Patient cases that eluded the authors, compelled them to consider why. Sometimes answers were only found after years of trying different methods and learning from their mistakes. This book is based on their clinical process of trial and error. In the first part of this book, Jean-Pierre Barral and Alain Croibier explore the "hidden" imperatives that influence vertebral biomechanics. What else might constrain joint play differently from how it is described by the standard laws of vertebral behavior? With an innovative approach, they apply their systems model of the vertebral column to the complexities of the cervical spine. It is not enough to intervene on the inter-apophyseal level alone. A therapist must take neural, vascular, muscular, ligamentous, dural, and other systems into account. In the second part of this book, the authors present original techniques to offer better relief to the multitude of patients who suffer from cervical pain. The techniques described are the fruit of many years of clinical experience. Precise and complete maneuvers address joints together with their periarticular structures. This book is written for professional osteopaths, students in training, physiotherapists, and all manual therapists wishing to broaden their practice, and enrich their range of skills and techniques

"Osteopathy and other systems of manual medicine have developed a variety of models for understanding the mechanics of proper and improper motion of the musculoskeletal system. In this important and pioneering work, that same structural vision is applied to the visceral system. The central premise of 'Visceral Manipulation' is that the interrelationship of structure and function among the internal organs is at least as strong as that among the constituents of the musculoskeletal system; and that, like the musculoskeletal system, manipulation of the viscera can be beneficially used in the treatment of a wide variety of problems affecting any of the body's systems."--Publisher description.

This work demonstrates a novel approach to visceral osteopathy. Basing their ideas on anatomy and physiology, Jean-Pierre Barral and Alain Croibier propose manipulation of the arteries to treat the intestines and other internal organs by increasing their blood flow. The arteries, elastic and muscular in structure, and the innumerable nerve filaments which surround them, react ideally to manual treatment. To be effective, however, these manipulations must be specific and precise. Thanks to the authors' long experience as therapists, their mastery of osteopathic techniques and the aid of ultrasound technology, they have devised innovative techniques to improve the visceral vascular circulation. In this book the authors show the various sites of the principle pulses of the body and summarise the physiology of the circulation of the blood. The main organs and their physiology are addressed and include the heart, pancreas, small intestine, colon and other abdominal structures as well as the regions of the neck, skull and pelvic cavity. Rich in detailed, high quality illustrations, this book serves as both an anatomical reference and a guide to carrying out visceral vascular manipulations in the most effective way possible. The work is aimed at experienced osteopaths as well as those in training, and at other manual therapists who wish to widen their scope. - Offers practical and clinically relevant information to all practitioners and therapists working in the field - Abundant use of pull-out boxes, line artwork, photographs and tables facilitates ease of understanding - Prepared by experts of international renown - Covers treatment of the main organs including the heart, pancreas, small intestine, colon and other abdominal structures as well as the regions of the neck, skull and pelvic cavity - Serves as both an anatomical reference and a guide to carrying out visceral vascular manipulations in the most effective way possible - Suitable for osteopathic physicians and osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, manual therapists, physiotherapists, and massage therapists

Entirely new, original and abundantly illustrated, this book is an essential guide to the cranial nerves for manual therapists. Incorporates new techniques that have an effect on the most precious part of the cranium, the brain. Teaches you how to manipulate this delicate neural system safely. Has over 100 full color line illustrations showing the anatomy underlying the techniques, while accompanying full color photographs demonstrate the techniques themselves. Will make you aware of the brain as the primary target of your action as practitioner.

"This book shows the important role that manual therapy plays in releasing pain conditions caused by the dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. It is written in an instructive, detailed and easily accessible style and will be useful to all those who wish to improve their manual skills and add an important new dimension to their practice."--BOOK JACKET.

Offer your patients expanded options for musculoskeletal relief with the help of this innovative new resource on manual medicine. Experienced teachers and physicians show you exactly how to apply patient-focused, basic palpatory diagnostic and manual treatment procedures to achieve optimal outcomes and enhance patient comfort. Effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems using direct and indirect myofascial release, isometric muscle energy, and indirect articular techniques. Teach your patients rehabilitative and preventive exercises as well as ergonomic guidelines to facilitate recovery. Confidently determine whether manipulative treatments are indicated using visual and palpation tests. Choose the best procedure for each patient with the help of detailed coverage describing each technique's effects and desired outcomes. Review clinical trials that document the effectiveness of manual techniques. Master techniques confidently with assistance from two authorities whom the AAFP invited to educate its members about manual approaches. Know exactly when and how to perform manual medicine techniques using step-by-step visual guidance from more than 700 photographs and drawings plus 62 video clips on the bonus DVD-ROM.

This book for health care practitioners presents the functional importance of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the physiological, behavioral, and psychological balance in humans. It clearly introduces Stephen W. Porges' polyvagal theory and presents applications to human health.Older and dualistic concepts of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems hold that they operate in complementary and opposing ways; here, the reader will discover a new system with three hierarchical levels arranged according to their functions for adaptation, survival, and homeostasis:?the dorsal vagal branch, which is the most ancient, is responsible for the primary parasympathetic functions;?the sympathetic system, which is in charge of energy mobilization, work, fight, or flight;?the ventral vagal branch, which appeared late in the evolution of mammals, and regulates the thoracic organs, head, and neck, which together with other cranial nerves, are responsible for the social engagement system.The polyvagal theory also serves as a central pillar around which a new explanation of human development is proposed, regrouping physiological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, and shedding new light on psychosomatic phenomena.In addition to giving a clinical semiological presentation, the chapter on heart rate variability shows how it is possible to quantify the performance of the ventral branch of the vagus nerve and its interaction with the sympathetic system. Moreover, the innovative osteopathic techniques proposed in this book constitute a new approach for treating the vagus nerve and the ANS.Although this book was written by an osteopath, it will benefit all therapists of the body, mind, and spirit who search to deepen their comprehension of human functioning.