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number in the list. Secondly, there are minor editing errors, as for example on page 179 where the text and the table do not marry up. This is a minor matter but can be confusing.

Physiotherapists would naturally be interested in the contents of this book although I would not recom- mend that individuals bought it unless in exceptional circumstances. The breadth of the subjects covered means that only one or two chapters would be of interest to each reader although it could be bought by departments.

However, it comes with a number of caveats. First, the book does not touch on the cognitive aspects of clinical reasoning a t all. This

concentrates on reviewing literature about different treatment modali- ties. Secondly, the contributors are almost entirely from medicine, not physiotherapy, and therefore have covered the subjects from their particular focus.

Nevertheless, the book is useful especially for departments which are thinking of setting up research into specific aspects of rehabilitation modalities, since it provides a valu- able introduction to the literature in the area. However, it could never be a substitute for reading the original papers. It would cover a similar function for students and is therefore a book for library or departmental purchase.

Gill James MSc BEd MCSP DipTP

Running Injuries by Gary N Guten. W B Saunders, Philadel- phia (British distributor Harcourt Brace, Foots Cray High Street. Sidcup, Kent DA4 5HP). 1997 (ISBN 0 7216 6843 7). lllus. 283 pages. f39.

This hardback book provides an in- depth description of various running injuries, likely causes and some preventive measures.

There are 20 chapters, all with different contributors writing about their area of expertise. The subject of the chapters varies from general issues such as the benefits of jogging or running t o the biomechanics of running and the footlshoe interface, over-training syndrome, running after hip, knee or back surgery or its effect on mood disorders. Each chapter is well referenced and represents current thoughts (1997) on the various subjects.

The biomechanics and over- training sections are both heavy going because of the technical subject matter but are a good refer- ence source with a little more than just the superficial overview of the biomechanics of running seen in

injuries in running with clear head- ings, bullet points and appropriate diagrams illustrating the text. Simi- larly, the chapter on strength and flexibility concepts gives a well- balanced opinion on the pros and cons of different types of stretching and strengthening programmes pertinent to running.

There are many more chapters covering just about anything you* could think of that runners might have wrong with them. Each one offers some relevant information.

On the whole, this probably is not the book for someone looking for a more general reference on sports injuries. It would be more useful to clinicians with a particular interest in running injuries or who treat a large proportion of runners in their practice.

It would also be of interest t o more experienced practitioners who are looking for some more in-depth references in specific subjects or for an additional reference for lecture or teaching material.

Nicola Phillips MSc MCSP

general sports injury books. There is also a good step-by-step guide to the anatomy of running shoes in the chapter on the footlshoe interface.

Stress fractures and compartment syndromes are dealt with separately in different chapters, making the differences within the all-encom-

fractures In military

passing term ‘shin splints’ much clearer.

There is a nice chapter on the overview of leg

Positional Release Techniques Advanced Soft Tissue Techniques by Leon Chaitow, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1996 (ISBN 0 443 05299 9). Illus. 126 pages. €2 1.

The purpose of this book is to explore the theoretical mechanisms and methodology behind positional release techniques (PRT). All tech- niques are aimed a t finding a position of ‘ease’ (a position of maximum slack for dyfunctional soft tissue) as opposed to a position of ‘bind’. For example PRT can involve performing a sequence of movements which take a muscle in spasm towards a slackened position.

All techniques are performed slowly, gently, and should be pain easing. Positions at ease are usually held for 60-90 seconds and then returned to neutral. PRT are aimed at normalising the neural reporting from the dysfunctional tissues to the central nervous system in order to reduce hypertonicity and muscle spasm.

I t is also believed that there is better filling of blood vessels which leads to improved circulation and restoration of normal soft tissue physiology.

The reader is introduced to all of the major PRT methods including modified straidcounterstrain tech- niques, the palpation of tender points and palpation for reduction in tone. The author is against using prescriptive techniques and encour- ages therapists to apply principles and suggested methodology in an innovative way t o treat acute and chronic problems in a host of situa- tions such as pregnancy, respiratory distress and temporomandibular dysfunction.

This book is a great read. I t is published in paperback and easy to handle. The layout is excellent with chapter contents highlighted and useful summaries. Information is gathered from a wide source with good referencing. There are exer- cises to introduce the reader to palpation while performing func- tional techniques and by the end of the book I felt inspired to try these soft tissue techniques.

This would be a book which would be appropriate for departments t o buy and priced a t g19.50 i t repre- sents fair value for money.

Alison Melrose BSc MCSP MMACP

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Physiotherapy, March 1998, vol84, no 3