Physiotherapist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Physiotherapist, or Physical Therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who improves the physical mobility of patients who suffer from illness, injury, disability or ageing. Their duties include providing diagnoses, determining the most effective treatments and educating patients.

 

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Physiotherapist duties and responsibilities

The type of duties a Physiotherapist performs depends on their area of specialisation and the size of the institution they work for. Those who work in smaller settings, may have a more general scope of duties. Typically, a Physiotherapist’s day-to-day activities include:

  • Meeting with patients to assess what their physical challenges are and deciding on suitable treatment programmes 
  • Monitoring the progress of patients and adjusting or changing treatments as needed
  • Liaising with other healthcare professionals, such as Occupational Therapists and General Practitioners and referring patients as needed
  • Involving the families and caregivers of patients in their treatment programmes and the delivery of care
  • Updating and maintaining accurate patient case notes and reports
  • Staying up to date regarding new physiotherapy technologies and techniques 
  • Supervising and guiding student and junior Physiotherapists 
  • Initiating and participating in evidence-based projects to improve the quality of patient care
  • Complying with government physiotherapy regulations 

 

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Physiotherapist Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

Sunbury | Fitness and Wellbeing Club | Permanent | Full time

Up to £44,750 per annum, depending on experience

40 hours per week

If you want to make a big impact on wellbeing in the corporate space, here’s where you can. As the UK’s largest Healthcare Charity, we’re shaping the nation’s health. We support and encourage postgraduate education with access to training, mentoring and career development – so we’ll help shape your future, too.

As a Senior Physiotherapist at our Sunbury Fitness and Wellbeing Club, you’ll have a BSc in Physiotherapy or equivalent plus Health and Care Professions Council registration. In addition to excellent manual therapy skills, you’re able to prioritise and manage a varied workload. You’re also good with computers and a confident communicator.

As a Senior Physiotherapist, you will:
  • Work with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from sports to workplace related injuries

  • Deliver excellent clinical care and on-going monitoring of treatments

  • Be compliant with all governance standards and participate in clinical audit and quality assurance processes

  • Be supported by your regional Clinical Lead

  • Have protected CPD time and access to training organised by the Nuffield Health Academy

  • Access mentoring from senior colleagues and opportunities through our Manchester Metropolitan University partnership

    Supporting your growth.

    We’re committed to the professional development of all our clinical colleagues. Inside our Learning and Development Academy, you’ll discover a range of internal CPD courses and online content to support your clinical and professional development. As a Nuffield Health Physiotherapist, you’ll also enjoy opportunities to apply for funding support towards your relevant CPD activity and postgraduate study. Plus, you can access further professional development opportunities via the large number of apprenticeship programmes we offer.

    Helping you feel good

    We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That’s why we’ve developed a benefits package with you in mind. With emotional wellbeing support, a cycle to work scheme, online GP and private healthcare – at Nuffield Health, we take care of what’s important to you.

    Join Nuffield Health and create the future you want, today.

    If you like what you see, why not start your application now? We consider applications as we receive them and reserve the right to close adverts early (for example, where we have received an unprecedented high volume of applications). So, it’s a good idea to apply right away to ensure you’re considered for this role.

    It starts with you.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: Up to £44,750.00 per year

    Schedule:
  • Day (required)
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    Example 2

    Move Physio is a leading Physiotherapist clinic based in the heart of Twickenham and we’re looking for a dynamic, talented, passionate senior physiotherapist to join our team. We have an onsite gym and Pilates studio in our modern clinic.

    This opportunity will suit you if you:
  • Are passionate about health and fitness
  • Hold a BSc or MSc in Physiotherapy
  • Are looking for a permanent, full-time opportunity i.e. 40 hours per week within a flexible work pattern
  • Are someone who loves to lead by example and genuinely cares about the client experience
  • Are able to communicate effectively with people from a range of backgrounds
  • Have good team working skills
  • Have experience of Pilates teaching, Women's health or Personal Training is advantageous

    A typical week will include:
  • Undertaking 4 hours of training on clinical, business and communication skills
  • Treating patients for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions
  • Undertaking peer reviews
  • Taking Pilates, Clinical Personal Training and/or Running Coaching sessions (training will be provided)

    In return, we can offer a:
  • Competitive salary
  • Pension scheme
  • Team social events
  • Personalised growth and development opportunities
  • A minimum of 4 hours paid training per week

    What next:

    If this opportunity sounds perfect for you, please apply today!

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: £35,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Company pension
    Schedule:
  • 10 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Weekend availability

    Experience:
  • musculoskeletal physiotherapy: 3 years membership (required)
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    What does a Physiotherapist do?

    Physiotherapists assist patients who suffer from a variety of conditions ranging from back pain to Parkinson’s disease to multiple sclerosis. They often specialise in a certain field, such as sports medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics or women’s health. They help patients regain their strength and function through exercise programmes and manual therapies, such as joint manipulation and mobilisation. They may also apply electrotherapy techniques, when treating patients with pain or musculoskeletal problems. Physiotherapists also look at the patient’s lifestyle, showing them how to improve their health and general well-being by practising better habits.

     

    Physiotherapist skills and qualifications

    Apart from technical expertise, a Physiotherapist needs a caring and compassionate nature to provide patients with the necessary care and a genuine concern for the well-being of their patients. A successful Physiotherapist candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

    • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, their families and other healthcare professionals
    • Good teamwork skills,  collaborating with other health professionals
    • Excellent verbal communicating skills to clearly share information with patients and fellow employees
    • Strong active listening skills to accurately understand patients’ issues
    • Good observational skills to correctly evaluate how patients are responding to treatments
    • Strong analytical skills to correctly diagnose conditions and develop effective treatment programs

     

    Physiotherapist experience requirements

    The level of experience a Physiotherapist needs depends on the position. Some employers are willing to hire newly qualified Physiotherapists and supply them with on-the-job training. Others may require applicants to have experience in an area of specialisation, such as paediatrics or sports injuries. Depending on the position, candidates may need to show experience in working core rotations or working within a multidisciplinary environment.

     

    Physiotherapist education and training requirements

    Candidates must complete a degree programme in physiotherapy that has been approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Candidates who have an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as sports science, can opt to complete a postgraduate qualification in physiotherapy. Once a candidate has obtained the necessary qualifications, they need to register with the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) before they can practise as Physiotherapists. Candidates can continue to develop their skills by completing professional courses through, for instance, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

     

    Physiotherapist salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Physiotherapist in the UK is £34,598 per year. Salaries vary, depending on factors like location and level of experience.

     

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If this job description doesn’t adequately describe the job opening you have, here are a few job description samples of similar positions to consider:

     

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    Physiotherapist job description FAQs

     

    Which health institutions and organisations benefit from employing Physiotherapists?

    Physiotherapists are a valuable asset for a wide range of health facilities and organisations. These include hospices, GP practices, hospitals, sports clinics, professional sports clubs, fitness centres and schools.

     

    What are the hours of Physiotherapists?

    The hours of a Physiotherapist depend on where they work. Those who work at GP practices, for instance, typically have regular 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours. In contrast, those who work in hospitals or hospices may have rotating shift schedules. Physiotherapists who work for professional sports clubs often work over weekends and on evenings or whenever games take place.

     

    What is the difference between a Physiotherapist and a Chiropractor?

    Both occupations focus on managing the pain of patients and improving their physical strength and mobility. Despite this overlap, they are distinct professions. A Chiropractor focuses on the proper alignment of bones and joints and works to move a patient’s misaligned bones back into their correct places through manual adjustments. A Physiotherapist, in contrast applies a range of techniques, including muscle exercises and electrotherapy techniques.

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