Physiotherapy is a health profession focused on the scientific understanding of movement and function. According to Sarah Wojkowski, a physiotherapist and Assistant Dean of the Master of Science Physiotherapy Program at McMaster University, the heart of the profession lies in understanding how and why movement and function take place.

The Core of Physiotherapy: Movement and Function

To analyze and address movement limitations, physiotherapists study multiple body systems, which include:

  • The nerves
  • The heart
  • The lungs
  • The bones
  • The muscles

By understanding these interconnected systems, physiotherapists are equipped to analyze how an individual's movement and function are impacted by various factors, such as injuries, diseases, disorders, and lifestyle habits. Ultimately, functional movement—or how the body moves and functions—is recognized as central to what it means to be healthy.

Integrated Care and Diverse Practice Settings

Physiotherapists work as members of collaborative healthcare teams and function as first-contact practitioners. This first-contact designation means that, in most cases, an individual can seek care from a physiotherapist without requiring a referral from another health professional.

Physiotherapists practice across a wide variety of public, private, and community settings, including:

  • Primary care offices
  • Hospitals
  • Private clinics
  • Children's treatment centers
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Sports teams
  • Schools
  • Community settings

Client-Centered Care: The Clinical Process

Physiotherapists deliver client-centered care, which means they work directly with patients to identify their specific healthcare goals, develop a plan, and achieve those goals. They deliver these services in both one-to-one and group settings to address patient needs.

The clinical process of physiotherapy involves:

  • Understanding and identifying needs
  • Creating a clinical diagnosis and plan
  • Implementing a physiotherapy intervention or treatment program

Beyond Clinical Practice: Broader Professional Contributions

Outside of direct clinical patient care, physiotherapists participate in several other professional areas:

  • Supporting public health strategies and health policies
  • Advocating for patients, families, and communities
  • Teaching
  • Research

Professional Governance and Advocacy

The physiotherapy profession is represented by several associations both nationally and internationally. Each province has its own dedicated physiotherapy association. Key organizations include:

  • The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (representing the provincial level in Ontario)
  • The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (representing the national level)
  • World Physiotherapy (representing the international level)

The Future of Physiotherapy: Innovation and Growth

The future of the physiotherapy profession is highly promising, with a strong job market currently existing. In many provinces, there is currently a shortage where there are more jobs than physiotherapists across a range of healthcare settings and practice areas. Consequently, physiotherapy graduates who successfully complete their licensing exam will have many potential career pathways to explore.

To advance the profession, physiotherapists and world-class researchers—including those at McMaster University—are focusing on several key areas of innovation:

  • Harnessing Technology: Exploring how to use technology to improve individuals' health and function
  • Supporting Aging Populations: Researching innovative approaches to support individuals as they age
  • Pain and Chronic Condition Management: Helping individuals manage pain and live with chronic conditions
  • Early Mobilization: Investigating early mobilization strategies for patients after an injury
  • Health Justice: Ensuring that health justice is an essential and integrated part of the profession

These active research areas make it an exceptionally exciting time to be part of the physiotherapy profession.