What is Physiotherapy, clinical specialisation in DPT, role of physiotherapist, professional development as a physiotherapist

 What is Physiotherapy?

Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions.It is provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, prognosis, patient education, physical intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention, and health promotion. Physical therapists are known as physiotherapists in many countries.

           In many countries physiotherapy education is for 4 years i.e BPT (Bachelor in physiotherapy).  And in some countries they are considered as Doctor of Physical therapy i.e DPT.  

The curriculum may include courses in biology, physiology, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, behavioral sciences, and more.

             The bulk of the training (80%) is done in the  classroom and lab, while the other 20% involves clinical education.

What Conditions Do Physiotherapists Treat?

A physiotherapist can treat a vast number of conditions and injuries. Some examples include:

*   Orthopedic: Back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, low back pain, foot conditions, sciatica, knee conditions, joint problems, etc.

*    Neurological:Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy (nerve damage), vertigo (feeling dizzy/off balanced), cerebral palsy, stroke, concussion, etc.

*   Autoimmune:Fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis

*    Guillain-Barre syndrome

*    Chronic conditions:Asthma, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, etc.

*   General wellness

They may work in a clinic, hospital, nursing home, or rehabilitation facility, or they may go to the patient’s home. They will often work with doctors, providing feedback regarding a patient’s progress and any issues they notice while working with them.

3 Common Physiotherapy Treatment Techniques

Manual Therapy Technique For Physiotherapy

These can comprise, joint manipulation and mobilisation (which includes spinal mobilisation), manual resistance training, and stretching.

Exercise Therapy in Physiotherapy

It involves muscle stretching and strengthing, posture correction, sports injuries rehabilitation

* Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy as a medical treatment use of electric current to speed wound healing.The term "electrotherapy" or "electromagnetic therapy" has also been applied to a range of alternative medical devices and treatments.

CLINICAL SPECIALITIES

Because the body of knowledge of physiotherapy is quite large, PTs tend to specialize in a specific clinical areas. These include:

MSK / Ortho

Cardiopulmonary

Neurology

Paediatrics

Sports Medicine

Rheumatology

Older People / Geriatrics

Medical Conditions

Pain

Womens Health

Oncology

Extended Scope

Public Health

Professional development

There are many opportunities for physical therapists to grow throughout their careers. Here are a few things physical therapists can achieve:

Private practice:

 You could open your own private practice for physical therapy. This would allow you to be your own boss while continuing your career in physical therapy.

Management: 

A seasoned physical therapist could manage a team of more junior physical therapists. You could coach people to become better physical therapists in a management position.

Surgery: 

A foundational knowledge of physical therapy can help you train to become an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons help fix bone, muscle, ligament and joint injuries through surgery. Surgery requires more schooling, but it may appeal to physical therapists who are interested in gaining a deeper knowledge of how to help patients heal their injuries.

 

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