Typical tasks and duties

Physiotherapist may perform the following tasks:

• assess the physical condition of patients to diagnose problems and plan appropriate treatment
• use a range of techniques to strengthen and stretch muscles and joints to improve patient mobility (such as massage, hydrotherapy, breathing and relaxation techniques)
• perform spinal and peripheral joint mobilisation and manipulation
• use equipment such as heat packs, ice packs, exercise equipment, ultrasound and electrotherapy to ease pain, reduce swelling and improve range of movement
• retrain patients to walk or teach them to use devices such as walking frames, splints, crutches and wheelchairs
• educate patients, their families and the community to prevent injury and disability and to lead healthy lifestyles
• plan and implement community fitness programmes
• maintain patient records.