Book excerpt: Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy: An Introduction to Soft Tissue Mobilization, Spinal Manipulation, Therapeutic and Home Exercises, Third Edition, is an easy-to-follow manual of clinical techniques for the spine, pelvis, and temporomandibular joint. The text provides "tools" rather than "recipes" and immerses the reader in the process of "thinking as a manual therapist," rather than functioning as a technician. The clinical utility of this revised third edition combines the art and science of present-day spinal manual therapy. The focus of Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy, Third Edition, is to provide clinically useful treatment techniques, while being mindful of the scientific literature related to the practice of spinal manual therapy. It is an ideal resource for all those interested in grasping the basics of spinal manual therapy and transferring that knowledge into practice within a clinical environment. Inside you’ll find sections covering: evaluation, soft tissue techniques, manipulative procedures, specific exercises, and clinical problem solving. The hands-on approach taken by Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy makes this new edition the go-to textbook for spinal manual therapy. This unique textbook has a plethora of clinical techniques, including the rationale for each of their use. With over 300 figures, illustrations, and photographs for each examination/treatment technique for various regions of the body, students and clinicians learning manual therapy will benefit greatly from Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy. This fully revised edition of Makofsky’s Spinal Manual Therapy continues to mirror courses on the introduction to spinal manual therapy and will be key reading for physical therapy curriculums, as well as appreciated by clinicians when entering clinical practice.