what is a physiotherapist?
As a physiotherapist, you apply various techniques to treat injuries, disorders and diseases. Unlike a doctor, who administers medicines, you use physical methods to achieve your goals. Techniques include exercise, massage and manipulation. You aim to improve a person's quality of life after an injury or disease. The techniques can sometimes restore movement, but a physiotherapist helps ease the pain and physical restriction caused by permanent injuries.
what does a physiotherapist do?
Aside from working in hospitals, a physiotherapist also assists athletes and sportspeople by helping them through injuries. Sometimes, you work in industries like mining and manufacturing to treat work-related conditions. Physiotherapy is crucial for people of all ages with various health conditions. For instance, you can help people with back, neck or shoulder pain to find ways to reduce the pain or exercise to improve the condition.
Physiotherapists assist patients with chronic illnesses and mobility problems. People with multiple sclerosis or stroke-related impairments need assistance to restore mobility. You help patients who have had a heart attack with rehabilitation and advise on exercises to reduce the chances of reoccurrence.
Aside from physiotherapy skills, you advise your patients on daily activities and habits that can strengthen their bodies and minimise the chance of injuries. Hence, you require good communication skills to relay information. It would be best if you also had empathy and compassion to understand the circumstances of your patients and assist them with their conditions.
find jobsaverage physiotherapist salary
The average salary of a physiotherapist in New Zealand is $88,000 per year. In an entry-level position, your starting salary is $58,000 annually. With improved skills and qualifications, you are likely to earn $100,000 yearly. The remuneration package depends on the experience and responsibilities involved in the role.
As a physiotherapist, your remuneration will depend on where you work. If you work in a private hospital, you are likely to earn more than physiotherapists in a public hospital. Working for a sports or fitness centre may make more since you handle specialised cases.
The hours you work also determine your remuneration. In full-time positions, you earn more due to the responsibilities involved. You take on more shifts and overtime in full-time positions, unlike part-time roles with fewer work hours.
Your skills and qualifications determine the remuneration you receive. Having additional experience or extra qualifications and specialisation increases your salary prospects.
types of physiotherapists
Some of the types of physiotherapists include:
- musculoskeletal physiotherapists: as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, you specialise in treating back pains, arthritis, sprains or injuries related to muscles and bones. Physiotherapists in this field cover various sports and workplace injuries or reduced mobility issues. The rehabilitation you implement aims to restore balance and motion in injured joints and muscles.
- neurological physiotherapists: as a neurological physiotherapist, you apply various techniques to minimise the effect of disorders in the nervous system. You deal with spinal injuries, stroke, brain injury or multiple sclerosis in patients. You can also rehabilitate patients after brain surgery. Your role is to prevent further physical deterioration and improve the quality of life for patients with long-term neurological conditions.
- cardiothoracic physiotherapist: as a cardiothoracic physiotherapist, you assist in rehabilitating patients after a heart attack and improving their quality of life. You also help them exercise to clear infections in the chest and restore balance.
working as a physiotherapist
Working as a physiotherapist involves helping people with injuries and health-related issues. If you are interested in the role, read on to find out more about the daily responsibilities and career prospects.
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physiotherapist job description
The specific duties and responsibilities of physiotherapists include the following:
- reviewing patients' medical history: you review your patient's medical records to help you understand their past conditions and previous treatment plans. You also perform tests and physical examinations to assess a patient's posture, strength and mobility. The tests and medical records help you create a specialised treatment plan for each patient.
- diagnosing and prescribing a treatment plan: you diagnose patient injuries and use the information to develop treatment programs. You also regularly analyse patient reports and data to assess whether the treatment is working.
- administering soft tissue massages: you can use massage therapy as part of your treatment plan. The treatment helps your patients by increasing blood circulation and easing pain in the tendons, nerves and muscles.
- manipulation of joints: as a physiotherapist, you use various manipulation and stimulation methods to promote muscle contraction and boost mobility. Sometimes, you use electrical stimulation methods.
