Physiotherapy Jobs & Recruitment in the UK
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A physiotherapist plays an important role in restoring movement and function to individuals who have been affected by injury, illness, disability or aging. They work closely with people of all ages and from varying backgrounds, so communication and people skills are highly regarded in this profession. Patients can include children, the elderly, and those who’ve suffered a stroke or sustained sports injuries.
Those in physiotherapy jobs help to facilitate a patient’s recovery and enable them to gain a better range of movement, often reducing physical pain. They must have expertise in the core requirements for the profession (therapeutic exercise, and manual and electrophysical therapies), as well as an understanding of the mental, social and environmental factors that may affect a client.
As well as treating physical symptoms, a physiotherapist will promote good health and wellbeing, sometimes providing advice on a patient’s general lifestyle. Advice from a physiotherapist will usually help a patient to avoid further injury or prevent the aggravation of an existing injury or ailment.
As a physiotherapist, you have the potential to work in a variety of specialties within health and social care, but it’s important to find the role that best suits your experience and qualifications. If you’re looking to progress your career or simply to change location, you’ll find plenty of locum and permanent opportunities to take advantage of within the NHS and the private healthcare sector.
What does a physiotherapist do?
This varied role will generally be broken down into the following areas:
- Stroke services
- Occupational Health
- Orthopaedics
- Intensive care
- Women’s health
- Mental health and learning disability services
A physiotherapist will treat a range of conditions after a patient’s diagnosis, including neurological (Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s, for example) and cardiovascular (heart disease or heart attack rehabilitation). They also treat neuromusculoskeletal (back pain, Arthritis or sports injuries) and respiratory conditions (Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
It’s the role of the physiotherapist to develop and review treatment programmes, which draw upon a range of techniques incorporating exercise and movement.
If you’re currently looking at physical therapist jobs, it’s important that you have an empathetic and compassionate nature. Interpersonal skills are essential for a physiotherapist, as they’re required to build patients’ trust when working closely with them.
Why become a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapy is a key component of the modern NHS. An increased demand for improved quality of life requires better promotion of healthy and active lifestyles. It’s an exciting time to work in healthcare, especially for physiotherapists, who can take the lead and provide great patient care.
That said, physiotherapy isn’t limited to working within the NHS. You could find yourself working as a team physio at a sports club, or working in private practice. It’s a career that provides multiple varied paths.
There are also plenty of opportunities for progression. Once qualified, you can join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), and you might choose to specialise in one particular area, such as working with children or concentrating on sports injuries. You might follow the management route, perhaps even set up your own clinic. Maybe you’ll even use your qualifications to teach physiotherapy.
What does a physiotherapist earn in the UK?
A physiotherapist working within the NHS will start at Band 5 of the pay scale and will earn around £22,128 per annum. An experienced physiotherapist can expect to earn up to £35,577 (Band 6), while those working at a highly specialist/advanced practitioner level could receive a salary of up to £41,787 (Band 7).
In the NHS, a physiotherapist will usually work standard hours (37.5 a week), although some shift work may be required. For a physiotherapist outside of the NHS, hours will depend on where they work. In private practice, for example, hours will be dictated by the clients’ needs, while a sports physiotherapist will likely work weekends.
What qualifications does a physiotherapist need?
This profession requires you to have successfully completed a physiotherapy degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To gain a place on a full-time undergraduate course, applicants need at least two A Levels, including a biological science and/or PE. Additionally, a minimum of five GCSEs will be required at grade C or above, and these should include Maths, English Language, and Science.
As this is a patient-facing, hands-on role, you need to build a rapport with patients and their families. You should have a firm but encouraging attitude, and the ability to calm any patient anxiety or stress.
Where does a physiotherapist work?
Physiotherapists are needed in practically every department within a hospital, but they are best placed according to their specialty. The role may also see them working in the wider community. Physiotherapy appointments may take place at clients’ homes, GP surgeries and nursing homes. Physiotherapists working outside of the NHS may find themselves in private hospitals and clinics, sports clubs and gyms, or within private practice.
Locum physiotherapy jobs allow for freedom and flexibility because there are no ties to contracted hours. Many prefer the change of scenery and pace that comes with being assigned to different hospitals. However, the security that comes with permanent and part-time physiotherapy jobs opens up opportunities to advance your career and gain experience in different specialties.
