The Vital Shoulder Complex: Illustrated Assessment and Rehabilitation Guide

The Vital Shoulder Complex is John Gibbons’s illustrated guide to shoulder assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. It covers shoulder and cervical-spine conditions, special tests, rehabilitation protocols, and connections between shoulder symptoms and other areas of the body. The publisher positions it for physical therapists as well as readers interested in understanding shoulder pain.

At a glance

Illustrated discussion of shoulder assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Topics include shoulder and cervical-spine pathologies, special tests, and exercise protocols.
The publisher describes more than 350 color photographs and illustrations, along with case studies.
Explores possible links between shoulder symptoms and the pelvis, SI joint, gluteals, and other body regions.

Price

$25.10Save 16%

Reference price: ~~$29.95~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Often bought together

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Pros and cons

Pros

The subject range connects assessment and rehabilitation rather than focusing only on exercises.
Clinical topics and illustrated case studies may help readers follow the material visually.
Includes discussion of referral red flags, according to the publisher.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication details
Publisher	North Atlantic Books
Publication date	September 24, 2019
Edition	1st
Language	English
Print length	304 pages
ISBN-10	1623174171
ISBN-13	978-1623174170

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	1.54 pounds
Dimensions	7.52 x 0.59 x 9.69 inches

What to know before buying

The publisher presents the material as educational and clinical guidance. Readers with symptoms should not treat the book as a substitute for an appropriate professional assessment.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Physical therapists and other practitioners looking for an illustrated shoulder assessment and rehabilitation reference.
Readers seeking background on shoulder and cervical-spine conditions, special tests, and exercise protocols.

Less suited to

Readers wanting only a brief, beginner-level exercise routine or individualized diagnosis and treatment.

The Vital Shoulder Complex: Illustrated Assessment and Rehabilitation Guide · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 255 ratings

5 stars86%86%
4 stars11%11%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars0%0%
1 star0%0%

Aggregate customer ratings are strongly positive overall, with most ratings in the top category and a smaller share in the next category. These figures do not explain what readers liked or disliked, so they cannot establish how useful the book’s clinical explanations or illustrations will be for a particular reader.

Frequently asked questions

What does this book cover?

The listing describes assessment and differential diagnosis, shoulder and cervical-spine pathologies, special tests, and rehabilitation and exercise protocols.

Who is the book intended for?

The publisher identifies physical therapists and anyone interested in understanding, treating, and healing shoulder-related pain. Its clinical material is especially relevant to practitioners.

Does it include illustrations and case studies?

The publisher claims more than 350 color photographs and illustrations, plus case studies.

How long is the print edition?

The listing gives a print length of 304 pages.