The world of Physical Therapy and the work of a Physiotherapist.

1. PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physiotherapy, also referred to as
physical therapy, involves evaluating,
diagnosing, and treating a range of
diseases, disorders, and disabilities
using physical means. Practiced by
physiotherapists or physical
therapists, physiotherapy is
considered within the realm of
conventional medicine. Though
physiotherapy is typically practiced by
physical therapists, certain tasks may
be delegated to trained assistants or
other types of health professionals.

2. PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT IS PROVIDED
FOR THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS
Acute and chronic musculoskeletal disability and
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dysfunction
Amputation
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Cardiorespiratory dysfunction
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Central Nervous System trauma and disease
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Congenital physical dysfunction
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Geriatric and aged conditions
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HIV-related conditions
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Neurological/Neurosurgical conditions
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Oncology and Palliative Care-related conditions
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Peripheral Nervous System trauma and disease
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Physical mobility impairment
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Post surgical conditions at risk of developing respiratory
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complications
Rheumatologic conditions
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Surgical, congenital and traumatic orthopedic conditions
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3. PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
Physical mobility impairment
Peripheral Nervous System trauma and disease
Acute and chronic
musculoskeletal
disability and
Rheumatologic Surgical, congenital
Post surgical conditions at risk of developing dysfunction
conditions and traumatic
respiratory complications
orthopedic conditions

4. PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
OTHER SERVICES:
Provision of cast application, cast removal and application of braces and splints
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Education of patients, relatives, Medical, Allied Health and Nursing staff,
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Physiotherapy students, medical students and overseas trained physiotherapists
Organisation of physiotherapy discharge and referral for inpatients
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Prescription, supply and maintenance of mobility aides and equipment required for
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patients
Management of staff related work injuries
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5. PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
INPATIENT SERVICES
Emergency Department
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Cardiothoracic Surgery Ward/
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Thoracic Medicine and Heart / Lung
Transplant Unit
Coronary Care Unit
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Intensive Care/ Critical Care
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Orthopaedics/ Rheumatology/ Urology Ward
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HIV/ AIDS / Immunology and
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Gastroenterology Ward
ENT & Head& Neck Surgery/ Plastic Surgery
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& Gastro surgical Ward

6. PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
Renal / Oncology / Haematology Ward
Neurology / Neurosurgery / Vascular Ward
Aged Care
Day Stay Unit
Palliative Care Unit
Rehabilitation Unit

7. PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
OUTPATIENT / AMBULATORY
CARE SERVICES:
Hospital Ambulatory Care Clinics e.g. Fracture Clinic,
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Cardiac Surgery pre-op clinic
Community / General Outpatients (Musculoskeletal)
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Community Palliative Care patients
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Palliative Care Outpatients
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HIV / AIDS Outpatients
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Cardiothoracic Outpatients
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Rehabilitation Outpatients
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8. Physiotherapy in Trauma
&
Orthopaedics
PHYSIOTHERAPY IN TRAUMA AND
ORTHOPEDICS INVOLVES
1.0 ELECTIVES:
2.0 TRAUMA:
3.0 SPINAL:
In all these areas Physiotherapists work very closely
with the other staff such as, doctors, nurses,
occupational therapists, speech and language
therapists and social services, to give patients the best
treatment possible.

9. Physiotherapy in Trauma & Orthopaedics
1.0 ELECTIVES:
1.1 PATIENTS ELECTED TO HAVE THE
FOLLOWING SURGERY:
Total Hip Replacement
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Total Knee Replacement
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Total Ankle Replacement
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Total Elbow Replacement
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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
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Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
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10. Physiotherapy in Trauma & Orthopaedics
1.2 PATIENTS EXERCISE PROGRAMS
TO REGAIN MOVEMENT AND STRENGTH:
Patients must do these exercises regularly on their own.
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When patients are ready, the physiotherapist will help them
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to get out of bed.
●Patients may use a frame or crutches when they first get
up.
●Prior to discharge home the physiotherapist will ensure that
patients are safe walking and if necessary safe on steps and
stairs.
●Sometimes an outpatient physiotherapy appointment will be
made to enable patients to continue with more
rehabilitation.

11. Physiotherapy in Trauma & Orthopaedics
2.0 TRAUMA:
2.1 PATIENTS WHO RECEIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY:
People who have fractured bones, damaged/ruptured ligaments, ruptured tendons or
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dislocated a joint.
People who have sustained more than one fracture or dislocation usually in a road traffic
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accident.

12. Physiotherapy in Trauma & Orthopaedics
2.2 PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT WILL
VARY DEPENDING ON
INJURIES AND SEVERITY:
If patients had an operation to repair injuries
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then exercise programs are charted to allow
patients regain strength and movement to get
them safe to go home.
Sometimes an outpatient physiotherapy
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appointment is made to enable patients to
continue with more rehabilitation.

13. If patients have not had an
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operation then their injury will
be supported in a plaster cast
or brace. The physiotherapist
will teach them an appropriate
exercise program to maintain
strength and range of
movement in the joints as
allowed by their plaster cast or
brace.
If patients have several injuries
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then the physiotherapist will
give them exercise programs
adapted to their injuries to
enable them to regain strength
and movement.
Physiotherapists will also get
them safe to go home.
Patients will begin their
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rehabilitation in hospital but
usually they will require further
rehabilitation in outpatient
physiotherapy.

14. Physiotherapy in Trauma
&
Orthopaedics
3.0 SPINAL:
3.1 PATIENTS WHO RECEIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT:
Elective spinal surgery, e.g., discectomy, decompressions, fusions.
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Trauma injuries to the spine, eg, fractures, dislocations or spinal cord
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injuries.
Pathology, eg, tumours, discitis or ankylosing spondylitis.
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Acute back pain, that is requiring further investigation such as a MRI
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scan.
Scoliosis surgery; this is mainly for children but sometimes for adults.
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You are seen pre-operatively for physiotherapy assessment and
treated after your operation.
If you have had a spinal operation the physiotherapists will monitor
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patients chest to help you keep it clear
The physiotherapist will also give them an exercise program to
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regain strength and movement and get them safe to go home.
Patients will also receive some advice from the physiotherapist on
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posture, exercise and return to work/activity.
If patients have had scoliosis surgery, the physiotherapist will help
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get them moving and walking and keep an eye on their chest.
When it is time to go home the physiotherapists will give them
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advice on their back and managing at home.