Improving Upper Body Control: An Approach to Assessment and Treatment of Tonal Dysfunction

This book will help you assess and treat patients with neurological impairment resulting in dysfunctional or abnormal muscle tone. The material concentrates on achieving upper extremity function for personal autonomy. Because the upper extremities work in synchrony with the rest of the body, the text covers significant aspects of whole body movement as well. Thus, though the book is written by an occupational therapist, physical therapists and speech pathologists will find the information applicable to gait and respiration. This information can be applied to patients of any age or size. The illustrations alternate the use of small and large bodies, so one can generalize visualizations.
The intervention strategies presented reflect a strong neurodevelopmental treatment orientation. However, the analysis of component parts of movement and the review of significant aspects of normal and abnormal development have evolved from the integration of anatomical and kinesiological perspectives. Our kinesiology illustrations are intended to help you visualize the position of the muscle and the related skeletal parts. As one provides treatment, these visual images will guide the location and direction of touch.