Experts in the composition of the human body and the way it moves, physiotherapists – also known simply as physios – are skilled in treating a broad range of health conditions and often play an integral role in sport injury recovery, musculoskeletal conditions, and chronic health conditions. Physiotherapists will sometimes work with a physiotherapist assistant (also known as a physiotherapy aide) to provide patient care and encourage patients to complete specific treatment plans related to injury, illness or disability-related physical issues.
There’s a lot to learn when it comes to the world of physiotherapy. So, what services do physiotherapists provide?
Physiotherapist Roles and Responsibilities
The major role that a physiotherapist plays is to reduce pain, increase movement and mobility, and to repair damage in order to improve the quality of a patient’s life. Physios make use of physical treatments such as massage and manipulation in order to promote the healing and wellbeing of muscles, joints, the heart, blood circulation and lungs. Their role is very hands-on a client-based, with a focus on exercises that help to strengthen parts of the body after injury or other complications. In fact, if you are considering becoming a physio or physiotherapist assistant, you can expect to meet a wide range of clients, including:
- Sportspeople and athletes
- Children with cerebral palsy
- Premature babies
- Expectant mothers
- Individuals undergoing rehabilitation
- The elderly
- Individuals who require help following heart disease, strokes, or major surgery.
What Do Physiotherapists Do?
Aside from the general duties listed about, there are a number of physiotherapy types that physios make use of, applied according to a patient’s needs.
Musculoskeletal
Also known as orthopedic physiotherapy, this form of therapy is used to treat a range of conditions. This includes sprains, strains, arthritis, back pain, incontinence, and work and sports place injuries. If you require physiotherapy after a surgery, you will more than likely undergo this form of therapy.
Neurological
This form of physiotherapy is often implemented after brain surgery, and can also be used to help those with nervous system disorders, including spinal cord injuries, strokes, brain injuries, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
Cardiothoracic
Physiotherapists will use this form of physiotherapy in order to treat those suffering from bronchitis, asthma and other cardio-respiratory problems.
Beyond these, physiotherapists make use of a range of different treatments, including manual therapies, exercise programs, and electrotherapy techniques. Physiotherapists will not only treat the immediate issue, but will also address underling problems, creating a holistic approach to their treatments.
Physiotherapists work out of a number of locations, including hospitals, private practices, sports clubs, community health centers, schools, workplaces and fitness centers.
How To Become A Physiotherapist
In order to become a physiotherapist, you will need to complete a four-year course to obtain your Bachelors of Physiotherapy. Alternatively, you can undertake a HLT43015 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance Physiotherapy, which will give you the skills and knowledge to recognize healthy body systems, understand and utilize medical terminology, and to assist in the rehabilitation of clients. Once completed, this certificate will qualify you to work as a physiotherapy aide, and allow you to partake in further studies in physiotherapy.
How Much Does A Physiotherapist Assistant Make?
It’s natural to be curious about a future salary! According to Glassdoor, a leader in insights on jobs and companies, the average annual salary for a physiotherapist assistant is $60,28 per year.
If this sounds like a career path for you, check out our HLT43015 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance Physiotherapy, or contact us for further information on this course.