Are you interested in giving people a second shot at life? Do you want to be among those helping to improve people’s quality of life? You should consider working in the Physiotherapy field.
A physiotherapist is also called a physical therapist; they work in a healthcare field called Physiotherapy. This healthcare sector treats patients with illnesses, disabilities, and injuries and also educates them on pain management and prevention methods.
They specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating physical injuries and conditions that have limited a person’s ability to move or carry out daily activities easily.
In this article, you’ll understand the duties of a physiotherapist, their work environment, types of physio, the requirements for the role, and other vital information.
Duties Of A Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists restore movement and function to individuals affected by illness, disabilities, and injury. They work with people of all ages, from infants to young adults and older people, helping them achieve optimal mobility and physical function.
Physiotherapists use various interventions and techniques such as electrotherapy, exercise, education, clinical advice, and manual therapy to restore function, manage pain, prevent further injury, and improve quality of life. Below are the duties performed by a qualified physiotherapist.
1. Assessment And Diagnosis
Physiotherapists are solely responsible for evaluating and identifying patients’ physical injuries and conditions through various tests and evaluations. They use the information to develop personalized treatment plans.
2. Treatment
They provide treatments to restore function to patients, manage pain, and improve mobility. These treatments include manual therapy, exercises, electrotherapy, clinical advice, and other proven interventions.
Visit the map address below for your inquiries on the types of physiotherapy you may need:
3. Counseling And Education
Physiotherapists educate their patients on preventing further injuries, managing their conditions, and promoting overall wellness and health. They also provide therapy on lifestyle changes such as constant exercise and diet plans.
4. Monitoring And Evaluation
The physical therapist monitors their patients’ progress during treatment and alters their treatment plan when needed. Physiotherapists also assess the effectiveness of their treatments/interventions and adjust accordingly.
5. Collaboration
Physiotherapists work with a healthcare team and collaborate with professionals such as occupational therapists and doctors, ensuring patients receive the best treatment and comprehensive care.
6. Intense Research And Development
They also involve themselves in research and development activities to improve the effectiveness of their treatment and interventions and advance the physiotherapy field. Go here to learn more about the duties of a physiotherapist.
The Work Environment Of Physiotherapist
Many physiotherapists/physical therapists work with a larger team of healthcare experts, while most work individually, focusing mainly on home care. In the educational sector, a physio may work in a research institute, college, or university. Other settings where they work include
- Clinics and hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Community healthcare facilities
- Child development centers
- Government health sectors
- Extended care facilities
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient clinics
- Fitness centers
Types Of Physiotherapists
In the physiotherapy field, there are numerous types of physiotherapists who specialize in diverse areas of practice. Below are some common types of physical therapists.
1. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists
This type of physical therapist specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating conditions and injuries affecting the joints, muscles, and bones, such as back pain, sports injuries, and arthritis.
2. Respiratory And Cardiovascular Physiotherapists
They focus on assessing and treating patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
3. Neurological Physiotherapists
These physiotherapists work with individuals with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, and multiple sclerosis to improve their function and movement.
4. Geriatric Physiotherapists
Physical therapists in this field work with elderly and older adults to improve their balance and mobility and manage conditions such as arthritis, dementia, and osteoporosis.
5. Women’s Health Physiotherapists
They specialize in assessing and treating conditions affecting women’s health. These conditions include pelvic pain, pregnancy-related back pain, and incontinence.
6. Pediatric Physiotherapists
These physical therapists work with children, infants, and adolescents with diverse conditions such as sports injuries, developmental delays, and cerebral palsy.
Physiotherapist Requirements
Here are a few basic requirements to pursue a career as a physiotherapist.
1. Education
You must have a bachelor’s degree, as it’s a requirement if you want to enroll in graduate degree programs for physiotherapists, although there’s no exact prerequisite regarding the major. It’s helpful and advisable to complete courses in human health and science.
Physical therapists must complete a graduate degree program from an institution accredited by CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education). Visit https://acapt.org/resources/capte-guidance to learn more about CAPTE.
In some states, it’s a prerequisite for a physiotherapist to complete their doctoral degree program before practicing their profession in physiotherapy.
The courses taught in these programs, combined with years of clinical experience, can prepare aspiring physical therapists to treat various health conditions and injuries.
2. Training
Doctorate programs in physiotherapy provide aspiring physiotherapists with comprehensive practical training in various procedures, methods, and equipment that they will use in their work.
Many programs also provide training in different areas, including pediatrics, orthopedics, sports clinics, and geriatrics. Below are the various subjects aspiring students in doctorate programs should expect:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Pharmacology
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
If you intend to work in private practice, seek additional training in payroll training, accounting, and other management sectors.
3. Certifications
Physiotherapists need to earn a license before practicing in their state. Before you’re granted a license, you must complete the state-administered licensure examination.
In some states, the licensure exam is the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination). After earning your licensure, you must continue to undergo continuing education to keep your license.
4. Skills
To be a successful physiotherapist, you must combine your training and education with professional skills and personal qualities, ensuring the most benefits for your patients. Some essential skills are:
- Communication: As a physiotherapist, you must know how to communicate therapeutic rationale and techniques to your patients in layman or non-medical terms. You should also communicate procedures and ideas with your staff members to ensure your patients get the best care.
- Attention To Detail: Professional physiotherapist has the knowledge and expertise to manage any health issue affecting their patients. You must be acquainted with the correct methods to implement to assist your patients and know when to change techniques to improve results.
- Emotional Intelligence: Just as in the medical field, optimism and patience are vital qualities to have as an aspiring physiotherapist. You must show genuine concern and compassion for your patient’s well-being and comfort.
Physiotherapists are trained to help individuals whose movement and function are impacted by health conditions, weight issues, disorders, injury, aging, and environmental factors.
Hopefully, this article has enlightened you on who a physiotherapist is and what is needed to be a practicing physiotherapist.
