Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with function and movement with the goal of maximizing the potential of the individual.
Physiotherapy is an autonomous profession, that is, practitioners make their own clinical judgements and treatment choices.
Physiotherapy:
uses physical methods to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being
is a scientific based profession which views movement as central to well-being
exercises clinical judgement and informed interpretation which is at it’s core
Physiotherapists identify and make the most of movement ability by treatment, rehabilitation, health promotion and preventative advice.
Core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electrophysical modalities.
Physiotherapists work with a broad variety of physical problems especially those associated with the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
These are examples of the areas physiotherapists work in:
Private Sector - working independently in private practice, clinics, hospitals and private organizations treating a wide range of conditions
Womens’ Health - ante and post natal care and advice, classes, exercise and posture, managing continence and treatment of other pelvic floor conditions
Community - consulting and treating a wide range of patients at home and giving advice to caregivers
Sports Clinics - treating injuries, advising on recovery and fitness and avoiding repeated injury
Outpatients - treating spinal and joint problems, accidents and sports injuries
Orthopaedics and Trauma - restoring mobility after hip and knee replacement surgeries and spinal operations and treating patients after accidents
Intensive Care Units - working with babies, children and adults – keeping limbs mobile and lungs clear
Cardiovascular - improving exercise tolerance
Burns Unit - keeping chests clear and limb s mobile
Neurology - restoring normal movement and function in stroke, multiple sclerosis, head injuries and other conditions
Paediatrics - treating sick and injured children for a variety of conditions such as those with severe and mental and physical handicaps such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida
Care of the Elderly ( Gerontology ) - improving and maintain mobility and independence after falls , treatment of arthritis, Parkinsons disease, strokes and chest conditions
Terminally Il ( Palliative Care ) - working in the community or hospices treating patients with cancer or AIDS
Mental llness ( Psychiatry ) - teaching classes in relaxation, body awareness, improving confidence and self-esteem through exercise
People With Learning Disabilities And Handicaps - using sport and recreation to develope people, assessing and providing specialist footwear, seating and equipment
Occupational Health - treating employees in small to large companies and organizations, assessing work habits to prevent injuries such as repetitive strain injuries, neck and back problems, developing return to work plans and providing advice and support during this process
Education And Health Promotion – teaching about different conditions and life style choices. This may include back care,ergonomics, exercise classes, cardiac rehabilitation groups, ante and post-natal fitness
Voluntary Organizations – advising and consulting for organizations that support and care for people with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
Animal Physiotherapy – for example, assessing and treating injured horses
