The highly anticipated new edition of Pain: a textbook for health professionals (the previous subtitle a textbook for therapists) has undergone a major rewrite in order to reflect the rapid developments in the field of pain management. It highlights an effective and evidence-based method, providing the theoretical basis to help with the assessment and management of persistent pain, while also discussing in depth a range of specific approaches. Pain: a textbook for health professionals is written emphatically from a biopsychosocial perspective. In order to set the scene, the introductory section includes chapters on the patient�s voice and social determinants of pain. This ensures that the deeply personal and social aspects of pain are not lost among the more technical and biological commentary. These aspects provide an overall context and are revisited in chapters on participation in life roles, work rehabilitation, and psychology. The basic science section includes key chapters on the psychology, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology of pain. This provides a basis for subsequent chapters on specific approaches such as pharmacology, physical therapy, and complementary medicine. Pain in specific patient groups, including children, the elderly, and those with cancer, are dealt with in separate chapters, as are pain problems such as complex regional pain syndrome and chronic spinal pain. Although the emphasis of the book is on long-term pain, acute pain is discussed as a possible precursor and determinant of chronicity."The book covers a multitude of facets with regard to relieving a patient's pain, there are sections for pharmacological actions, rehabilitation, manual therapy, and exercise therapy to name a few. The book is well researched and gives a very comprehensive overview of the major factors a therapist would require to treat pain." Reviewed by: Physical Therapy In Sport, Date: Oct 14 topics such as pain in children and the elderly, pain education for professionals, disability, and medico-legal aspects expanded focus on complex regional pain syndrome, acupuncture, and psychology improved layout for a better learning and studying experience Patient-centred approach to care � advocates listening to the patient�s voice//Covers social determinants of pain//Guides the reader from pain psychology to the practical application of psychological interventions//Learning aids � chapter objectives, reflective exercises, case examples, and revision questions//Emphasizes an evidence-based perspective//Written by an international team of experts//Edited by Hubert van Griensven, PhD, MSc(Pain), MCSP, BSc, DipAc , Research Fellow in Physiotherapy, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK, and Consultant Physiotherapist, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Essex, UK; Jenny Strong, PhD, MoccThy, BoccThy , Professor of Occupational Therapy, Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia and Anita M. Unruh, PhD, MSW, BScot , Associate Dean (Research & Academic), Academic Integrity Officer, Faculty of Health Professions, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada