Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession focused on enhancing and restoring physical function and mobility through various therapeutic interventions.
Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, disability, ageing and frailty through movement, exercise, manual therapy and advice. Physiotherapists enable people to improve their physical health and activity, taking a holistic approach, involving people directly in their own care.
Training
You will need to complete an undergraduate degree in physiotherapy at university. Alternatively, you may be eligible to apply for a degree-level apprenticeship, or could complete a postgraduate degree in physiotherapy if you already have a minimum 2:1 degree or higher.
Once qualified, you could specialise in a particular area such as sports injuries, critical care, or work with the elderly, children or cancer patients.
Regulation
To work as a physiotherapist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the regulator for allied health professionals which is overseen by the Professional Standards Authority. The titles 'physiotherapist' and 'physical therapist' are protected by law in the UK.
Professional body
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is the professional body and trade union for physiotherapists in the UK.