Recommended Textbooks
Textbooks That Will Accelerate Your Clinical Learning
Reading will always be a part of any successful, health professional's ongoing development and here I have aimed to create a resource page that you can browse for your post-graduate educational needs. These are the texts that have helped me the most. I recommend bookmarking it for your future reference and convenience. All books can be ordered directly from Amazon (link provided) by clicking on the book's title.
Anatomy
Human Sectional Anatomy: Atlas of Body Sections, CT and MRI Images - Ellis et al
This was the first sectional anatomy book that I ever purchased and it opened my eyes to the whole concept of "depth anatomy". These guys have also been very kind and allowed me to reproduce their images as part of the Clinical Dry Needling Program.
Human Sectional Anatomy Pocket Atlas of Body Sections, CT and MRI Images - Ellis et al
This is the pocketbook paperback version
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine (2 Volume Set) - Stoller
Now in two volumes, the Third Edition of this standard-setting work is a state-of-the-art pictorial reference on orthopaedic magnetic resonance imaging. It combines 9,750 images and full-color illustrations, including gross anatomic dissections, line art, arthroscopic photographs, and three-dimensional imaging techniques and final renderings.
Practical Musculoskeletal Ultrasound - McNally
This is the textbook recommended by Peter Esselbach for his course and those interested in learning more about MSK ultrasound technique.
Clinically Oriented Anatomy - Moore & Dalley
I especially like this book, because of the way anatomy is related to clinical conditions and the way so much information is provided in easy to understand tables. It also provides the manual therapist with a window into medical type conditions and how they relate to human anatomy.
Cross-Sectional Human Anatomy - Dean & Herbener
Another cross-sectional text, slightly older and not as sharp in the presentation. However, different viewpoints/perspectives allow comparison and confirmation. We are not all the same!
Complete Anatomy App - 3D4Medical
You can check out details on this app and receive an additional 10% of their normal price here.
Fascial Manipulation
Fascial Manipulation for Musculoskeletal Pain - Stecco
"Few books achieve the fond hopes of their authors and their admirers. This is just one that succeeds, making a genuine and profound contribution to the fields of biomechanics, orthopaedics and rehabilitation. It moves with easy grace from any topic to its neighbour, shedding warmth and life to them all. As one who has experienced both the high and low points of medical writing and editing over several decades, I see in these pages a true work of genius. It deserves a very wide readership and enthusiastic application of its lessons."
John V. Basmajian Professor Emeritus in Medicine, McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Fascial Manipulation - Practical Part 1 - Stecco
Welcome to an exciting new field in musculoskeletal therapy: the world of the fascia. Fascia forms a continuous tensional network throughout the human body, covering and connecting every single organ, every muscle, and even every nerve or tiny muscle fibre. After several decades of severe neglect, this ubiquitous tissue has transformed from the "Cinderella of orthopaedic science" into an almost superstar position within medical research.
Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System - Stecco
Principally based on dissections of hundreds of unembalmed human cadavers over the past decade, Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System presents a new vision of the human fascial system using anatomical and histological photographs along with microscopic analysis and biomechanical evaluation.
Fascial Manipulation the Internal Dysfunction - Stecco
Fascial Manipulation for Internal Dysfunctions offers a new method to resolve the dysfunctions of internal organs. Therapists work on specific points of the trunk wall (container), to restore the peristalsis of the viscera, vessels and glands (contents). Internal organ motility is linked to the autonomic nervous system; this book examines the ganglia of this system in relation to the fasciae that contain them. Fascial Manipulation for Internal Dysfunctions presents a new perspective on internal dysfunctions and provides medical doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and other health practitioners with the guidelines for resolving them.
Manual Therapy
Whiplash, Headache, and Neck Pain: Research-Based Directions for Physical Therapies - Jull et al
A fantastic up to date well-referenced text, dealing with the complexity of head and neck pain from the aspect of whiplash. With contributions from Gwen, Michele and others this was always going to be a ripper.
Grieve's Modern Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy - Jull et al
The granddaddy of modern manual therapy. Grieve’s Modern Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy continues to bring together the latest state-of-the-art research, from both clinical practice and the related basic sciences, which is most relevant to practitioners. The topics addressed and the contributing authors reflect the best and most clinically relevant contemporary work within the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Provides an awesome overview of what was current around the time of publication.
Headache, Orofacial Pain and Bruxism: Diagnosis and multidisciplinary approaches to management - Selvaratnam et al
Another book on headache you say. Yes, definitely some overlap and that is also a mild criticism of some chapters within this book. However, the real beauty of this text is the examination of management options from a very broad field of health professionals. These problems are often complicated and several options need to be considered outside of mainstream manual therapy treatment.
