The Fundamentals of Manual Therapy

During professional training all manual therapists, from osteopaths and chiropracters to manual physical therapists, massage therapists and aromatherapists, learn their professional techniques and skills in depth, but to date there has been little attempt to present the 'fundamentals' of manual therapy and thereby to support practice with research-based theory. "Fundamentals of Manual Therapy" addresses this need by examining the physiological effect of therapeutic manipulation and touch on the human body. It presents the physiological, neurophysiological and psychological basis of manual techniques, giving the therapist the background and theory needed to support practice, and helping therapists to provide safer and more effective treatment. Written by Eyal Lederman, a leading osteopath, the text examines tissue physiology, neurology and psychosomatic changes in response to manipulative techniques. It draws on the teachings and texts of physiology, neurophysiology, psychology and biomechanics, as well as manual techniques and other manual disciplines. It is relevant to all manual therapists, helping both students and practitioners to understand why and how their techniques work.