Hip and Knee Pain Disorders: An evidence-informed and clinical-based approach integrating manual therapy and exercise

Hip and Knee Pain Disorders has been written to provide a state-of-the-art, evidence-informed and clinically-informed overview of the examination and conservative management of hip/knee pain conditions. Under the current predominantly evidence-based practice paradigm, clinician expertise, patient preference, and best available research determine examination, and prognostic and clinical management decisions. However, this paradigm has been understood by many to place greater value and emphasis on the research component, thereby devaluing the other two. Evidence-informed practice is a term that has been suggested to honor the original intent of evidence-based practice, while also acknowledging the value of clinician experience and expertise.

In essence, evidence-informed practice combines clinical reasoning, based on current best evidence, with authority-based knowledge and a pathophysiological rationale derived from extrapolation of basic science knowledge. Unlike other published textbooks that overemphasize the research component in decision-making, this book aims to address the clinical reality of having to make decisions on the management of a patient with hip/knee pain, in the absence of a comprehensive scientific rationale, using other sources of knowledge. It offers an evidence-informed textbook that values equally research evidence, clinician expertise and patient preference.

The book is edited by three recognised world leaders in clinical research into manual therapy and chronic pain. Their research activities are concentrated on the evidence-based management of musculoskeletal pain conditions using conservative interventions. For this book they have combined their knowledge and clinical expertise with that of 38 additional contributors, all specialists in the field The contributors include a mix of clinicians and clinician-researchers.

Hip and Knee Pain Disorders is unique in bringing together manual therapies and exercise programs in a multimodal approach to the management of these pain conditions from both a clinical, but also evidence-based, perspective. It acknowledges the expanding direct access role of the physical therapy profession. The book provides an important reference source for clinicians of all professions interested in conservative management of the hip and knee regions. It will also be useful as a textbook for students at both entry and post-graduate level.