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What is Physiotherapy
Direct Access
Physiotherapists have direct access in all provinces in Canada. This
has long been the case in 9 out of 10 provinces, with the last of
the provinces, Newfoundland, gaining direct access in 1999. Like
medicine, dentistry and chiropractic, physiotherapy is a
self-regulating profession.
Scope of Practice
The practice of physiotherapists focuses on the prevention and
management of injury, disease or disorders that produce impairment,
functional limitation or disability. Physiotherapists have the
professional skills to conduct a thorough assessment of individuals
using detailed history-taking and specific tests and measures for
screening and monitoring. By conducting this thorough assessment and
using clinical reasoning, physiotherapists are then able to
establish a physiotherapy diagnosis and determine the best means of
intervention. The specific intervention plan is based on the
diagnosis and the client's goals and may involve various methods of
mobilization and manipulation therapy, as well as the use of such
modalities as heat or cold, water packs, exercise rehabilitation and
electrotherapy, all in conjunction with client education.
Interpretation of X-rays
Since physiotherapists work within the health care system, they work
closely with those skilled in taking and interpreting X-rays. As
such, it could be seen as unnecessary duplication of resources to
include X-ray interpretation within the physiotherapist's scope of
practice.
Physiotherapy and 'Back Pain'
Physiotherapists are committed to the delivery of safe and effective
health care. In the treatment of back pain and other spinal
conditions, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain, regain mobility
and maximum functional potential using a variety of interventions.
This may include manipulation. Manipulation is a tool used by
physiotherapists in selected patients for specific conditions to
improve mobility of a specific joint.
Physiotherapists are well aware of the risks
associated with manipulation, and take every precaution to screen
out patients who may be at risk. They conduct a thorough assessment
before manipulation, and reassess immediately after. The preliminary
assessment includes a detailed history, tests and evaluation to rule
out known facts that increase risk.
Education
Physiotherapists have extensive academic and clinical education in
health science faculties at major universities across Canada. The
curriculum includes the study of anatomy, biomechanics, physiology,
pathology, function and physical assessment, as well as clinical
management, using a variety of approaches including therapeutic
exercise, neuromuscular facilitation techniques and manual therapy,
including manipulation. The Orthopedic Division of the Canadian
Physiotherapy Association also offers an extensive, standardized
post-graduate clinical program in manual therapy and manipulation.
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