In the United States, the path to being able to practice as a physiotherapist requires a lot of education and training. They must first earn a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree from a physical therapist education program that is accredited (approved) by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
From there, they must pass the state exam to become licensed.
There are a number of reasons you might see a physiotherapist. Sometimes your doctor will refer you in order to address a specific injury or condition. Other times you will go on your own and get physical therapy.
Some of the most common reasons people see a physiotherapist include:
Chronic health condition: Some chronic health conditions like diabetes can impact mobility and balance.
Following surgery: After surgery, getting up and moving is a very important part of the healing process. If a body part such as a hand, foot, or back were affected, physiotherapy can help the patient regain use or compensate.
Injury: Injuries that leave the patient with a lot of pain or the inability to move can often be addressed through physiotherapy.
Aging: As people age they experience changes in their bodies that impact movement and function. Physiotherapy can help them regain some of that function or teach them how to work with the loss.
Major health crisis: Heart attack, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other health crises can leave a person with great difficulties in normal everyday function. Physiotherapy can help patients regain some or all of that function.
