Physiotherapy often abbreviated PT, is the heath science of physical care and rehabilitation. It is an independent health care profession, with physical therapists (or physiotherapists) providing services to individuals and populations to develop maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social well being.
World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) recognizes there is considerable diversity in the social, economic, cultural, and political environments in which physical therapist education is conducted throughout the world. WCPT recommends physical therapist entry-level educational programs be based on university or university-level studies, of a minimum of four years and a year internship. Students completing B.P.T as in India or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT as called in America/ Canada) programme are also required to successfully complete clinical rotations prior to graduation.
Physiotherapy being an independent self regulated profession, the prescription and the application of physiotherapeutic treatment is the jurisdiction of physiotherapists. Physiotherapists use an individual's history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan and, when necessary, incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies. Electro diagnostic testing (e.g., electromyograms and nerve conduction velocity testing) may also be of assistance. Physiotherapists commonly prescribe Electric and Heat modalities, specific exercises, manual therapy, education which is simultaneously also applied by Physiotherapists and assisted by Physiotherapy Assistants (PTA).
Physical therapy has many specialties including cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopaedic and pediatrics, to name some of the more common areas. A range of muscle, bone and joint disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, affect the elderly. These conditions can compromise mobility, and it is essential that the sufferer take appropriate exercise. A Physiotherapist with or without specialization can better design the physical therapy treatment plan which may include a therapeutic modality besides exercise programme.
Physiotherapists practice in many settings, such as outpatient clinics (Physiotherapist's OPD), inpatient rehabilitation facilities, education and research centers, fitness centers and sports training facilities, District, Sub-district and Primary Health Care Centres. Physiotherapy has a wide scope in government and private health sector in India for the service of patients and people with disabling conditions. The government needs to initiate to set up the Physiotherapy treatment facilities at District, Sub-district and Primary health care centre level. Whether it is a patient with natural degenerative joint disorder or a patient with crippling spinal cord injury, rehabilitation and physiotherapy has a comprehensive role to play to prevent complications and improve the quality of life.

The author is BPT, Dip (Geriatrics) P.G

Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST