The Vital Nerves: A Practical Guide for Physical Therapists
Jan 2026 · Human Kinetics
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About this ebook
A must-have book for understanding one of the most fundamental areas of physical therapy: the nervous system and its relationship to musculoskeletal pain
Osteopath, lecturer, and author John Gibbons offers an accessible introduction to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In addition to offering real-world case studies and guidelines for hands-on work with clients and patients, The Vital Nerves demystifies everything from diagnosing nerve conditions to understanding how cells communicate.
Gibbons provides critical insights into the structure and functions of the PNS; the body's response to stimuli and how it knows what to do; the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems; the stress response; and the use of reflex testing to aid in diagnosing conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and paresthesias. The Vital Nerves addresses practical, common considerations such as these:
The Vital Nerves is a comprehensive road map to the functional anatomy of the nervous system. Enriched with anatomical drawings and detailed explanations, it explains neurological testing, common neuropathies, and differential diagnoses. It is an indispensable resource for physical therapists and bodywork practitioners.
Osteopath, lecturer, and author John Gibbons offers an accessible introduction to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In addition to offering real-world case studies and guidelines for hands-on work with clients and patients, The Vital Nerves demystifies everything from diagnosing nerve conditions to understanding how cells communicate.
Gibbons provides critical insights into the structure and functions of the PNS; the body's response to stimuli and how it knows what to do; the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems; the stress response; and the use of reflex testing to aid in diagnosing conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and paresthesias. The Vital Nerves addresses practical, common considerations such as these:
- Assessing the nervous system using a patella (reflex) hammer, myotome (muscle) testing, and dermatome (sensory) testing
- Determining whether pain in the posterior part of the thigh is caused by the sciatic nerve, the piriformis, or simply a hamstring strain
- Deciding at what level a disc may have herniated
- Differentiating between upper and lower motor neuron disorders
- Knowing what to do with the findings of your neurological assessment and the circumstances under which to refer patients to a specialist
The Vital Nerves is a comprehensive road map to the functional anatomy of the nervous system. Enriched with anatomical drawings and detailed explanations, it explains neurological testing, common neuropathies, and differential diagnoses. It is an indispensable resource for physical therapists and bodywork practitioners.
A must-have book for understanding one of the most fundamental areas of physical therapy: the nervous system and its relationship to musculoskeletal pain
Osteopath, lecturer, and author John Gibbons offers an accessible introduction to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In addition to offering...
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About the author
John Gibbons is a registered osteopath, author, and lecturer. He specializes in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries. He supports over 75 sport teams in his busy clinic at the prestigious University of Oxford, and he teaches physical therapists throughout the world. Gibbons is also the author of A Practical Guide to Kinesiology Taping, Muscle Energy Techniques, The Vital Glutes, Functional Anatomy of the Pelvis and the Sacroiliac Joint, and The Vital Shoulder Complex.
John Gibbons is a registered osteopath, author, and lecturer. He specializes in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries. He supports over 75 sport teams in his busy clinic at the prestigious University of Oxford, and he teaches physical therapists throughout the world. Gi...
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