Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who work with people of all ages who have difficulty with moving, performing daily activities or functioning.

This may be due to an injury, an illness or a condition stopping them from functioning to their full capacity.

Some of the health conditions that physiotherapists see include problems with bones, brain and nerves, heart, lungs and breathing and they see some people at every stage of their illness and condition.

Physiotherapists also work with people to reduce risk of illness or injury.

Where they do not have the skills to treat certain conditions, they will refer people to other healthcare experts, so people’s needs are met.

They may work on their own or as part of a team, in the hospital, in the community or at GP surgeries, in sports or in clinic.

Some physiotherapists can see people in their own homes.

Catherine Colledge, specialist therapy assistant (physiotherapist apprentice)

Why did you want to be a specialist therapy assistant?

I started off working as a physiotherapy assistant and gained lots of experience. During this time I felt I wanted to progress to a qualified physiotherapist as I enjoyed working with patients and seeing their improved function and increased independence.

I initially completed a Foundation Degree and then went on to start the BSc degree in physiotherapy.

Day-to-day tasks?

I facilitate function to improve independence by reviewing patients and setting new joint goals to develop their skills further.

I work alongside physiotherapist and patient with programmes, teaching education staff and parents and carers to support patients with function. I also order of specialised equipment and setting up to aid development.

Most fulfilling part of the job?

The most fulfilling part of my role is seeing patients reaching their goals and improving their quality of life. It’s great to see children starting to be independent in their day to day skills.

Philippa, advanced practice physiotherapist, specialist in foot and ankle

Why did you want to be a physiotherapist?

I studied sciences at A-level. I developed an interest in disability. Through volunteer work with young disabled people, I recognised the impact that physiotherapy could have on that population.

I gained my degree in physiotherapy and realised the huge spectrum of people that can benefit from physiotherapy, from tiny babies to the very elderly. My graduate job allowed me to spend time working in many different specialisms, and I gradually became more specialist and progressed into a highly specialist role.

Day-to-day tasks?

I see all sorts of people with foot and ankle issues. They could have had anything from a simple sprain to complex foot surgery. My work is spilt between the physiotherapy gym where I oversee a patient’s exercise plan.

I might be working with a patient with complex health needs who’s goal it is to be able to walk out into the garden on a sunny day, or it could be a high-level athlete who needs help to fulfil their training and competition goals.

The rehabilitation gym is well equipped with lots of machines that are found in a standard gym, so it’s a great environment to help people get better.

I also work in a clinic setting where I see patients who might need something other than physiotherapy. They could need scans, braces, or surgery. My job in clinic is to make a thorough assessment of the patient and agree their overall management plan.

To do this well I have to communicate with other members of the multidisciplinary team such as surgeons, radiologists, radiographers, orthotists and occupational therapists.

Most fulfilling part of the job?

I love meeting people from all walks of life. I find the human body’s response to injury and exercise fascinating; no two people are the same. I have to get to know a person to help them get better. I learn something new every day.

As a physiotherapist I have the skills and knowledge to help someone achieve their goals. My job is to communicate that clearly to a person, and there is huge reward on travelling alongside a patient in their journey through rehabilitation.

Sharon, assistant physiotherapy practitioner (APP)

Why did you want to be a physiotherapy assistant?

I wanted to be a physiotherapy assistant as I found the role to be interesting and liked the idea of working alongside physiotherapists to care, encourage and motivate patients with rehabilitation and be a part of their recovery journey. It is a very rewarding role.

Day to day tasks?

I work alongside physiotherapists in a busy musculoskeletal (MSK) outpatients department and sometimes I help in the hydrotherapy pool.â€¯MSK focuses on muscles and joints, posture, balance and movement of the body.

I work independently facilitating my own work caseload.

Patients are referred to our service and assessed by the physiotherapists who then delegate work to me. I help implement and supervise physiotherapy exercise programmes for patients.

These exercises can help with strengthening and achieving a better range of movement of limbs and joints and can increase confidence, especially with balance issues.

We deal with different aspects of physiotherapy rehabilitation, so we see a mixture of different MSK problems every day.

I encourage and guide the patients with their exercise programme, if improving I increase the level of exercises but also feedback any problems encountered to my superiors, if I need advice, communication is really important in this job to ensure the patient is getting the best care.

I assist the physiotherapists in group therapy classes for various joints, these include back class and hand class. Hand class involves wax therapy, applying paraffin wax from a wax bath to hands/wrists to ease aches and pains.

I also complete mobility assessments, measuring and issuing walking aids and splints for wrists, hands and elbows. When issuing walking aids, I also have to re-order stock back into our department as well as information booklets for patient use, so we always have enough in stock. Lastly, I ensure the department is tidy, well stocked and kept clean.

Most fulfilling part of the job?

My work with patients is also very satisfying, especially seeing improvements and that the optimum recovery has been achieved.

The most fulfilling part of my job is working alongside my physiotherapy colleagues, we support each other and work towards the same goal, providing a seamless service to our patients and carers.

Harvey, musculoskeletal physiotherapist

Why did you want to be a physiotherapist?

My interest in my physiotherapy started when I was quite young after I saw a paediatric physiotherapist to help with my calf and hamstring pain.

Additionally, my dad and my younger brother needed intensive physio. Watching how much it helped them get back to work and sport really stuck with me and made me want to do the same for others.

At school I was interested in human biology and sports coaching as well as being a keen sportsman. I knew I wanted a career that combined those interests with helping people, so physiotherapy felt like the perfect fit.

Day-to-day tasks?

I assess and provide clinical impressions for patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) related conditions, then provided treatment in the form of exercise therapy, management advice and education as well as hands-on manual therapy. This helps them manage pain, build strength and work towards their own goals.

I look after my own caseload as well as helping to lead exercise classes for various conditions.

We receive referrals from GPs, first contact practitioners (FCPs), advanced assessment, orthopaedics, secondary care pain team, rheumatology and self-referrals.

I also work with the community pain management team, where I see people one-to-one and run group sessions to support those living with persistent pain and help them find ways to live well despite it.

Most fulfilling part of the job?

Seeing people progress from where they started, sometimes in a lot of pain or unsure about what is possible, to feeling much stronger, more confident and no longer needing our service.

It’s amazing to see the difference physiotherapy can make, not just physically but in helping people regain their independence and quality of life.

Why are AHPs important in mental health?

The NHS Long Term Plan describes AHPs as playing a central role in the delivery of person-centred care to help meet the changing demands the NHS is facing. The Mental Health Workforce Plan for England’ (2017) also highlights the vital and varied role of AHPs as first responders, in diagnosis, self-management, rehabilitation, and recovery of everyday life.

AHPs are the key to transforming health, care and wellbeing. Working at the top of their competencies and skills, AHPs lead mental health teams to new ways of working. Their expertise in rehabilitation and enablement is vital to move away from over-reliance on hospitals and towards professional interventions across health and social care settings.

What is the role of AHPs in services for people with mental health conditions?

AHPs are employed in health and care services to diagnose, treat, and support individuals to overcome the physical challenges that can be associated with their mental health
conditions.

In mental health settings, AHPs are specifically employed to support people experiencing mental health conditions

Physiotherapists provide preventative health interventions, physiotherapeutic treatment, and individualised exercise/rehabilitation programs to optimise wellbeing, promote
independence, functional movement and physical activity.

What can AHPs offer in mental health settings?