Physiotherapist Career Description
Physiotherapists use their hands, mechanical and electrical machines as well as natural elements like heat and cold to assist clients in the alleviation of pain, restoration to good health and enhancement of function. If it is not possible for clients to return to a normal life, physiotherapists assist in their rehabilitation to a full life within the restrictions of their disabilities. In addition to the physical treatment of injury and disease, physiotherapists are responsible for education extending from patients to groups such as health care workers, industrial workers and schools.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Physiotherapy plays a role in almost any medical condition and is not merely a back rub, or treatment of a stiff neck or a sports injury. Physiotherapists perform the following activities:
Evaluate the function of the musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems.
» Measure joint range and muscle strength.
» Test for loss of sensation.
» Evaluate the nature of pain.
» Analyse pattems of posture and movement.
» Perform tests of lung capacity and electrical tests of nerves and muscles.
» Assess the psycho-social situation of clients.
» Educate communities in a healthy lifestyle.
» Give advice on coping with chronic illness.
The outcome of the initial assessment determines the plan of treatment for each individual client. This includes various techniques and need to be continually revised as patients progress. A large portion of the population does not have access to sophisticated technology and this challenges physiotherapists to be innovative and adaptable.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Physiotherapists are interested in and challenged by the human body - its function and its problems. Physiotherapists must be responsible, patient and enterprising. They must be able to communicate effectively and show empathy for their patients.
Where can I work?
Physiotherapists can work at the following types of hospitals: state hospitals, academic institutions associated with medical schools, small state hospitals where they are often the only physiotherapist responsible for all clinical, as well as administrative duties, mining hospitals which often employ physiotherapists to treat the whole mining community, military hospitals, special units and private hospitals.
Physiotherapists can work at special schools where multidisciplinary therapy is provided for physically disadvantaged children. Lecturing opportunities exist at training institutions. Physiotherapists also work in communities where preventative and primary care, as well as education of the community is done.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Physiotherapists can work in private practices on their own or in a partnership.
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