Basic Evaluation and Mobilization of the Spine

The 7th edition of this classic Kaltenborn text focuses on basic evaluation and mobilization of the spine with an emphasis on biomechanical principles. Beginning to advanced level physical therapy students and manual therapy practitioners will find this book, and accompanying video guide, to be a valuable resource.

The updated 7th edition presents many further clarifications for ease of learning and includes a video download of the techniques with more than 165 video clips. The videos allow the therapist to observe subtleties in movement, timing and positioning performed by a skilled master clinician.

Assessment and Treatment Techniques

The book provides assessment and treatment techniques that are clearly illustrated, showing patient positioning, stabilization of the patient, and therapist hand placement. It also contains an expanded description of objectives, advanced techniques, and grades of translatoric movement. Progression from a test maneuver to a mobilization technique is clearly demonstrated.

Chapters in this popular text from Freddy Kaltenborn include:

  • OMT Nordic System
  • Spinal movement
  • Translatoric joint play
  • Tests of function
  • OMT evaluation
  • Spinal joint mobilization
  • OMT treatment
  • Spinal syndromes
  • Technique principles for the pelvis, lumbar spine, thoracic spine and ribs, cervical spine, upper cervical spine and jaw
  • Manual therapy education
  • References

Step-By-Step Instruction for Clinicians with Image Guide

  • A video download of Kaltenborn techniques with over 165 video clips
  • Notes, images, and cues for improving techniques
  • Guided instruction from beginner test maneuvers to tips on achieving mastery

About the Author:

Freddy M. Kaltenborn, Manual Therapy Innovator

The late Professor Freddy M. Kaltenborn introduced the principles of manual therapy throughout Europe in the 1950s and over the next five decades was instrumental in establishing this practice specialty throughout the world. His classic handbooks on Manual Mobilization of the Joints have introduced thousands of clinicians and students worldwide to the practical foundations of joint mobilization.

From the Back Cover

This book presents basic manual, passive spinal joint evaluation and mobilization treatment techniques, with its hallmark marriage of functional anatomy to clinical practice.

The text focuses on the underlying biomechanics and fundamentals of both thrust and non-thrust manual joint treatment techniques. The techniques were carefully selected to be safe in the hands of beginning students. Advanced mobilization progressions outside the resting position include guidelines for how and when it is safe to move toward and into the limit of a movement restriction. Basic traction-manipulation techniques utilize low-force thrusts initiated from the Momentary Resting Position. Photographs illustrate both basic and alternate grips and the use of wedges, fixation straps and mobilization straps for longer duration joint mobilization procedures.

Kaltenborn’s techniques are a core component of the Nordic System in Orthopedic Medicine and Manipulative Therapy.

This classic text features color photographs and access to a downloadable companion DVD with demonstrations of each technique.