Potential earnings
£53,057.72
Physiotherapists plan and apply massage, promote and encourage movement and exercise, use hydrotherapy, electro-therapy and other technological equipment in the treatment of a wide range of injuries, diseases and disabilities in order to assist rehabilitation by developing and restoring body systems.
Main tasks
- Monitors patient’s progress and liaises with others concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of patient, and refers patients requiring other specific medical attention.
- Supervises physiotherapy assistants.
- Offers advice and education on how to avoid injury and promote patient’s future health and well-being.
- Explains treatment to and instructs patient in posture and other exercises and adapts treatment as necessary.
- Plans and undertakes therapy to improve circulation, restore joint mobility, strengthen muscles and reduce pain.
- Writes up patients’ case notes and reports, maintains their records and manages caseload.
- Examines medical reports and assesses patient to determine the condition of muscles, nerves or joints in need of treatment.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£36,110.00
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Therapy and Counselling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 2 | 0% |
| Level 3 | 2% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 6% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 65% |
| Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) | 25% |
| Level 8 (Doctorate) | 1% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.