An introduction to physiotherapy What is physiotherapy Physiotherapy

An introduction to physiotherapy

What is physiotherapy? Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that uses exercise and manipulation of the body to treat a range of physical problems caused by: • • • Sports injuries Accidents Disability Illness Ageing Physiotherapy improves strength, balance, mobility and overall fitness

What do physiotherapists do? The work is very broad and varied, and involves working with people to: • Treat specific conditions • Regain mobility after accidents or surgery • Avoid injuries and create healthy lifestyle plans (preventative healthcare)

What skills are needed? Physiotherapy is a very ‘hands on’ profession. You need to be: • Interested in working with people • Keen to promote good health • Motivated by seeing results • Good at human biology

Where do physiotherapists work? They can work in industry, special schools, private practice, or leisure and sport clubs, but most are in one of the following NHS hospital departments: • • Outpatients Paediatrics Orthopaedics Stroke rehabilitation Elderly care Terminal illness Mental health and learning difficulties

How do I become a physiotherapist? • Qualification is through a degree course • 36 UK universities offer the course • Entry requirements vary, but the norm is a range of ‘A’ levels or SCE Highers, one in a biological science.

Not interested in a degree? Why not become a support worker? • Support workers make up around 10% of the physiotherapy team • Duties vary hugely but can include equipment issue, exercise practise and even massage • No formal qualifications are required but a GVNQ in Health and Social Care is an advantage • Experience of working with people is useful too

The average physiotherapy team is made up of both physiotherapists and support workers

Find out more at: www. csp. org. uk/careers