The Road to Physiotherapy

 

 

 

What is Physiotherapy?

 

Physiotherapists evaluate adults and children in order to treat and rehabilitate them to prevent reoccurring injuries or disorders. They use physical techniques to enhance recovery or functionality.
The physiotherapist strives to better the physical, psychological and social well-being of a patient in order to obtain the highest function of independence in the community.

 

What can I do as a qualified physiotherapist?

 

Physiotherapists are trained to evaluate and treat patients in the following fields by making use of manual techniques and rehabilitation, electrotherapy and massage. A physiotherapist can specialise in these fields of practice through various courses post-graduate.

 

• Neuromusculoskeletal injuries,
• Intensive Care Units,
• Cardiac-Thoracic Care Unit,
• Medical Conditions,
• Orthopaedic Condition,
• Paediatric Conditions,
• Women’s Health,
• Community Service (schools, old age homes and clinics),
• Sport Injuries and prevention,
• Neurological, including spinal cord conditions,
• Mental Health,
• Burn Wound Injuries,
• Surgical Conditions and
• Rheumathology

Differences between other allied health professions.

In allied health professions we enjoy working together in interdisciplinary teams in most of the therapeutic fields to provide the best treatment benefits for our patients. Therefore it is of utmost importance that we understand each other's scope of practice.

Physiotherapy - “Movement Specialist”

Physiotherapists evaluate, treat and rehabilitate people with movement disorders and a variety of conditions that affects the physical functioning of adults and children. Evidence based methods such as exercise, motivation, adapted equipment, education and advocacy are used. Medical subjects such as anatomy, neuroscience and physiology are studied to develop skills and attitudes necessary for the treatment, education, prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients. Physiotherapists treat patients in both hospitals and the community. Musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiothoracic, respiratory, pediatrics and sport problems that affects people’s daily functioning as well as intensive care, geriatrics and obstetrics are addressed

Occupational Therapy – “Independence specialist”

Occupational therapists improve people’s participation, performance and function in work, home, school and community environments to improve independence. The cognitive, physical, psychosocial and sensory-perceptual aspects are addressed in therapy. This affects physical and mental health, well-being and quality of life.

Occupational therapists treat patients in both hospitals and the community. Therapists work with disabled, geriatric, newborns, scholars and any person with functional impairments.

Biokinetics - “Exercise specialist”

 

Biokinetics are concerned with the promotion of health, maintaining physical abilities and final phase rehabilitation. Evaluate people and prescribe exercises to prevent, treat or enhance performance according to an individualized assessment. Treatment for orthopaedic conditions, sport injuries, chronic diseases and conditions, exercise testing and rehabilitation for athletes and health promotion for the general population.

Prospective Students

 

What Subjects Do I Need?

 

Language of Instruction, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences

Admission Requirements and Selection - All students are selected on academic merit.

Programmes: BSC Physiotherapy, MSC Physiotherapy, PhD Physiotherapy

Writing of NBT is compulsory for selection

What Are NBT’s?

 

NBT (National Benchmark Tests) must be written before application and these results will also be taken into consideration as an additional guide for selection. See the NBT website ((http://www.nbt.ac.za/) for more information about the tests.

Can I Visit The Department?

 

Open Days

 

 

Look out for information about the University Open Days where you are introduced to the fun group of students and lecturers ready to inform and answer any questions.

Physiotherapy Open Day

Look out or information about our Open day at the Physiotherapy Department in March. This is advertised on our Facebook Page. Like the page to follow our activities. (Link available under “Links”)

Career Guidance

Attendance of career guidance courses at schools are an informative way to know more about a specific career.

Shadowing

It is highly recommended to visit a Physiotherapy practice, hospitals and rehabilitation centres before applying for Physiotherapy. Doing this will ensure that you make an informed decision about your career choice. Contact your nearest Physiotherapist for assistance and ask if you could spend a fun and hardworking day with them. (Find a physiotherapist in an area near you from the SASP website – link available under “Links”)

Financial Implications

 

Refer to the fees link on the KovsieLife portal for general fee information.