A brief outline of physiotherapy
By Aidan Rainey of Loreto, Coleraine (Y13/Nov 2003)

Physiotherapy is a health care profession which is involved in using physical approaches in the promotion, maintenance and restoration of an individual's physical, psychological and social well-being. The aim of physiotherapy is to maximise potential. Physiotherapy is therefore concerned with topics related to understanding the body, (e.g. Anatomy, Physiology and basic movement concepts.) Physiotherapy involves work with all age groups from the very young to very old. It is a science based, committed to extending, applying evaluating and reviewing the evidence that highlights and informs its practice and delivery. Clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at the core of what physiotherapy is about.

This picture shows a physiotherapist in the NHS putting her skills into practice on a back injury.

Qualifications

Physiotherapy is a very popular career and is concerned with the welfare of patients this is why it is such a hard career to get in to. Most physiotherapy courses require either A’s or B’s with the University of Ulster requiring AAB. (only university in Ireland to offer physiotherapy course.) There are however universities in England or Scotland where BCC is adequate.

Physiotherapy courses require dedication from students, they separate the dedicated from others due to work experience. Most universities look for up to 4 placements in physiotherapy practices with at least one placement in the NHS. The work experience allows the students to realise whether this is the course for them so is essential in that respect.

Most courses are quite particular in subjects which are required to be studied to A level. All universities require Biology and most require Chemistry or Physics to A level with a pass of English and Maths at GCSE level.

Skills and attributes.

One of the most important skills is that of working with people, interpersonal skills. It is so important that it is taught during the course of how to work with all age groups with a range of physical problems. A good relationship between a physiotherapist and patients is essential until the course of treatment is completed. All physiotherapy courses will teach you how to maximise your skills in working with others. Physiotherapy requires you to have an inquiring mind as you will need to research about your patients history and investigate where the source of the patients problems are coming from. As physiotherapy is such a demanding course it is important to have a desire to study. It is necessary to have good communication so the patient is aware of what is happening as well as to communicate your actions in reports of progress which have to be taken.

Patience will be a key part of physiotherapy as there can be a lot of complications in the course of treatment and the need to be thorough is important.

Salary and conditions

The table and graph below show the salary that physiotherapists get when working in the NHS. The salaries would rise when working overtime so the figures only provide an indication.

Title	Salary (£)				Average
Physiotherapist	19,000	22,000	23,500	26,000	22,625
Senior physiotherapist	26,000	27,000	28,500	30,000	27,875
Physiotherapist manager	31,000	32,500	34,500	35,000	33,250
In Charge physiotherapist	36,000	36,500	38,000	39,000	37,375

The conditions of work for physiotherapists change depending on their sector of employment whether it’s a private practice or is in the NHS. Typically a physiotherapist in the NHS will be required to work:

For the first three years, staff will work 36 hours a week.
For the next two years, staff will work 37 hours.
From the sixth year onwards, 37.5 hours.

This is only a rough indication because depending on the patients a physiotherapist may be required during the night to treat a particular patient. In comparison a private sector physiotherapist in their own business will typically work from 9:00am to 5:00pm with designated nights remaining open for longer. In the NHS there may be shift work depending on the size of the hospital and the number of people who require assistance.

There is a strict dress code for physiotherapists. The garments are white and will be provided for by the place of work whether that is in the NHS or in the private sector. The garments are white to promote the appearance of cleanliness.

Physiotherapists are under contractual obligation of patient confidentiality which means that what is said and done between a patient and the physio remains confidential.

As the table below shows the length of annual leave depends on the length of service which has been given to the NHS from the physio.

Length of service	Annual leave
Up to 5 years	27 days + 8 public holidays
Between 5 and 10 years	29 days + 8 public holidays
More than 10 years	33 days + 8 public holidays

Employment prospects

The employment prospects for physiotherapists is very good. The NHS say,

“There is a severe shortage of medical staff in all specialities.” This includes physiotherapists as well as doctors and nurses. There are however other areas in which qualified physiotherapists work if you don’t want to work in the NHS. Qualified physiotherapists work in;

Ø Independent hospitals

Ø Charities and the Voluntary sector

Ø Industry

Ø Higher Education

Ø Ministry of Defence

Ø Sports Clubs

Ø Home Office

Ø Leisure Industry

Ø Occupational Health Ergonomics

Ø Private Practice

Ø Medical clinics

Ø Nursing homes