Physiotherapy‏ as a Career

Overview :  Physiotherapy alias physical therapy, one of the fastest-growing allied area of medicine, is the system of treatment of disease and disability using physical exercises. It is the most important rehabilitative service needed in a community and a vital therapeutic supplement of the medical profession, integral to the treatment of most patients.

Physiotherapy may be defined as a science that seeks to improve movement dysfunction, promote optimal health and functions of the human body. Physiotherapy helps in optimal functioning of the body. It involves the assessment, maintenance, restoration of the physical function and performance of the body and is strongly recommended for people with degenerative disorders, the physically challenged, sportspeople and those suffering from arthritis and neurological disorders. This preventive and remedial procedure is very often used as a supplement with oral medicines. It could also include heat radiation, water therapy, massages, diathermy, traction and other procedures.

Physiotherapists are as essential as doctors in helping recover and rehabilitate a patient from a state of incapacity, due to genetic defect or the result of an accident or an illness. They must have a thorough knowledge of the human anatomy and the way the bones, muscles and nerves move. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of ailments, so specialization is possible in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports physical therapy, neurology, clinical electrophysiologic and cardiopulmonary therapy.

Physiotherapists use various therapeutic intervention techniques to treat a patient. Some of the them are Manual Therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation used to control pain), Ultrasound Technique, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Manipulation, Acupuncture etc. Although the work of a physiotherapist may tend to be physically very strenuous as it involves physically lifting and supporting patients, their profession brings with it much satisfaction, since it involves relieving patients of pain and helping them recover from specific physical ailments.

Is it the Right Career for Me? As any career counselor would suggest, go for a career which suits and matches to your flair and the same is true in physiotherapy too. Candidates looking for making a career in physiotherapy should do various research and analysis before opting out for a course in physiotherapy. Moreover, it is equally essential that it is what you want to do in your life. From the perspective of earning, physiotherapy is not a bad option; therefore one does not need to worry about it.

Job is quite challenging for a physiotherapist but is profitable too. Moreover, they are qualified to perform physical examination and conduct assessments to detect a diagnosis process. In order to treat dysfunction and monitoring of treatment they select appropriate physical therapy interventions. A successful Physiotherapist uses various therapeutic intervention techniques to treat a patient in the best possible manner.

Positives/Negatives : At times aspirants may think that it is not attractive as that of software engineering or medical science or law; however, the physiotherapist’s job offers job satisfaction. Therefore, if you are looking for job satisfaction, opt for physiotherapist’s job. Nonetheless, salary packages too are not so low that it may sound unattractive. A lot of earning potential depends on the person and knowledge of Physiotherapy.

Despite a challenging task ahead a candidate can carve a niche for himself with excellent knowledge of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Exercise Therapy, Physiology, Electrotherapy, Physical Fitness & Yoga, Pharmacology, Kinesio- Therapeutics, Psychology & Psychiatry, Pathology, Microbiology, etc. An effective method to carve a niche in the profession is to offer something positive and effective as well as suitable.

Educational Requirements: In order to work as a physical therapist, one must first graduate from a physical therapist educational program with a master's or doctoral degree. Coursework includes biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as specialized courses such as bio mechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, manifestations of disease, examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures.

Students with a science background can opt for a career in physiotherapy. To become a practicing physiotherapist or be employed as a professional in a hospital or clinic, one should have a B.Sc. degree . One could also go in for post graduation.

The basic eligibility for courses in physiotherapy is 10+2 passed or equivalent examination with physics, chemistry, biology and English.

Course Duration : Degree level courses in physiotherapy generally range from 3 to 4 years. For a Degree Level course, the last six months involves an internship period at a hospital.

Personal Attributes : Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary for the job of a physiotherapist because it is very people oriented. To be a good physiotherapist, one needs an above average analytical and logical reasoning skill, scientific reasoning and problem solving skill, ability to memorize and recall scientific facts, manual dexterity and physical stamina to work long hours, patience and understanding of people, a sympathetic approach towards the patients, a keen desire to help people live their normal lives, must be level headed to deal with emergencies in work conditions, strength of mind and purpose, team spirit, good observation power, ability to instill confidence and courage in patients.These attributes together with a thorough knowledge of the human anatomy are the makings of a successful physiotherapist. The work demands an organized and systematic way of working. Working as per the directions of doctors, keeping record of the work done and technical precision are important in the profession.

