Physiotherapists help and treat people of all ages with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing.
The core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electro-physical modalities. Physiotherapy is a ''hands on'', physical career in every sense. Physiotherapists also have an appreciation of psychological, cultural and social factors, which influence their clients. The following are just a few of the areas physiotherapists work:
- Outpatients
- Intensive care
- Womens health
- Care of the elderly
- Stroke patients
- Orthopaedics
- Mental illness
- Learning difficulties
- Occupational health
- Terminally ill
- Paediatrics
Many physiotherapists work within hospitals. Here they are needed in virtually every department, from general out-patients to intensive care, where round-the-clock chest physiotherapy can be vital to keep unconscious patients breathing. Hospitals often have physiotherapy gyms, hydrotherapy and high-tech equipment so that specialist therapy can be carried out. Today's physiotherapist is just as likely to work in the local community as within a hospital. There is also a need for physiotherapists in many other places. These places are:
- Industry
- Special schools
- The private sector (for example, private practice)
- Education
- Leisure & sport
In fact wherever people are at risk of injury from their occupation or activity.
