What is Physiotherapy; Who is a Physiotherapist?

WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Physiotherapy is a health care profession, which involves patient evaluation through the administration of physical modalities for preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes.

Physiotherapists perform tests to assess patients; joint motion (goniometry), strength and endurance of muscles (dynamometry), joint stability arthrokinematics), walking (gait) pattern, functional ability (physical work capacity); function of the heart and lungs (cardiorespiratory fitness), integrity of sensation and perception (sensorimotor status), need and use of braces (orthosis and prosthesis), and performance of activities required in daily living.

Physiotherapists administer treatment through the use of techniques and modalities such as: soft tissue mobilization (massage), therapeutic exercise (toincrease strength, endurance, co-ordination and range of joint motion), heat (infra-red radiation, short - wave and microwave diathermies), ultra-violet radiation, ice
(cryotherapy), electricity (transcutaneous electrical stimulation), sound (ultrasound), water (hydrotherapy), direct current to introduce medicinal ions into the skin and mucous membranes (iontophoresis), manual therapy, electro-acupuncture and low level laser.

Physiotherapistsal soprovide educational services to prevent the incidence of physical disability and movement dysfunction. During treatment, the Physiotherapist
monitors the patient's performance and modifies the treatment plan in the light of patient's responses and goals.
Apart from the seservices, Physiotherapists engage in research to develop more effective treatment or methods of evaluation in order to improve patient care. The major areas of focus in current physiotherapy Research studies include:-

• Neuromuscular re-education
• Musculoskeletal re-education
• Cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory research
• Management of acute and chronic pains
• Kinesiological and Biomechanical studies in normal and pathological conditions
• Energy costs in ambulation
• Wound healing, both in chronic and acute stages, and much more.

The are different Disciplines and Specialization in Physiotherapy

WHO IS A PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
A physiotherapist is a person who has gone through a rigorous Academic program in Physiotherapy in a University in Nigeria or Abroad. After which he is conferred with a Bachelors degree (BSc PT or BMR), Master of Physical Thrapy degree (MPT) or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). An internship under the supervision of Senior and Licensed Physiotherapists in Accredited Health Centers follows upon graduation from a School of Physiotherapy. to be fully registered and licensed by the Medical
Rehabilitation Therapist Registration Board of Nigeria (MRTRB) to practice in
Nigeria. Ensure that your attending Therapist is licensed. Every licensed physiotherapist are to display in a conspicuous place in their facility their
current Practice License.

WHERE TO FIND A PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
Licensed Physiotherapists can be found practicing their profession in any of the
following facilities:-

• Teaching hospitals
• Specialist Hospitals such as the National Orthopeadic Hospitals
• General Hospitals across the nation
• Private Hospitals
• Private Physiotherapy Clinics nationwide
• Research Centers
• Sport Medicine Centers nationwide
• Sports complexes/Football Clubs
• Universities offering Physiotherapy academic programs
• Physical Fitness Centers
• Millitary and Industrial Clinics, etc