The Acupuncture Handbook of Sports Injuries & Pain

I am finding this book serves its nitch very well -- addressing the 25 most common sports injuries. There are obviously missing topics - particularly those related to trauma which can be more random in location than acute or chronic overuse. However, this one is going to be a major resource for me. Now it is likely consulted ahead of others I've currently been using.I found the sections on hamstring/posterior thigh pain, plantar fascitis, frozen shoulder, and carpal tunnel syndrome to be very well done. Each was helpful and pretty representative of the how these disorders were consistently covered for the following subtopics.1. DIAGNOSIS AND ASSESSMENT (often 1-2 pages of core information along with noting when a problem is serious enough to need orthopedic referral). These are written in a conversational manner. Along with critical facts, they also give a nice glimpse of the author's humanness in the face of problems and responses with which clients may present.2. SUMMARY OF THE INJURY -- summarizes what one may see clinically, typical patient compliants, key discriminations from related injuries, and summary of typical medical/physical therapy approaches.3. TREATMENT TECHIQUES - including estimate of how many treatments and how long might be predicted. This section is very logically ordered into 4 steps which are:.. a. Initial treatments: Tendino-muscular, contralateral, ipsilateral or opposite extremity points, empirical points (which may be extra meridian points, Dr. Tung's or other similar ideas if known),.. b. Merdian and Microsystems: including the shu-stream points, important points of the meridians represented in the injury, He-Sea/Hui-Influential points and extraordinary meridian points if relevant. Microsystem coverage usually includes potentially useful auriculotherapy points. Sometimes wrist-ankle or other systems are also added... c. Points to treat associated inernal organ imbalances if relevant for Qi, Blood and Zang-fu... d. Suitable local and adjacent points most relevant to the site of injury. These can be particularly useful for focusing tendino-muscular or meridian treatments.4. COMPLIMENTARY PROCEDURES. Finally a listing of possible supplementary procedures such as temperature manipulation, linaments, heel lifts, self-massage, splints, etc.A good amount of detail is given regarding depth of needling, moxa applications, relevant trigger and motor points (along with the reference information in Travell and Simons). Unfortunately some of these references are to websites that may have unknown durability. There are selected muscle/bone drawings for each injury which include the essential anatomy and points -- well drawn and focused.For future editions I would like to see this handbook incorporate the points as they relate to relevant nerve conduction pathways (such as in Dr. Joseph Wong's Neuroanatomical Acupuncture), as this is a more comprehensively structured and consistently ordered handbook than those in which I've previously seen the neuroanatomical information.While I also like  Sports Acupuncture The Meridian Test and Its Applications  -- unless one makes sports injuries the focus of their practice, Reaves book seems more immediately accessible and implementable on a busy day.

Having read an exerpt from the the Acupuncture handbook in a printed article i was most impressed with the description of the various injuries ,ie the assessment and diagnosis, and the clear treatment protocols from a western and oriental perspective . This is a good balanced book on this subject and i have reviewed quite a number of others. This is a pick of the bunch . What i like about this book apart from being spiral bound and easy to read is the clarity of the text . It is obvious that the author has had considerable experience in the subject matter and is interested in delivering good outcomes from both good western medicine and TCM as mentioned. The author is not ego driven just trying to impress the reader with his vast TCM knowledge by offering complicated TCM treatment protocols but instead, is offering sound, proven,and personal experience treatment protocols. The Author is honest in his opinions on treating certain conditions and states where the strength and weakness of the protocol in treating the condition. I would advise those doing acupressure to purchase this book as well as the information/treatments can be customised by the acupressure therapist even tho it is written for acupuncturists in mind .I am very happy with the purchase of this bookPeter Farnsworth -Remedial massage Therapist -Adelaide - Australia

Its a great book for orthopedic pain, especially the most common sports injuries. But it's missing a few items, I was disappointed that there wasn't posterior cruciate ligament injuries as well as teres minor and subscapularis injuries, and any injuries on internal rotation of the shoulder. I was also disappointed that the section on orthopedic tests was incomplete. Even though we learn about how to do these tests in school, many acupuncturists do not use them and forget how to do them. If you're going to go into such detail about everything else, it makes sense to also have detailed information on how to do all the orthopedic tests (otherwise - how do you know which muscle or tendon is injured?).

As an acupuncturist with a large number of patients with pain in their muscles after sport activities or repetitive movements in the workplace this book is what I have been looking for and will be a great "companion" and good support for me in my practice in the years to come. I especially like the way the content is structured (both western and Chinese medicine). The book has a handy size and design. It is easy to find whatever muscle or subjects you are looking for. The language is clear and easy to follow, which is important for a foreigner. I recommend this book to all acupuncturist.Ingeborg C. Ness, BAc, Oslo, Norway.

This is the best to the point book i have seen for a while. It would be great for a student/new acupuncturist or someone who is not well versed in applying different systems of acupuncture to orthopedics. I decided to get this book based on reviews, but should have just read the description and then made my decision. It was sent fast and in good condition.

I am an MD. I , wrongly thought I could understand it. Too advanced , if you are not trained Accupuncturist.

I am loving this book. Its exactly what i was looking for. Hoping to make it to the next seminar.

This spiral-bound book is a useful addition to my acupuncture library. It provides practical treatment plans for common injuries that can be utilized right off the page. Nice blend of Eastern & Western thought processes. Gets right down to business and is well-organized. My only critique: I would like to see more injuries covered; the list is far from complete. Needs a Volume II.

Worth a purchase for any Acupuncture student interested in MSK.

practical.

Very practical in clinic. Some of the mentioned methods work very well.