PVC for Rehab Professions by Marti Smith

This book is more a compendium of the various uses of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), one of the most common forms of plastic, available to Rehab Professionals than it is a typical book on theory or anecdotal story-telling. As such it is a difficult read if one tries to read it straight-through, like a novel (I don't recommend that approach); however, it is an excellent source of information if one uses it the way one should. One should either have an idea of the project one is considering before one starts reading, or skim lightly through the pages to find an appropriate project one is interested in. Once one locates the appropriate project, all the information one needs to complete it is detailed in the book. Note, however, that the book begins with a disclaimer: as the author of the book cannot be present to oversee construction of the various projects, she can not be held responsible for whatever mishaps may occur. Nor can the university at which she works or the publishing house that produced the book. At several points in the book the author makes sure to warn the reader not to heat the PVC tubes: the fumes they release when burned are toxic and quite dangerous. Additionally, the author points out that the glue normally used with PVC does not last long once opened. Therefore, one should buy a small, new can for each construction. After these initial comments, the author proceeds to list, first the basic connectors and adapters used with the PVC tubing (which should be of type schedule 90 according to the author), and then the many varied constructions that can be built from PVC for rehab purposes.

I would estimate that there at least 20 different constructions listed in the book. These include the Arm Arc, which helps clients improve range of motion, the Range of Motion Stick, which increases range of motion in clients who have difficulty in motor planning, and even the Range of Motion Stick with resistance, which adds bungee cords or Theratubing to the Range of Motion Stick for the resistance they provide. Other projects include: Chair Leg Extenders, Extended Handlers, Weighted Therapy Bars, Supine Hangers, Resistive Exercisers, Posterior Walker Tray Supports, Lateral Lift Bars, and many more. Each project is described in four parts. First, there is a general description giving what the device constructed can be used to accomplish. Second, there is a list of the materials needed. Third, the construction process is described in detail. And, finally, fourth, some optional modifications are sometimes listed. Additionally, the book is filled with numerous pictures which fill many of the spaces that words alone sometimes cannot quite bridge. Not every project has pictures assigned to it, but the majority do.

In the end, as I stated at the beginning, the book is a difficult read if you try to read it straight through-but that is to be expected, as that is not the way the book was designed. It is meant to serve as a resource for Rehab Professionals. And it serves that end quite admirably.