Physiotherapists
- Classification
- Unit
- Major group
- Professionals
Classification
- Major group
- 2Professionals
- Sub-major group
- 25Health Professionals
- Minor group
- 252Health Therapy Professionals
Description
Physiotherapists assess, treat and prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease.
Skill level
Australia
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.
New Zealand
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
Tasks include
- administering muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests to identify and assess physical problems of patients
- designing treatment programs to address patients' problems
- treating patients to reduce pain, improve circulation, strengthen muscles, improve cardiothoracic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, restore joint mobility, and improve balance and coordination
- using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, massage, manipulation, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultraviolet and infra-red light and ultrasound in the treatment of patients
- reviewing, continually monitoring, assessing and evaluating programs and treatments
- consulting with other Health Professionals as required about patients' problems, needs and progress
- instructing patients and their families in procedures to be continued at home
- recording treatments given and patients' responses and progress
- developing and implementing screening and preventative health promotion programs