So What is Physiotherapy ?

2007-01-15T16:23:00.000-08:00

So many people appear to have a misunderstanding about what physiotherapists 'do' that I have started this blog to explore the question.

This is the quote from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy :
"Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising potential: it uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being, taking account of variations in health status it is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery, the exercise of clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at its core."
The above definition is taken from the CSP curriculum framework (January 2002).

Within the profession there are now over 50 Clinical Interest and Occupational Groups (CIOGs) affiliated to the Society. Interest Groups represent a distinct field of physiotherapy clinical practice that may be specific to a client group, a clinical area or a specific treatment approach or modality. The Occupational Groups all represent physiotherapists working in a specific occupational area.

But the careers and courses website says :
Physiotherapists treat patients with physical problems caused by accidents, sports injuries, illness and ageing. They are particularly concerned with problems that affect muscles, bones, the heart, circulation and lungs. They also help people with physical and mental disabilities and difficulties.

Hmm well there is something a bit different here.

Maybe one of the more interesting deffinitions comes from the NHS careers website. It starts

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
Womens health
Care of the elderly
Stroke patients
Orthopaedics
Mental illness
Learning difficulties
Occupational health
Terminally ill
Paediatrics 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 fundholders. Treatment and advice for patients and carers 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.

So just a start up

What Do Physiotherapists Do ?

So What is Physiotherapy ?