George Davies: Essential Reading List
July 22, 2009 
2 Comments
Our next contributor to the Essential Reading List is the world renowned Dr. George Davies. His many contributions in George’s amazing career include founding the journal JOSPT, president of the APTA Sports Section, and publishing over 180 manuscripts. He is currently the associate editor of the new Sports Health Journal.
George is considered to be one of the founding pioneers of sports physical therapy and one of the most respected expert clinicians. Visit George Davies’ website as well.
View the complete list of essential books for physical therapists, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning specialists
Below are George’s recommendations for the essential reading list with some of his commentary for each one. As you can see, George offers many recommendations based on historical classics. These are the books that helped shape some of our more current books. They are all very interesting reads to see how our thoughts and techniques have involved. The below are in George’s own words, though I add some comments here and there. Thanks George!
- Obviously the number one book on the list has to be The Compendium of Isokinetics in Clinical Usage by George J. Davies. Just kidding! But I would include this because it actually went through 4 editions before another book was ever published on isokinetics. At the time there was just nothing else available and it truly was a "trailblazer.”
Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy by James A. Gould & George J. Davies. Again this was the FIRST BOOK dedicated to this topic; now they are a dime a dozen. (Editor note, this book is available for $3 using the above link to Amazon! Great price for a classic!) - Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise by Todd Ellenbecker & George J. Davies. Again, this was the first book dedicated to closed kinetic chain exercises of both the lower AND upper extremity.
- Rehabilitation of the Surgical Knee by George J. Davies. This again was the first book totally dedicated to the topic, so it paved the way for many others to follow.
- Orthopaedic Physical Assessment by Magee. Still probably the most comprehensive exam book, although not all evidence-based supported.
- Essentials of Strength & Conditioning by the NSCA. This provides many excellent concepts of the title which oftentimes physical therapists do not have a real strong back ground.
Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation by Brotzman & Wilk. This was a good book because it provided many different protocols. However, unless it is dramatically improved to include more evidence-based protocols, I think it will lose it’s value. (Editor note: I agree with George here, that is why Kevin and I started publishing our comprehensive rehab protocols on CD since the publication of this book, we can keep them more current. If you enjoy or are interested in this book, be sure to also review of rehab protocols on CD as well.) - Physical Rehabilitation of the Injured Athlete – Andrews, Harrelson, Wilk. Good overview book; but same comments as above.
- Postsurgical Orthopaedic Sports Rehab Knee & Shoulder by Rob Manske. More current updates.
- Shoulder Rehabilitation: Non-Operative Treatment by Todd Ellenbecker. Complements previous book on postoperative treatment.
The Athlete’s Shoulder (Your book) most current and comprehensive book on shoulder. (Editor’s note: Thanks George!) - Foundations of Clinical Research: Applications to Practice. Portney & Watkins
- And of course, all the basics, many of which likely have a new updated version: Hoppenfeld – Physical Exam, Hislop – Manual Muscle Testing, and Norkin & White – Goniometry
View the complete list of essential books for physical therapists, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning specialists
Or view contributions to the The Essential Reading List Series by other expert clinicians:
- Ken Crenshaw, ATC, CSCS
- George Davies, DPT, MED, PT, SCS, ATC, LAT, CSCS, ACSM-CET, APTA-CCI, SMAC, (REMT), FAPTA
- Eric Cressey, MA, CSCS
- Leon Chaitow, ND, DO
- Sue Falsone, PT, MS, SCS, ATC, CSCS
3.48$ for a great book. Thanks…that was a steal.
Ha, agree, glad I could help. That is two books in the last month for under $5 bucks total! I still cant believe that patellofemoral book was so cheap!