Physiotherapy is one of the medical and health sciences branches that deal with the treatment of pain, physical impairments, and deformities in physically disabled people. It is the science of the mobility of various aspects of the body.
It does not include any surgical methods to heal but uses physical methods like massage, heat, and electrical equipment. It is a hands-on technique that helps in reviving the proper functionality of the body. It helps in relaxing muscular-skeletal pains, neurological ailments, and body malfunctioning.
Physiotherapy Information
Physiotherapy is a vast field. It offers treatment in many conditions. The different types of Physiotherapy are- Neurological, Cardiopulmonary, Pediatric, Orthopedic, Muscular-skeletal, Geriatric, and various women’s health-related concerns.
Who needs Physiotherapy?
- Recovering from any injury
- During and after pregnancy
- After surgery
- Regular muscular-skeletal pains
- Chronic pain
- Heart and lung-related diseases
- Women’s health concerns
Scope
Physiotherapy is a young emerging branch of medical sciences in India. It has many great and promising job opportunities. There are many career options open for a qualified physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are in great demand due to the increase in the number of patients with constant muscular-skeletal pains. The increase in the number of such patients is because of the inactive and lazy lifestyle of a major segment of the population. With the advancement in urbanization and digitalization, people hardly move from their seats which has led to various problems in the mobility and functioning of the body.
Physiotherapy has a wide scope in the upcoming years. A career in this field helps in improving the lifestyle, health, and well-being of people.
Physiotherapy is not only limited to muscular pains or body deformities & disabilities but also treats several neurological disorders, heart diseases, strokes, and female reproductive system-related issues.
Current Situation
The current situation of physiotherapy in India is not so rosy. There is no such awareness about its importance and prospects among the people. Very few courses are available. There is no proper association for the community of physiotherapists. Once there is an efficient and effective spread of awareness about the role and duties of a physiotherapist, the future of this career field is immense and wide open for many aspirants.
Why choose Physiotherapy as a Career?
Top reasons to pursue Physiotherapy as a career option are-
- Variety of employment opportunities: A physiotherapist has many employment areas, for example, he can have his own private clinic, associate himself with a sports team, any rehabilitation centre, or become a lecturer.
- New Challenges: There can be a variety of patients with a variety of injuries or ailments. A physiotherapist is given a new challenge daily to showcase and enhance their abilities and skills.
- Helping People: Choosing physiotherapy is a satisfying job. People appreciate you for your quality of treatment and how your lifestyle and health enhances.
- Practical Knowledge: A physiotherapist needs practical knowledge of physics-related concepts and principles and the effect of their treatment on human tissues.
- Rewardable Salary: A handsome amount of salaries is paid to well-educated and experienced physiotherapists in the country.
Courses Available
This branch of medical sciences is quite recent in India. Thus, there are not many course programmes available for Physiotherapy aspirants. The only existing courses at different levels are:
| Diploma | Diploma in Physiotherapy | DPT |
| UG | Bachelors in Physiotherapy | BPT |
| PG | Masters in Physiotherapy | MPT |
Course Duration
- DPT – Two years
- BPT – Four years (full-time) + 6 months (internship)
- MPT – Two years (full-time)
Course Curriculum
| Syllabus | |
| DPT | Clinical Pathology, Applied Pathology, Anatomy, Physical Exercise Therapy, Gynecology, Electrotherapy, Physical Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics, Medical Physiotherapy, Surgical Physiotherapy, Biomechanics and Kinesiology |
| BPT | Anatomy, Clinical Pathology, Applied Pathology, First Aid and CPR, Microbiology, Physical Exercise Therapy, Neuro-Physiotherapy, Gynecology, Electrotherapy, Physical Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics, Medical Physiotherapy, Surgical Physiotherapy, Biomechanics & Kinesiology, Sports Physiotherapy, Cardio-Respiratory & General Physiotherapy, Biochemistry, Basic Nursing |
| MPT | Electrophysiology & Electro-diagnosis, Physiotherapy Practice & Education Technology, Applied Biomechanics & Kinesiology, Advanced Electrotherapy, Didactic, Clinical Training & Clinical work |
Eligibility and Admission
The eligibility criteria for admission in DPT, BPT and MPT are as follows:
| Eligibility | |
| DPT | Passed 10+2 with PCB as a major subject from any recognized board with a minimum score of 50% marks. |
| BPT | Passed 10+2 with PCB as a major subject from any recognized board with a minimum score of 50% marks + qualifying entrance examinations like NEET, or JIPMER, if required. |
| MPT | Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy (BPT) from any recognized university with a minimum score of 50% marks. |
Top Colleges for Physiotherapy Courses
- Christian Medical College, Vellore
- Sanskriti University, Mathura
- Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- Madras Medical College, Chennai
- GGS Indraprastha University, New Delhi
- St. Johns Medical College, Bangalore
Skills Required
For becoming a highly rewarded and successful physiotherapist, one must possess the following attributes that will help to grow in his field.
- Good Medical Knowledge: A physiotherapist must know the medical treatments for a specified injury or ailment.
- Good Listener: A physiotherapist must be a good listener so that the patient can deliver his thoughts in more detail.
- Sensitive and Patient: A physiotherapist must be sensitive and patient enough to listen to the patient’s problems.
- Good Communication Skills: A good physiotherapist is one who delivers his instructions and treatment technique accurately and clearly. Clarity of speech is a must.
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management Skills
- Technology-based Skills
Career and Jobs
A career in physiotherapy in India varies from place to place. In big cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, etc. it is very flourishing whereas to talk about smaller cities and towns, it is still struggling. But in the coming years, it is a rewarding career and will be highly recognized.
Physiotherapists are recruited by many private and government hospitals and healthcare centres. Rehabilitation centres, Defence Medical organizations, and several Sports clubs also hire physiotherapists. The top job profiles of Physiotherapists in India are-
- Chief Physiotherapist
- Therapy Manager
- Assistant Physiotherapist
- Sports Physiotherapist
- Home Care Physiotherapist
- Lecturer
- Physiotherapist (having own private clinic)
Salary
The pay scale of physiotherapists in India depends on their work experience and the organization they are working for.
Initially, the salary of a physiotherapist working for an organization could be INR 10,000 – 20,000 per month. After growing work experience, it can easily reach up to 50,000 or more per month.
A physiotherapist owning a private clinic in a city like New Delhi or Mumbai can earn INR 30,000 – 60,000 per month.
