A physiotherapist, also known as a physical therapist, is a medical professional who specializes in treating injuries and conditions that impact movement. They work with patients to help them manage pain, balance, mobility, and motor function. Physiotherapists develop customized programs designed to restore as much as possible the functional ability and movement of their patients, using a variety of methods including exercises, manual therapy, education, and advice. They are trained to help patients at all stages of life, from infancy to old age, whose function and movement are impacted by disease, health conditions, injury, environmental factors, aging, disorders, and weight issues. Physiotherapists aim to improve the quality of life of their patients.
In the United States, the path to becoming a physiotherapist requires a lot of education and training. Physiotherapists must first earn a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree from a physical therapist education program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. From there, they must pass the state exam to become licensed.
Physiotherapy and physical therapy are interchangeable terms, and there is no difference between the two. However, some practitioners suggest that physiotherapy is more concerned with manual therapy, while physical therapy is more exercise-based. Physiotherapy can be helpful for people of all ages with a wide range of health conditions, including problems affecting the bones, joints, and soft tissue, brain or nervous system, heart and circulation, and lungs and breathing. Physiotherapy is provided by specially trained and regulated practitioners called physiotherapists, who often work as part of a multidisciplinary team in various areas of medicine and settings.
