Many of us may think that physiotherapists mostly deal with injuries related to back and sports. In actual practice, however, the scope of a physiotherapist’s work goes beyond treating injuries. Physiotherapy is the treatment of accidents, diseases and disorders through medication and surgery via physical techniques, such as exercise, massage, manipulation and other treatments.

The goal of a physiotherapy is to enhance the quality of life of an individual by using a variety of therapies to relieve discomfort and restore normal bodily functions. Moreover, it aims to reduce the impact of any dysfunction, in the case of permanent injury or illness. 

How Do Physiotherapists Execute Their Job?

Primarily, a physiotherapist will have to learn first the clinical history of his patient before carrying out a physical examination. He would then produce a care plan tailored to the needs of his patient. The following are some of the therapies physiotherapists use:

  • Massage to ease the pain of soft tissues
  • Mobilization of joints or manipulation
  • Exercises to improve vulnerable points
  • Cold for inflammation reduction
  • Heat to improve circulation
  • To relieve muscle spasms, ultrasound therapy
  • Electrical stimulation to help muscles contract that are unable to do so on their own effectively

A physiotherapist’s position is varied and two days are seldom the same. In order to identify conditions and execute a recovery plan, a physiotherapist may have to examine a patient’s physical condition, or they may even be retraining patients to walk, or teaching them to cope with crutches, walking frames, or wheelchairs. Specialists at Dave O’Sullivan’s physiotherapist training contend that in physiotherapy, education plays a crucial role. In order to avoid accidents and help people lead healthier lives, physiotherapists spend a lot of time educating patients, their families and the community. A physiotherapist can also organize group wellness activities and execute them. Finally, should it be considered appropriate to do so, physiotherapists may also grant sick leave certificates. 

Physiotherapists treat all kinds of individuals throughout their career, including children with cerebral palsy, newborn infants, pregnant mothers, people undergoing recovery, athletes, elderly people (to try to make them fitter), and others who need support after heart failure, strokes, or major surgery.

What To Expect From A Physiotherapy Session

Your session will be special, because you and your personal needs are all about it. Here’s what happens in general:

  • The physiotherapist will study and learn more about your medical history.
  • The physiotherapist examines your condition and diagnoses it.
  • You’ll get a recovery plan that sets expectations for you.
  • A course of exercises and any assistance devices needed are prescribed for you.

When Is Physiotherapy Employed?

For people of all ages with a broad variety of health problems, physiotherapy may be beneficial, including issues such as:

  • Back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and sports injuries, bones, joints and soft tissue
  • Brain or nervous system disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease movement issues
  • Heart and breathing, such as post-heart attack recovery
  • Lungs and respiration, such as chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis

How To Become A Physiotherapist

The most famous way to become a physiotherapist is to get a university degree. It will take three years for a full-time degree and a part-time course can take six years. When you already have a relevant degree, a two-year accelerated Masters course is also an option.

For an undergraduate course, entry requirements are typically:

  • Two or three stages of A, like PE and/or biological science.
  • Five GCSEs, including the English language, maths and at least one science (grade A-C).

Or the credentials which are equivalent:

  • A BTEC, HND or HNC, with biological science included.
  • A pertinent NVQ.
  • A course on science-based access.
  • Scottish or Irish comparable qualifications.
  • A previous degree or a full certification to practice in a related field.

Each university sets its own standards for admission, so it is necessary to consult directly with them. In certain cases, as well as academic credentials, the outcomes of an interview and other screening procedures are taken into consideration. It’s also a good idea to spend some time with a licensed physiotherapist to get a first-hand understanding of what the job really is like.

Types Of Physiotherapists

Not only can physiotherapists work with individuals following an accident, but they can be seen working in many specialized areas.

Physiotherapists Cardiopulmonary

They specialized in helping patients develop stamina in the face of or after surgery, cardiac (heart), or lung diseases. Oftentimes, the therapist will provide advice on health and diet, especially for heart attack patients. In patients with such lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, they may also use manual therapies to help clear the lungs.

Electro Physiotherapists in the Clinic

They use electrical stimulation and other tactics to facilitate healing of stubborn wounds, such as burns, diabetic sores, or post-amputation wounds.

 Physiotherapists Geriatric

They are trained to meet the special needs of the elderly and to help them continue to sustain a lifestyle that is as active as possible.

 Physiotherapists in Neurology

They specialize in patients with some of the many neurological disorders or accidents that may occur. This includes Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, or brain or spinal cord injury. For things such as coordination, balance, ambulation, muscle control, or everyday life skills, these patients need support.

Physiotherapists Pediatric

They are specially trained to meet children’s needs. They treat children with delays in growth, congenital problems, disabilities, or disease.

Physiotherapists of Sport

They specialized in dealing with athletes and their individual criteria. The sports therapist allows athletes to work at their best, helps avoid injuries, and helps athletes to recover from an injury to full performance. Large sports teams typically employ physiotherapists of their own.

Physiotherapists for Women’s Health

They specialized in the wellbeing of women. This specialty allows women to heal from complications such as incontinence due to a physical condition (usually arising from pregnancy and childbirth), pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction.

Physiotherapists help people in every aspect of their existence, may it be their health, confidence, or overcoming obstacles. They are instruments in helping people live healthier lives and become more independent and functional by themselves. That is why, today, physiotherapists are highly in demand by many employers given their many specialized skills that are useful in a wide range of career paths.