Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of physical injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including the skeletal structure, joints, ligaments, and muscles. If you’re thinking about studying physiotherapy, you might be interested in knowing whether it makes sense as a career option or if there are any downsides to consider before you decide on this career path. In this article, I’m going to give you an honest and informative overview of what it’s like to be a physiotherapist along with some key considerations you should think about before deciding on this career path.
Table of Contents
The History of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are experts at treating and managing pain, injuries, and other physical problems. The word physiotherapy is derived from the Greek words for nature and therapy. The first known mention of physiotherapists was found in 1876 when they were tasked with treating wounded soldiers during the Russo-Turkish War. The profession continued to grow as different countries established formalized education programs.
Today, physiotherapists work with many populations, such as children with cerebral palsy or athletes recovering from injuries. They are often employed by hospitals, clinics, or private practices where they can specialize in a specific area like sports medicine or geriatric care.
Duties and Responsibilities
Physiotherapists work with people who have been injured or are experiencing pain and discomfort. A physiotherapist can assess the situation, diagnose the problem and develop a plan to manage the pain, which may involve rehabilitation exercises or advice on lifestyle changes.
Physiotherapists typically need an undergraduate degree in physical therapy. During training, they will learn about anatomy and physiology, how to conduct assessments, and identify problems for clients. They will also be trained on how to develop treatment plans that include exercise programs, manual therapy techniques, and home care instructions.
Financial Benefits
Physiotherapists have the opportunity to do what they love while also earning a good living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physiotherapists is $68,640 per year. Plus, many benefits come with being employed by various companies such as 401k matching and bonuses for meeting certain goals. Being self-employed has its perks too – you can set your hours, work when you want, and make as much or little money as you want. The flexibility that comes with working as a freelancer is great, but it doesn’t always provide the same stability. While some employers offer health insurance and retirement options, freelancers must pay these out of pocket if they don’t have insurance through their spouse’s employer.
Educational Requirements
Physiotherapists usually have a bachelor of science degree in physiotherapy, which requires four years of study. After completing their degree, they will then be required to complete an internship that lasts one year. The next step is passing the national registration exam and receiving their license as registered physiotherapists. The average starting salary for new graduates ranges from 5,40000-7,0000 per year (depending on experience). However, once they’ve been practicing for ten years or more, they can earn up to 11,0000 annually.
Job Outlook and Demand
The number of jobs for physiotherapists is expected to grow by 25% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all professions, which is 7%. This means that there will be many opportunities for new graduates and experienced professionals alike.
There are currently around 190,000 people employed as physiotherapists in the United States. It’s also important to note that the median salary for these workers is $66,140 per year. That number can vary depending on where you work and your level of experience. Entry-level salaries can be as low as $34,000 or high as $97,810 while mid-career salaries range from $54,400 to $95,600. A bonus: Occupational therapists tend to have more job security because they’re needed in so many different environments (hospitals, clinics, private practices).
Interesting Facts About A Career in Physiotherapy
A career in physiotherapy can be quite rewarding and challenging at the same time.
It is often seen as one of the most important professions for physical health and well-being, especially for seniors, children, and disabled persons.
Unlike other careers that require you to have a university degree, you can start working as a physiotherapist with no academic qualifications whatsoever.
The average salary of a physiotherapist is around 25k – 55k per year depending on experience and location.
There are many different types of physiotherapists out there such as sports therapists, orthopedic specialists, neurologists, and cardiologists which means that you’re not limited to just one field but can explore your options if you wish to.
A Day In The Life Of A Physiotherapist
A typical day for a physiotherapist might look like this:
-The first thing we do when we arrive at the office is greeted our patients and find out about their current condition.
-Then, we examine the patient and take x-rays as needed.
-Next, we make some recommendations for treatment and write up a treatment plan.
-Physiotherapy treatments may include things like ultrasound or electrical stimulation therapy, massage therapy, or stretching exercises.
-If it seems appropriate to us, we will recommend that the patient see a chiropractor or a specialist of some kind. We also often collaborate with other professionals who can provide additional expertise.
A few more things you need to know:
Some of these are common misconceptions about being a physiotherapist: -We don’t just deal with old people; many of our clients are young athletes looking for rehabilitation after injuries. And because chronic pain affects so many people in Canada now, there are lots of older adults coming in too.