Best Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Books of 2026

Shoulder Pain? The Solution & Prevention, Revised & Expanded is a must-read book for anyone suffering from shoulder pain. Written by John M. Kirsch, M.D., an Orthopedic Surgeon, the book provides a simple and effective shoulder exercise program to treat and prevent rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, and frozen shoulder. The book includes testimonials and research CT scan images, making it an informative guide for those seeking relief. The images of exercises performed by models and patients make it easy to follow. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to manage their shoulder pain and prevent future injuries.

Daniels and Worthingham's Muscle Testing: Techniques of Manual Examination and Performance Testing, 10th Edition is an illustrated guide to evaluating muscular strength and function. This practical handbook is useful for assessing deficits in strength, balance, and range of motion. It covers muscle testing of normal individuals and those with weakness or paralysis, as well as alternative strength and performance tests for older adults and those with functional decline. The book's unique feature is its online companion website, which includes video clips demonstrating the latest muscle testing procedures and alternatives. Overall, this classic physical therapy reference is an essential resource for physical therapists and other professionals in the field of exercise injuries and rehabilitation.

Tight Hip, Twisted Core by Koth and Pimas is a book that sheds light on the underlying cause of pain in the body that could be due to a tight and unrecognized muscle in the hip. The authors explain how tightness in the iliacus and psoas muscles, commonly known as the "hip flexor," can lead to pain in various parts of the body. The book offers detailed hip flexor exercises, tips to address trigger points, and solutions for pelvic pain. Based on decades of physical therapy practice, the book outlines three simple steps to get your hip healthy and your core aligned, helping you resolve your pain and create hip mobility without expensive treatments, surgeries, and medications.

Wall Pilates for Seniors is a comprehensive guide to safe and effective Pilates workouts for seniors. Written by seasoned personal trainer and Pilates and Yoga instructor Rita Davis, this guide features step-by-step instructions and real pictures to help seniors improve their flexibility, balance, and strength. The tailored wall Pilates routines are perfect for beginners and seniors who want to focus on fitness without risking injury. The guide also includes expert insights on nutrition for older adults. Overall, Wall Pilates for Seniors is an excellent resource for seniors who want to take control of their health and fitness in a safe and effective way.

Conditions in Occupational Therapy: Effect on Occupational Performance, 6th Edition, is an essential resource for occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students. This text provides an engaging approach to understanding the pathophysiology of common diseases and their effect on occupational performance. The book covers the most up-to-date insights and is fully aligned with the most current DSM-5 and Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 4th Edition. This updated edition adds new chapters reflecting recent advances in the management of infectious diseases, general deconditioning, musculoskeletal pain, amputations, and sickle cell anemia. The book is rounded out with robust instructor resources and new full-color imagery.

The Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Sixth Edition, is an updated and enhanced publication that offers the most current guidelines for correct impairment evaluation. It emphasizes the fundamental skills physicians need to evaluate and communicate patient impairments using a standardized methodology applied to each chapter. The book applies both terminology from, and an analytical framework based on, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), to generate five impairment classes which permit the rating of the patient from no impairment to most severe. Overall, this book is a valuable tool for physicians and medical professionals seeking to improve their impairment rating skills.

This new edition of Travell, Simons & Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, edited by Joseph M. Donnelly, integrates the latest research and best practices associated with trigger points. The book features updated pain point images, consolidated information, and a full-color design to create an intuitive user experience. In addition, the text includes learning aids, such as objectives, case studies, and Q&As, to help students apply the material to practice. The eBook version offers 24/7 access on multiple devices, highlighting, and note-sharing capabilities. This is a must-have book for physical therapy students and practitioners.

Lippincott® Connect offers a new edition of Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction, written by Diane Powers Dirette and Sharon Gutman. The book is designed to help students become effective, reflective practitioners. The eighth edition covers the latest assessment techniques and trends in clinical practice. The book now explicitly integrates “Frames of Reference” to connect theories to practice and features a new six-part organization, thirteen all-new chapters, new pedagogy, and more. The book's major updates to the coverage of Rehabilitation Technology prepare students for practice in today’s rapidly changing environment. Overall, this book is a comprehensive and essential resource for occupational therapy students and practitioners.

The second edition of Fascia: What It Is and Why It Matters is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about fascia. David Lesondak does an excellent job of distilling complex scientific concepts into lucid prose. The book covers the fundamentals of fascia, including its role in supporting and permeating all the organs, muscles, bones, and nerves in the body. Lesondak also covers topics like biomechanics, neuroscience, and somatic dysfunction with a deep appreciation for the history of science. The creative illustrations make this book a joy to read. Overall, Fascia: What It Is and Why It Matters is an excellent book that is both informative and entertaining.

Fascial Fitness, Second Edition: Practical Exercises to Stay Flexible, Active and Pain Free in Just 20 Minutes a Week is a best-selling guide to fascial fitness. Written by fascia researcher and Rolfing therapist Dr. Robert Schleip, the book provides practical exercises that can be easily incorporated into daily routines. The book also highlights the latest scientific findings from fascial research, explaining which methods and equipment are most effective for fascial health. The book emphasizes the importance of training fascia for flexibility, mobility, and pain-free living. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in improving their fascial health and enhancing their physical performance.