5 Books Every Physiotherapist Should Read [2024]

Looking for some light bedtime reading? You might not find that here. What you will find is a list of books written especially for physiotherapists to help you expand your knowledge and challenge your assumptions. Whether you're a student just starting your physiotherapy journey, or an experienced practitioner with an impressive list of clients, this curated list of books has something for everyone. Get ready to take your practice to the next level with these must-read books for physiotherapists.

What we’ll cover

• The Physiotherapist's Pocketbook by Karen Kenyon & Johnathan Kenyon
• Ross & Wilson: Anatomy & Physiology by Anne Waugh & Alison Grant
• Moving by Gray Cook
• Exercised: The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health by Daniel Lieberman
• The Change Maker by John Berardi
• Grow your physiotherapy business with UNTIL

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The 3rd bestseller in physiotherapy books, The Physiotherapist’s Pocketbook should go straight to the top of your reading list.

It’s packed full of handy information, including an A to Z list of pathologies, contraindications to treatment, a pharmacology section with over 150 drugs described, biochemical and haematological values, and common abbreviations.

Suitable for both experienced clinicians and students alike, this book contains extra material on drugs, special tests and assessment tools, diagnostic imaging, ECGs, nerve courses and interfaces, trigger points and joint complexes, as well as over 90 illustrations to help you continue your education.

Originally published in 2009, the 2nd edition of The Physiotherapist’s Pocketbook has been updated and expanded to make it even more invaluable for your clinical practice. Did we mention it gets 4.7* on Amazon? Over 300 people can’t be wrong, so get your copy now.

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If you’re a student wanting to brush up on physiotherapy outside of studying hours, this one’s for you. Over 1.5 million copies of this book have been sold worldwide, and 86% of Amazon readers have rated it 5*, which goes to show just how popular it is.

Ross & Wilson: Anatomy & Physiology is a basic anatomy and physiology textbook which is easy to read thanks to the abundance of illustrations throughout.

As well as covering the ‘normal’ anatomy and physiology, you’ll find a brief section on disease which explains what happens when an issue becomes abnormal at the end of each chapter. Plus, the learning outcomes are stated at the beginning of each chapter, so you can skim through the book selecting only the most relevant sections for you.

Just returning to physiotherapy after a break? That’s fine, this book is perfect for anyone who needs a refresher course, as well as anyone whose first language isn’t English thanks to the clear, no nonsense writing style.

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When it comes to physiotherapy books, Movement: Functional Movement Systems: Screening, Assessment, Corrective Strategies comes highly recommended by trained physiotherapists, as it helps to develop people’s understanding of corrective exercises. In fact, one Amazon review claims it’s simply useful for “anyone who moves”, which suggests how crucial this read is.

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Throughout the book, you’ll learn how to view and measure movement quality as well as quantity, how to ascertain dysfunctional patterns, what clinicians need to know about the Selective Functional Movement Assessments, and when to apply corrective strategies and how to determine which strategies to use. Far more than simply a critique on the anatomy of moving structures, this book helps everyone who reads it understand authentic human movement and how the brain and body work together to create movement patterns.

If you’re a big believer in the damaging implications of today’s sedentary lifestyle, this book is a must-read thanks to its focus on the importance of movement and mobility.

A relatively new contender for the top physiotherapy book award, Exercised: The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health dives into the myth-busting science behind our modern attitudes to exercise: what our bodies need, why this matters, and its positive and negative effects on health and wellbeing.

This book takes a more modern approach to physiotherapy, stressing the importance of balance and rest in daily life. According to Lieberman, as humans we are hardwired for moderate exertion throughout each day, not necessarily full-on triathlons or marathons. He explains how exercise can promote health and help us live happier lives, all while debunking dangerous myths about sitting, speed, strength and endurance.

In the world of physiotherapy, it’s easy to stick strictly to traditional approaches, but these can be outdated. This book is a perfect example of a piece of key reading material that offers new research to help your physiotherapy practice stay competitive.

Described by Bill Bryson as “endlessly fascinating and full of surprises”, if you buy just one physiotherapy book this year, perhaps it should be this.

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The Change Maker classifies itself as the go-to career guide for physiotherapists. And it’s not surprising why it’s made our top 5 physiotherapy books: here, John Berardi – co-founder of Precision Nutrition and founder of Change Maker Academy – shares his advice for physios to turn their passion for health and fitness into meaningful and measurable success.

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This book will help you to navigate physiotherapy more holistically as a career, rather than focusing on specific exercises or treatments. It delves deep into the psychology of physiotherapy. From reading this book, you should learn how to identify what your clients want and deliver on this, how to attract new clients and make more money, as well as how to create a growth-oriented education plan that will see you through your career.

The reviews are impressive. One person claims “I literally have more faith in humanity because of the way that John Berardi and his team have achieved such success”, with another stating “it may just change your life.”

And if attracting new clients and boosting your private practice interests you, there are ways you can do this outside of reading, too. UNTIL, home to London’s top health and wellness professionals, can help you flexibly grow your business with their state-of-the-art facilities.

Our premium treatment rooms are the perfect blend of beauty and function for physios, and can be booked from as little as £100 a month. Scale your business without losing a percentage of your earnings, and unlock the profits you deserve, all while giving your clients the very best treatment.

Physiotherapy books are a fantastic way to help you at any level of your career, and these are just some of our best physio books. Consistent education leads to more effective treatments, keeping your practice ahead of the curve, and improved patient satisfaction, so it’s in your best interests to stay abreast of new research and publications.

Alongside your reading list, why not continue your professional growth with the help of UNTIL? Our clubs boast a supportive community of leading coaching, treatment and clinical professionals to help you share knowledge and learnings. Plus, we'll help you grow your business faster and smarter by providing you with powerful support services such as business coaching, marketing and growth tools. If you’re looking for everything you need to flexibly grow your business, apply to join UNTIL now.

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