How to Become a Physiotherapist? Learn Everything You Should Know

How to Become a Physiotherapist? Learn Everything You Should Know

If the human anatomy and topics like the health and wellbeing of others interests you, physiotherapy is the profession, you need to check out. Physiotherapy is a form of physical, non-surgical treatment method. It helps people recover from injuries and some health conditions. The person who carries out the treatment is a physiotherapist. The interests in sports are on the rise. On the other hand, the number of elderly people in the population. As a result, the demand for physiotherapy treatment is rising every now and then. This blog will direct you on becoming a physiotherapist and setting your career on the right path.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a special branch of medicine that helps restore, maintain, and make the most of a patient’s mobility. Physiotherapists have an in-depth understanding of how the human body works. Particularly the muscular and the skeletal system. Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and perform hands-on treatment on patients according to their needs.

The treatment performed by physiotherapy is a form of:    

Massage, electrotherapy and heat therapy. physical rehabilitation from injuries.

Educating patients on injury and injury prevention.

Educating patients on health and fitness.

Physiotherapy can intervene in several painful physical conditions. Such as:

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Physical problems created from Neurological illnesses stroke, Parkinson's and paralysis.

Neuromusculoskeletal issues such as arthritis, physical injuries and sports injuries.

Physiotherapy is essential for cardiovascular problems and rehabilitation after a heart attack.

Physiotherapy is essential for Respiratory problems such as cystic fibrosis and asthma.

The aim of physiotherapy is to help patients improve the quality of their life. It does so by helping restore mobility and other functions through physical interventions.

How to become a physiotherapist To become a physiotherapist, firstly, you must be a registered member of the health care professions council.

To become registered under HCPC, you need to complete a degree approved by HCPC on physiotherapy.

There are full-time courses that take three years to complete. Apprenticeship courses are also available that take from 4 to 6 years to complete.

Becoming a physiotherapist is simple. You can complete a bachelors physiotherapy degree from a university that offers relevant courses. Otherwise, you can also pursue a career by earning a masters degree in physiotherapy.

To this extent, it’s better if you complete your bachelor’s in any relevant subject. The courses are a combination of theory and practical works. As a result, you won’t miss out on the real-life expertise needed to become a physiotherapist.

Another popular route of becoming a physiotherapist is by gaining an apprenticeship degree. Health care providers provide apprenticeship degrees. You can look up apprenticeship programs on the web or look for them on the NHS jobs pages. Your chances of qualifying for apprenticeships are better if you get done with the essential groundwork.

The best way to apply for an apprenticeship is to have a clear idea of the basics. For this, you can conduct thorough research online on the to-dos and other deliverables of a physiotherapist. If you are looking for expert help within reach of your hands, you can also try out an online.

Why study Physiotherapy?

The job of a physiotherapist is to help anyone who’s in pain. As a physiotherapist, you get to help a vulnerable person by directly acting on their problem. This way, you make an invaluable contribution to a person’s life, which is satisfying. Physiotherapy helps cure many serious issues effectively.

Along with theoretical and technical expertise, you also need some interpersonal skills. Following skills are important to become a successful physiotherapist: 

Excellent verbal communication skill

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Confidence to carry out the treatment Adaptability to changing situations Have patience while working with difficult patients Be flexible while working as a team Maintain up to the mark fitness levels of your own The reason why you should study physiotherapy are:

Physiotherapy helps people One of the most satisfying parts of becoming a physiotherapist is getting to help people literally with your own hands. People come to a physiotherapist in a very vulnerable state of their life. Getting to help them and seeing them improve and recover from pain and discomforts is a rewarding experience on its own.

Physiotherapists as an important part of society The service a physiotherapist provides is paramount for society. They help people recover from chronic pain, injuries and gaining back mobility. Physiotherapists help people improve their quality of life and overall well being. A considerable part of the people they help is older people. So the contribution of physical therapists in society is huge.

Physiotherapy is a hands-on -profession The science of physical therapy is a hands-on process. As the job is a convenient one, you won’t get bored like everyone with a desk job gets. In fact, in physiotherapy, every new patient is unique and has a different specification for treatment.

Graduate Prospects Physiotherapy graduates usually go on to secure employment in the following areas:     

Physiotherapy Sports and Exercise Science Rehabilitation Neurorehabilitation Evan academic research

The growth in demand for physiotherapists The importance of physiotherapy is a recognized fact. But it was mostly associated with solely treating problems with motor functions, back pain and sports injuries. With the spread of information, people have become more aware of the uses and demands. A physical therapist can help people comfort their lives.

The vacancy rates in physiotherapy services have increased by about 40%. The following discussion is the probable reasoning for increased demands of physiotherapy:

Recognising the importance of the profession Physical therapy has enjoyed much publicity in recent times. Physiotherapy is essential for treating an array of physical conditions. These range from:   

Sports injuries Neuromotor problems arising from strokes and muscle cramps Broken bones and joints Physiotherapy has been highly regarded as a treatment for the conditions mentioned above.

Increase in the average age of the population The average life expectancy is increasing. Along with this, the number of older people is growing as well. But old age comes along with a lot of new aches and pains. To ensure a happy and productive life, visits to the physiotherapist are mandatory. After someone attains the age of 50-55 years a visit once every time is normal.

Once people attain old age, proper movement, core strength, and blood flow to the muscles become significant.

Exercise is crucial to achieving the ability to lead a healthy life in all stages of life. Physiotherapy is a standard treatment for conditions such as   

Osteoporosis Heart problems Common health problems are asthma and chest pain

Rehabilitation programs Modern treatment and medicine have increased our average lifespan. But for this human beings need to survive through severe illnesses and injuries. As a result, managing pain and rehabilitation had become essential.

Several high power drugs used to treat severe conditions have severe side effects of their own. For example, chemotherapy used to treat cancer causes patients great pain and discomfort. To survive and recover from such harsh conditions, physiotherapy is essential.

Increased participation in sports Sports have always interested people all over the world. Competitive sports are getting intense day by day, and participants are giving it they’re all in the field. So sports injuries are a common occurrence. So increased participation and interests in sports have caused a significant rise. in the demands for physiotherapy services.

You may have noticed sports physios on the sidelines or warming the benches of football teams. Whenever anyone gets hurt and needs support, they rush to the spot to give the support players need. The English football league has been great publicity for physiotherapy professionals. Besides on TV screens, physiotherapists play a critical role behind the scenes as well.

Whenever players need any support from the physio team, they help them out handling injuries and muscle cramps. Professional teams in every sport have a dedicated team to serve their players. This is an excellent chance for physios to earn a healthy living and also pursue their dream of a career in sports.

The growth in demand for physiotherapists The primary responsibilities of a physiotherapist include:       

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They are working with patients facing neurological, neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory. Treatments last for over weeks to even months Diagnose patients to treat their problems and make a clinical assessment Physiotherapists plan, design and encourage patients to make full use of their physical efforts.

Patients apply these strategies in their day to day life to go through long term rehabilitation.

They also review and rehabilitation patients involving the parents and carers in the treatment.

Educate patients on ways to prevent and/or improve conditions.

Write case notes, make reports and collect stats that helps the patient improve the quality of life.

Liaise with other healthcare practitioners, such as GPs, consultants, occupational therapists, and social workers. Share knowledge about patients' backgrounds and development. Refer patients who need additional medical treatment.

Keep up with emerging methods and technology that can discover new ways to treat patients.

Supervise physiotherapists, including undergraduate and junior physiotherapists.

How much does a sports physiotherapist earn in the UK A physiotherapist is a very in-demand profession and a good paying one as well. 

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Jobs in the NHS are divided into nine pay bands. Skilled physiotherapists' (Band 5) starting wages vary from £24,907 to £30,615. Senior physiotherapists can earn anything from £31,365 to £37,890 a year (Band 6) As a clinical specialist/team leader (Band 7) you will gain between £38,890 and £44,503

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Salaries for advanced research, extended reach, or clinical lead physiotherapists vary from £45,753 to £51,668 (Band 8a). Consultant physiotherapist salaries range from £53,168 to £62,001 (Band 8b)  For management positions such as the head of the operation, salaries exceed about £63,000 (Band 8c)  Private practice salaries are higher, and with the best mix of qualifications, expertise, and experience, you can earn about £75,000 a year.

Many physiotherapists work with both the NHS and privately. Experienced physiotherapists often combine clinical work with university lecturing and research works.

Many that serve in London and the surrounding areas may be eligible for a high-cost area supplement ranging from 5% to 20% of their base income. In the private sector, salaries and working standards can differ from those in the NHS. The income figures are only meant to be used as a reference. For the most up-to-date NHS wage details, go to AfC pay scales.

Career options for physiotherapists Physiotherapy is not a single career choice. Studying physiotherapy opens you up to an array of career choices.

Someone can specialize in a single discipline or take training to aloof them. Different types of physiotherapy treatment are as follows:

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy This group’s treatments, also known as orthopaedic physiotherapy, concentrate on returning function of the musculoskeletal system. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones affect several illnesses, actions, and gestures.

Firstly a physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive review of your musculoskeletal system. The study will help him determine the condition leading to your symptoms, such as chronic pain, mostly lower back pain.

Our musculoskeletal therapies aim to:    

Reduce discomfort Growing the level of mobilisation Repairing soft tissue injury Skeletal alignment adjustment

Geriatric Physiotherapy Geriatric physiotherapy works on the particular mobility conditions of the elderly. Arthritis, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, hip replacements, and coordination problems are only a handful of the issues that people face as they age.

Geriatric physiotherapy therapies aims to:    

Assist the regeneration of movement that has been impaired by age Reduce the amount of discomfort Act through the physical limits Improve mental health and physical fitness Actively ageing with the aid of physiotherapy is vital for maintaining a pain-free and independent future.

Physiotherapists offer various courses and activities geared toward adults who want to live an active and safe lifestyle. So no matter what age you are, the right booking appointments for the right kinds of therapy will help you keep the spring in your step!

Children's Physiotherapy

Children’s physiotherapy helps treat a number of neurological, neuromuscular, skeletal, or other physical disabilities in Infants, babies, teenagers, and youth.

When children have conditions that limit their mobility and normal state of being, early diagnosis is crucial.

Physiotherapy is used to treat infants who are suffering from illnesses or disabilities, such as:               

Acute injuries may occur as a result of athletics or other events Cerebral palsy is an inherited condition.

Defects of the womb Delays in physical progress Trauma to the brain, muscle diseases, and/or limb deficiencies are all possibilities.

Disabilities in orthopaedics Delayed mental development Head trauma, muscle diseases and/or limb deficiencies Disabilities leading from orthopaedic issues Children benefit from our physiotherapy services.

Reducing or eliminating discomfort Improving a child's gross and fine motor skills Improve Power, stamina, and range of motion Regain equilibrium, coordination, and movement normalisation For injury recovery, therapeutic exercises and stretches are recommended Cognitive and sensory processing are also essential

Sports Physiotherapy Physiotherapists deal with a wide variety of participants, from weekend warriors to experienced pros, as well as healthy youngsters. Responsibilities of a sports physiotherapist cover the actual assessment and diagnosis of an accident, as well as the treatment of sporting injuries:    

Injury care requires the use of professional advice and methods to facilitate regeneration For a fast return to competition, recovery and progressive injury treatment are necessary Movement tests, for example, may be used to detect and resolve any identified accident precursors Individual athletes, teams, and clubs may benefit from education and sharing of professional skills (such as taping techniques) to help avoid injuries

Women's Health Physiotherapy Women’s physiotherapy works on problems related to the female reproductive system, breastfeeding, maternal and postnatal treatment, and infertility.

Our physiotherapists support women with several problems such as:     

Eased lower back, pelvic, and hip pain during pregnancy and childbirth Core strengthening Pelvic floor activation Lymphatic swelling is minimised.

Urinary incontinence treatment There are also various specialized prenatal and postnatal programs, such as maternity Pilates courses, physiotherapy sessions, and pregnancy massage, to assist expecting moms at any point throughout their pregnancy.

Rehabilitation and Pain Management If you’re suffering from chronic pain, are due for surgery, or if you’ve recently had surgery, this type of physiotherapy focuses on getting you back on track to a pain-free lifestyle.

Treatment before surgery focuses on exercises that will strengthen your body and prepare you for postoperative rehabilitation. After surgery or injury, reducing pain and swelling is the priority and then gentle movements to improve function to get you back on track as soon as possible.

Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy focuses on the treatment, recovery, and compensation of patients with heart, chest, or lung conditions or accidents. Treatments include the followings –     

Exercises to boost ventilation and deep breathing Right breathing strategies Coughing and shortness of breath management tactics For optimal lung expansion, position yourself in the following way Rehab for the lungs and the heart This form of physiotherapy can help people who suffer (or have suffered) from asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, heart attack, hypertension, or other heart and lung conditions. If you’ve had heart or lung surgery, physiotherapy will also help you get back on your feet.

Neurological Physiotherapy Head trauma, stroke, spinal cord injury, aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Cerebral Palsy are a few diseases that neurological physiotherapy may come in handy. It also assists in managing neurological equilibrium problems that may develop as a result of disorders like vertigo.

Therapy aims to enhance muscle function, balance, and coordination. Several physiotherapists specialize in treating vertigo (BPPV) and neurological disorders, and these procedures can be performed in the clinic or at home.