Physiotherapist

As a physiotherapist, you’ll focus on identifying and maximising movement to improve the health and wellbeing of your patients.

Your role is vital in treating a variety of conditions such as:

neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's), neuro musculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash associated disorder, sports injuries, arthritis), cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack), respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis).

You’ll work with people on a daily basis, recommending exercise, carrying out massage, and using high-tech ultrasound equipment or even hydrotherapy pools, depending on your patients’ needs.

Once a patient’s movement problem has been diagnosed, you'll work with them to determine a treatment plan. You'll also promote good health and advise people on how to avoid injury.

Physiotherapist is also known as Physio.

Role Characteristics

Assess peoples joint and movement problems
Undertake assessment using clinical reasoning skills and manual techniques to provide a physiotherapy diagnosis
Advise people on how to minimise the risk of injuries
Keep accurate records of treatment and progress
Work closely with other health professionals
Formulate and deliver individual and group physiotherapy treatment programmes

Skills

Advice giving
Goal-setting
Problem-solving
Taking initiative
Team work
Communication

Day in the life

Watch this video to learn about Rachel's role as a Physiotherapist.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

Degree apprenticeship

Postgraduate degree

How to become

You will need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and science along with 2 or 3 A Levels. To become a Physiotherapist you will need a degree in Physiotherapy and be registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council. A degree apprenticeship is also an option. If you already have a degree, it will need to be in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

To practice as a Physiotherapist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

As a Physiotherapist, you could specialise in a particular area such as sports injuries, critical care, or work with the elderly, children or cancer patients. Teaching, Research and Management roles are other options.

You could work with sports coaches or personal trainers, be based in a clinic or open your own practice.