3rd Edition

Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy An Introduction to Soft Tissue Mobilization, Spinal Manipulation, Therapeutic and Home Exercises

By Mark Gugliotti, Howard W. Makofsky Copyright 2025
    348 Pages
    by Routledge

    Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy: An Introduction to Soft Tissue Mobilization, Spinal Manipulation, Therapeutic and Home Exercises, Third Edition, is an easy-to-follow manual of clinical techniques for the spine, pelvis, and temporomandibular joint. The text provides "tools" rather than "recipes" and immerses the reader in the process of "thinking as a manual therapist," rather than functioning as a technician. The clinical utility of this revised third edition combines the art and science of present-day spinal manual therapy.

    The focus of Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy, Third Edition, is to provide clinically useful treatment techniques, while being mindful of the scientific literature related to the practice of spinal manual therapy. It is an ideal resource for all those interested in grasping the basics of spinal manual therapy and transferring that knowledge into practice within a clinical environment. Inside you’ll find sections covering: evaluation, soft tissue techniques, manipulative procedures, specific exercises, and clinical problem solving.

    The hands-on approach taken by Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy makes this new edition the go-to textbook for spinal manual therapy. This unique textbook has a plethora of clinical techniques, including the rationale for each of their use. With over 300 figures, illustrations, and photographs for each examination/treatment technique for various regions of the body, students and clinicians learning manual therapy will benefit greatly from Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy.

    This fully revised edition of Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy continues to mirror courses on the introduction to spinal manual therapy and will be key reading for physical therapy curriculums, as well as appreciated by clinicians when entering clinical practice.

    Section I Essentials of Spinal Manual Therapy

    1 Vertebral Motion Dynamics

    2 McKenzie’s Three Syndromes

    3 Principles of Manual Examination, Diagnosis, and Intervention

    Section II Scapulothoracic Region

    4 Examination and Evaluation of the Scapulothoracic Region

    5 Connective Tissue Techniques for the Scapulothoracic Region (Myofascial Release, Direct Fascial Technique, and Friction)

    6 Manipulation of the Thoracic Spine and Ribs

    7 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Scapulothoracic Region

    Section III Cervical Spine

    8 Examination and Evaluation of the Cervical Spine

    9 Connective Tissue Techniques and Stretching Procedures for the Cervical Spine

    10 Cervical Spine Manual Therapy

    11 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Cervical Spine

    12 The Role of the Cervical Spine in Headache and Dizziness

    Section IV Temporomandibular Joint

    13 Examination and Evaluation of the Temporomandibular Joint

    14 Connective Tissue Techniques for the Temporomandibular Joint/Facial Region

    15 Intraoral Manipulation of the Temporomandibular Joint

    16 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Temporomandibular Joint

    Section V Lumbar Spine

    17 Examination and Evaluation of the Lumbar Spine

    18 Connective Tissue Techniques and Stretching Procedures for the Lumbar Spine

    19 Lumbar Spine Mobilization/Manipulation

    20 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Lumbar Spine .

    Section VI Pelvic Girdle

    21 Examination and Evaluation of the Pelvic Girdle

    22 Connective Tissue Techniques and Stretching Procedures for the Pelvic Girdle

    23 Pelvic Girdle Manual Therapy

    24 Therapeutic and Home Exercises for the Pelvic Girdle

    Section VII From the Classroom to the Clinic

    25 The Evidence for Spinal Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise

    26 Case Studies

    Biography

    Mark Gugliotti, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, New York. Dr. Gugliotti teaches orthopedic manual therapy and massage and is also an active researcher. His research interests include rehabilitation oncology, manual therapy, neurodynamics, postural ergonomics, and eSports. He is a published author in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, Rehabilitation Oncology, Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, Research & Investigations in Sports Medicine, and the Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Dr. Gugliotti has also published an autobiographical account of his cancer experience entitled Victor Not Victim: My Battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.