Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists assess, treat and prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease.

**Indicative skill level:**

#### In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

**Tasks include:**

- administering muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests to identify and assess physical problems of patients - designing treatment programs to address patients' problems - treating patients to reduce pain, improve circulation, strengthen muscles, improve cardiothoracic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, restore joint mobility, and improve balance and coordination - using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, massage, manipulation, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultraviolet and infra-red light and ultrasound in the treatment of patients - reviewing, continually monitoring, assessing and evaluating programs and treatments - consulting with other Health Professionals as required about patients' problems, needs and progress - instructing patients and their families in procedures to be continued at home - recording treatments given and patients' responses and progress - developing and implementing screening and preventative health promotion programs