BOOK REVIEWS

Hands on Sports Therapy by Keith Ward Thomson Learning 2004. ISBN 1861529201 Cost - £21.99. To order visit www.amazon.co.uk

Overview and purpose: This book is the essential text book for all students study- ing for Level 3 qualifications in sports therapy. It covers in detail all the course content for this qualification. It is laid out in a practical, easy-to-use manner. The chapter summaries, knowledge

reviews and tips are very useful and reader friendly. It

satisfies the stated aims of tackling the subject as thoroughly as possible and at the same time is interesting, motivating and accessible. Target audience: The target audience is students of Level 3 sports therapy courses. It is also useful revision for all trained and qualified sports therapists. As a physiotherapist working in

sport I found it easy to read and extremely useful for reference. Key features: The book layout is particularly good. Section 1 deals with the theory behind the practice. This lays the founda- tion and groundwork which leads onto Section 2 dealing with actual practice. This section covers the techniques, learning objectives, chapter summary, knowledge review and tips. All add to the value of the book and guide the student well. Book style: Easy to use as an initial text book and excellent as an ongoing reference source. Illustrations are good and appendix 2 of Major Muscle Tables is very well laid out. Overall opinion: A much needed comprehensive text book from a practical, hands-on therapist and lecturer. This book is a ‘must have’ for all levels of sports therapy students and a welcome addition to the reference section for any involved therapist.

Pharmacology for Massage Therapy by Jean Wible Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2004. ISBN 0781747988 Cost - £18.50. To order visit www.amazon.co.uk

Overview and purpose: This book claims that with its comprehensive pharmacology, its up-to-date text leads you through a deductive reasoning process for develop- ing safe and individual massage therapy protocols for clients receiving drug ther- apy. The purpose of the text is to help

the massage therapist work with clients with chronic

conditions more individually and with specific treatments based on their conditions and the drugs they are taking. Target audience: This book is aimed at massage therapy students and qualified professionals. Key features: Each chapter is set up in a common format to allow easy access to information for each category of drug. Lists of common drug names feature both generic and brand names, some of which are not common in the UK. The massage implications and assessment section discuss the effects of the drugs, the changes

that may be needed to giving massage, contraindications, and the effect of adverse reactions. The quick quizzes at the end of each chapter help reinforce the content. Case studies give good infor- mation and the Drug index is a very convenient reference. Book style: Nicely presented in a clear, easy-to-follow format. However it is very American and so there is a consideration about its usefulness or application to massage practitioners in the UK. It would be interesting to discuss this book with the medical pro- fession and the pharmacologists, to get their reaction to massage practitioners accessing this knowledge. I think it is good to widen knowledge and extend understanding but such knowledge must be properly used and not give people the idea that they are experts. Overall opinion: As with all Lippincott books this one is well packaged and well written. I am glad I had the opportunity to review it but I wouldn’t choose to buy it, although it would be a good addition in the reference section of academic libraries.

SPORTEX CONTINUING EDUCATION COURES We have now finalised a full programme of one and two day courses between now and March next year. For more information on course titles, dates and venues contact Hollie on 020 8287 3312, visit our website at www.sportex.net or see the loose leaf insert enclosed in this issue. All courses qualify for CPD hours from the Sports Massage Association. If you would like us to apply for CPD points or hours from other organisations please ask at time of booking.

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