Books for cardio respiratory physiotherapy
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best books cardiorespiratory physiotherapy textbooks 2024
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The library does not have a dedicated physiotherapy speciality, but it does have closely related cardiology and pulmonology books. Here is a full answer drawing on what's in the library plus well-known titles in the field.
Books for Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
In the Medical Library (available to read here)
These titles directly support cardiorespiratory physiotherapy practice:
Pulmonology
- Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine, 2-Volume Set - the standard reference for respiratory medicine; covers COPD, asthma, ILD, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, and pulmonary function testing in depth.
- Fishman's Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders, 2-Volume Set - broad respiratory pathophysiology and clinical management; strong on anatomy, gas exchange, and exercise physiology.
Cardiology
- Braunwald's Heart Disease, 2-Volume Set - the definitive cardiovascular medicine text; covers heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation principles, exercise testing, arrhythmias, and post-surgical care.
- Fuster and Hurst's The Heart, 15th Edition - excellent on cardiac physiology, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathy; useful background for physiotherapists managing cardiac patients.
- Textbook of Clinical Echocardiography - helpful for understanding imaging reports you will encounter in ICU and cardiac rehab settings.
Essential Physiotherapy-Specific Textbooks (widely recommended)
These are the core texts used in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy education and clinical practice:
| Book | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy: Adults and Paediatrics - Main, Denehy (eds), 5th ed, Elsevier | The primary specialist textbook; covers assessment, airway clearance, exercise, ICU, neonates, and paediatrics. Formerly Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiac Problems. |
| Hough's Cardiorespiratory Care: An Evidence-Based, Problem-Solving Approach - Pryor & Prasad, 5th ed | Practical, problem-solving format; strong on manual techniques, breathing exercises, and COPD management. |
| Physiotherapy in Respiratory and Cardiac Care - Webber & Pryor | Concise clinical guide; good for students starting out. |
| Physical Management for Neurological Conditions - Stokes & Stack | Relevant for stroke and acquired brain injury patients with cardiorespiratory complications. |
| ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription - American College of Sports Medicine | Essential for cardiac rehabilitation exercise programming and functional assessment. |
| Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy: A Clinical Manual - Willy Hillegass | US-based clinical manual covering ICU, cardiac surgery rehab, and exercise testing. |
| Essentials of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy - Hillegass | Companion volume; covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, and PT interventions systematically. |
| Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiac Problems - Pryor & Prasad | Earlier edition; still widely cited in research. |
For ICU and Critical Care Physiotherapy
- Oh's Intensive Care Manual (Bersten & Handy) - standard ICU reference; physiotherapists working in critical care should know this.
- Physiotherapy in Critical Care - Stiller - landmark paper and practical guide for ICU physio.
Tips on Choosing
- Student/entry level: Start with Hough's Cardiorespiratory Care and Main & Denehy; read Murray & Nadel for respiratory pathology depth.
- Cardiac rehab: Braunwald's Heart Disease + ACSM Guidelines.
- Paediatrics/neonates: Main & Denehy 5th ed has strong paediatric chapters.
- Critical care/ICU: Hillegass clinical manual + Oh's ICU Manual.
The two most important books to own as a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist are Main & Denehy (the specialist physio text) and Murray & Nadel or Fishman's (for the underlying respiratory medicine knowledge).
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