What to look for when choosing a Physiotherapist?

Choosing which Physiotherapist to go and see can be a minefield! What registration must they have? What qualifications should they have? How do you know they are the right person for your condition?

Registration

Firstly, the term “Physiotherapist” is a legally protected title and should only be used by therapists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You can check if your therapist is registered by visiting http://www.hpcheck.org. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is the professional, educational and trade union body for Physiotherapists in the United Kingdom. Physiotherapists registered with this society will usually put MCSP after their name which stands for “Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy”. All members are bound by the society’s rules of Professional Conduct and Standards of Physiotherapy practice available from http://www.csp.org.uk.

Qualifications

All Physiotherapists qualifying since 1994 will have undertaken a University degree course to obtain the minimum standards set out by the HCPC and CSP. Prior to this date Physiotherapists will have undertaken 3 years of education to enable their registration with the CSP and HCPC. Those who have undertaken a degree will often have BSc or BSc (Hons) after their name. Post graduate qualifications (for example a Masters Degrees (MSc) or post-graduate diplomas) show an extra commitment by that Physiotherapist to develop themselves further in their chosen field. These qualifications indicate the expert levels of clinical diagnosis and treatment that your therapist is aiming for. You will often find that the lead Physiotherapist in a clinic will have such qualifications.

Some physiotherapists have undertaken an honours degree in another subject and then a shorter pre registration Masters Degree to become a physiotherapist. This does not mean they are more qualified in physiotherapy than a therapist who only has an undergraduate degree.

Continuous Professional Development

All physiotherapists must undertake regular professional development through in-service training, courses, reading, reflection of practice etc to ensure that they stay up to date with research developments and the most effective treatments for a multitude of conditions. Physiotherapists will often have one or more areas of specialist interest (e.g. sports injuries, acupuncture, arthritis etc) and biographies of the Physiotherapists on websites should help with this information.

Interpersonal skills

It is important that you feel comfortable with the Physiotherapist that is treating you. The Physiotherapist should clearly explain the diagnosis, proposed treatment and expected outcomes. Your health is very important and compromises should not be made. Years of experience doesn’t always mean that someone is an expert (whether that be in Physiotherapy or any other profession!) but experience of assessing and treating a multitude of conditions is always advantageous. Expert status is demonstrated in clinical ability, diagnostic skills and ultimately, patient outcomes. But is enhanced by any further education, research, lecturing or development that a physiotherapist undertakes.

Summary

• Ensure your Physiotherapist is HCPC registered. 
• Ensure your Physiotherapist is CSP registered. 
• Investigate what experience your Physiotherapist has of treating your condition. Check out their website and testimonials.
• Make sure you are comfortable with your Physiotherapist and understand the diagnosis, prognosis and required treatment.
• If you prefer a male or a female physiotherapist ask.
• If you feel more comfortable take along a family member or friend.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Whether or not you choose us for your care we hope you have found this informative and useful as you decide on your Physiotherapy provider.