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Physiotherapist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A physiotherapist (sometimes called a physical therapist) is a healthcare professional who helps people to recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions or disabilities and improve their physical wellbeing through targeted rehabilitation programmes. Their duties include assessing patients’ physical challenges, developing personalised treatment plans and using a toolbox of techniques to assist with recovery.

Physiotherapist duties and responsibilities

A physiotherapist’s primary role is to provide practical and educational assistance to patients with physical challenges. This often requires a combination of hands-on sessions within the physiotherapy practice, along with a clear programme, education and support to empower patients to continue the work at home. The type of duties a physiotherapist performs depends on their area of specialisation and the size of the practice or facility they work for. Some of their typical responsibilities include:

  • Consulting with patients to assess their physical conditions and learn more about their symptoms and challenges
  • Reviewing patients’ medical history and referrals from surgeons, GPs, occupational therapists and other healthcare workers
  • Planning, customising, implementing and managing patients’ physical therapy programmes
  • Administering medically prescribed physical therapy treatments, exercises and specialist techniques to relieve pain and improve the patient’s mobility
  • Educating patients and/or their caregivers on injury prevention and how to manage physical conditions at home
  • Visiting patients at their homes and at other facilities on a limited basis
  • Keeping detailed patient records, updating treatment plans when needed and complying with government physiotherapy regulations
  • Advising on lifestyle changes and workplace accommodations
  • Staying up to date with the latest research and advancements in physiotherapy
  • Complying with regulations and maintaining high standards of patient care

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What does a physiotherapist do?

A physiotherapist is responsible for assessing, diagnosing and treating patients with any physical difficulties resulting from injuries, illness, chronic conditions or disability. They work to improve the patient’s range of movement, strength and function, along with managing pain and preventing further injury or problems. They do this by creating customised treatment plans and working with patients directly. Physiotherapists use a blend of techniques like physical activity, reflexology, massage and muscular or skeletal manipulation. Sometimes, they use specialised equipment like isokinetics machines to administer treatments.

Physiotherapists can also supervise physiotherapy assistants and physiotherapy aides who are undergoing training. Physiotherapists typically work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, government organisations, care homes and sports and fitness centres. Some also provide services in schools, particularly for learners with special educational needs (SEN).

Physiotherapist skills and qualifications

A successful physiotherapist candidate can be expected to possess a combination of hard (technical) skills and people-focused soft skills, as well as specific qualifications. These include:

  • Relevant educational qualifications
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with patients or working as part of multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to assess patient conditions and create personalised treatment plans
  • Hands-on skills in manual therapy, exercise regimes and other therapeutic interventions
  • Physical strength to manipulate patients’ limbs and help them move around
  • Strong active listening skills to accurately understand patients’ issues
  • Problem-solving skills to adapt treatments based on the patient’s progress and needs
  • Empathy, patience and the ability to provide emotional support to patients
  • Good organisational and record-keeping skills
  • Commitment to continuing professional development and staying up to date with advancements in physiotherapy

Physiotherapist experience requirements

Physiotherapy is a highly specialised field with many facets. The level of experience a physiotherapist needs depends on the position. Some employers are open to recruiting newly qualified physiotherapists and providing on-the-job training. When recruiting a physiotherapist, soft skills like empathy, problem-solving, communication and organisational abilities can help you orient your choice. Candidates who have worked as volunteers for organisations will have hands-on experience. A physiotherapist apprenticeship is also a good start for candidates to gain experience.

Physiotherapist education and training requirements

A degree in physiotherapy – (Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) – is a typical path to this career, although physiotherapists can qualify to practise through any course that’s approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Once qualified, physiotherapists are required to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and update their registration every two years. Newly qualified physiotherapists working in the NHS typically enter rotational roles, gaining experience across different specialisations. Physiotherapists who want to operate in niche areas (e.g. sports therapy, paediatrics or neurological rehabilitation) may choose to undertake further training, like a post-graduate qualification or targeted courses.

Physiotherapist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, in January 2025 the average salary for a Physiotherapist in the UK is £39,942 per year. However, salaries differ depending on variables like level of experience, location and the organisation (e.g. the NHS).

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Physiotherapist job description FAQs

What are the different types of physiotherapists?

There are several types of physiotherapists, including neurological physiotherapists, cardiovascular physiotherapists and sports physiotherapists. Neurological physiotherapists focus on the treatment of individuals with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis, and stroke victims. Cardiovascular physiotherapists treat patients with problems in the lungs and heart. Sports physiotherapists help athletes recover from injury or exertion and prevent future problems.

Should I hire a physiotherapist full-time or part-time?

This depends on the needs of your company or NGO. You can hire physiotherapists on a full-time, part-time or locum (temporary) basis. Locum physiotherapists are often used in the NHS or private sector to cover staff shortages or provide specialist services. You could also engage a self-employed physiotherapist on a one-off or seasonal basis to meet the needs of a specific project or busy period.

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