Physiotherapy
fɪzɪə(ʊ)ˈθɛrəpi/
noun: physiotherapy; noun: physical therapy
The treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or
surgery.
fɪzɪə(ʊ)ˈθɛrəpi/
noun: physiotherapy; noun: physical therapy
The treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or
surgery.
Physiotherapy is a clinical health science and profession that aims to rehabilitate and improve people with movement disorders by using evidence-based, natural methods such as exercise, motivation, adapted equipment, education and advocacy. Assistants have been working with physiotherapists for many decades under the terms exercise assistant, rehabilitation assistant or physiotherapy assistant.
In 2007 the certificate III and IV in Allied Health Assistance qualifications were launched officially recognising this profession. To qualify for the title Physiotherapy Assistant under these generic qualifications the student has to successfully complete the mandatory elective skill set in Physiotherapy consisting of the following three electives from the Physiotherapy group: ·
# HLTAH401C Deliver and monitor a client-specific exercise program
# HLTAH402C Assist with physiotherapy treatments and interventions ·
# HLTAH403C Deliver and monitor exercise program for mobility
According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Physiotherapy Assistants and other Support Workers are able to provide physiotherapy under supervision, and physiotherapists may delegate tasks to physiotherapy assistants. The process of delegation involves the physiotherapist allocating work to a physiotherapy assistant who then has responsibility for the completion of that task. In this situation the physiotherapy assistant is responsible for completion of the task however the physiotherapist retains accountability.
In 2007 the certificate III and IV in Allied Health Assistance qualifications were launched officially recognising this profession. To qualify for the title Physiotherapy Assistant under these generic qualifications the student has to successfully complete the mandatory elective skill set in Physiotherapy consisting of the following three electives from the Physiotherapy group: ·
# HLTAH401C Deliver and monitor a client-specific exercise program
# HLTAH402C Assist with physiotherapy treatments and interventions ·
# HLTAH403C Deliver and monitor exercise program for mobility
According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Physiotherapy Assistants and other Support Workers are able to provide physiotherapy under supervision, and physiotherapists may delegate tasks to physiotherapy assistants. The process of delegation involves the physiotherapist allocating work to a physiotherapy assistant who then has responsibility for the completion of that task. In this situation the physiotherapy assistant is responsible for completion of the task however the physiotherapist retains accountability.
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Australian Physiotherapy Association Position Statement - Working with a Physiotherapy Assistant or other Support Worker
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The APA Code of Conduct - All nine (9) principles in the Code of Conduct are binding to all three types of APA members: Physiotherapists, Physiotherapy Students and Physiotherpy Assistants, unless stated otherwise.
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As part of the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance up to three (3) Physiotherapy electives can be choosen. For Physiotherapy specialisation all group B electives are required:
HLTAH401C Deliver and monitor a client-specific exercise program (Note pre-requs: HLTAP301B, HLTCSD305D, HLTAH301C)
HLTAH402C Assist with physiotherapy treatments and interventions (Note pre-requs: HLTAP301B, HLTCSD305D, HLTAH301C)
HLTAH403C Deliver and monitor exercise program for mobility (Note pre-requs: HLTAP301B, HLTCSD305D, HLTAH301C)
HLTAH401C Deliver and monitor a client-specific exercise program (Note pre-requs: HLTAP301B, HLTCSD305D, HLTAH301C)
HLTAH402C Assist with physiotherapy treatments and interventions (Note pre-requs: HLTAP301B, HLTCSD305D, HLTAH301C)
HLTAH403C Deliver and monitor exercise program for mobility (Note pre-requs: HLTAP301B, HLTCSD305D, HLTAH301C)
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Deliver and monitor a client-specific exercise program
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This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to deliver and monitor a therapeutic exercise program that has been developed by a physiotherapist to address requirements of
individual clients with low levels of mobility or specific mobility needs. |
The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit may relate to functions delivering and monitoring a lower limb exercise program, an upper limb exercise program, a trunk exercise program or a cardio-vascular exercise program that has been developed by a physiotherapist. This could take place in a range of health settings and may involve active, assisted active or passive movement.
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Assist with physiotherapy treatments and interventions
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This unit of competency describes the skills
and knowledge required to support a range of physiotherapy treatments, including respiratory support |
The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit may relate to functions that assist
with treatment and interventions developed by a physiotherapist. This could take place in a range of health settings |
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Deliver and monitor exercise program for mobility
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This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to support individuals participating in group physiotherapy programs designed to restore optimum movement and functional independence.Typical programs and treatments may include exercise regimes and the use of gym equipment
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The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit relate to functions that support
programs developed by a physiotherapist and may take place in a range of health settings |
