Therapeutic Management of Incontinence and Pelvic Pain

As medical knowledge advances we tend to compartmentalise our specialties into smaller units; but, hand in hand with this, there is a growing understanding between the different disciplines within the caring professions. Thus we are able to share our special skills to the benefit of patients. This book is an excellent example of the advantage of interdisciplinary communication and demonstrates a refreshing holistic approach to the problems of incontinence and pelvic pain. Written with physiotherapists in mind, the editors have invited contributions from many distinguished experts in their own field. These have been compiled into a comprehensive book, which will appeal to many healthcare professionals. I have had great pleasure in reading this book. During the time that I have been involved with 'pelvic dysfunction' there have been many exciting advances. These are all included in a most readable sequence, some presented with a refreshing new twist. In particular, I would like to bring to your attention the section on 'pelvic pain'. Because of our lack of understanding it has been a problem that is too often ignored and here at last are some practical ideas for therapeutic management. There is still much progress to be made in the field of incontinence and pelvic pain and as yet, no editors can be expected to produce a definitive work. However, I would like to recommend this book most strongly. It has a new approach to this topic, which is still a major problem for many people.

From the reviews:

… [The book’s] strength lies in its multidisciplinary input, which was achieved by combining the specialist skills and knowledge of 39 experts, including the editors. The result is a unique and very comprehensive volume, providing the reader with a truly holistic approach to the assessment and treatment of incontinence and pelvic pain. Aimed primarily at physiotherapists, it confirms their deserved place on the team of health professionals working together in caring form patients seen by this specialty. It is pleasing to find the inclusion of elderly people, patients with neurological impairment, male sufferers, alternative therapies and pelvic pain. ….

….Any health professional working in the field of incontinence and pelvic disorders, whether they are a student or an expert, will find this book of clinical use and interest as either a reference and practical guide or as a teaching tool.

(Ros Thomas, Journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health, Autumn 2003, 92, 89)

- Each chapter gives evidence-based guidance invaluable to students and specialists alike

- This book reaches out into new uncharted territories

- provides novel additions to previous textbooks on incontinence by including chapters on Complementary Therapies.

- Fascinating to read the assessment and treatment of incontinence with Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Reflex Therapy and Homeopathy.

- Readable, understandable and practical textbook

- Every professional working in the specialty of continence should own a copy

(Grace Dorey, Urology News, September/October 2002, vol. 6, no. 6, 26)

- This book provides a clear, concise and practical clinical introduction to the assessment and conservative treatment of pelvic disorders in both men and women, written by many English and American contributors within various disciplines.

- [It] will appeal to many healthcare professionals working in this specialist field as a useful references and practical guide for the management of pelvic organ disorders.

(G. Natale, Minerva Urologica 2004; 56(3):327)

- The section on pelvic pain covers an area which, until recently, has been poorly defined and difficult to treat. The authors embrace this topic in depth and provide a holistic approach to the multidisciplinary management of these patients.

- The editors are to be congratulated for compiling such a well-rounded, comprehensive textbook which will be a useful reference and practical guide for all undergraduate and postgraduate health professionals working with patients who suffer incontinence and pelvic pain.

(Jane Dixon, Physiotherapy Journal 2003: 566)

"This is a very interesting book written by two eminent physiotherapists. Whilst primarily written for physiotherapists working in the field of urinary incontinence and pelvic pain, it would be invaluable to anyone with a special interest in incontinence. The text is concise and easy to read. … I was pleased to see the simple and clear advice on the practical application of pelvic floor muscle exercises. … I think this book is a welcome addition to our armamentarium." (Jason C Cooper, The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Vol. 8 (1), 2006)

"This book provides a clear, concise and practical clinical introduction to the assessment and conservative treatment of pelvic disorders in both men and women … . The book will appeal to many healthcare professionals working in this specialist field (including physiatrists and physiotherapists, urologists and gynaecologists) as a useful reference and practical guide for the management of pelvic organ disorders." (G. Natale, Minerva Urologica, Vol. 56 (3), 2004)

"This latest book covering the management of incontinence and pelvic pain has been compiled by two well-known physiotherapists working within this field. It is written for professionals, by professionals, and provides a clear, concise and well-referenced textbook for all health care professionals. … The editors are to be congratulated for compiling such a well-rounded, comprehensive textbook which will be a useful reference and practical guide for all undergraduate and postgraduate health professionals working with patients who suffer incontinence and pelvic pain." (Jane Dixon, Physiotherapy Journal, September, 2003)

"This manual provides a clear, concise and practical clinical introduction to the assessment and practical clinical introduction to the assessment and conservative treatment of pelvic floor disorders in both men and women. … The book is primarily for physiotherapists working in this specialist field. However, it is also a useful reference and practical guide for all health care professionals working with patients suffering from incontinence or other pelvic disorders." (European Urology Today, Vol. 14 (3), 2003)