A physiotherapist or physical therapist (PT) is a movement specialist. They get people moving when they are coping with injury, medical conditions, disease or aging. Physiotherapists will help individuals restore or maintain movement, prevent injury, and promote fitness, health and wellness.
What do physiotherapists do?
- Assess, diagnose and treat difficulties with movement
- Help people prevent and manage pain
- Create customized plans to improve mobility for daily life
- Prescribe therapeutic exercise
- Use education and a variety of techniques and equipment to help people stay well or improve their physical health
Where do physiotherapists work?
Physiotherapists work in interdisciplinary teams or as independent practitioners they work closely with other health providers.
- Hospitals, health care centres and rehabilitation centres
- Long-term care and supportive living facilities
- People’s homes
- Schools
- Community clinics and other community settings
- Primary Care and Family Care Clinics
- Workplaces
- Education and research centres
Physiotherapists at AHS
Alberta Health Services employs nearly 1000 physiotherapists. Many more physiotherapists work in Alberta communities; some of these are contracted by Alberta Health Services to provide services.
What are the credentials of a physiotherapist?
- Physiotherapists must have a bachelor or master’s degree in physiotherapy
- They must have passed the national Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE)
- They must be registered with Physiotherapy Alberta: College + Association
Related Resources
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