252511 PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Alternative Title: Physical Therapist
Assesses, treats and prevents disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease. Registration or licensing is required.
Skill Level: 1
Specialisations:
Aquatic Physiotherapist
Cardiothoracic Physiotherapist
Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Gerentological Physiotherapist
Maori Physiotherapist (NZ)
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Neurological Physiotherapist
Occupational Health Physiotherapist
Paediatric Physiotherapist
Sports Physiotherapist
Indicative Skill Level:
In Australia and New Zealand:
Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
Registration or licensing is required.
Tasks Include:
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Administering muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests to identify and assess physical problems of patients
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Designing treatment programs to address patients’ problems
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Treating patients to reduce pain, improve circulation, strengthen muscles, improve cardiothoracic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, restore joint mobility, and improve balance and coordination
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Using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, massage, manipulation, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultraviolet and infra-red light and ultrasound in the treatment of patients
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Reviewing, continually monitoring, assessing and evaluating programs and treatments
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Consulting with other health professionals as required about patients’ problems, needs and progress
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Instructing patients and their families in procedures to be continued at home
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Recording treatments given and patients’ responses and progress
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Developing and implementing screening and preventative health promotion programs