Job Prospects: Employment opportunities for physiotherapists are tremendous as it is a career where the demand exceeds supply. physiotherapists can work in hospitals, orthopedic departments, rehabilitation centers for the handicapped, schools for the mentally retarded and physically disabled children, health institutions and defense medical establishments. Physiotherapists can also opt for teaching, while those with adequate capital can establish private clinics of their own.

The demand for physiotherapists in the country as well as abroad is immense. They are in great demand in  USA, Canada and Australia.

Institutes & Colleges in India: India houses a number of physiotherapy colleges and institutes which offer bachelors and masters degree. Top 10 physiotherapy colleges in India are as follows:

  • Beachwood College of Physiotherapy, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
  • New Citizen Town, Qasimabad , Hyderabad (Hyderabad Dist.) - 500003
  • I.P.S. Institute, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, New Delhi (Delhi)
  • Little Flower Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Angamaly (Kerala)
  • Mesco Vocational Junior College, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
  • All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
  • Apollo College, Durg (Chhattisgarh) opp. Veterinary college,Anjora , Durg (Durg Dist.) - 491001
  • Apollo College Of Medical Sciences , Jubilee Hills , Hyderabad (Hyderabad Dist.) - 500034
  • B.S. College of Physiotherapy, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
  • Chennai Medical College : College of Nursing, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
  • Government College of Physiotherapy, Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu)
  • Institute of Health Sciences, Mangalore (Karnataka) A.R.Shetty Circle
  • Karnataka College of Physiotherapy, Mangalore (Karnataka)
  • Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (Karnataka)
  • M.N.R. Sanjeevani College of Physiotherapy, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Medical Trust Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi (Kerala)
  • National Institute of Physiotherapy and Communication Disorders, Patna (Bihar)
  • Shadan Junior College For Boys, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) 
  • Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Christian Medical College, Nellore (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Deccan College Of Medical Sciences college of Physiotheraphy (DCMS), Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
  • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road,Sion , Mumbai (Mumbai Dist.) - 400022
  • Manavrahat Institute of Physiotherapy, Sangli (Maharashtra)
  • MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra)
  • School of Physiotherapy, KEM Hospital, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
  • Seth G.S.Medical College and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
  • Smt. Radhikabai Meghe Memorial Medical Trusts Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Wardha (Maharashtra)
  • Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
  • M.S. (Maharaja Sayajirao) University of Baroda : Faculty of Medicine, Vadodara (Gujarat)
  • School of Physiotherapy, Anand (Gujarat)
  • Chennai Medical College : College of Nursing, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
  • Alvas College of Physiotherapy, Moodbidri (Karnataka)
  • Capital Education Trust (R), Bangalore (Karnataka)
  • City Hospital Charitable Trusts College of Physiotherapy, Mangalore (Karnataka)
  • College of Allied Health Sciences : Manipal University, Manipal (Karnataka)
  • College of Physiotherapy : Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
  • Dr. B.R. (Bhim Rao) Ambedkar Medical College Hospital, Bangalore (Karnataka)
  • Dr. M.V. Shetty College of Physiotherapy (Dr.M.V.Shetty Memorial Trust Colleges), Mangalore (Karnataka)
  • Father Mullers Institute of Medical Education and Research, Mangalore (Karnataka)
  • Florence College of Physiotherapy, Bangalore (Karnataka)
  • Garden City College of Science and Management Studies, Bangalore (Karnataka)
  • Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (Punjab)
  • Institute of Health Sciences, Mangalore (Karnataka)
  • K.L.E. Societys College of Pharmacy (Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College), Belgaum (Karnataka)
  • St. Johns Pharmacy College, Bangalore (Karnataka)
  • The Oxford College of Physiotherapy, Bangalore (Karnataka)

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