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.
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