proud to be a physiotherapist

Abstract 

Physical therapists work in different medical and related settings and serve to maintain and restore functional capability. Pakistan has a disability rate of 2.65% with a total of around 5.035 million disabled people. Physical therapy as a profession started in 1956 at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre with a 2-year diploma, later on 4 years bachelors programme was also started. In 2008, doctor of physical therapy programme was initiated. The representative body "Pakistan Physical Therapy Association" was also established in 2008 which then joined the World Confederation for Physical Therapy in 2011. There is plenty of work being done in the field and it has seen a rapid growth in the past decade compared to the last 50 years. Currently, there are 69 institutions in Pakistan offering various physical therapy courses. The profession currently requires an autonomous regulatory body to control its educational curriculum and development as well as safeguard its interests.

INTRODUCTION ;

Physical therapy provides services to maintain, develop, and restore maximum movement and functional ability. Physical therapists or physiotherapists are the health-care professionals that may develop and implement programmes for prevention and screening of common physical disorders and ailments.Areas of practice for physical therapists include outpatient department, orthopaedics, geriatric health, cardiac rehabilitation, women's health, occupational health, intensive care, sports, neurological and paediatric rehabilitation.
Physical therapy is a very ancient field with some forms of it practiced around 3000 years ago4 but in 1813, it was introduced as a profession which was further seeded by the establishment of Chartered Society of Physical Therapy (CSP) and initiation of physical therapy schools and courses in the western world.  Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the latest development in the field as a step towards professional identity and autonomy initiated in 1993 in the United States and later, followed by Pakistan. Moreover, globally it is represented by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT), established in 1951 with 160 member countries

 

Definition of physiotherapy - 

the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drug and surgery

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession aimed at changing and improving the mobility, physical independence and quality of life. It focuses on treating a variety of conditions including but not limited to Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Cardio-Respiratory, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Women Health and Sports Injuries.

Physiotherapists work with patients varying in age, athletic ability and activity level, and are responsible for treating a wide spectrum of health conditions – both acute & chronic.

Physiotherapy diagnosis is based on principles of clinical decision making through examination, evaluation, prognosis, interventions and outcome evaluation. They are an important part of healthcare team, who work directly with the patients ensuring their recovery after surgery, injury, fracture or other acquired disability. Patients suffering from chronic conditions such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Joint Pain, Cancer and Neurological disorder like Parkinson-ism and Stroke also require consult from a trained Physiotherapist.

People who want to adopt Physiotherapy as a career are required to go through a 5 year Doctor of Physiotherapy [ DPT ] program.

Doctor of Physiotherapy is a highly respected and sought after professional degree the world over. With the world wide population increasing steadily, DPT is one those of those qualifications that will remain in high demand the world over for years to come.

ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN MODERN HEALTHCARE

Physiotherapists are an important part of healthcare team, educated and clinically trained to perform a number of special tests and measures to assess any physical impairment or dysfunction, and identifying the underlying pathology and functional limitations. They provide a physical therapy diagnosis listing the impairments and limitations which may impact quality of life, formulate an effective international plan based on short term or long term goals to prevent disability, promote health & wellness and maximize the physical functioning.