Spinal Manipulation Made Simple: A Manual of Soft Tissue Techniques

by Jeffrey Maitland, Kelley Kirkpatrick (Photographer)

Written by an expert on alternative bodywork, this book presents techniques for manipulating the soft tissues of the back in a safe, simple manner. The method avoids the high velocity, low amplitude thrusting techniques employed by chiropractors. Instead, it utilizes the intuitive sense of somatic bodyworkers combined with the proven theory and technique of Rolfing to provide safe and effective treatment. Maitland shows how to elegantly release joint fixations in the spine, sacrum, pelvis, and ribcage by using subtle soft tissue techniques, rather than the thrusting techniques that "pop" the joints. This gentler kind of individualized Rolfing work is thoroughly described within an explanation of biomechanics, aided by drawings and photographs which depict techniques and anatomy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jason Fella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was an excellent book that made addressing spinal dysfunction with direct techniques very accessible. Much easier to perform than muscle energy techniques (which I've been using for 15 years), I've been using the techniques and love them so far.

However, I do want to caution readers on the chapter about the sacrum. I think the author got mixed up when he was explaining how to do the more detailed sacral torsion/shear corrections and at some points has you actually pushing the sacrum more into the dysfunction, instead of out of it! I think it's just an oversite, but by the time you get to that chapter, you're already familiar enough with what he's explaining (especially if you already have a background in spinal manipulation) that you can figure out the right way of doing it, regardless. I could be mistaken, but I've gone over it three or four times and some of it just isn't right.

Secondly, the author states that iliosacral torsions are extremely rare. I have never heard this is any other osteopathic or chiropractic text. In fact they all say the opposite, that torsions are unbelievably common. What IS rare, are pelvic inflares/outflares. Phillip Greenman, a famous Osteopath, said he himself had only seen about 40 true flares in his very long career.

But again, this is a good book and I certainly recommend it.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've learned how to unwind rotated vertebrae and release restricted facet joints between vertebrae. I can release ribs that are out of place. The authors perspective has been particularly valuable to me.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the Doctors in the chiropractic office I practiced in recommended this terrific book to me, the layperson whose massage work on clients was designed to support his adjustments. I have not gotten through it yet but it is interesting and useful for a health care worker such as I.

[Mogaldea Andrei · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's very interesting review of manual tehnique..