INTRODUCTION :
Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy is a healthcare
profession, in which Physical Therapist provides treatment to individuals for developing,
maintaining and restoring the maximum functional capacity throughout life. The
role of physical therapy to improve functionality in circumstances where
movement and function are affected by aging, injury, disease or environmental
factors. Physical Therapy includes physical, psychological, emotional and
social well-being. In physical therapy
interaction between physical
therapist (PT), patients/clients, other
health professionals,
families, care givers,
and communities is important to
assess functional potential and goals are
set by using knowledge and
skills that are
specific to physical therapist.
Human movement is considered as central to the health and well-being
of individuals in Physical therapy profession.
There lot of
skills that are
used to treat
the movement disorders includes, manual therapy, exercise
therapy and the application of funds,
of electrotherapy. Work
area for physiotherapists are Outpatient departments Intensive care
unit, Women's health, geriatric health,
Orthopedics, Occupational health,
terminally ill Pediatrics, Neurological rehabilitation.
Physiotherapists are needed in virtually every department, from general out-patients to intensive care, where round-the-clock chest physiotherapy can be vital to keep unconscious patients breathing. There is also a need for physiotherapists in many other places like Industry, Special schools, Leisure and sport 8 clubs. Nowadays, more and more physiotherapists work in the community as treatment and advice for patients in their own homes in nursing homes or day centers, in schools and in health centers. The personal qualities needed for this gratifying role are tolerance, patience, compassion, and good communication skills. Pakistan is a developing country here most of the health care fields are under the process of development. Physical therapy is amongst one of the neglected health care fields in Pakistan due to lack of resources. In this field there are lack of educational and job opportunities and no better future prospects .Unfortunately, there is no central regulating authority in Pakistan like there is for other health care professions such as; Pakistan Medical & Dental College (PM&DC). In spite of that local societies and associations like Pakistan physical therapy association (PPTA) Pakistan physiotherapy society (PPS), and charted society of Physical therapy (CSP) are working for their professional growth and development in the country. These organizations have their own limitations due to lack of funds, proper leadership, and coordination among the professionals and associations.
Imperative commitments are needed by the government and all the
other stakeholders to uplift the field of physiotherapy, save the future of
Pakistani physiotherapists and open new vistas for international cooperation.
