Clinical Mastery in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction

Rating:
Summary: A Case History
Review: If I were in charge of the medical world, I would insist that every orthopedic surgeon and rheumatologist read this book.

On January 8, 2001, I met Robert Gerwin. I had already consulted seven specialists who told me either to take an aspirin or a trip to Europe. By the time I saw Dr. Gerwin, I was a mass of unmuscled flab spread out on the examining table. For over six months, I had been unable to sit for more than about three minutes a day. I could stand about the same amount of time and walk perhaps five minutes a day. My life had shrunk to talking on the phone, reading, and watching TV-fortunately for me, the Florida election debacle occurred at this time. Except for medical appointments, I did not leave the house. My life as a scholar-writer was gone. I could not make any movement without pain.

I had never heard of Myofascial pain syndrome. Although I had given up hope of a recovery, Gerwin hadn't. As I told a friend, "if it kills me, he is going to have me sitting again." Well, he didn't kill me, and in about six months, I was walking, sitting, and standing with some confidence. Since I am not a medical doctor, I can't explain how he did it, but three weeks ago I submitted my own book to a publisher, using standard word processing tools.

Nancy Klein Maguire, PhD



Rating:
Summary: Superb addition to the Myofascial Pain literature :-)
Review: This book must take it's place amongst the significant works in Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction (Travell and Simons, Rachlin and Rachlin, and Baldry). A practical and helpful guide to clinical practice of this growing medical discipline. This book will be an excellent clinical reference for day to day treatment and for integrating Myofascial concepts into all forms of conventional approaches. It builds itself on up to date references. The chapters are designated by area and the addition of the case studies suggests application of principles. The multidisciplinary contributors to this book include the notable Dr Gerwin MD, Jan Dommerholt PT, Lucy White Ferguson DC, Roberta Shapiro DO, Mary Moloney PT.

The chapter on whiplash brings fresh air to this controversial area. The findings of Gerwin and Dommerholt of the presence of MTrPs in 100% of patients (especially the Trapezius)will draw attention to the essential need to assess and treat MTrPs in whiplash patients. I believe this chapter is a must read for all therapists and clinicians.

The future for Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction as a speciality is very bright. The risk is that the passing of skills and knowledge will be watered down with time. This book ensures that the integration of practical and clinical mastery of myofascial pain and dysfunction cannot be ignored or excused.
This must find its way into your library, your patients will be all the better for it.

Johnson McEvoy BSc., MSc., MISCP., MCSP., PT
Chartered Physiotherapist
Limerick Ireland