Book Reviews
C h i r o p r a c t i c Te c h n i q u e :
P r i n c i p l e s a n d P r o c e d u r e s , 2 nd E d i t i o n
A u t h o r s : D . Pe t e r s o n & T. B e r g m a n n
P u b l i s h e r : M o s b y, O c t o b e r 2 0 0 2
Pa g e s : 8 8 0
ISBN: 0-323-02016-X
RRP: AUD$286.00
This is a very good book for both chiropractic students in
training and experienced practitioners. It is an excellent
encyclopedia of chiropractic techniques. The book is
comprehensive, covering fundamental and advanced skills
to evaluate joint function and deliver adjustments. There is,
however, actually a lot more to this book than technique. A
good percentage of this book focuses on diagnosis, analytical
procedures and case management.
This book is very well laid out. Each chapter stands on its
own without the need to flip back and forth. There are
summary boxes for quick references where appropriate.
Important information for the practitioner and student are
covered throughout the book, including topics such as
contraindications, required modification to manipulation,
indications, screening tests and outcome measures. Specific
Functional Capacity Questionnaires such as Oswestry are
found in the appendix.
Chiropractic Technique starts with the development of
manipulative therapy covering 4000 BC to Wilk and Rand.
It then goes into as much detail as needed of anatomy and
biomechanics relevant to the practicing chiropractor. There
is a chapter on the evaluation of joint function and the
mechanisms of manipulation.
Chiropractic Technique covers a vast array of types of
manipulation. The book covers high velocity, non-force, drop
technique, motion assisted etc… It covers techniques
performed on a patient supine, prone, seated and standing.
There are very good photographs, 716 illustrations and
descriptions of the techniques. These figures are extensively
researched, well referenced and rational. The primary focus
of the book is on the spine, but a chapter covers extra-spinal
(extremity/ cranial) technique. The extra-spinal techniques
are covered in detail. This section covers the TMJ to the
toes.
The book does not go into specific detail of techniques such
as Sacro Occipital Technique, Activator etc…. Kjellberg
technique unfortunately does not get a mention which is not
surprising because the text was written by North American
practitioners and this technique is primarily used in regional
Queensland.
The second edition contains a new chapter that covers non-
thrust techniques including mobilization, traction and soft
tissue procedures. This section covers Nimmo, myofascial
procedures, PNF etc… The book takes on controversial and
non-controversial issues in a non-biased and rational manner.
It takes on issues such as cranial manipulation, McKenzie,
and Chapman (Neuro) Lymphatic Reflexes. It is not afraid
to be upfront and tell it like it is. “Motion palpation has no
better evidence than the more esoteric techniques”.
Proponents of evidence based practice will be happy with
this approach.
The authors David Peterson and Thomas Bergmann are
professors at Western States Chiropractic and Northwestern
Health Sciences University. They are experienced hands on
chiropractors. They blend what chiropractors actually do
and what researchers have done. They comfortably and
tactfully use terms such as adjustments, manipulation and
manual procedures.
Chiropractic Technique does a great job of bridging the gap
between clinical practice and research. The book is great for
students but seasoned practitioners will also learn a lot. I
believe this book should be in every chiropractor’s library
and is worth the price. I would rate this book 9.5/10.
Kenneth J. Lorme D.C., M.H.Sc.
Vo l u m e 1 1 • N u m b e r 2 • J u l y 2 0 0 3 | A C O 63