Physical Rehabilitation TherapistA physical rehabilitation therapist (also known as a physiotherapist) is someone who assesses the patient based on a series of tests and diagnosis. Patients also have to undergo physical examination. After examining the patient's history and based on the result of the diagnosis, the therapist charts out a treatment involving various exercises to be performed by the patient over a period of time. It also contains the kind of treatment the patient must undergo to gain recovery. Every treatment is planned out specifically for that particular patient. Physiotherapists aim at restoring the patient back to his normal original life. Physical rehabilitation therapists are involved largely in legal medical fields. They serve as experts by displaying peer review and presiding over other necessary health care responsibilities. Physiotherapists work in physical rehab centers, gyms, private clinics, schools etc. They can also practice in non-patient care roles like health care administration, health care policy, health insurance etc.
EDUCATION To become a registered physiotherapist, one needs to attain a degree issued by the Health Professions Council. There are certain pre requisites to apply for the degree:
Physical therapy entry level programs integrate theory, evidence, hands-on experience and practice and a chartered educational course that guides the students through the vast fields of physiotherapy. The educational program of a physical rehabilitation therapist involves the study of cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, endocrine, gastrointestinal, metabolic conditions of the human body. This course thus further enhances a therapist's treating abilities and his understanding of the human body. Physiotherapists use a wide range of treatments to cure a variety of ailments and problems. These include spine injuries, dysfunctional joints and muscles, strokes, problems that come with aging and such patients who have undergone surgery, suffering from cardiac problems, chest problems can all be treated by a physiotherapist. Pregnant women can also undergo physiotherapy to reduce stress and pain that comes with pregnancy. Methods used to cure such patients are myriad. Massages, joint mobilizations, hydrotherapy, stretches and manipulations are techniques used by physiotherapists to relieve patients from their pain and to help them revive. Heat, ice, electrotherapy and ultrasound are largely being used for pain relief. Exercise is also an important part of physiotherapy. The right kind of exercise needs to be learnt and understood by physical rehabilitation therapists.
Physical rehabilitation therapists are thus very important part in the process of bringing a patient back to normal by prescribing the appropriate exercises and using the right kind of treatment; they are an important part of physical rehabilitation assessment and treatment. For this, he needs to know how the body functions and what kind of exercises will have an effect on it. This treatment should cure the patient's ailment and eliminate his pain. Physiotherapy is one of the most potent and accepted forms of healthcare. Its execution and impact have seen drastic changes as this treatment has no side effects and can last longer. This is why there is such a grave need for quality physiotherapists today. It is a fast growing profession. |
