Tendon and Ligament Healing: A New Approach to Sports and Overuse Injury

His techniques, based on basic principles of structural healthcare, emphasize the importance of precise anatomical focus and the capacity to work with subtle changes of structure. Of essential importance is combining detailed specific treatment of the small fibers and tissues of the local injury area with an overall approach to improving larger body patterns and tensions. Logically, the responsiveness and self-corrective capacity of body tissues when given proper conditions is also an important factor.

The primary techniques used are the osteopathic methods of strain-counterstrain, cranial and visceral osteopathy, and fascial release, as well as body-mind centering, zero balancing, and acupressure. His clinical model, which represents a new approach to serious, chronic tendon and ligament injuries, is based on these techniques, their combinations and specific usage, and the skills and aptitudes necessary for applying these techniques, including certain perceptual skills and a thorough knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology.

Weintraub's descriptions are vital, interesting, alive, absorbing, even dramatic. He discusses at great length the nature of the tendons and ligaments, describes his manual therapy model -- comparing it with conventional medical procedures -- and covers processes and tissue changes in tendon/ligament healing as related to manual therapy. Case studies, self-help strategies, and thoughtful words on clinical efficacy and future directions in the field make for a thorough and well-rounded presentation.

Weintraub offers a clear, concise presentation of the nature, structure, function and mechanics of tendons and ligaments and healing processes. The drawings are exquisitely rendered offering a clear visual representation of the anatomical structures to which the author refers.

Particularly notable are the specific in-depth, easily understood self-help guidelines and strategies regarding rehabilitation and exercise. People dealing with sports and overuse injuries can optimistically engage in these strategies with thorough understanding of the process of healing.

This is a groundbreaking, non-surgical offering to both the professional and the larger community of people dealing with sports and overuse injury rehabilitation. Although some portions are very technical, this revised and expanded edition is accessible and useful for people with injuries/general readers. A must read for those desiring to be proactive on their own behalf.


Debilitating Overuse and Accident Injuries Can Heal!   February 10, 2004
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

People who suffer from chronic injuries have new possibilities for recovery. Weintraub's new book gives detailed explanations of: recent research on the nature of tendons and ligaments; precise approaches for the manual therapist; and self-help strategies for those affected. He has significantly expanded each category of information provided in his first book. As a practitioner and teacher of hands-on modalities, my interventions are far more effective as a result of reading this material. I highly recommend "Tendon and Ligament Healing" to health professionals, sports and movement trainers, and everyone interested in an innovative method of enhancing recovery from serious injury.