Why be a Physiotherapist?

Chronic musculoskeletal conditions bring illness, pain and disability to approximately one in three Australians*. Many other people suffer injuries from which they need help from experts to recover.

Physiotherapists have the power to bring physical relief to these people with hands-on treatment, but they also provide emotional support and self-help strategies that empower their clients to improve their own health, strength and quality of life.

Read on for a few more reasons why this is a top-notch career:

Excellent job prospects

Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are a national health priority area in Australia and with the National Disability Insurance Scheme well established, there is increasing demand for physiotherapists. According to the Australian Government Job Outlook, the number of physiotherapists will continue to grow very strongly until at least 2023.

 

Location-independent

Physiotherapists can find work in most areas of the country, and because Australian physiotherapists are highly-regarded globally, you will also find opportunities to work overseas.

 

Therapeutic touch

Few professions use touch to heal in such a way as a physiotherapist. Through the power of your hands you will reduce pain, help move, and build strength, flexibility and power in your clients.

 

Interesting specialties

Physiotherapists keep people moving through many different specialties. You could work with a national sporting team, in rehabilitation, in pregnancy and post-partum care, or with the elderly. You might supplement your skills going into research and education.

 

Huge job satisfaction

Physiotherapy is a profession where you will constantly learn new things and help people. It will always be rewarding to see clients reach their goals.

 

Workplace variety

Workplaces include hospitals, private practice, schools, community health centres, gyms and nursing homes. Many physiotherapists work from their own homes and some have also started to work online, delivering treatments to patients in remote areas.

 

First contact professionals

Many people decide to visit physiotherapists without a medical referral which is a mark of the high regard and trust the profession is held in by society.

 

Professional and personal development

As a constantly evolving profession physiotherapists have infinite development opportunities. It is also a way to improve personally, through developing your socio-cultural and communication skills.

 

Advocate for the voiceless

You will sometimes find yourself in a position where you can speak up for people who find it hard to be heard, for example, people from marginalised communities, the elderly, disabled people, and children and young adults.

 

Holistic and a people-centred practice

Physiotherapists look further than anatomy, physiology and pathology to see the person as a whole thinking, feeling, emotional being. Great physiotherapists inspire their clients to live healthier lives and to persevere, even if hurdles seem insurmountable.

Find out more about studying Physiotherapy at UTS