The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) has published 3 brief books in a "Because You Care" series in 2007. They are only available through their Web site http://www.ichelp.com; members get a discount. No specific authors are listed.
Information About Interstitial Cystitis (IC) for Family and Friends of People with IC. soft cover, 22 pages, $6.50.
This short book is filled with wisdom. Emphasis is placed on learning about the disease, supportive communication and validation, advocating for the rights of people with IC, and developing an understanding of the experiences of people with IC. The challenges of living with IC are discussed and include tips for travel, concomitant diseases that may occur along with IC, diet modifications, and medications as well as social concerns. I believe the biggest strength of this book is its brevity. A careful reading will provide more information than many health care professionals about IC.
Unique Intimacy Issues of People with Interstitial Cystitis. soft cover, 42 pages, $18.00.
This work is a well-written, frank discussion of intercourse and intimacy issues that can apply not only to those with IC, but also with anyone dealing with chronic pelvic pain. Included in the discussion are physical, psychological, and emotional issues that may arise. Theories on the origin of painful intercourse in IC patients are discussed. Pelvic floor dysfunction is mentioned, although physical therapy is not. Brief case studies are interesting and demonstrate the reality of how some people have coped with intimacy issues. Suggestions for making sex more comfortable as well as alternatives to intercourse are provided.
Being Your Own Best Advocate. soft cover, 75 pages, $19.50.
This booklet is a wealth of information for people with IC and their care givers. The first several pages are an explanation of the ICA. Then the information gets real: how to make traveling easier, alternative therapies, and how to deal with the medical community. "Take control by giving up some control" is the included in the discussion about daily issues at home. Advocacy includes dealing with the health care providers: finding a physician, patient rights, insurance, medication, and employment. It also mentions why physical therapy can be of help. Parents advocating for children with IC is discussed in terms of how to help him/her cope at school. This book is full of Web sites for further information, especially about insurance problems or other potential problems. It would be helpful for every person with IC as well as those treating women's health problems.
Elaine Pomerantz
South Orange, NJ
Stop Sciatica Now - Help Yourself Eliminate Back and Leg Pain by Pamela Kihm. Published by PainFreeChoices, Evanston, IL, http://www.sciatica-home-treatment, 2006. Soft cover, spiral bound, or downloadable format, 96 pages, $36.00.
The author is a recreational therapist, exercise instruction, and certified Feldenkrais Practitioner. This self-help book begins with an introduction to the Feldenkrais Method and then provides a brief review of the anatomy review of the sciatic nerve and spinal alignment. The book takes the reader through several exercises to help determine proper posture in a variety of positions. An emphasis is placed on reorganizing skeletally for pain free movement. The reader is then lead through detailed explanations of gentle exercises to help increase mobility and decrease pain. There are illustrations and pictures to assist the reader in performing the movements as well.
Constructive fidgeting is addressed with a special focus on mobility of the "rib basket" in many different ways. The author then addresses functional activities such as walking, driving, and transitioning. A chapter is dedicated to resuming activities such as biking and lifting with confidence.
Although the numerous details make the book difficult to follow at times, it does emphasize the importance of correct form in movement and exercise. The terminology is not the same as commonly used in PT, but it does convey a similar meaning. Patients looking for gentle movements to increase mobility and decrease pain will benefit from this book. Practitioners who have some knowledge of Feldenkrais could certainly use this book to augment treatment.
Bobbie Stergar, PT, CLT
Dunlap, IL
Continence Care for People Living with Parkinson's Disease by Margie O'Leary and Dr. Michael Chancellor. 2008, 48 pages, $9.95.
Continence for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis by Margie O'Leary and Dr. Michael Chancellor, contributions by Mary Dierich. 2004, 76 pages, $9.95.
Continence Care for People Living with Spinal Cord Injury by Dr. Todd Lisenmeyer, contributions by Downey Hinrichs, PT and published by the National Association For Continence. 2007, soft bound, 46 pages, $9.95.
The National Association for Continence publishes 3 patient education booklets that present material on the topics of specific neurological conditions and bladder function that are written by experts in their respective fields. The booklets were written in easy-to-read chapters, covering everything from anatomy and physiology to treatment possibilities. The explanations of how each disease or injury would impact bladder management were accurate, but even more important, easy to understand by someone who may not have previous knowledge of anatomy/physiology or how various conditions might affect continence.
Each book has a chapter on normal bladder and kidney function, which offers a great review for clinicians, as well as simple diagrams and explanations for the layperson. These chapters are usually followed by specific explanations how each disease process may affect continence over the course of the lifespan. Later chapters offer the reader information on possible complications, such as urinary tract infections or urinary retention, as well as why these issues need to be addressed. There are also chapters regarding bowel complications, as well as an explanation of how constipation may affect bladder function.
Each booklet gives information about treatment options. Commonly prescribed medications are listed, as well as their common side effects. Physical therapy treatments, surgeries, and various types of catheterization are all discussed in easy to understand terms. The booklets also do a good job at explaining various testing which the patient may undergo, such as urodynamics and renal scans.
These booklets are excellent resources for patients, giving them a broad overview of their conditions. More importantly, these booklets may help patients ask questions or bring up concerns that they may have otherwise not thought to mention. These booklets are good resources for all physical therapists that assist patients with these conditions. I would recommend these booklets for pelvic PTs as well as rehabilitation PTs.
Sarah Haag
Chicago, IL
Desk Pilates: Living Pilates Every Day by Angela Kneale, OTR. OPTP, Minneapolis, MN, 2008, soft bound, 46 pages. $8.95.
Anglea Kneale is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Pilates Instructor. She is also the author of Stretch Out Strap Pilates Essentials, Pro-Roller Pilates Essentials, and Pro-Roller Massage Essentials.
This patient education book is a compact resource with an excellent introduction to principles of Pilates. Deskbound workers, newcomers to Pilates, Pilates instructors, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists will all find this book an essential tool to revive the spine and build some gentle exercises into the work day for themselves and their clients. The step-by-step instructions are accompanied by pictures for completing the exercises correctly in order to maximize the benefits. There is a summary section at the end for quickly choosing specific exercises. Examples of some exercises include spine lengthening, sternum lift, and swimming, all excellent exercises for reversing the effects on prolonged sitting. Especially pertinent is the final section entitled Living Pilates at Your Desk that discusses biomechanical details for efficient and spine-friendly workspace set-up. This book is an excellent compact desk resource that will benefit health care professionals and deskbound workers alike on a daily basis.
Meghan Swenck, DPT
Richmond, VA