- using heat and cold treatment methods: as part of the treatment plan, you may apply heat to some muscles or joints to stimulate blood flow or apply cold treatments to minimise inflammation.
- educating patients: as a physiotherapist, you advise your patients on the best exercises to do at home to boost their treatment plans. You can teach them some therapy methods and ways to maintain an active lifestyle to prevent the development of new conditions.
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work environment
As a physiotherapist, you work in hospitals, community health centres and private practices. You are likely to work indoors when you work in a hospital or rehabilitation centre. You also work in gyms, fitness centres and sports clubs to assist injured clients. While most of your duties are indoors, some rehabilitation centres have outdoor spaces for exercises and fitness training. As a physiotherapist, you work alone or collaborate with other healthcare providers to provide a multi-faceted rehabilitation approach.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include physiotherapy assistants, doctors and pediatricians. You might also be working in close proximity to community health nurses and caregivers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, advisors, psychologists, sports coaches, nurses and fitness instructors.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a physiotherapist depends on where they work. With a full-time schedule, you will likely work rotating shifts of eight to ten hours for 40 hours a week. You can also work part-time in private practices, sports and rehabilitation centres. In rotational shifts, you are likely to work evenings and some weekends. However, part-time positions have more flexible work schedules.
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job outlook
A career in physiotherapy has a clearly defined progression. As you improve your skills and qualifications, you can progress gradually from a junior-level (physiotherapy assistant) to a senior-level physiotherapist. It is also possible to become a consultant or a health service manager. Some physiotherapists specialise in orthopaedics, sports therapy, paediatric physiotherapy or occupational health. With extensive experience, you can move into research or become a lecturer. Self-employment is also possible, but you require impressive skills and expertise in a specific area to succeed. There is a growing demand for allied health workers such as physiotherapists in New Zealand.
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advantages of finding a physiotherapist job through randstad
Finding your physiotherapist job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a physiotherapist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
To become a physiotherapist you need a Bachelor of Physiotherapy:
- Physiotherapy degrees are available from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), University of Otago, and Wintec.
- All courses take four years and consist of a first year studying health science then three years studying physiotherapy.
physiotherapist skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of physiotherapists include the following:
- motor skills: as a physiotherapist, you work with patients and improve their balance and motor skills. It helps if you are physically fit since most sessions require strength and maximum precision during exercises.
- communication skills: while your primary role is working with your hands to perform therapy techniques, it helps you be a good communicator. You explain the importance of each exercise and therapy technique. You also empathise with your patients and advise them on improving their quality of life.
- observation skills: you require observation skills as a physiotherapist to gain valuable information about your patient. With your observation skills, you can evaluate the movement and behaviour of a patient.
- organisational skills: as a physiotherapist, you keep track of appointments and personalise treatment sessions for each patient. Organisational skills help you maintain a schedule for appointments and update patient files.
FAQs about working as a physiotherapist
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a physiotherapist .
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are physiotherapists paid well?
Physiotherapists in New Zealand earn a salary of $88,000 per year. The earnings usually depend on your experience and educational qualifications. Hence, when your experience improves, your remuneration also rises. Some physiotherapists working in private practice also enjoy higher earnings than those working in the public sector.
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is a physiotherapist a doctor?
While physiotherapists treat clients with injuries, they are not doctors. They only have the qualifications to administer medication outside the scope of their specialisation if they have prior medical qualifications.
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is physiotherapy a good job?
Working as a physiotherapist is an exciting career with promising prospects. The remuneration is promising, with some roles paying over $100,000 annually. You will find many career opportunities to explore in the role since you can work in hospitals and specialist centres. With an increasing demand for physiotherapists in New Zealand, expect positive career growth.
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what qualifications do you need to become a physiotherapist?
Complete a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy to learn the requisite skills and techniques in physiotherapy.
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how do I apply for a physiotherapist vacancy?
Applying for a physiotherapist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our physiotherapist job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
