Rewarding Career Options in Physiotherapy

Physical therapy (or physiotherapy), often abbreviated PT, is a health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention carried out by licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. In addition to clinical practice, other activities encompassed in the physical therapy profession include research, education, consultation and administration. Normally, patients with problems are referred by medical practitioners to physiotherapists who then take on the responsibility of the patient and get them back to shape. Physiotherapy is a branch of healthcare and very rewarding profession. Physiotherapists recognize and maximize movement potential through health promotion, preventive healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation. Physiotherapists use various skills to treat patients such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electro-physical modalities. The following are just a few of the areas physiotherapists work:

·         Outpatients

·         Intensive Care

·         Womens Health

·         Care of the elderly

·         Stroke patients

·         Orthopaedics

·         Mental illness

·         Learning difficulties

·         Occupational health

·         Terminally ill

·         Pediatrics

The occupation of a physiotherapist, which is preventive, healing and rehabilitative, is challenging but profitable. In medical courses, they have been given training to perform a history and physical examination, conduct assessments to establish a diagnosis process, select appropriate physical therapy interventions to treat the dysfunction, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. To treat patient, physiotherapists use a variety of therapeutic intervention techniques. These are Manual Therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve stimulation used to control pain), Ultrasound Technique, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Manipulation, Acupuncture etc. The job of a physiotherapist is physically very strenuous as it involves physically lifting and supporting patients.

Several colleges/universities/institutes in India offer BPT/MPT course. Manav Rachna International University provides Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Master of Physiotherapy courses. The Department is recognized by Indian Association of Physiotherapists and the Delhi Council for Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy. The Bachelor course is 4 1/2 years full-time (Regular course included in eight semesters with six months internship). The Master of Physiotherapy program at MRIU offers specialization Musculoskeletal, Sports, Neurology and Cardiopulmonary.

Some of the highlights of the Department of Physiotheraphy at Manav Rachna International University:

·         The 1^st ever 14^th Commonwealth International Sports Science Congress was held at Manav Rachna International University

·         104 Physiotherapy and Nutrition students of MRIU were selected to work as Dope Control Officers at the Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi

·         Placement opportunities with renowned groups and hospitals

·         Strategic tie up with Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, England and Lahiti University of Applied Sciences, Lahiti, Finland, International Institute of Health Promotion (IIHP) USA and Australian Institute of Sports.

The department of Physiotherapy at Manav Rachna International University has nurtured active tie-ups with renowned hospitals like VIMHANS Hospital, Batra Hospital & Medical Research Center, Fortis Escorts Hospital, National Stadium, Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, major sports training camps, National Games, Haryana State Level Games, Sarvodaya Hospital, ESI Hospital, Helpage India, ERC School for Special Children, several Old Age Homes, Handicapped Schools, Metro Heart Institute and many more.

Besides this, the students and faculty of FAS has extensively given Physiotherapy support in various Industrial Health Camps at NCR, Community Health Camps at various Resident Welfare Associations, Handicapped Children Rehabilitation support, Geriatric Rehabilitation camps.

The out patient department of Physiotherapy is very well equipped with sophisticated instruments like KINCOM ISOKINETIC DYNAMOMETER, EMG Biofeedback, MWD, SWD, US Therapy and many more to render customized physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation for physical ailments like arthritis, spondylitis, back ache, shoulder injuries, sports injuries and many more physical treatable medical conditions in the Neurological and Cardio-respiratory medical conditions. The department conducts variety of patient rehabilitation oriented sessions like arthritis rehabilitation program, back ache care program, shoulder rehabilitation program, stroke rehabilitation program, cerebral palsy treatment program, parkinson’s rehabilitation program, exercise programs, aerobics, core strengthening program , ante-natal and post-natal pregnancy exercises program, sports training program, and nutritional counseling for all age groups.