Physiotherapy in Practice
Physiotherapy is a broad and fascinating field. Studying physiotherapy at university can lead to a rewarding career working directly with patients, helping them to regain functionality and mobility. Or it can lead to groundbreaking research that can promote healthier lifestyles or changes in therapies and treatments.
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 prevent recurrences or complications.
Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, began in its current form in Canada as injured soldiers returned from the world wars of the last century. Therapists worked in the areas of muscle massage, muscle function and occupational therapy.
Today physiotherapists are respected members of the medical sciences field. As many health care and insurance budgets now rely on quick returns to normal functionality, the talents and knowledge of physiotherapists are even more in demand. With the aging North American population, physiotherapy is an ideal choice for the student who is interested in a challenging professional health career that will benefit the lives of others.