Physiotherapy assistants/support workers

• Physiotherapy assistants make a difference to the lives of our patients every day by helping them recover from a range of illnesses and conditions. It is also a route to becoming a physiotherapist.
• They guide groups of people through exercises and relaxation techniques to help them manage chronic pain. They also teach patients how to use new walking aids and specify the fittings they may need to get around safely.

Working with a physiotherapist, your work could involve:

• Setting up equipment
• Showing patients how to use mobility aids
• Helping patients prepare for treatment (including helping with dressing and undressing)
• Working on exercises with patients
• Writing reports and updating patients’ records

You may work with individuals or groups of all ages and situations with a range of conditions, including:

• Neurological (Stroke multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s)
• Neuromusculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash associated disorder, sports injuries, arthritis)
• Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack)
• Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis)

You could be working in:

• Outpatients’ departments
• Women’s health
• Elderly care
• Stroke services
• Orthopaedics
• Mental health and learning disability services
• Occupational health
• Paediatrics