BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS

Abstract

With the intent of this book to discuss multidisciplinary methods of treatment its target audience consists of all musculoskeletal specialists including sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, massage therapists, and athletic trainers. The text is divided into 6 sections with 62 chapters. Six new chapters were added to this completely revised and enhanced third edition. Fundamental principles and theoretical aspects of sports medicine are discussed in Part A. Part B details regional problems and is symptom oriented discussing e.g., hip and groin pain and acute knee injuries. This section includes anatomy, differential diagnosis, assessment, and evidence-based or expert-advocated treatment options. Specific conditions are detailed from the most common to the “not to be missed” clinical presentations. Part C includes information on enhancing sports performance by way of e.g., nutrition, supplements, and sports psychology of sport. Part D focuses on conditions and treatment options for special groups including the young, female participants, the elderly, and disabled people. Part E covers the management of medical problems discussing among others emergency protocols, diabetes, osteoporosis, and rheumatic and inflammatory conditions. The final section discusses practical sports medicine with attention to medical care of teams and event coverage. The book is very well illustrated with full-color photographs, anatomical diagrams, diagnostic pictures, and flow charts useful for learning and clarification. The contributors to this edition consist of world-class clinicians and researchers. The chapters include recommended reading lists, websites, and recent references for each chapter. Practice pearls contain useful tips and suggested techniques for the clinician. There are also patient information sheets printable from a companion CD that summarizes patient presentations and potential treatment choices. I found the text easy to read and comprehensive. The information presented in this text can be applied to any active individual ranging from elite athletes to the active elderly population. Overall, this text is clinically relevant and is presented in a very usable format. Due to the extent of information presented in this text, relevant manual therapy techniques are not described in significant detail, but the text still provides a good overview of treatment options. I would highly recommend this book as an essential comprehensive text for any clinician working with active individuals.