Preface

The purpose of this textbook is to provide the athletic training and sports medicine community with a therapeutic exercise textbook that combines a basic knowledge of therapeutic procedures required for entry-level education with an application to individual joints and dysfunctions. The focus of this text is to provide a thorough understanding of concepts associated with rehabilitation, while incorporating and promoting critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The use of rehabilitation protocols is limited; instead, students are encouraged to apply the basic knowledge gained in the chapters of the text to specific dysfunctions for all joints of the body. This is achieved through guided decision-making and chapter-specific case studies. Ideas for lab and skill-performance activities are also included at the end of each chapter.

Chapters are organized to review the normal anatomy, biomechanics, and arthrokinematics of specific joints. Pathomechanics specific to the contribution and onset of dysfunction are discussed in detail for joint-specific pathology. Each chapter discusses joint-specific dysfunctions and injuries as a result of physical activity and/or athletic participation. The pathologies discussed are those that are included in the Athletic Training Competencies. In addition to those required in the Athletic Training Competencies, dysfunctions commonly seen in the industrial setting and in clinical practice are included. Special populations, such as pediatric, geriatric, and industrial populations, are highlighted in special population boxes.

Discussion of each dysfunction follows the typical evaluation and SOAP note procedure to make students more accustomed to developing patient-specific rehabilitation programs based on evaluation findings. Within the discussion of each dysfunction, etiology, signs and symptoms, rehabilitation techniques, as well as possible medical and surgical interventions for the injury are addressed. Finally, basic rehabilitation programs are outlined using general terms such as open kinetic chain quadriceps strengthening, active shoulder range of motion exercises, and hamstring stretching. Contraindications are discussed for each dysfunction, as many times understanding what not to do with an injured athlete is as important as knowing what to do.

I hope you find this text a useful resource during your educational and clinical training. It is meant to stimulate critical thought and guided discovery as well as provide you with the desire to learn about this exciting field. Every day, if you keep an open mind, you will learn something new.