Is Physiotherapy a Good Career Option?

The job of a physiotherapist demands responsibility, sincerity, self-confidence and distinct skills and only by perfecting and honing those skills in everyday work, one can establish oneself as successful.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is one of the most ancient methods of treatment of pain and various musculoskeletal disorders. It requires a sound understanding of body posture, balance, and movement and is done to cure injury and diseases through physical exercise, and massage over surgery and medication.

Who are Physiotherapists?

Physiotherapists are clinical professionals who help patients by reducing their pain and the dysfunction of some body parts through certain exercise, massage and techniques. They help patients suffering from physical problems due to injury, disease, illness, and ageing to live a normal life. Therefore, their chief aim is to improve a patient's quality of life by using various modes of exercise, physical movement and massage. No doubt, their methods of treatment alleviate pain, restore the function of different body parts and retain their agility. Again, in case of permanent injury or disease, the physiotherapists’ task is to lessen the effects of dysfunction of any body part.

Necessary Skills Required to be a Physiotherapist

In-depth knowledge of the subject and dedication to the job are the foremost skills required to be a physiotherapist. The job of a physiotherapist demands responsibility, sincerity, self-confidence and distinct skills and only by perfecting and honing those skills in everyday work, one can establish oneself as successful. Here, we have tried to assimilate the skills needed to be a successful physiotherapist:

Eligibility Criteria to pursue Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a specialized professional course which requires years of study and rigorous training for hours. To be eligible to study four and a half years Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT), the candidates need to sit for the Common Entrance Test (CET) and All India Medical Entrance Examination (AIMEE). Some medical Universities and unaided medical colleges conduct their own examinations. Besides, they must have passed 10+2 Board Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology as subjects and at least 50% marks in the aggregate.

Again, to pursue two years postgraduate course (MPT) in Physiotherapy, the candidates must have completed BPT from any recognised university. They further, need to appear for CET, JIPMER and GGS Indraprastha University Examination.

Here, we have tabularized the examination and eligibility criteria:

Physiotherapy Course Structure

The duration of the BPT course is four and half years. In these four years, the students acquire theoretical as well as practical knowledge on subjects like:

• Anatomy
• Cytology
• Medical Conditions of the Human body
• Injuries and Surgery Condition
• Training on the procedures of therapy
• Pharmacology
• Pathology
• Disability prevention and rehabilitation.

They have to undergo an internship programme for 6 months.

MPT is a specialized course of two years’ duration on physiotherapy. The candidates can pursue Neuro-physiotherapy, Sports Physiotherapy, Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, and Physiotherapy in Hand Conditions etc. Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai offers MPT in

• Musculoskeletal Sciences
• Neurosciences
• Cardio-respiratory Sciences
• Physical Therapy in Community Health Sciences
• Physiotherapy Sciences in medical and surgical care

Expertise Acquired by a Candidate while pursuing MPT

While pursuing MPT, the candidates acquire acumen in several fields. These areas are listed below:

• Screening, Planning and Diagnosing
• Organizing and Enterprising
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Preventive and Therapeutic Interventions
• Research and Innovation
• Massage and Exercise Therapy
• Bio-mechanics
• Physio-Technical Applications

Job Profile of a Physiotherapist

With his acumen and proficiency, the physiotherapist offers treatment for pain, trauma, and the dysfunction of different body parts. As per his specialization during post graduation, he may work as 1. Cardio-Pulmonary Physiotherapist,          

            2. Orthopaedic Physiotherapist

            3. Sports Physiotherapist

            4. Obstetric Physiotherapist

            5. Geriatric Physiotherapist

            6. Paediatric Physiotherapist

            7. Neurological Physiotherapist

            8. Clinical Electro-physiotherapist

The job of a physiotherapist is to listen carefully to the problems of the patients. With his expertise, he carries out a thorough check up of the patient and tailors his therapy. He may help him undergo certain exercises that would relieve his pain or he may apply certain methods of treatment such as:

• Massage to ease soft tissue pain
• Mobilization or manipulation of joints
• Exercises to strengthen weak areas
• Use Cold to reduce inflammation
• Use Heat to increase circulation
• Ultrasound therapy to ease muscle spasms
• Electrical stimulation to help muscles contract that cannot do so effectively on their own

A physiotherapist also assists patients, suffering from orthopaedic trauma, to begin normal walking, or to cope with crutches, walking frames, or wheelchairs. The effective physiotherapy may help patients suffering from chronic back pain, or joint pain to avoid operation

Job Opportunities for a Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist can have a very promising career. At present almost in every house, people are complaining of back pain, joint pain and spine problems. A physiotherapist offers a remedy to these problems and hence he is in great demand. After acquiring his degree (BPT and MPT) a physiotherapist can join hospitals, nursing homes, sports academy, schools, health Centres, Rehabilitation Centres etc. With years, he would acquire experience and may start private practice and set up his own clinic. Again, those who take interest in teaching may join the hospitals and training centres to teach and train the students.

Salary Drawn by a Physiotherapist

Like any other professionals, the income of a physiotherapist too depends upon his skills, techniques and experience. At the initial stage, his salary depends upon his expertise, the institute from where he has got the degree and the location of his workplace. He may draw a salary of Rs. 2-2.5 lakhs per annum at the beginning. But with experience, his income would increase and then he can earn Rs. 4-5 lakhs per annum. He can earn more once he settles down in private practice. Here, is look into the salary drawn by a physiotherapist in the form of a table:

To sum up, we may say that physiotherapy is surely a lucrative career option to those who take an interest in helping people live a normal healthy life.