Motion Palpation and Chiropractic Technic

By: R.C. Schafer, D.C. and L.J. Faye, D.C.

See pages xxxx on how to order

This is one book that I couldn't wait to get. Once received, I agonized over whether I should review it. After all, it was published by MPI, so reviewing it for the Preferred Reading and Viewing List was almost like reviewing the performance of your own child. How could I be unbiased?

This is, I suppose, as good a time as any to explain more fully the list of books and tapes you see every month in "DC." We have quite a list of tapes and publications waiting to be considered. Unfortunately, we have to turn down many because of the dubious value of some of the material submitted. The basic criteria is that whatever is submitted is well-constructed and might prove of value to the chiropractor and his practice. In other words, it's a pretty exclusive club.

The debate in my mind was that I didn't want to compromise my integrity by reviewing something we had published, as it might appear a form of literary chauvinism. No matter what some may think of me -- they know where I stand. This is something I will never change. If something isn't good I just won't review it.

Knowing this -- I can say with all honesty that this volume is one of the finest texts I have ever read. It is about us and what we do. It's not about you and me -- it's about us. It's about the mixer and the straight, the one who does upper cervical work or the one using SOT, for the Gonstead practitioner or the Logan basic specialist, for those using Activator methods or the Thompson technique. It's for chiropractors and chiropracTORS. In other words, it's a unifying text.

Why? Because it's simply about locating fixations and mobilizing what you find. These are the basics -- a palpation paradigm developed over a period of years and a compendium of techniques to implement mobilization. It doesn't matter what type of practice you have, the book deals with the foundation and mechanics of all that follows. Think of it this way -- you have to know the alphabet before you can spell.

The text is divided into nine chapters -- the first is about the dynamic chiropractic paradigm and covers everything from fixation theory of Gillet to the cause of the articular snap and the height of the adjusting able. Chapter two addresses the basic clinical approach, reviewing everything from palpation to x-ray. Chapters three through six cover the anatomy, diagnosis and therapeutic approach to the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic areas. Chapter seven is concerned with spinal fixation complexes, while eight deals with extraspinal problems, and nine with fixations of the lower extremities.

The volume is filled with graphs and illustrations that complement the extraordinary and succinctly written text. An added feature is the boxed clinical comments of Dr. Faye that add literary muscle to an already well-developed volume.

Few writers in the chiropractic profession can match the literary style and grace of Schafer, while Faye is the master of palpation and technique. Together they have forged a bond of excellence and created a priceless treasure for everyone interested in the mechanics of the human structure. There is no point in waiting for something better -- this is it.

RHT