Physiotherapist (Fysiotherapeut)
Information on this skill...
A physiotherapist is a specialist who specializes in physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is a paramedical discipline, which deals with the treatment of complaints to the support and musculoskeletal system of man. The profession of physiotherapist is a protected profession. This means that no one should just pretend to be a physiotherapist. The training to become a physiotherapist generally takes four years and is a course at hbo level. Physiotherapy is important for many people because people can have various complaints, which can be reduced or remedied by a physiotherapist. In most cases, a physiotherapist will first perform a physical examination of new clients and then draw up a treatment plan, which is discussed with the client. A physiotherapist must be registered in the BIG register to be allowed to work as a physiotherapist. In short, we can best describe the work of a physiotherapist as treating people who have difficulty moving. Some common problems that a physiotherapist has to deal with are people who have pain in the muscles, people who experience complaints due to a wrong posture or people who have suffered an injury. The profession of physiotherapist should also be seen as fairly general because a physiotherapist can also specialize within certain areas of attention, complaints or treatments. In all cases, these specializations have to do with the reduced movement of people. There are various forms of therapy with which complaints are treated, such as exercise therapy, massage therapy and physical therapy. A physiotherapist will perform an examination on the client, after which a treatment plan will be drawn up. A physical therapist is not a doctor and only plays a supporting role in the healing process of clients.
A physiotherapist is therefore a paramedic and therapist, but not a doctor. A physiotherapist can be a solution for many people who have complaints. Helping is not only limited to physical complaints. For example, the physiotherapist also gives advice to clients to prevent problems. Where exactly a physiotherapist works can differ, such as in a hospital, nursing home or within your own physiotherapy practice. To visit a physiotherapist, it is not strictly necessary to get a referral from a general practitioner or medical specialist. In some cases, this may be necessary to qualify for a reimbursement from the basic insurance. A client who enters the physiotherapist for the first time will first receive a treatment schedule, in consultation with the physiotherapist. As a physiotherapist, it is important to listen carefully to the client in order to arrive at a targeted treatment plan. A physiotherapist helps people if they have physical complaints. These physical complaints can be caused in many ways, such as by a wrong posture or by overloading. People with a neurological disorder also have to deal with a physiotherapist in many cases. Neurological disorders is a collective term for disorders of the brain. Think, for example, of dementia, brain tumors, Parkinson's and epilepsy. People with chronic complaints also often have to deal with a physiotherapist, to try to reduce the pain. A physical therapist may also work with other specialists regarding problems affecting the support and musculoskeletal system. Think, for example, of orthopaedics, orthopaedic technologists and orthopaedic shoemakers. Social workers, district nurses and ambulatory counselors may also have to deal with physiotherapists on behalf of clients.
WHAT DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST DO
It is not the case that a physiotherapist only uses massage techniques to remedy pain or other problems. For example, a physical therapist can also apply movement or exercise therapy to strengthen the muscles, relax body parts, promote blood circulation, improve breathing or to work on better posture. In addition, a physiotherapist can apply manual techniques. Manual techniques relates to movement therapy. Think of the use of fitness equipment, sticks, balls and the well-known exercise bike. In many cases, this type of treatment is combined with massage techniques. Massage techniques can help lift knots and blockages, manipulate muscles, loosen joints, improve blood flow, relax muscles and eliminate cramps. As described earlier, a physical therapist is not only responsible for combating pain. A physiotherapist is also specialized in preventing problems by advising people. Think, for example, of giving training to the elderly with regard to fall prevention or of providing information. A physiotherapist cannot be compared to an exercise therapist and chiropractor because this concerns other professions.
THE GOAL OF TREATMENT MAY BE:
- Reduce pain;
- Functioning within the limits of the condition;
- Improving the functions of the body.
WHAT DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A PHYSIOTHERAPIST
To be able to work as a physiotherapist, you must follow and complete the Hbo physiotherapy course. The training to become a physiotherapist generally takes four years, depending on your previous training. The training to become a physiotherapist can be followed both part-time and full-time. During the training, attention is paid to theory, anatomy and physiology. The Hbo-training physiotherapy is a fairly heavy training that will require a lot of self-study from you. Medical biology, in particular, is hard to learn. During the programme, you will do an internship at various institutions under supervision so that you gain broad knowledge of the profession. The admission requirements for the programme may differ per programme institute. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an independent entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A PHYSIOTHERAPIST CAN BE EMPLOYED
A physiotherapist generally works for a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation center or residential center. In addition, a physiotherapist can work as an entrepreneur within his own practice. Most physical therapists work with multiple physical therapists in a practice. A physiotherapist can also work for sports clubs. In that case, the name sports masseur may also apply. An important addition to this is that a sports masseur does not have to be a physiotherapist.
COMPETENCES PHYSIOTHERAPIST
The most important competence of a physiotherapist is the professional knowledge and methodical action. In addition, a physiotherapist must have good communication skills because you have to deal with many different people. Being able to listen well is also important as a physiotherapist, so that the right treatment plan can be drawn up. Because you are physically busy as a physiotherapist, you must also have good endurance. Generally important words are empathy, passion, planning, organizing, energy, anatomy, motivating, professional, discipline, inspiring, advising and researching. Obviously, a physiotherapist has to deal with fixed professional competencies, all of which are learned during the training courses.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A PHYSIOTHERAPIST
The labour market perspective of a physiotherapist is generally good if you have the right training. The labour market perspective can differ per specialisation. In general, getting work as a physical therapist will not be a problem, as you can work for many different institutions. The career opportunities of a physiotherapist should be seen in obtaining a managerial position. Consider, for example, the position of care manager or the position of team leader. Starting your own practice can also be regarded as growing within your career.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY PHYSIOTHERAPIST
The exact employment conditions as a physiotherapist are difficult to indicate because as a physiotherapist, you can work at many different types of institutions. In addition, there are many physiotherapists working as independent entrepreneurs, and you usually determine your own precise employment conditions. A physiotherapist in paid employment earns, depending on his age, between 2400 and 3800 euros gross per month. An independent physiotherapist usually earns much more than in paid employment.
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