones
Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier 2012
ISBN 9780702035326
I give this book a very enthusiastic 4.5/5 star recommendation. A slight confusion
may exist in part of the title “physical medicine.” The reader is not given a
clear definition thereof and it should not be confused with the medical
specialty named Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, of which there is
apparently one contributing author. Rather, I believe that the term “Physical
Medicine” applies to a broad category of hands-on, non-surgical,
non-pharmacological approaches, practiced by a variety of clinicians, perhaps
appreciated by perusing the table of contents, and the interdisciplinary,
international list of contributing authors. Would “manual and movement
therapies” be the same as “physical medicine?” It begs some definition. The
contributing authors cover very wide territory, from multiple specialties. It
truly is an inter-disciplinary work. Hence it is not a book to sell an
alternative or complimentary paradigm, not a “we versus them” approach, but
rather, a large palate that acknowledges the singular complex canvas of complex
chronic pelvic pain that mandates multidisciplinary perspective, and certainly
benefits from skilled hands-on expertise.
This book has the accompanying DVD placed inside the front jacket, and there are
instructions for downloading and access to telephonic tech assistance if needed.
Fortunately, it opened with no difficulty and was very much appreciated. It is
very nice to see this very useful DVD in the inside front cover so that readers
will perhaps immediately access it. It is especially helpful in learning some of
clinical applications that are best understood visually and dynamically, versus
only being read.
An early disappointment is the fact that not all authors are identified beyond
acronyms such as “MD”. What is their medical specialty, such as urology, or
gynecology, etc.? From the foreword of the book: “…The nature of pelvic pain is
complicated,…This is a coherent volume that helpfully gathers the variety of
regimens and techniques.” This goal is accomplished with an interdisciplinary
group of 22 authors who bring a wealth of experience. The introductory chapter
states: “This book has a single primary aim – to offer a one stop source of
relevant information for clinicians – specialists, practitioners and therapists
– on the subject of non-malignant chronic pelvic pain (CPP), with particular
emphasis on current trends in physical medicine approaches to assessment,
treatment, management, and care.”
Every chapter is well written and very well referenced. The graphics and pictures are
very useful as are the various tables. Some of the authors use minor
terminologies that may differ from “American English”, such as “whilst,”
“saddle” for “seat”, “football” for “soccer”, etc., which simply reminds the
reviewer that this is an international group of authors, and perhaps reminds the
reader of this reviewers attempt at being thorough. The book does give broad
coverage in 16 chapters and several sub chapters. Several chapters provide very
unique perspective, such that it is with regret I make mention of only a few
(see previous recommendation re TOC). For example, a chapter authored by a
Urologist brings clinical gems that are clearly beyond textbook knowledge, and
which can only be accomplished with many years of dedicated observation and
experience. A remarkable chapter by an Irish physiotherapist is worth the price
of the book alone, titled; Practical anatomy, examination, palpation and manual
therapy release techniques for the pelvic floor. An exceptional chapter on
external soft tissue manipulation approaches is very thorough in presentation,
very well researched with over 100 references and an abundance of images. It is
followed by another exceptional one on connective tissue and the pudendal nerve,
with an abundance of hands-on eval and treatment strategies. The chapter on
urological CPP has broad overview in 7 pages and does not disappoint the manual
soft tissue clinician with 12 pages on neuromuscular treatment, especially of
internal trigger points. The reviewer feels compelled to remind the reader of
the exceptional DVD covering much of the clinical content. Both genders are
covered throughout the book, and in fact, there is a specific chapter titled
“Gender and CPP”. A noteworthy chapter on sports and CPP which happens to be the
longest chapter in the book, covers broad territory, including detailed coverage
of pressure studies on bicycle saddles (seats) as it relates to pudendal
neuralgia and several other important topics such as osteitis pubis, sports
hernia, hip pathology and peri-inguinal neuropathies, etc.. Many of the sub
topics could be a chapter unto itself, yet the introductory resource here is
still very valuable.
In other chapters, topic such as a recent improvement in a wand for self-treatment
of pelvic floor trigger points, and neuromodulation of sacral nerves with
electrodes applied distally (lower leg) truly meet the definition of “cutting
edge” as much as that term can be over utilized and pedestrian. The pudendal
neuralgia chapter is remarkably lucid. Very slight redundancy in some soft
tissue treatment and graphics is non-detracting, especially as different authors
bring unique perspective, and there are enough novel graphics of this complex
region. Limited coverage of the role of physical therapy in utilizing
manipulation and mobilization of the spine and pelvic girdle is disappointing,
seeming to favor the Osteopathic approach. Otherwise, there is an excellent
chapter specifically on Osteopathic approaches, except for an attempt within it
to over generalize the physical therapy approach to lumbopelvic dysfunction,
citing only one rehab model. A 5-star bonus is the appendix with functional
outcome scales with very helpful introductory paragraphs and instructions for
scoring. There are 11 listed clinical outcome measurement tools, including the
very comprehensive IPPS pelvic pain assessment form. The final inclusion is a
description of eight standard pelvic pain provocation tests from the European
guidelines.
One disappointment is what I call “a missing chapter element”. Partially covered in
a general manner within the multi-specialty and multidisciplinary (UK) chapter
and the interdisciplinary (US) chapter; is the team approach to this complex
topic, and the listing of multiple specialties. However, the missing element is
a much needed guide which would go beyond the assumption that the client is
already under the care of an appropriate medical physician(s) as part of the
team for CPP. The title of a proposed chapter would be something similar to:
“The necessity of screening for medical referral, what every manual,
alternative/complimentary, body/mind and movement practitioner should know.”
Additional coverage on the topic of pelvic joint instability, obstetric pubic
symphyseal diastasis and orthopedic trauma instabilities seem worthy of
inclusion, perhaps as its own chapter. Unfortunately, some of this is actually
trivialized in the first chapter as being a false belief system that predicts
failure of intervention, which mentions avoidance behavior leading to a belief
in pelvic instability, to interventions to stabilize it, and that this will only
lead to failure of intervention. Although this perception is valid at times,
frightening so, based on heavy-handed web based and social media marketing for
so-called sacroiliac joint instability, there is another side of the coin. Many
other times, as evidenced with traditional imaging, it is a valid contemporary
source of debilitating CPP, as evidenced by web sites such as the www.PelvicInstabilityAssociation.com,
(one of several) orthopedic trauma research, obstetric literature, diagnostic
categories for traumatic (external) and obstetric symphyseal diastasis,
etc..
The
book is a carefully crafted work that belongs in the hands of all hands-on
clinicians who specialize in the subject matter or who want to specialize, and
for others who simply desire to be more aware of it. Also as a relevant resource
to practitioners who utilize the team approach. The book has solid, vast,
theoretical underpinning within the first eight chapters, and the following
eight chapters are specific to intervention with an abundance of hands-on
techniques such that “Physical Medicine” practitioners can learn and integrate
in their practice, or, at the very least, fine-tune current skills. This text is
placed prominently on the reviewer’s accessible bookshelf in the clinic, and it
is endorsed with a 4.5/5 star recommendation.
Jerry
Hesch, MHS, PT
Henderson,
NV USA
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