Physiotherapy: A Flourishing Career Option

Physiotherapy or physical therapy is a flourishing career option in healthcare sector in USA, Canada, UAE, Australia, India and many other countries. It is a branch of medical science and deals with preventive and remedial procedures for the treatment of disease and disability through various physical exercises and therapeutic intervention techniques such as Heat Radiation, Water Therapy (Hydrotherapy), Body Massage, Short Wave Diathermy (SWD), Traction Manual Therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), Ultrasound Technique, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Manipulation, Acupuncture, Use of Different Types of Rays like Infra-Red, Ultraviolet Rays etc.

Physiotherapy is highly recommended by doctors for physically challenged people; sportspersons; amputees; people with severe disabilities, people with neurological disorders and people suffering from similar kinds of problems. This form of treatment is becoming very popular because it has no side effects at all.

Career as a physiotherapist is challenging and at times it can become physically strenuous. But it is a highly lucrative career and compensation is very good in countries like Australia, U.K. and USA. Career opportunities are also plenty and they can work in wide areas like sports centres and clubs, private and public hospitals, community health centres and clinics, rehabilitation centers, corporate offices, fitness centers, healthcare companies, centers for physically and mentally challenged people, mental health centers; old age homes and universities and colleges.

You need to have minimum a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT), which is a four year course, to practice as a professional physiotherapist. Ambitious students can pursue a Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) course which is of two year duration and then a PhD in Physiotherapy of three years duration. Candidates with higher academic qualifications are recruited by well known healthcare firms for high profile jobs at hefty compensation packages.

There are several medical colleges and private institutes which offer a course in physiotherapy. Specializations available for MPT and PhD are Sports Physiotherapy; Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Orthopedics); Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy; Neurological Physiotherapy; Geriatric Physiotherapy; and Pediatric physiotherapy. This specialization will be an added advantage for professional physiotherapists who are looking for work in a specific branch of medicine.