What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy‟ is a branch of modern medical science which includes examination, assessment, interpretation, physical diagnosis, planning and execution of treatment and advice to any person for the purpose of preventing, correcting, alleviating and limiting dysfunction, acute and chronic bodily malfunction including life saving measures via chest physiotherapy in the intensive care unit, curing physical disorders or disability, promoting physical fitness, facilitating healing and pain relief and treatment of physical and psychological disorders through modulating psychological and physical response using physical agents, activities and devices including exercise, mobilization, manipulations, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical and thermal agents and electrotherapy for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

`Physiotherapist’ is a qualified professional who has acquired all the above mentioned knowledge and skills for entry into practice after being awarded a bachelor degree in the subject of ” Physiotherapy” from a recognised institute affiliated to the University conducting a fulltime course not less than four years and six months of internship.Physiotherapists assess and provide hands-on treatment and exercise prescription to address movement dysfunction. Physiotherapists also plan and implement individual treatment programs to prevent physical disabilities. Physiotherapists graduate with a Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy (BPT) and do Post graduate Masters Degree in physical therapy (MPT) from government recognised universities affiliated with UGC.

Physiotherapists are licensed by the physiotherapy council in respective states where Independent physiotherapy council is there, which maintains a rigorous code of ethics and high standards of continuing competency. Working closely with Physicians, Medical teams  and independently Physiotherapists practice in private clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, long term facilities, home care, industry and schools as well as sports teams. A cornerstone of physiotherapy is patient education and self-management.  Physiotherapists know that best practice for patient care.