Physiotherapy, also referred to as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession dedicated to diagnosing, preventing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. A physiotherapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who provides therapy as part of an overall health management program for patients with musculoskeletal system disorders. The scope of practice of a PT varies widely. Usually, it includes diagnosis, treatment and physiotherapy rehabilitation of disorders of the musculoskeletal system that affect the function of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues of the body.
As part of a health care team, a PT works together with nurses, doctors, chiropractors, physical education instructors, and other healthcare professionals to develop a treatment plan for each patient. In general, a physiotherapy specialist provides diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services. A physiotherapist speciality refers to a discipline of physiotherapy that includes the application of techniques to the musculoskeletal system that focused on treating and preventing injuries, restoring mobility, increasing strength, and preventing disease. Typical specialities in physiotherapy include orthopaedic, geriatric, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, paediatrics, sports medicine, and occupational therapy.
Before pursuing physical therapy as a career, it is important that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent. You will need to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college for licensure and certification. There are two national certifying bodies that offer national certification in physical rehabilitation. In addition to earning your bachelor’s degree, you will need to pass a board exam to become certified.
Today, there are many types of equipment and machines that are used by physiotherapists to help them during rehabilitation and therapy sessions. One of the most popular is the treadmill, which helps improve cardiovascular fitness. The cardiovascular system supports and helps the entire body. The physiotherapy and physical therapists should warm up their patients before any exercises to improve circulation. They should also instruct patients to exercise gradually and to keep moving at a moderate speed.
In accordance with the regulations set forth by the physiotherapy professionals’ association, a systematic review of material should be performed prior to publishing any articles on physiotherapy or rehabilitation. This systematic review involves a careful search of the literature and includes meta-analyses and associated trials that evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs. It is important to remember that any health claims should be supported by proper studies and trials that agree with the results presented in the research. This is important when it comes to writing articles and making presentations to relevant audiences. It is also important for the article and/or resource box to make clear that the information provided is derived from a systematic review of material from various medical and health journals.
Physiotherapists need to be skilled in multiple modalities. This is the key to understanding that they must have a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of manual techniques as well as their patient’s response to those techniques. A skill in physiology and an ability to assess and interpret diagnostic test results are also desirable. Physiotherapists should be licensed and must meet stringent certification requirements. They should have a thorough understanding of pain management, including techniques that may be recommended to relieve pain, and should be able to explain their reasoning and provide examples from their experience. By communicating his or her skills and experience, the physiotherapist helps his or her patient achieve functional independence.
