Introduction

Physiotherapy is a professional, highly credible and natural medical treatment option offered to all Australians to improve quality of life. The primary focus of physiotherapy is the restoration of function. Physiotherapists assess and diagnose the problem, then plan and administer treatment programs that aim to restore function or minimise dysfunction after disease or injury.

Physiotherapists strive to improve an individual's quality of life by physical means. A combination of manual therapy, movement training and physical and electrophysical agents is used to achieve this.

Adequate education provided to Australians will lead to the prevention of many physical problems and this is a priority area for physiotherapists.

Your Physiotherapist

Australian physiotherapists are registered health care professionals with university qualifications.

Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems. Physiotherapists also help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.

Physiotherapy includes a wide range of specialities that meet the health needs of different people such as babies and children, sports people, pregnant women, injured workers and senior citizens.

Physiotherapy programs are based on practical goals agreed between the physiotherapist and the client. Physiotherapists help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle.

When necessary, physiotherapists will consult with a client's doctor to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.

Choosing a Physiotherapist

All physiotherapists registered to practise in Australia are qualified to provide safe, effective health care.

Physiotherapists who are members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) make an extra commitment to quality health care. APA physiotherapists are required to undertake continuing professional development programs to keep themselves up to date and to abide by a Code of Conduct which sets out expected standards of professional conduct. These are important commitments to quality health care and are important points to remember when you are choosing your physiotherapist.

Many APA members also have further qualifications and expertise in special areas of physiotherapy practice eg paediatrics, women's health, gerontology, continence, manipulation therapy, hydrotherapy, cardiothoracic therapy, ergonomics and occupational health, sports medicine, neurology and orthopaedics.

What is the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)?

The Australian Physiotherapy Association is the sole organisation that represents Australian physiotherapists. The APA has around 10,000 members.

Physiotherapists who are members of the APA make an extra commitment to professional accountability because they required to do professional development courses and uphold standards of conduct as set out in the APA Code of Conduct.

What can you expect from a Physiotherapist?

You can expect your physiotherapist to:

• deliver a professional service
• discuss your treatment options and agree on some treatment goals with you
• provide information about your physiotherapy program
• explain specific treatments to you
• respect your rights, dignity, privacy, feelings and cultural customs
• respect the confidentiality of your professional relationship
• communicate with your doctor if necessary
  

Further Information?

You can get further and more detailed information at the APA website: www.physiotherapy.asn.au