Top 9 physiotherapy jobs

Physiotherapy is a branch of paramedicine that treats patients’ injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. It could be one of the best decisions if you want to work as a physiotherapist in the United States. The country has a diverse range of job opportunities. Physiotherapy is one of the most profitable jobs in the United States, with equal job satisfaction. Here are the top 9 physiotherapy jobs. Continue reading to learn more about physiotherapy jobs.

What is the role of a physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist will take the patient’s history and perform a physical examination before developing a treatment plan suited to the patient’s needs. Physiotherapists use the following treatments-

• Massage can help relieve soft tissue pain.
• Joint mobilization or manipulation
• Strengthening exercises for weak areas
• To reduce inflammation, use cold.
• Heat to promote circulation
• Muscle spasms can be relieved with ultrasound therapy.
• Electrical stimulation assists muscles that cannot contract effectively on their own.

Specializations in physiotherapy

Following are some of the specializations in physiotherapy

Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapists

They assist their patients in gaining endurance in the face of cardiac (heart) or pulmonary (lung) illnesses or the following surgery. Sometimes, particularly for heart attack patients, the therapist will provide health and nutrition advice. They may also use manual therapies to help patients with certain lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, to clear their lungs.

Musculoskeletal physiotherapist

As a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, you must treat conditions such as strains, sprains, back pain, and poor posture. They must use appropriate technical equipment and tests to diagnose patients before treatment. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists are in charge of managing postoperative medication and ensuring that patients do not become infected.

Clinical Electrophysiotherapists 

One can use electrical stimulation and other techniques to promote healing in stubborn wounds such as burns, diabetic sores, or post-amputation wounds.

Orthopedic Physiotherapists

When most people think of physiotherapy, they probably think of orthopedic physiotherapists. They treat musculoskeletal problems, most commonly following an injury or orthopedic surgery. Massage, joint manipulation, exercises, heat or cold application, and electrical stimulation are all standard therapies.

Physiotherapy jobs 

The list of common employers below will help you understand the various physiotherapy careers available

1. Hospitals

The largest employers of physiotherapists are hospitals. Physiotherapists work in various departments, including orthopedics, obstetrics, cardiology, trauma care, and the outpatient unit. They collaborate closely with other medical specialists to provide patients with post-surgery and physical recovery treatments. Massage, mobilization, medical acupuncture, dry needling, electrotherapy, and prescriptive exercise can help patients restore their physical movements.

2. Private clinics and nursing homes

Small private clinics and nursing homes, like large multispecialty hospitals, have in-house physiotherapists. A physiotherapist’s role in this setting is similar to that of a physiotherapist in a large hospital. The only distinction is the number of patients they each treat. The therapist works closely with patients and oversees their recovery process.

3. Corporates

Large multinational corporations hire in-house physiotherapists to promote their employees’ mental and physical health and well-being. These professionals plan group exercise sessions and physical fitness classes to help employees deal with workplace stress and injuries. Employees can also receive one-on-one physiotherapy sessions.

4. Rehabilitation center

Physiotherapists also work in rehabilitation centers, where they help patients improve their physical abilities. They diagnose each patient and recommend exercises to help them improve their posture, movement, and coordination. Physiotherapists in a rehabilitation center focus on each patient’s physical and mental well-being.

5. Sports and fitness

Physiotherapists are essential in treating sports injuries. Every sports team has one or more physiotherapists on staff to assist players in recovering from injuries and aches. In addition to treating players’ injuries, these professionals emphasize prevention by recommending the appropriate exercises and diet for each player based on their fitness levels.

6. Orthopedic Clinic

Orthopedic clinics treat muscle and bone deformities. The physiotherapist collaborates with the specialist in an orthopedic clinic to help patients heal from deformities through regular exercise and motion. Depending on the circumstances, the physiotherapist may treat patients at the clinic or their residences.

7. Universities and colleges

Physiotherapists who want to teach can become professors and lecturers at colleges and universities, where they will train the next generation of physical therapists. Students are taught both the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. They also administer practical and theoretical exams, evaluating students’ performance and assigning grades.

8. Private practice

Experienced physiotherapists can also establish a private practice to treat patients’ physical ailments. Some physiotherapists provide specialized services, such as treatments for elderly or disabled children. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, sports therapy, and orthopedic therapy are some of the other specialties.

9. Defence

Physiotherapists are employed in various roles by the military, navy, air force, coast guard, and border security force. Physiotherapists in the military collaborate with department heads to planning officers’ and cadets’ physical regimens and exercise routines. They also provide massage and other therapies to injured military personnel.

Salary

The average annual physiotherapist salary in the United States is around 176,000 USD. Salary ranges from 95,300 USD to 266,000 USD, with increases corresponding to years of experience.

In terms of both salary and job opportunities, physiotherapy is a growing field. Between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 21% increase in the field of physical therapy, with the addition of 49,100 jobs. One of the most significant factors in earning as a physiotherapist is job experience. Other factors that influence your average annual income as a physiotherapist include your level of education at the time of practice, the location of your work, and, surprisingly, your gender.

Key takeaways

• A physiotherapist’s job is both challenging and lucrative. Furthermore, they are qualified to conduct physical examinations and assessments to detect a diagnosis process.
• As a physiotherapist, you could work in nursing homes, hospitals, health centers, polyclinics, medical colleges, and research institutions or even open your practice.
• Individuals who choose a career as a physiotherapist can also open their clinic or visit their patients at home.

Did you find this blog informative? Do let us know your thoughts and views in the comments below. Click here to contact us for more information on physiotherapy jobs. We would be happy to oblige with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. Is physio a promising career?

Answer- Physiotherapy is a lucrative career option for science students who want to work in the health field.

Q2. Is physio a hard degree?

Answer- Yes, it’s a challenging course, and things will be stressful. The course is enriching, especially once you start going on placement and things start to click. 

Q3. Which is the highest-paying specialization in physiotherapy?

Answer- According to BLS 2020, the highest paying jobs are in nursing and residential care facilities, followed by home healthcare services.