Department of Physiotherapy

As the largest allied health professional group, physiotherapists work with people with a variety of disabilities, injuries and illnesses and their families and carers. Primarily, they use physical means to promote health, rehabilitation and, where possible, recovery using education and information giving, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and electrotherapy. Physiotherapists also consider psychological, social and cultural factors. They use a variety of interpersonal skills to enable clients to take an active role in their recovery/rehabilitation programmes whilst respecting a clients rehabilitation goals. They work with other members of the health and social care team in a variety of hospital and community environments.

Physiotherapists manage their own caseloads and patients may now refer themselves directly for treatment.  They diagnose problems, prescribe treatment and discharge or refer clients as appropriate. They are involved with teaching and mentoring other practitioners, with team leadership and with the implementation and management of change.

The wide scope of physiotherapy is one of its assets, making it an exciting and varied career. Physiotherapists might work in hospitals, GP clinics, schools and other community settings, in research and teaching or run their own private practice. They are often part of a health or social care team, or may be autonomous professionals, acting as the first point of contact for clients/patients.

Physiotherapists are now challenging traditional healthcare roles and the scope of the profession is extending to encompass consultant physiotherapists or senior hospital managers. Those entering the profession can look forward to dynamic and challenging careers.