Book excerpt: The Science and Clinical Application of Manual Therapy is a multi-disciplinary, international reference book based on work by the top basic science researchers and clinical researchers in the area of Manual Therapy and Manual Medicine (MT/MM). The first book to bring together research on the benefits of MT/MM beyond the known effects on musculoskeletal disorders, the volume presents evidence of the benefit of MT/MM in treating systemic disorders. This book makes a powerful case for how MT/MM affects the central nervous system and the autonomic effector systems (the circulatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal systems, and pelvic organs) which impact on a person's health. The volume covers how MT/MM works and details the conditions – such as chronic skeletal and visceral pain diseases, asthma, pneumonia, and cardiovascular deregulation – that can benefit from it. Longstanding theoretical models of MT/MM mechanisms are critically assessed in the light of current understanding of physiological and neurophysiological function, and the influences of psychological and cortical processes on the effects of MT/MM are explored. The book, which is divided into four main sections, will appeal to osteopathic physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists, as well as all body workers/health practitioners who use their hands in health care. It will be of particular value to all practitioners involved in treatment of chronic pain disorders as well as those involved in basic and clinical research in this field. - Authored by the leading multidisciplinary basic science and clinical researchers from throughout the world - Describes research confirming benefit of MT for musculoskeletal disorders (which helps provide a rational for greater utilization of manual therapy and reimbursement for this healthcare service) - Presents the latest findings on the beneficial effect of MT on systemic disorders including asthma, pneumonia, otitis media, heart rate dysfunction and GI disturbance - Critically assesses longstanding theoretical models of MT/MM mechanisms with respect to the current understanding of physiological and neurophysiological function - Explores the influences of psychological and cortical processes on the effects of MT/MM, including the effect of placebo - Uniquely presents research findings from all the manual therapy professions and scientists making the case for the benefits of MT - The symposium from which the book was derived was supported by the NIH National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine