Contemporary and Global Perspectives in Physical Therapy

Globally, over one billion people live with a disability, and 80% of them are in 152 low-and middle-income nations. One in every three people around the world lives with a health condition that benefits from rehabilitation. In some low- and middle-income countries, more than 50% of people who require rehabilitation services do not receive them. Physical therapists are essential members of the rehabilitation team who prevent and manage disabilities. Improving physical therapy services worldwide will decrease the number of fatalities and improve patients’ quality of life. Leading physical therapy textbooks are produced in high-income countries with advanced health systems. Practicing physical therapy in low- and middle-income countries requires special knowledge and clinical skills not enunciated in books published in high-income countries.

According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, the leading causes of death in low- and middle-income countries were mostly preventable or treatable, while in high-income countries they were primarily chronic and lifestyle-related conditions. Around the world, the role of physical therapists in addressing lifestyle-triggered diseases has been unassertive. There is a gap between physical therapists’ knowledge of lifestyle-related diseases and their application of this knowledge to facilitate patients’ alteration of health-related behaviors. This gap is a global challenge that physical therapists must collectively address. This three-volume publication, authored by fifty experts from diverse disciplines and specialties, offers current, evidence-based insights into bridging the gap, with emphasis on prevention and interdisciplinary care.

The first volume covers orthopedic and pediatric physical therapy, detailing conditions like knee osteoarthritis, knee and hip arthroplasties, fractures, lower back pain, cerebral palsy, polio, and autism. The second volume spans six key areas—neurologic, cardiopulmonary, pharmacotherapeutic, oncologic, geriatric, and pelvic health physical therapy, covering topics such as motor learning, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, cervicogenic headache, cardiometabolic and respiratory diseases, anthropometric assessment, complications following breast cancer treatments, fall prevention, pelvic floor disorders, and incontinence management. The third volume presents a rich tapestry of global topics, including electrodiagnosis, radiology, complementary and alternative medicine practices, remote digital physical therapy, private practice development, scope of practice, and evolution of physical therapy across continents.

The three volumes engage the interest of policymakers and individuals with research and programmatic interest in low and middle-income countries. It is a valuable textbook for physical therapists and students in related fields, such as medicine, nutrition, clinical psychology, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy worldwide.