MANUAL THERAPY MASSAGE BOOK REVIEWS BY

JOAN M. WATT MA, GRAD D P.MCSP, MSMA

Joan is a chartered physiotherapist and chair of the Sports Massage Association.

The Ethics of Touch by Ben Benjamin and Cherie Sohnen-Moe Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins 2004. ISBN 1882908406 Cost - £16. To order visit www.amazon.co.uk

Overview and purpose: This book is described on the back sleeve by a respected bodywork instructor as the textbook of the decade, dealing with ethical dilemmas. The book has been written to guide, support and inspire both students and seasoned practitioners through the minefield of professional ethics. Target audience: According to the cover, this book should be in the office of every somatic practitioner and in the classroom of every professional training school. In my opinion this is appropriate for America but it is also a good starting point for the UK. Certainly the content and many subjects covered are relevant to all, but the answers must rely on the law of the particular country in which you practice. Key features: Two main authors who are well respected have produced this book with contributions from 15 other experts. The contents include Ethical Principles, Boundaries, Dynamics of Effective Communication, Dual Relationships, Sex, Touch and Intimacy, Ethical Practice Management, Business Ethics, Special Considerations in cases of Trauma, and Supervision. The ethical sub-

jects are well covered. The Appendix covers forms, specialised protocols, codes of ethics and a list of continuing education courses.

Book style: Nicely presented in a clear, easy-to-follow format. Although it is an American publication much of the con- tent is relevant to us all. However the Codes of Ethics have some glaring omissions from the UK perspective and all the CPD courses are in the US. Some of the resolution models and questionnaires are excellent and the content certainly addresses this thorny subject well. Overall opinion: I again envy our American colleagues; they are way ahead of us in the field of addressing such issues. This is a superb textbook and a must for all the practitioners in the States. For us here in the UK, it is well worth reading and trying to decide what and how this problem can be met here. Again a great book for a reference library,

Taping Techniques - Principles and Practice edited by Rose MacDonald Butterworth Heinmann 2004. ISBN 0750641509 Cost - £25. To order visit www.amazon.co.uk

Overview and purpose: The sleeve of this book states that this new edition of the highly successful practical handbook has been revised and has contributions from Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the UK. New techniques are included, among these propriocep- tive taping, unloading painful structures and stabilisation. The statement concludes, this book will be invaluable to those involved in primary care or in the hospital environment. Target audience: This book would be an add-on to any practition- er who uses taping in their practice. It has a chapter on podiatry as well as unloading painful structures and stabilisation techniques. The content applies to rehabilitation as well as sports medicine, muscle imbalance and of course proprioception. Key features: Each taping technique is well explained with indica- tion, function, materials, position, application, check function, contraindications, and tips being described. The diagrams and illus- trations are well shown. On a point of discussion in Chapter 12 page 215 R MacDonald gives the tip of cover protection of the nail bed.

NOTE:

For those of you who already use strapping as a key part of your practice, Joan Watt is running an advanced one day course on the 20th October 2005 and Dylan Morrissey is running a day on Proprioceptive Taping on 9th November. To book contact Hollie on 020 8287 3312.

www.sportex.net 7

In the same chapter page 219 D Reese does not suggest protection of nail bed - there are many ways to do taping and we all adapt to suit our own requirements. Book style: Well-presented, easy-to-use with logical progressions. I found one or two lay out parts did not do the text jus- tice - for example - Chapter 14 on spicas and triangular bandages - the description starts on page 229 but the last sentence finishes on page 231 after two pages of diagrams. Overall opinion: This is a useful upgrade to an already accepted useful text book. Lots of good little techniques form a variety of sources. All the techniques shown are a help to developing your own battery of preferred tapings. Good value at £25 and a good addition to your personal library.

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