The monograph is designed to fill a gap in domestic literature in the theory, practice, and teaching of manual therapy. It consists of two parts.
The first part provides a systematic presentation of the theoretical aspects of manual medicine (manual therapy). Here the barrier functions of the links of the locomotor system are considered, as well as the foundations of movement organization. Detailed information is given on functional pathology of the locomotor system and methods for diagnosing it. In particular, the classification of pain syndromes of the apparatus of movement—including fibromyalgia syndrome—should be regarded as especially important in this section. A modern definition of the concept of “motor stereotype” is provided. Descriptive characteristics of technical methods of manual therapy are presented as well. Clinical aspects of myofascial pain and methods for treating it are described separately, and the interpretation of complex theoretical material is carried out from the standpoint of modern neurophysiology.
In the second, practical part of the monograph, a complete description is given of the diagnostic and treatment technical methods used in manual therapy. Special attention is paid to the so-called “soft technique” of manual therapy, which has proven itself as a wonderful alternative to manipulation techniques. The author gives a detailed description of the post-reciprocal relaxation method, first described by him, for eliminating myofascial pain, and proves its high effectiveness.
A feature of the second part is its “block system.” In each block, detailed information is provided on separate links of the motor system (functional anatomy and roentgen-anatomy, clinical manifestations of functional pathology, methods of manual examination and treatment), which allows using this section as reference material.
The book is intended for specialists in manual medicine (manual therapy), neurologists, rehabilitation therapists, as well as for general practitioners.