What do physiotherapists do?

Physiotherapy is a dynamic profession that adopts a holistic approach to promote health and well-being, prevent injuries and disabilities, restore independence, and enhance the maximal level of function in individuals with and without physical and psychological disorders to assist them in leading an independent and quality life.

Physiotherapists perform assessment, physical diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of patients with dysfunction caused by musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiovascular/respiratory conditions. We use a variety of physical approaches in patient care. Some examples are electrophysical modalities, therapeutic exercises, massage, hydrotherapy, manual techniques, and traction.

Where do physiotherapists work?

Our practice encompasses a diversity of speciality areas to serve different client groups in the community, from infants to the elderly, with their specific needs. We work in different settings, including public and private health organizations, hospitals and rehabilitation centres, private practices, sports institutes, fitness centres, work settings, special schools, elderly homes, and community centres.

Professional recognition

Our graduates are eligible to register with the Physiotherapists Board of Hong Kong and the Health and Care Professions Council in the UK. Our graduates will require post-graduation physiotherapy experience and/or further postgraduate education to be considered eligible for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Our graduates are also eligible to practise in Australia and North America after passing a licensing examination.

Further information

For more details, please visit the website of our Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/rs/.