Choosing a Career in Physiotherapy

If you have a strong interest in physical health, love working with people and have always wanted to help people heal then a physiotherapist job may be the right career choice for you.

Physiotherapists truly make a difference in people’s lives and help them regain the skills and capabilities that may have been lost.

Physiotherapists help people recover from physical difficulties related to disability, illness, injury or other factors. They may also work with aging people to improve their flexibility and movement.

Patients may range from children to older adults. Often stroke patients and individuals with sports injuries also seek the services of a physiotherapist.

As a physiotherapist you may work in a variety of settings ranging from health centers to nursing homes and schools.

Private hospitals and clinics also employ physiotherapists, and their services are also provided at some sports clubs and gyms. Select physiotherapists also provide their services through private practice.

Typical Physiotherapist Services

If you are interested in physiotherapy jobs it is helpful to understand the typical services provided by a physiotherapist. They may work with patients who have varying conditions ranging from cardiovascular to neurological and neuromusculoskeletal issues. Typically the treatment period will cover multiple weeks.

Specific neurological conditions that may be treated by a physiotherapist include multiple sclerosis, strokes or Parkinson’s disease. Whiplash injuries, arthritis and back pain fall into the category of neuromusculoskeletal injuries. It is common to involve a physiotherapist in rehabilitation from heart attacks and they also work with respiratory issues such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Physiotherapists are tasked with assessing the patient and diagnosing the specific issues and conditions. From there, they create a treatment plan and involve the patient in the plan and treatment protocols. Generally the plan will include exercise activities and movement that may involve specialized machines and hydrotherapy.

Often physiotherapists are part of a team of professionals that may include the patient’s General Practitioner, social workers and also occupational therapists. It is important that the physiotherapist keep accurate notes so information can be shared between parties who are assisting the patient.

Qualifications for a Physiotherapy Professional

If you are interested in setting up a practice or being employed as a physiotherapist you must first meet certain conditions. You must register with the Health Care Professions Council.

In order to be allowed to register you must have an approved degree in physiotherapy, which typically takes three years of study. If you have a degree in another field you can take a two year master’s program in physiotherapy to qualify for this field.

In order to get your degree and register you must demonstrate a detailed knowledge of physiotherapy and show that you are truly interested in and have an ability to care for others.

After you have successfully registered as a physiotherapist you must keep your skills and knowledge current by completing appropriate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses.

If you are a deeply caring individual who is passionate about improving health and helping people rehabilitate from serious illness or injury, then physiotherapy may be the ideal career for you. As a physiotherapist you will be able to help improve people’s quality of life and restore them to health.