If you’ve ever sprained your ankle or broken your arm, you’ll know that it takes a while to rehabilitate the limb and ligaments and get them working properly again. Worse, if the limb is not exercised and encouraged to function normally, it might not work as well as it used to. This can affect a person’s physical and mental health.
Physiotherapists help people who have been ill or injured return to a healthy life. They also help people with permanent disabilities achieve the highest possible level of physical function. Their patients, or clients, include people who have sports-related injuries, or who have been through serious car accidents. They also see patients who are suffering from heart disease and other ailments, and those who are coping with diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy.
Physiotherapists see up to 30 patients a day. The first time they meet with a new patient, they learn about his or her medical history, and then perform a physical examination. Once they have determined what the problem is, they design a treatment plan and discuss it with the patient. Then, over the course of several visits, they administer this treatment. The treatment could involve hands-on therapy (such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilization) or the use of hot and cold packs, ultrasound, lasers, and other mechanical tools.
In addition, physiotherapists teach patients specific stretches and exercises that allow them to take a more active role in the therapy process. They monitor their patients’ progress during visits and suggest possible treatment modifications. They also document each step of the treatment process, because quite often, reports must be made to doctors, insurance companies, and employers.
A number of physiotherapists choose to work at least part of the time in non-clinical settings such as universities or the research units of hospitals, where they often concentrate on teaching and research. Others work in the private sector as consultants. They show people how to reduce on-the-job injuries by creating safer, less physically stressful working conditions.
Physiotherapists who own and run their own clinics may spend a large part of their day dealing with administrative and managerial tasks.
NOC Code: 3142