Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques, 7th Edition

The Challenge It Addresses

Physical therapy students and clinicians face a constant challenge: how to translate theoretical knowledge into effective, evidence-based exercise interventions. Without a structured framework, treatment plans can become inconsistent, outcomes unpredictable, and clinical reasoning weak. Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques, 7th Edition directly addresses this gap by providing a systematic, evidence-based approach to exercise prescription and intervention for a wide range of patient populations.

This text equips you with the foundational principles and practical techniques needed to design and implement therapeutic exercise programs with confidence. Whether you are a student mastering the basics or a seasoned clinician refining your skills, this book serves as the definitive reference for exercise-based rehabilitation.

Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques, 7th Edition at a Glance

Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques is the premier textbook in physical therapy education, authored by Carolyn Kisner, Lynn Allen Colby, and John Borstad. Now in its seventh edition, published in 2018 by F. A. Davis Company, this comprehensive resource covers the full spectrum of therapeutic exercise — from fundamental concepts to advanced intervention strategies.

The book is organized into four major parts: General Concepts, Applied Science of Exercise and Techniques, Principles of Intervention, and Exercise Interventions by Body Region. This structure allows readers to build knowledge progressively, starting with the science behind exercise and moving into region-specific protocols for the spine, upper extremity, lower extremity, and more. Each chapter integrates current evidence, clinical reasoning algorithms, and detailed descriptions of techniques.

Who Will Benefit Most

This textbook is essential for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students who need a thorough grounding in therapeutic exercise as part of their core curriculum. It is also a vital resource for practicing physical therapists seeking to update their knowledge with the latest evidence-based techniques. Additionally, physical therapist assistants, athletic trainers, and occupational therapists working in rehabilitation settings will find the content highly applicable.

If you are preparing for board examinations or looking to deepen your clinical reasoning in exercise prescription, this book provides the authoritative foundation you need. The seventh edition retains the trusted content of previous editions while incorporating updated research and clinical insights.

Skills You Will Gain

• Foundations of exercise physiology and how they apply to therapeutic interventions for impaired movement and function.
• Evidence-based principles of exercise prescription, including dosage, progression, and patient-specific modifications.
• Region-specific intervention techniques for the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot.
• How to design exercise programs for common conditions such as low back pain, rotator cuff dysfunction, patellofemoral pain, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
• Integration of manual therapy and exercise to optimize patient outcomes and improve adherence.
• Clinical reasoning frameworks to select appropriate exercises based on patient presentation, phase of healing, and functional goals.
• Application of therapeutic exercise across the lifespan, including considerations for pediatric and geriatric populations.

Why Choose This Edition

While other textbooks cover exercise physiology or orthopedic rehabilitation, Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques uniquely combines foundational science with step-by-step technique descriptions and clinical decision-making algorithms. Unlike generic exercise manuals, this text is specifically designed for the physical therapy profession, with content vetted by leading clinicians and educators.

Compared to newer editions or competing titles like Physical Rehabilitation or Orthopedic Physical Assessment, this book focuses exclusively on the exercise component — making it the most targeted resource available. The seventh edition, while not the newest, offers a proven, stable body of knowledge that has shaped PT education for decades. For students on a budget, it provides exceptional value without sacrificing depth.

About the Author

Carolyn Kisner, PT, MS is a respected educator and clinician with decades of experience in therapeutic exercise. Lynn Allen Colby, PT, MS brings expertise in neuromuscular rehabilitation and clinical education. John Borstad, PT, PhD contributes research-backed insights into shoulder mechanics and exercise. Together, their combined credentials ensure the content is both academically rigorous and clinically applicable.

F. A. Davis Company is a trusted publisher in the health sciences, known for producing high-quality textbooks for physical therapy, nursing, and allied health programs. Their commitment to evidence-based content and clear presentation makes this book a staple in PT curricula across the United States.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This textbook is a cornerstone resource for anyone serious about therapeutic exercise. Its systematic approach, evidence-based techniques, and practical application make it an indispensable tool for both learning and clinical reference. The seventh edition remains highly relevant, especially given the slower pace of change in foundational exercise science compared to other areas of medicine.

For the price of a digital copy — typically under $100 — you gain access to a comprehensive library of exercise interventions that would otherwise require multiple resources. Whether you are a student aiming for top exam scores or a clinician seeking to refine your practice, this book delivers lasting value.

Add Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques, 7th Edition to Your Library

Stop searching through scattered online resources and fragmented lecture notes. With Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques, 7th Edition, you have a complete, authoritative guide to exercise prescription and intervention at your fingertips. Whether you are preparing for the NPTE, designing a rehabilitation protocol, or teaching the next generation of therapists, this book is the gold standard.

Order your digital copy today from a trusted retailer and gain lifetime access to the techniques that define modern physical therapy. Published by F. A. Davis Company and authored by leading experts Kisner, Colby, and Borstad, this edition is a proven investment in your professional development.