Previous chapters have discussed one region of the body and examined various orthopedic conditions specific to that area. Several conditions, syndromes, and injuries, however, are not isolated to one part of the body; yet the involved types of tissues are the same, and therefore treatment involves adapting equivalent techniques to the specific location. Other conditions may involve structures that are not directly accessible. In these cases, the therapist's job becomes more supportive in nature and requires addressing the injury indirectly by treating compensatory conditions. Finally, there are conditions intricately related to posture that affect the entire body. These patterns can lead to myriad localized problems but are effectively treated only if the underlying postural dysfunctions are addressed.

This chapter looks at a variety of pathologies, injuries, and conditions that encompass several different tissues, structures, and locations. These may relate to a global postural syndrome or a specific type of injury that can occur in multiple locations in the body. Some or all of the following characteristics are discussed for each pathology:

• What is the nature of the condition?

• How or why does the condition occur?

• What structures are involved?

• What are the applicable assessments for the condition?

• What are the available treatment strategies?