A Career in Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists help and treat people of all ages with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing. Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession which sees human movement as central to the health and well-being of individuals. Physiotherapists identify and maximise movement potential through health promotion, preventive healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation.

The core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electro-physical modalities. Physiotherapists also have an appreciation of psychological, cultural and social factors which influence their clients.

The following are just a few of the areas Physiotherapists work:

• Outpatients
• Intensive care
• Women’s health
• Care of the elderly
• Stroke patients
• Orthopedics
• Mental illness
• Learning difficulties
• Occupational health
• Terminally ill
• Pediatrics

Many physiotherapists work within hospitals. Here they are needed in virtually every department, from general out-patients to intensive care, where round-the-clock chest physiotherapy can be vital to keep unconscious patients breathing.

Hospitals often have physiotherapy gyms, hydrotherapy and high-tech equipment so that specialist therapy can be carried out.

Today’s Physiotherapist is just as likely to work in the local community as within a hospital. There is also a need for physiotherapists in many other places.

These places are:

• Industry
• Special Schools
• The Private Sector (for example, Private Practice)
• Education
• Leisure & Sport

In fact wherever people are at risk of injury from their occupation or activity.

Nowadays, more and more Physiotherapists work outside the hospital setting, in the community where a growing number are employed by GP fund holders. Treatment and advice for patients and carer's take place in their own homes, in nursing homes or day centres, in schools and in health centres.

Being a Physiotherapist in any setting is all about teamwork. As well as being able to build up a rapport with your patients, it is equally important to maintain communication with their relatives or carers as well as occupational therapists, GPs, health visitors, district nurses and social workers.

Physiotherapy is a ''hands on'', physical career in every sense. The personal qualities needed for this rewarding role are tolerance, patience and compassion, you will also need to be level-headed, practical and have good communication skills.

For Further Information contact:

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
www.csp.org.uk

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