Careers in Physiotherapy

Ian Goodwin (BScPT 1998), inset, worked as the staff physiotherapist with Cirque du Soleil's touring show, Alegria.

Physiotherapy is a primary-care, client-focused health profession. It is dedicated to:

• improving and maintaining physical mobility;
• preventing, managing and reducing pain, physical limitations or disabilities; 
• and improving overall health and wellbeing.

Physiotherapists assess a patient/client's level of mobility, strength, endurance and other physical abilities to determine the impact of their illness or injury on their physical function, whether at work, rest or play. They diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan to restore movement and reduce pain or limitations to mobility. They treat the condition and help the client understand its effect on their function. They measure the client's progress regularly and adjust the treatment accordingly. They also advise the client on how to manage their condition independently and help him or her to prevent recurrences or complications.
 
Working in many different environments, from private clinics to rec centres, physiotherapists provide care for people across generations, from babies to seniors. Primarily, they work in three practice areas: orthopaedics, neurology and cardiorespiratory. 

The following shows the diversity of opportunities open to physiotherapists. They may:

• prevent and treat sports injuries
• restore and increase range of motion in joints
• increase coordination
• counsel and educate in pre-and post-natal care
• design 'user-friendly' or ergonomically-correct homes and workplaces
• educate clients in the use of devices such as canes, crutches and wheelchairs
• assist injured individuals return to work successfully through 'work hardening' programs
• alleviate pain.

Physiotherapists often provide:

• assessment of movement, strength, endurance and other physical abilities;
• assessment of the impact of an injury or disability on physical functioning;
• assessment of physical preparation for work and sports;
• program planning and education to restore movement and reduce pain; and,
• individualized treatment of an injury or disability based on scientific knowledge,
  a thorough assessment of the condition, environmental factors and lifestyle.

Alternately, physiotherapists may chose to pursue further study and research in physiotherapy and help to develop our understanding of preventative measures and reactive treatments that promote mobility and functionality in patients.