Physiotherapist what do they do

Physiotherapists are usually called physical therapists in the United States, but the term physiotherapist is favoured in the rest of the English-speaking world. He will then develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs. Some of the treatments that physiotherapists use are as follows:. Physiotherapists do not just work with people after an injury, but can be found working in many fields of specialty. Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapists - help their patients gain endurance in the face of cardiac heart or pulmonary lung illnesses or after surgery.

Sometimes, especially for heart attack patients, the therapist will give advice on health and nutrition. They may also use manual therapies to help clear the lungs in patients with certain lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. Clinical Electrophysiotherapists - use electrical stimulation and other tactics to promote healing in stubborn wounds such as burns, sores on diabetics, or post-amputation wounds. Geriatric Physiotherapists - are prepared to deal with the special needs of the elderly and help them continue to maintain as active a lifestyle as possible.

Neurological Physiotherapists - specialize in patients that could have any one of many neurological illnesses or injuries. These patients need help with things like coordination, balance, ambulation, muscle strength, or daily living skills. Orthopaedic Physiotherapists - are probably what most people think of when they think of physiotherapy.

They treat problems with the musculoskeletal system, most often after an injury or orthopaedic surgery. Common therapies include massage, joint manipulation, exercises, heat or cold application, and electrical stimulation.

Pediatric Physiotherapists - are specially trained to meet the needs of children. They treat children with developmental delays, congenital problems, injuries, or illness. Sport Physiotherapists - specialize in working with athletes and their unique needs. Cycling, swimming, running, pilates and weights all tend to have the same benefits. The best physiotherapy exercise is the one you enjoy the most as you are more likely to do it. Consistency is the key! A physiotherapist is highly-skilled at helping you find the right type, amount, level of exercise and future progressions.

Skip to content. Improve your Quality of Life with Physiotherapy. What is a Physiotherapist? What is the role of a Physiotherapist? How do you become a Physiotherapist. A Physiotherapist must have: Completed a Bachelor, Masters or Doctorate degree at a university, which will have taken at least four years to complete. Met the professional standards, such as recent work as a physiotherapist.

Continued professional development. Criminal history checks. Cover by professional indemnity insurance. Is a Physiotherapist a doctor? NO, a physiotherapist is not a doctor. What is the difference between a Physiotherapist and a Physical Therapist? A physiotherapist's purpose is to improve a person's quality of life by using a variety of treatments to alleviate pain and restore function or, in the case of permanent injury or disease, to lessen the effects of any dysfunction.

How to become a physiotherapist Australia requires that all physiotherapists be registered, and according to data released from the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, as at May , there were 23, physiotherapists on the register.

These professionals work in a variety of environments including hospitals , community health centres, private practices, sports clubs, rehabilitation centres, schools, fitness centres and in the workplace. They either work alone or with other health care providers to deliver a multi-directional approach to rehabilitation. The role of the physiotherapist The role of a physiotherapist is varied and rarely are two days the same.

A physiotherapist may have to assess the physical condition of a patient to diagnose problems and implement a treatment plan, or they could also be re-training patients to walk, or helping others to cope with crutches, walking frames, or wheelchairs.

Education is also an essential role in physiotherapy. Physiotherapists spend much time educating patients, their families, and the community to prevent injuries and to help people lead healthy lifestyles.

A physiotherapist may also plan and implement community fitness programmes. Finally, physiotherapists can also issue sick leave certificates should it be deemed necessary to do so. During their career, physiotherapists treat all manner of people including children with cerebral palsy, premature babies, pregnant women, people undergoing rehabilitation, athletes, the elderly to try and get them fitter , and those needing help following heart disease, strokes, or major surgery.

Types of physiotherapy Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for a plethora of conditions, and the following treatments can help lessen the recovery time after a variety of surgeries. Physiotherapists can specialise in several different areas, including sports medicine , children's health paediatrics , and women's health, and within these parameters, there are three different areas of practice.

These are: Musculoskeletal which is also called orthopaedic physiotherapy and is used to treat conditions such as sprains, back pain, arthritis, strains, incontinence, bursitis, posture problems, sport and workplace injuries, plus reduced mobility. Rehabilitation following surgery is also included within this category.

This is used to treat disorders of the nervous system, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. It can also be used for rehabilitation following brain surgery.