Physiotherapy plays a vital part in helping patients maximise their health and mobility. Physiotherapists and their assistants deal with a variety of cases, from sports injuries to age-related illnesses, and provide health-related advice that will lead to an improved lifestyle.
The work involves using a variety of tools to help clients gain mobility, including props, hydrotherapy pools and specially adapted gyms. As a patient’s progress can be slow, the work calls for caring, supportive workers with a good deal of patience. Written and verbal skills are also important, as the job involves regular communication with other health professionals
The NHS provides the majority of the work but there are also positions with privately-run centres. Once trained, it is possible to specialise in a particular area, such as paediatrics, occupational health, sports injuries or elderly care. Physiotherapists, who must hold a degree in physiotherapy, receive starting salaries of between £19,000 and £25,000. Assistants normally need to have at least four GCSEs and start on £13,600, rising to £21,800 with experience. Heads of department earn salaries in the region of £28,000 to £56,000.

• Being patient and respectful
• Being physically fit and strong
• Being sensitive and kind
• Endurance and flexibility
• Mentoring and teamwork
• Motivation and communication
• Multitasking and networking
• Organisation and administration
• Stress management and listening
• Using discretion and humour
• Using initiative and patience

There are many certifications in Physiotherapy that can help persons who are interested. These must be Health Professions Council (HPC) recognised and accepted. This may include the BTEC, NVQ, or other Diploma courses. Subjects that are relevant for this area include:
•    Biological Science
•    Psychology
•    Sports Science
•    Applied Science
•    Health Science
•    Massage
•    Anatomy and Physiology
Some professionals work as Assistants and then complete their training and become official Physiotherapists. Many of these programmes will also assist in placing their students in intern programmes or in the NHS. At the highest level, qualifications may be used to pursue research, teaching or management positions.