The Swiss Ball: Theory, Basic Exercises and Clinical Application - Tapa blanda

I have known Beate Carriere for several years and have always been impressed by her deep understanding of the whole field of physiotherapy. In our discussions her questions and comments have been inspiring and demonstrate that her knowledge is not only based on reading but rather on life-long clinical practice and experience. Thus, it is no wonder that her book is excep­ tional, presenting the physiology, the pathophysiology, and a technical description of recommended exercises and their clinical application - and not as general recommendations but with con­ vincing examples. All three of the sections are written in clear, understandable language. The author discusses the use of the Swiss ball; however, she did not limit herself to a technical description. Instead she set out to discover the underlying physiological mechanisms and has succeeded in showing how a knowledgable physiotherapist can contribute to the development of physiotherapy as a science. Though based on the concept of S. Klein-Vogelbach, Beate Carriere has added so many of her own exercises, descriptions, and explanations that we are justified in speaking about the Carriere concept of using the Swiss ball. What I appreciate in particular is her critical view and attempt to see the patient and his problems from all possible aspects. Therefore, she does not consider the Swiss ball program the one and only means of treat­ ment but incorporates other approaches as well.

This is the first textbook which focuses on the Swiss ball and its wide range of clinical applications. The author demonstrates why the Swiss ball is useful for the treatment of patients in all areas of physical therapy, including gynecology and explains how to apply it in the outpatient clinic and the acute care setting, including intensive care units. The Swiss ball can be used to screen for deficits in strength, mobility, balance and coordination, and for manual therapy. Trained therapists are shown ways of using the ball to manage the weight of the patient's body, to assist the patient with active exercises, to evaluate and train balance, and to stimulate the sensorimotor system. Numerous photos of patients being treated help the reader visualize how Swiss ball exercises work in practice.