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Physiotherapy Scope of Practice: An Insight

"Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience


Introduction
The history of Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy can be traced back to ancient
Greece in the era of Hippocrates. Considered one of the oldest methods to cure
various physical ailments, Physiotherapy has evolved from simple techniques to a
complex assortment of therapies. Now, it has multiple and specialized applications.
Patients pursue Physiotherapy services so they may benefit from the highly
individualized, "hands on" approach that characterizes Physical therapist
care. Physiotherapy plays a key role in enabling people to improve their health,
wellbeing and quality of life.
Definition:
The Scope of Physiotherapy defined by World Health Organization emphasizes on
assessment and formulating a treatment plan independently by Physiotherapists.
"Physiotherapists assess, plan and implement rehabilitative programs that improve
or restore human motor functions, maximize movement ability, relieve pain
syndromes, and treat or prevent physical challenges associated with
injuries, diseases and other impairments. They apply a broad range of physical
therapies and techniques such as movement, ultrasound, heating, laser and other
techniques. They may develop and implement programmes for screening
and prevention of common physical ailments and disorders.
Career Prospects:
Physiotherapy is a health profession which is concerned with maximization of
mobility and quality of life by implementing clinical reasoning. Physiotherapy a very
rewarding job especially when you can make a difference to people's lives by
abolishing their pain or symptoms, enhancing their quality of life and enabling them
to manage their symptoms independently.
Making a career in Physiotherapy is a wise decision as the scope it covers is
widening up and expected to offer numerous job options. The Scope is of
Physiotherapy is enormous that a Physiotherapist can start his/her own
Physiotherapy Centre and be an Entrepreneur or can work in National and
International Hospitals/Institutions as Physiotherapists/Academicians and as
Ergonomist in Multinational Companies. Additionally, a Physiotherapists can work at
Out-patient clinics, Community health care centers o Primary health care centers,

Fitness centers ,Health clubs, Special schools , Sports centers, teaching, NGOs,
MNCs Home Care etc.
Job Satisfaction:
Forbes ranked physical therapists as having 1 of "The Ten Happiest Jobs," according
to articles published in 2013 and 2011. Physical therapists also have high job
satisfaction according to the 2007 results of the University of Chicago's National
Opinion Research Center survey, as reported in The Washington Post. More than
three-quarters of physical therapists polled reported to be "very satisfied" with their
occupations. Physical therapists were second only to clergy and the only health care
professionals in the Top 5.
Job Nature:
-Review patients' medical history
-Physical Diagnosis of the patient
-Set up a plan of care for patients, outlining the patient's goals and the expected
outcome of the plan
-Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, equipments and a holistic
approach to ease patients' pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further
pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness.
-Evaluate a patient's progress, modifying a plan of care and trying new treatments
as needed
-Educate patients and their families about what to expect from and how best to cope
with the recovery process
Physiotherapists as first contact Autonomous Practitioners:
Physiotherapy professional entry-level education prepares Physiotherapists to be first
contact autonomous practitioners, able to assess/examine, evaluate, diagnose,
treat/intervene, evaluate outcomes and discharge patients/clients without referral
from another health professional (eg medical practitioner) or other third party.
The terms direct access and patient self-referral refer to the circumstances where
Physiotherapy services are available to patients/clients without the requirement of a
referral. In many health service delivery systems throughout the world, the users of
Physiotherapy services do not require such a referral. In these instances, direct
access to Physiotherapy services is supported by national/provincial/regional/state
legislative frameworks and by the standards of professional practice of
Physiotherapists. A growing body of research evidence supports the clinical and cost
effectiveness of such services and their acceptability among service users.

Physiotherapists operate as independent practitioners, as well as members of health


service provider teams, and are subject to the ethical principles of WCPT. They are
able to act as first contact practitioners, and patients/clients may seek direct services
without referral from another health care professional. It is a single profession, and
the first professional qualification, obtained in any country, represents the
completion of a curriculum that qualifies the Physiotherapists to use the professional
title and to practise as an independent professional.
We are the Movement Scientists!!
Glossary:
Direct access the patient/client directly asks the Physiotherapist to provide
services (the patient refers themselves) and the Physiotherapist freely decides his
conduct and takes full responsibility for it. Also, the Physiotherapist has direct access
to patients/clients and determines which need Physiotherapy
assessment/intervention without referral from a third party.
Self-referral Patients are able to refer themselves to a Physiotherapist without
having to see anyone else first, or without being told to refer themselves by a health
professional.
Scope of practice is a statement describing Physiotherapy within the context of
the regulatory environment and evidence base for practice within a jurisdiction.
Scopes of practice are dynamic, evolving with changes in the evidence base, policy
and needs of service users.
Best Regards,
Einstein Jerome
Physiotherapist and Research Scholar
ESIC Model Hospital & Research Institute (Under Government of India)
Bangalore
Executive Committee Member-Bangalore Physiotherapists Network (BPN)
E-Mail: einsympt@gmail.com
References:
1. World Health Organization (WHO)
2. World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
3. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

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