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Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists assess, treat and prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury and disease. They are often members of medical teams that treat sport injuries and ill persons, and help disabled people to lead useful lives with as much independence and personal fulfilment as possible.
They assess the physical condition of patients to diagnose problems and plan appropriate treatment. Physiotherapists use a range of techniques to strengthen and stretch muscles and joints to improve patient mobility. They may use hydrotherapy, or breathing and relaxation techniques, for example. They sometimes perform spinal and peripheral joint mobilisation and manipulation. They use equipment such as traction, weights, exercise equipment, cold packs and electrical treatments to ease pain, reduce swelling and improve the range of movement.
Physiotherapists sometimes need to retrain patients to walk or to use devices such as walking frames, splints, crutches and wheelchairs. They also educate patients, their families and the community to lead a healthy lifestyle and to prevent injury and disability ,and may be involved with planning and implementing community fitness programmes.
Physiotherapists treat all age groups - babies, children, adolescents and senior citizens. The emphasis is not only on the treatment of patients.
Physiotherapists may specialize in specific areas such as:
- manipulative therapy
- women's health
- aged care
- chest conditions
- occupational health and safety
- sports medicine
- babies and young children
- problems of the nervous system and spinal injuries
- administration, education or research
Physiotherapists may work as part of a health care team, independently in private practice, within the school system or as industry consultants.
Working environments may vary from spacious, well-equipped gymnasia to hospital wards and intensive care units, or to crowded and noisy clinics. Actual settings depend on the type, location and resources of employers. Some physiotherapists visit and treat patients in their homes.
Satisfying Aspects
- helping others
- variety of work
- opportunity to specialize in your area of interest
- the possibility of setting up your own practice
Demanding aspects
- frustration because of a patient's lack of progress
- working with uncooperative or critical patients or relatives
- having to cooperate with other members of the medical team who may be uncooperative or critical
Requirements
Physiotherapists should:
- be able to get along well with others
- be patient, tactful and creative
- be mature and emotionally stable
- have the desire to help others
- have assured, calm and sympathetic manner
- able to inspire confidence
- have manual dexterity and good body coordination
- have good health and physical stamina
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Degree: BSc (Physiotherapy) - UP, US, UKZN, UCT, UFS, UWC, UL, Wits. Duration of course is 4 years.
Registration as a physiotherapist with the Interim Medical and Dental Council of South Africa is compulsory before being able to practise.
Employer
- Provincial hospitals
- Department of Health
- Rehabilitation centres for the physically handicapped
- Special schools e.g. schools for the cerebral palsied
- Mining companies
- Homes for the aged
- Sports and recreation clubs
- Universities
- Private hospitals
- Private practice
- Self-employment, in private practice or in partnership
Contact
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
P O Box 205,
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 338-9300 Fax: (012) 328-5120
E-mail: hpcsa@hpcsa.co.za
South African Society of Physiotherapy
P O Box 752378
Gardenview, 2047
Tel: (011) 022-2132 Fax: 086 559 8237
www.physio.org.za
www.hpcsa.co.za