Physiotherapist
The job of a physiotherapist
A physiotherapist provides medically prescribed treatment and plays a major role in the rehabilitation of patients following surgery or a trauma. He or she also treats the effects of ageing on patients through massage and specially adapted exercises. Physiotherapy is a particularly broad field, since it treats the following systems:
- Respiratory (asthma, bronchiolitis, etc.)
- Cardiovascular (post infarction, arteritis, etc.)
- Neurological (hemiplegia, balance disorders, Parkinson’s disease, etc.)
- Orthopaedic (joint pain, trauma).
The physiotherapist generally performs manual or instrumental adjustments intended to prevent, restore or compensate for the impairment of the patient’s functional abilities. Their objective is to develop or maintain patient autonomy.
Therefore, they work closely with various other specialists including sports doctors, orthopaedic surgeons and geriatricians. Their work is part of a multidisciplinary teamwork approach aimed at holistic patient rehabilitation.
What skills are required?
The physiotherapist holds a state diploma. A specialist in anatomy, the physiotherapist also has in-depth knowledge of the major physiological functions. They have to be demanding to ensure that objectives are met, while simultaneously being attentive to patients. Working naturally with other health professionals, the physiotherapist appreciates a challenge, given the variety of cases that are dealt with in a healthcare facility.
