5 The cervical spine   Figure 5.1 The cervical spine   Introduction Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people visit manual therapists, with 54% of Americans visiting…

2 Introduction to movement and joints In this chapter we will present an overview of the different types of joint, their classification and joint movement(s). Describing movement To help describe…

8 The lumbar spine   Figure 8.1 The lumbar spine   Introduction Lumbar spine (low back) pain is defined as pain between the costal margins and the gluteal folds, with…

10 The shoulder   Figure 10.1 The shoulder   Introduction Shoulder pain is the most common musculoskeletal peripheral joint pain and the third most common site of pain reported after…

6 The thoracic spine   Figure 6.1 The thoracic spine   Introduction The thoracic spine is a common site for dysfunction, including rheumatological (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis), infective (e.g. tuberculosis), metabolic…

12 The wrist and hand   Figure 12.1 The carpal bones of the wrist   Introduction The wrist and hand are extremely important for normal everyday functional living. Their extensive…

13 The knee   Figure 13.1 The knee: posterior and anterior views   Introduction The knee is the most common joint to develop osteoarthritic changes globally, and it is reported…

11 The elbow   Figure 11.1 The elbow: posterior and medial views   Introduction The elbow joint (or elbow complex) is a more complex joint than most people believe. It…

7 The ribcage   Figure 7.1 Bones of the human thorax, showing the ribcage   Introduction Along with injuries to the thoracic spine, rib musculoskeletal injuries have been researched in…

4 Therapist posture and stance In order to treat patients successfully, the manual therapist requires high levels of knowledge and skill. Of vital importance in this skill mix is knowing…