Physiotherapy is a clinical health science and profession that aims to rehabilitate and improve people with movement disorders by using evidence-based, natural methods such as exercise, motivation, adapted equipment, education and advocacy;

Physiotherapists study medical science subjects such as anatomy, neuroscience and physiology to develop skills and attitudes necessary for health education and prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with physical disorders and disabilities.

The physiotherapist works in health care systems in both hospitals and the community

Registration as a physiotherapist is only possible after completion of a university degree in physiotherapy or health sciences with a physiotherapy course

Physiotherapists, who are known as physical therapists in America, work all around the world. They are the experts in the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiothoracic problems that affect peoples' abilities to move the way they want and function as well as they want in their daily lives

Physiotherapy science and skills

Physiotherapy is a science-based healthcare profession which views movement as central to health and well being. Physiotherapists aim to identify and make the most of movement ability by health promotion, preventive advice, treatment and rehabilitation.

Core skills used by chartered physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electrophysical modalities.

Physiotherapists believe it is of vital importance to take note of psychological, cultural and social factors which influence their clients. They try and bring the patients into an active role to help make the best of independence and function.

Assessment

A physiotherapist will initially conduct a subjective examination (interview) of a patient's medical history, and then go on to the objective assessment (physical examination). The subjective examination is guided by the presenting system and complaint, and the objective assessment is in turn guided by the history.

This semistructured process is used to rule out serious pathology (so called red flags), establish functional limitations, refine the diagnosis, guide therapy, and establish a baseline for monitoring progress. As such, the objective exam will then use certain quantifiable measurements to both guide diagnosis and for progress monitoring.

These depend upon the system (and area) being managed, e.g. a musculoskeletal exam may involve, inter alia, assessment of joint range of motion, muscle power, motor control and posture, whilst a cardiopulmonary assessment may involve lung auscultation and exercise physiology testing.

What do physiotherapists do?

Chartered physiotherapists work with a broad variety of physical problems, especially those associated with the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. They may work alone, with physiotherapy colleagues or teams and with other healthcare professionals in multi-professional teams.

These are examples of the areas physiotherapists work in:

Outpatients - treating spinal and joint problems, accidents and sports injuries.

Intensive Care Units - keeping limbs mobile and chests clear.

Women's Health - ante- and post-natal care advice, exercise and posture, managing continence and post-gynaecological operations.

Care of Elderly - maintaining mobility and independence, rehabilitation after falls, treatment of arthritis, Parkinson's disease, chest conditions.

Neurology - helping people restore normal movement and function in stroke, multiple sclerosis and other conditions.

Orthopaedics and Trauma - restoring mobility after hip and knee replacements and spinal operations, treating patients after accidents.

Mental Illness - taking classes in relaxation and body awareness, improving confidence and self-esteem through exercise.

People with Learning Difficulties - using sport and recreation to develop people, assessing and providing specialist footwear, seating and equipment.

Occupational Health - treating employees in small to large organisations and companies, looking at work habits to prevent physical problems such as repetitive strain injury.

Terminally Ill (Palliative Care) - working in the community or in hospices, treating patients with cancer and AIDS.

Paediatrics - treating sick and injured children, those with severe mental and physical handicaps, and conditions like cerebral palsy and spina bifida

Community - treating a wide variety of patients at home and giving advice to carers.

Private Sector - working independently in private practice, clinics, hospitals, and GP surgeries, treating a wide range of conditions.

Education and Health Promotion - teaching people about many conditions and lifestyle choices. This may include back care, ergonomics, taking exercise classes and cardiac rehabilitation groups.

Sports clinics - treating injuries in sportsmen and women, advising on recovering fitness and avoiding repeated injury.

Voluntary Organisations - advising and consulting for organisations supporting and caring for people with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

Treatment

Guided by the assessment findings, the physiotherapist will then develop and facilitate a treatment plan. Aside from the various physiotherapeutic teachniques involved in therapy, the treatment regimen may include prescribing and advice regarding assistive walking devices; should consider functional progress; and include ongoing review and refinement. Patient education is a key aspect of all treatment plans.