Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy: An Introduction to Soft Tissue Mobilization, Spinal Manipulation, Therapeutic and Home Exercises, Third Edition, is an easy-to-follow manual of clinical techniques for the spine, pelvis, and temporomandibular joint. The text provides "tools" rather than "recipes" and immerses the reader in the process of "thinking as a manual therapist," rather than functioning as a technician. The clinical utility of this revised third edition combines the art and science of present-day spinal manual therapy.

The focus of Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy, Third Edition, is to provide clinically useful treatment techniques, while being mindful of the scientific literature related to the practice of spinal manual therapy. It is an ideal resource for all those interested in grasping the basics of spinal manual therapy and transferring that knowledge into practice within a clinical environment. Inside you’ll find sections covering: evaluation, soft tissue techniques, manipulative procedures, specific exercises, and clinical problem solving.

The hands-on approach taken by Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy makes this new edition the go-to textbook for spinal manual therapy. This unique textbook has a plethora of clinical techniques, including the rationale for each of their use. With over 300 figures, illustrations, and photographs for each examination/treatment technique for various regions of the body, students and clinicians learning manual therapy will benefit greatly from Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy.

This fully revised edition of Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy continues to mirror courses on the introduction to spinal manual therapy and will be key reading for physical therapy curriculums, as well as appreciated by clinicians when entering clinical practice.

Section I Essentials of Spinal Manual Therapy

1 Vertebral Motion Dynamics

2 McKenzie’s Three Syndromes

3 Principles of Manual Examination, Diagnosis, and Intervention

Section II Scapulothoracic Region

4 Examination and Evaluation of the Scapulothoracic Region

5 Connective Tissue Techniques for the Scapulothoracic Region (Myofascial Release, Direct Fascial Technique, and Friction)

6 Manipulation of the Thoracic Spine and Ribs

7 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Scapulothoracic Region

Section III Cervical Spine

8 Examination and Evaluation of the Cervical Spine

9 Connective Tissue Techniques and Stretching Procedures for the Cervical Spine

10 Cervical Spine Manual Therapy

11 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Cervical Spine

12 The Role of the Cervical Spine in Headache and Dizziness

Section IV Temporomandibular Joint

13 Examination and Evaluation of the Temporomandibular Joint

14 Connective Tissue Techniques for the Temporomandibular Joint/Facial Region

15 Intraoral Manipulation of the Temporomandibular Joint

16 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Temporomandibular Joint

Section V Lumbar Spine

17 Examination and Evaluation of the Lumbar Spine

18 Connective Tissue Techniques and Stretching Procedures for the Lumbar Spine

19 Lumbar Spine Mobilization/Manipulation

20 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Lumbar Spine .

Section VI Pelvic Girdle

21 Examination and Evaluation of the Pelvic Girdle

22 Connective Tissue Techniques and Stretching Procedures for the Pelvic Girdle

23 Pelvic Girdle Manual Therapy

24 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Pelvic Girdle

Section VII From the Classroom to the Clinic

25 The Evidence for Spinal Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise

26 Case Studies