Therapy Services: Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising potential. Physiotherapists work in a wide variety of health settings and their role is far more extensive than treating musculoskeletal sports injuries, which is the most common perception of this profession. Chartered physiotherapists work in hospitals,  work places, private clinics and in peoples' homes. Some physiotherapists are involved in supporting specific sports eg football, rugby, ice skating and this work often involves travelling with a team of sports professionals. Health education is also an important part of the physiotherapist's role

Physiotherapists work autonomously with their own caseload of patients but also work alongside doctors, nurses, other allied healthcare professionals and play a key role in rehabilitation. A high level of knowledge and expertise is necessary, however, good communication skills, patience, tact and empathy are also needed for the close patient contact.

Most physiotherapists commence employment within a trust where they undertake rotations in a wide variety of specialities. These posts are rotational training posts and allow the physiotherapist an opportunity to work in a variety of settings so that they can determine which speciality they wish to work in. This will then allow them to apply for a senior position in that speciality and to develop their knowledge and skills in that area. .

All physiotherapists have to undertake continuous training as part of their registration requirements. Evidence of this is contained within a professional portfolio which needs to be kept up to date as proof of a physiotherapist's competence. All physiotherapists have to be registered with the Health Professions Council to practice both within the public and private sectors.

Assistants often work with physiotherapists, sometimes referred to as rehabilitation or therapy assistants. They help with tasks such as showing patients how to use mobility aids or work on exercises with them. There are no national minimum qualifications for this role, but this could be a route to in-house training. A grade up from a physiotherapy assistant is a physiotherapy technician who will require an NVQ at level 3. This gives the physiotherapy assistant a career structure to aspire to. The CSP is undertaking further work around the development of the assistant role in the workplace.

At Southampton we have approximately 85 qualified staff and 20 unqualified staff.