Physiotherapists are autonomous health professionals who are responsible for developing, maintaining or restoring movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan using evidence-based practice.
They relieve pain and treat or prevent physical conditions associated with injury, disease or disability. Physiotherapists are experts in movement throughout the lifespan – from birth right through to old age. If you have trouble with any aspect of body movement, a Physiotherapist has the expertise to find out why. Their training and expert knowledge of how the body works allows them to help people – whether ill, injured, disabled or healthy – to exercise and to regain or improve their function. Using knowledge from their extensive scientific background of human anatomy and physiology,
Physiotherapists can help to:
- Assess, diagnose and treat injuries and conditions that affect people in all ages and social groups.
- Assist a patient to prevent injury in the workplace or on the sports field.
- Promote healthier lifestyles for all.
Physiotherapists use mainly physical means such as exercise, manipulation, mobilisation, massage and dry needling to help patients achieve their full potential.
Physiotherapists have invaluable expertise to offer in educational and preventative roles in the community, the workplace and in private practice.
Because the scope of the physiotherapy profession is so broad and varied, many Physiotherapists choose to specialise in one or two particular clinical areas.
Physiotherapists are all dedicated to the same goals:
- To help people achieve their full potential following injury, pain or disability.
- To provide a health service that is accessible, effective and humanitarian.
- To continue to undertake scientific research and training to improve their service and skills.
- To provide a service that is based on high standards of care and practice
Physiotherapists help people whose movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury or disease, and identify and maximise movement potential through promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy.