Physiotherapy, as described by World Physiotherapy, is a healthcare profession concerned with human function and movement and maximizing physical potential. It is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation, and rehabilitation.
It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain, and restore physical, psychological, and social well-being, taking into account variations in health status. It is science-based and committed to extending, applying, evaluating, and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery. The exercise of clinical judgment and informed interpretation is at its core.
HISTORY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physicians like Hippocrates and later Galen are believed to have been the first practitioners of physical therapy, advocating massage, manual therapy techniques, and hydrotherapy to treat people in 460 BC.
The first school of physical therapy was established at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., following the outbreak of World War I. Research catalyzed the physical therapy movement. The first physical therapy research was published in the United States in March 1921 in "The PT Review."
Specialization in physical therapy in the U.S. occurred in 1974, with the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA being formed for those physical therapists specializing in orthopedics. An international organization for the profession is the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT). It was founded in 1951 and has operated under the brand name World Physiotherapy since 2020.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
Physiotherapy aims to ease pain and restore the normal functioning of the body. Physiotherapy looks to achieve the following objectives for the Patients.
Improving and restoring physical function and fitness level.
Improving Movement and Muscle Strength.
Improving Balance and Coordination.
Rehabilitation after a Stroke, accident, injury, or surgery.
Preventing chronic problems and disability.
Recovering from a Sports Injury.
The goal of Physiotherapy is to help the patient move better and improve his/her Physical Performance so that the Patient can do all his activities with ease.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Physiotherapy has a graduate and a postgraduate level to offer to its students. The bachelor’s degree course is of four and a half year duration which includes the internship period as well. The Master's degree Course is two years and offers Specialization in different fields like Musculoskeletal, Neurology, Paediatrics, Cardiopulmonary, etc
To be Eligible For BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy)
Candidates must complete 10+2 board exams with a minimum aggregate score of 50% or above from a recognized board with a mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Candidates need to qualify for the Central, State, or University level entrance exams like CUET (Common University Entrance Test), State University Entrance Tests like KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test), IPU-CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test), and JENPAS (Joint Entrance Test for Nursing, Paramedical, and Allied Sciences Undergraduate) to get admission to a reputable Institution. Some Colleges Offer Admission based on merit.
To be Eligible For MPT (Master of Physiotherapy)
One must have completed their bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy.
Candidates pursuing advanced knowledge in pain management, rehabilitation, and Practical Experience will help them excel in this career.
SCOPE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
The scope of Physiotherapy is very wide and growing rapidly. Physiotherapy offers a range of opportunities in various sectors of the healthcare industry like hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, private practices, sports organizations, community health centers, and educational institutions. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions including Orthopaedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, geriatric, and pediatric, disorders. Additionally, physiotherapists in India are increasingly involved in promoting health and wellness through fitness programs, ergonomic assessments, and preventive care.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Physiotherapists play a pivotal role in the healthcare system, and their responsibilities may include:
Undertake Comprehensive assessments of the Patient to identify physical limitations and impairments.
Developing personalized treatment plans and goals for patients.
Implementing therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and other interventions.
Monitoring progress and modifying treatment for better results.
Patient Education on Preventing Injury and self-management techniques.
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals for holistic patient care.
The physiotherapy profession can make you become a knowledgeable and skillful person. It can give you the status of being a clinician, academician, an onfield sports injury fixer, and a medico to help the dying ICU person to breathe again and walk again. It can give you the crown of masters of your own life.
Dr. Billal Hossen Mullick (PT) Assistant Professor Physiotherapy, Swami Vivekananda University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
CAREER PATHWAYS
A Physiotherapist is a very important member of the healthcare team where his responsibility is to rehabilitate patients back to normal without medicines by the use of exercise, manual therapy, rehabilitation techniques, and physical activity.
A degree in Physiotherapy opens up a plethora of career options for professionals. Some of the most common physiotherapy jobs include:
Clinical Physiotherapist: Working in hospitals or private clinics, clinical physiotherapists diagnose and treat patients with various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, creating tailored rehabilitation programs to improve their mobility and overall physical function.
Sports Physiotherapist: Specializing in sports medicine, these professionals work with athletes to prevent injuries, provide immediate care during sporting events, and design rehabilitation plans to aid in their recovery.
Pediatric Physiotherapist: Focused on children’s health, pediatric physiotherapists provide interventions to address developmental delays, disabilities, and injuries in infants and young children.
Geriatric Physiotherapist: Working with elderly individuals, geriatric physiotherapists address age-related physical challenges, enhance mobility, and improve overall quality of life.
Cardiovascular Physiotherapist therapists work collaboratively with other health team members to ensure optimal physical recovery of the cardiovascular Patients. Cardiovascular rehabilitation can help those who have heart disease, or those at risk, to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular episodes and improve overall health.
Obstetrics Physiotherapist- Physiotherapists who specialize in women’s health work with pregnant and postpartum women to treat musculoskeletal problems and advance general well-being.
Sports Physiotherapist therapists are involved in the Prevention and Management of Injuries resulting from sports and exercise Participation at all ages and all levels of ability.
Physiotherapy offers a chance for a rewarding and fulfilling Profession. By restoring functional movement, Physiotherapists improve their Patient's Strength, mobility, and Independence, making a real difference in their lives.
References
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_therapy
2. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Physiotherapy_/_Physical_Therapy
3. https://www.chitkara.edu.in/blogs/the-scope-of-physiotherapy-exploring-jobs-responsibilities-and-salary/
4. https://manavrachna.edu.in/blog/scope-of-physiotherapy
