Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the skilled use of movement techniques based on physiological principles, supplementary where necessary by electrotherapy, massage and other physical means in order to alleviate pain, restore good health, prevent physical disability and help people reach their maximum potential after injury or illnes.

A physiotherapist treats patients from all walks of life, each with different needs, but all wanting to return to full participation in their home life, work, recreational and sporting interests.

The physiotherapist treats patients from all walks of life, each with different needs, but all wanting to return to full participation in their home life, work, recreational and sporting interests. The physiotherapist works in co-operation with the medical-and other health professionals.

Job Characteristics

• Evaluating the function of the musculo-skeletal-, nervous-, respiratory- and circulatory systems.



• Measuring joint range and muscle strength.



• Analysing patterns of posture and movement, and advising communities and individuals on correct body postures to avoid injuries and strain and to strengthen muscles, e.g., back pain and headaches.



• Performing tests of lung capacity and electrical tests of nerves and muscles.



• Treating disorders of bones, muscles and parts of the circulatory-, or the nervous system by manipulative methods and use of ultrasound, heating, laser or similar techniques.



• Massaging client or patient to improve circulation, soothe or stimulate nerves, facilitate elimination of waste matter, stretch contracted tendons and to produce other therapeutic effects.



• Rehabilitating correct movement patterns in those born with disabilities, e.g., cerebralpalsy children, or those who acquired disability, e.g. stroke and head-injury patients.



• Rehabilitating through exercise and balance-training of individuals after traumatic injuries, e.g. amputations and spinal cord injuries.



• Sports rehabilitation.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of at least a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption and generally above-average performance in all subjects, is required for studies in South Africa. Candidates are also subjected to a strict selection procedure.
 
Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science (South Africa)

Recommended subject
Biology (South Africa)
 
Tertiary Education
The B. Physiotherapy and B. Sc. Physiotherapy degrees are offered at the following South African universities: Pretoria, Witwatersrand, Orange Free State, Medunsa, Stellenbosch, Durban Westville, Western Cape and Cape Town. This is a four-year degree course after which physiotherapists must register with the HPCSA.

Formal training is currently not offered in Namibia, but prospective physiotherapists must register with the Namibian Physiotherapy Board to be able to practice. 

Personality
The prospective physiotherapist should be interested in the human body. He/she must also be responsible and patient and have good interpersonal skills.

Work Opportunities
Physiotherapists are employed by private and state hospitals. Self-employment is a viable option if sufficient experience has been gained. Regional hospitals outside Windhoek, as well as the rural communities around the smaller towns have a need for physiotherapists. Job prospects seem to be relatively good.

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