Book excerpt: As medical knowledge advances we tend to compartmentalise our specialties into smaller units; but, hand in hand with this, there is a growing understanding between the different disciplines within the caring professions. Thus we are able to share our special skills to the benefit of patients. This book is an excellent example of the advantage of interdisciplinary communication and demonstrates a refreshing holistic approach to the problems of incontinence and pelvic pain. Written with physiotherapists in mind, the editors have invited contributions from many distinguished experts in their own field. These have been compiled into a comprehensive book, which will appeal to many healthcare professionals. I have had great pleasure in reading this book. During the time that I have been involved with 'pelvic dysfunction' there have been many exciting advances. These are all included in a most readable sequence, some presented with a refreshing new twist. In particular, I would like to bring to your attention the section on 'pelvic pain'. Because of our lack of understanding it has been a problem that is too often ignored and here at last are some practical ideas for therapeutic management. There is still much progress to be made in the field of incontinence and pelvic pain and as yet, no editors can be expected to produce a definitive work. However, I would like to recommend this book most strongly. It has a new approach to this topic, which is still a major problem for many people.