Physiotherapy Definitions

Physiotherapist

A Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist is a rehabilitation professional who promotes optimal health and functional independence through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or chronic movement dysfunction, physical disability, or pain. A physical therapist is a graduate of a physical or Physiotherapy program approved by a nationally/provincially recognized accrediting body or has achieved the documented equivalent in education, training, or experience; in addition, the therapist must meet any current legal requirements of licensure or registration and be currently competent in the field.

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Physiotherapist Support Personnel
Group 1:

Individuals who have successfully completed and fulfilled all the requirements of a post secondary program designed to educate the participants in acquiring the knowledge, skills and abilities required to assist a physiotherapist in the delivery of a physiotherapy treatment plan. This group most usually has a designation as a Physiotherapist Assistant (PTA).

Group 2:

Individuals who have completed on-the-job training that is Physiotherapy Specific. This may include individuals who may have a diploma or degree in a health- related field such as athletic therapy, individuals who are internationally educated in physiotherapy and have not yet completed their registration process, or workers with no health care background.

The scope of practice of Physiotherapy:

The practice of physiotherapy is the assessment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardio respiratory systems, the diagnosis of diseases or disorders associated with physical dysfunction, injury or pain and the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention or relief of physical dysfunction injury or pain to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function and promote mobility.

Google “Bill 179, The Regulated Health Professions Act Statute Law Amendment Act” for more information go to : http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/legislation/regulated/compendium_regulated_health.pdf

Did you know? * Many Insurance packages include some form of Physiotherapy coverage.