The primary role of a physiotherapist is to identify and maximise a patient or client’s movement potential through a range of techniques; these techniques include:
· health promotion;
· preventive healthcare;
· treatment;
· rehabilitation.
A physiotherapist is required to assist a patient in many ways. Those who suffer from health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities, are the primary focus of the physiotherapist. In recent times, a more “joined-up” model of care has been mooted which addresses all of a patient’s needs as opposed to just the health condition that he or she may be referred for.
Roles of the Physiotherapist
Treatment & Rehabilitation
The physiotherapist will play a ranging role in the patient’s rehabilitation. Whether suffering from a neurological disorder, disease or a musculoskeletal injury, a physiotherapist is likely to be called upon in order to assist in the rehabilitation process.
The primary focus is to restore the patient’s movement potential through a range of rehabilitative techniques, such as:
· joint manipulation;
· massage therapy;
· body work;
· muscle manipulation;
· joint mobilisation.
As previously stated, a physiotherapist doesn’t just concentrate on physical treatments and rehabilitation; there is also a requirement to assist in the treatment of psychological issues.
A physio may be required to help a patient with mental pain, stress relief and mental preparation for physical activity.
Health Promotion & Preventive Healthcare
Preventative healthcare and health promotion are important parts of a physio’s job. These areas involve promoting good health habits, as well as planning and implementing a healthy lifestyle. Preventative healthcare will consist of several facets that when bought together can make a sizeable contribution to a patient’s well-being, including:
· daily exercise plans;
· weight control techniques;
· detailed nutrition guides;
· muscle building techniques.
Physiotherapists can also be involved in a patient’s screening process where a range of tests will be carried out to assess current movement ability.
Areas of Healthcare & Job prospects
Physiotherapists work across a range of areas and are required to have an understanding of psychological, cultural and social factors that may affect a patient.
Areas in which a physio may work include:
· Outpatient care
· Paediatrics
· Occupational health
· Mental illness
· Orthopaedics.
The majority of physiotherapist’s work is done in hospitals where their services are required in almost every department. Most modern hospitals will have a wide range of facilities that a physio will utilise for patients, such as: physiotherapy gyms, hydrotherapy equipment and cryotherapy equipment.
Job Prospects
In recent times physiotherapists are equally as likely to undertake work in the private sector. A growing number of physiotherapy jobs are available in areas where people are at risk of injury as a result of their occupation (for example in sports teams).
Potential physiotherapy jobs may include:
· Community work
· Sports teams
· Education
· Special Schools
· Private healthcare institutions.
A good physiotherapist will have a wealth of experience, and once clinical experience has been gained, there is huge opportunity to specialise in a number of areas, including orthopaedics, paediatrics or sports physiotherapy.
