Who is a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists work in hospitals or they may start their own private practice. They treat patients who suffer from physical problems. Various ailments like stroke or injuries lead to restricted movement of the limbs. Aging is one of the major causes of arthritis.

Many elderly people find it difficult to perform their daily activities. Accidents or operations sometimes result in restricted movement of arms or legs. Those who have upper back or lower back problems, experience excruciating pain while performing routine activities.

Physiotherapist job description mainly involves detecting the causes of physical problems and improving the flexibility and movement of the injured body parts. Physical therapy or physiotherapy is an esteemed branch of medicine. Becoming a physiotherapist is not an easy task, as it requires hard work and dedication.

The job involves interaction with people who experience severe pain during body movement, so one who wants to become a physiotherapist should have a compassionate mind. The person is concerned with treatment and rehabilitation of injured or ill people, which may last for a few weeks or months.

So she/he should have appropriate knowledge of psychological, cultural, and social background of clients. The treatment involves use of therapeutic exercises, mechanical equipment, hydro therapy, massage therapy, and electro-physical devices for improving the movement of injured parts. Exercise helps relieve strained muscles.

A physiotherapist is a trained graduate. He has to study human anatomy, medicine and he can specialize in orthopedic, geriatric, neurological, cardiovascular, pediatric, a branch of his own choice. A degree in physical therapy from a reputed school and an internship under a renowned physiotherapist are requirements for the master's program in physiotherapy.

Fitness of athletes is a cause of concern in all parts of the world. They are more susceptible to injuries and they need to recover fast. Athletes undergo intensive training. Muscle cramps are common for sportsmen. You must have heard about 'tennis elbow' symptoms. A sports physiotherapist takes care of sportsmen and travels with them wherever they go.

He trains the sportsmen in such a way that they can avoid such injuries. Sports physical therapist requirements include specialization in sports physiotherapy. Entry-level salary of a physiotherapist may be between $45,000 to $50,000 but established therapists earn more than $100,000 a year. Sports physiotherapist earn way more than normal physiotherapists.

Physical therapy jobs are available in hospitals, private clinics, schools, old age homes, intensive care units, sports clubs, etc. They need to treat mentally ill people, injured children, elderly people, stroke patients, terminally ill people, etc.

Duties of a physiotherapist involve alleviating pain and preventing the patients from being physically handicapped or limiting permanent physical disabilities of patients. No one likes to be dependent on others. A physiotherapist helps injured people to acquire independence. A physical therapist's job is a physically as well as mentally challenging job.

This profession needs a lot of patience. He needs to treat the patients gently, sometimes he even has to overlook patients crying with pain. The patient has to learn to bear the pain if he wants to restore the movement of the injured part. Many times, a physiotherapist has to work long and unusual hours.

He is expected to handle heavy machinery. Sometimes, he has to lift the patients who are unable to move on their own.

According to expert's opinions, the need and demand for physiotherapists will never decrease; in fact, along with advanced life-saving technologies, the demand will significantly increase in the foreseeable future.