Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession aimed at changing and improving the mobility, physical independence and quality of life. It focuses on treating a variety of conditions including but not limited to Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Cardio-Respiratory, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Women Health and Sports Injuries.
Physiotherapists work with patients varying in age, athletic ability and activity level, and are responsible for treating a wide spectrum of health conditions – both acute & chronic.
Physiotherapy diagnosis is based on principles of clinical decision making through examination, evaluation, prognosis, interventions and outcome evaluation. They are an important part of healthcare team, who work directly with the patients ensuring their recovery after surgery, injury, fracture or other acquired disability. Patients suffering from chronic conditions such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Joint Pain, Cancer and Neurological disorder like Parkinsonism and Stroke also require consult from a trained Physiotherapist.
People who want to adopt Physiotherapy as a career are required to go through a 5 year Doctor of Physiotherapy [ DPT ] program.
Doctor of Physiotherapy is a highly respected and sought after professional degree the world over. With the world wide population increasing steadily, DPT is one those of those qualifications that will remain in high demand the world over for years to come.
Role of Physiotherapists in Modern Healthcare
Physiotherapists are an important part of healthcare team, educated and clinically trained to perform a number of special tests and measures to assess any physical impairment or dysfunction, and identifying the underlying pathology and functional limitations. They provide a physical therapy diagnosis listing the impairments and limitations which may impact quality of life, formulate an effective interventional plan based on short term or long term goals to prevent disability, promote health & wellness and maximize the physical functioning.
Who Should Study?
Students who are interested in life sciences, believe in diversity of profession, want a professional career that is more than a job and also wish to make a difference in people’s life should adopt this profession. Like Specialist Physicians (MBBS with specialization in one of the fields), Physiotherapists are Rehabilitation Professionals who also work directly with the patients ensuring their recovery after surgery, injury, fracture or other acquired disabilities.
Career Prospects
- Public Sector (Grade 17 scale jobs)
- Private Hospitals
- Private clinics
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation centers
- NGOs
- Aid Agencies & organizations
- Sports clubs & teams
- Research
- Academia
- Medical Technology companies
- International job placement
Course and Semester Details
The Doctor of Physiotherapy is a 5-year under graduate professional degree program approved by the Board of Advanced Studies and endorsed by HEC, equivalent to 17 years of education. A fair amount of course work is completed by carrying out hands-on training on real patients in the University Clinical Skills Center and at Physiotherapy department of the hospitals and clinics that are part of the University’s network.