Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists assess, treat and prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease.

What the job involves

• Administering muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests to identify and assess physical problems of patients

• Designing treatment programs to address patients' problems

• Treating patients to reduce pain, improve circulation, strengthen muscles, improve cardiothoracic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, restore joint mobility, and improve balance and coordination

• Using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, massage, manipulation, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultraviolet and infra-red light and ultrasound in the treatment of patients

• Reviewing, continually monitoring, assessing and evaluating programs and treatments

• Consulting with other Health Professionals as required about patients' problems, needs and progress

• Instructing patients and their families in procedures to be continued at home

• Recording treatments given and patients' responses and progress

• Developing and implementing screening and preventative health promotion programs