Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists promote health and wellness but also work with people affected by a wide range of conditions and symptoms, for example:

• painful conditions such as arthritis, repetitive strain injury, neck and back pain
• cancer
• strokes, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injury
• heart problems
• Mental health problems
• lung disease
• trauma, such as road traffic accidents and landmines
• incontinence

They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, health centers, sports facilities, education and research centers, hospices and nursing homes, rural and community settings.

Here are some examples of how physiotherapists make a difference. They:

• use their skills to treat the underlying causes of pain and limitations in movement and function
• use many treatment approaches to help individuals regain their mobility and maximise their potential
• promote healthy lifestyles and exercise • treat each patient/client as an individual and thoroughly assess them to identify their needs
• treat sports injuries
• promote safe and healthy activities
• work with children with coordination, balance and other movement problems to improve and maximise their independence.

To achieve all this, physiotherapists are educated over several years, giving them a full knowledge of the body’s systems and the skills to treat a wide range of problems. This education is usually university-based and at a level that provides full professional recognition and allows them to practise independently. Continuing education ensures that they keep up to date with the latest advances in research and practice. Many Physiotherapists are engaged in research themselves.