Physiotherapists identify and treat disorders affecting movement in order to maximize a patient's mobility and physical independence. Physiotherapists may treat a wide range of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal, circulatory, and respiratory and nervous systems. In addition to treating existing injuries or disorders, physiotherapists may also educate clients on the best way to carry out physical activities in order to minimize the chances of causing injury. When taking on a new patient, a physiotherapist will take his/her health history and perform a physical examination. He will then develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs. Some of the treatments that physiotherapists use are as follows: massage to ease soft tissue pain, mobilization or manipulation of joints, exercises to strengthen weak areas, cold to reduce inflammation, heat to increase circulation and ultrasound therapy to ease muscle spasms, electrical stimulation to help muscles contract that cannot do so effectively on their own.

Physiotherapist treat muscular aberrations, such as caused in polio, cerebral palsy (damaged motor centers of the brain causing muscular non-coordination, speech disturbances) muscle, joint and bone injuries, chest and heart diseases, etc. in patients of all ages. Physical therapists specialize in cardiopulmonary, clinical electrophysiological, neurologic, pediatric, geriatric and sports physical therapy. Physiotherapists do not just work with people after an injury, but can be found working in many fields of specialty.
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapists, Clinical Electro physiotherapists, Geriatric Physiotherapists, Neurological Physiotherapists, Orthopedic Physiotherapists, Pediatric Physiotherapists, Sport Physiotherapists, Women's Health Physiotherapists.

Work Environment

• Many Physiotherapists work in hospitals or physiotherapy clinics, though some may visit clients at their homes or workplace. Professional sporting teams also employ physiotherapists, though entry to these positions is highly competitive. Most Physiotherapists work regular hours during the week. Those working with sporting teams will have to work during the team's training sessions and games, which usually means working evenings and weekends.