Palpation Techniques: Surface Anatomy for Physical Therapists - Reichert
I was once asked to 'model' for one of these books. Consisting of line drawings, body drawings and associated text, this book provides a good step by step guidelines to locate and confirm all forms of bony and soft tissues. There are plenty of 'tips' and palpation often moves into a discussion about mobilisation techniques.
Clinical Sports Medicine Vol 1. Vol 1. and Vol 2. or the Value Pack (Vol 1 & 2) - Brukner & Khan
Brukner and Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine is the bible of sports medicine now in 2 volumes. The text explores all aspects of diagnosis and management of sports-related injuries and physical activity such as the fundamental principles of sports medicine, diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries, enhancement of sports performance and dealing with special groups of participants. Provides a great overview of the physio, medical, nutritional and other health professionals that keep athletes on the track.
Mulligans Program
Brian R Mulligan: Manual Therapy: Nags, Snags, MWMs 6th Edition
the required textbook for all participants on any of the Mulligan courses taught through AAP Education and a general 'bible' to have desk side for every clinician. The 6th Edition includes treatment techniques for the shoulder girdle.
The Mulligan's Mobilisation Belt is also a useful tool to have to assist in the provision of many Mulligan manual therapy techniques by positively leveraging your body weight and supporting your grip.
Trigger Points & Acupuncture
Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: Vol. 1. The Upper Half of Body - Simon & Travell
An early groundbreaking textbook that is appreciated both for its breadth of medical information and brilliant anatomical line drawings. This text is somewhat dated but contains clinical gems for those willing to dig.
Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: Vol. 2., The Lower Extremities - Simon & Travell
The subsequent manual for the lower limb.
Acupuncture, Trigger Points and Musculoskeletal Pain - Baldry
Professor Baldry is probably one of the strongest advocates of superficial needling. His book covers similar ground to Simon & Travel, albeit more superficially. Strengths lie in looking at FM, pain research, pain neurophysiology & TNS.
Acupuncture in Manual Therapy - Longbottom
This is the first attempt of writing about both acupuncture (TCM) and manual therapy. Jennie brings together many authors, who present up to date evidence and relevant clinical reasoning for each body area. e.g Cervical, Lumbar, Anterior Knee, Foot & Ankle. A great feature is the case studies, used to demonstrate the integration of acupuncture and manual therapy. One area that I found annoying was several missing or incorrect references cited in the text but not to be found in Chapter List. while the emphasis was on TCM selection of points, there is certainly much the dry needler can gain from this book in regards to the clinical reasoning and review of evidence best practice of manual therapy.
Electroacupuncture: A Practical Manual and Resource - Mayor
This is easily the most comprehensive tome on electroacupuncture - with over 8000 clinical studies examined there is plenty for everyone!
Acupuncture in Neurological Conditions - Hopwood
I am often asked about the utilisation of acupuncture in neurological conditions. This is not an area that I have a lot of clinical experience in, so I direct enquiries to this text which discusses the theory behind the use of acupuncture in neurological conditions and the presents a series of neurological case studies with clinical reasoning details.
Health & Wellness
The Complete Guide to a Good Night's Sleep - Harrington
Understanding what we do for ⅓ of our lives has been an interest of mine for the past 10 years. For those that don't achieve normal sleep it is something they face on a daily basis. There are many reasons why we don't achieve a good night's sleep and many solutions fall within the remit of physical therapists. It is important to understand the other pathologies (red flags of sleep?) so that appropriate referral can take place. This book provides sufficient details in an easily read format.
Recognizing and Treating Breathing Disorders - Chaitow et al
Breathing is seen as a link between mind and body. Written by a team of clinical experts, this research-based book offers an introduction to the symptoms and causes of disordered breathing as well as the strategies and protocols that can be used to correct and restore normal breathing. One of the editors is a presenter on our
The Happiness Trap - Harris
I know that as physical therapists, it is not within our pure scope of practice to provide psychological treatment, but developing the skills to recognise and guide clients is some situations is an invaluable investment. Learning about ACT was an eye opener for me and has helped many of my clients improve the quality of their lives.
The Men's Health Big Book of Exercises: Four Weeks to a Leaner, Stronger, More Muscular YOU! - Campbell
This book provides some great guidelines on exercise progressions in regards to number of sets, repetitions, rest periods and workout duration. Then it goes through each muscle group with great explanations on technique, heaps of variations and progressions, tips and uses a variety of props like fitballs, weights and benches. Literally 500 pages of great information. It finishes with several specifically designed programs, such as "Improve your vertical jump".
This is the women's equivalent of the male edition with specific information pertaining to women's health, nutrition and exercise.
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science - Doidge
When it comes to the world of neural tags, neuromatrix and human potential to change this book should be an important starting point for therapist and clients alike. A very positive and real eye opener looking a current research in layman's terms. both informative and a good read. Some more information on my BLOG.