Did you know?
- It was believed that physicians like Hippocrates and Galen were the first practitioners of physiotherapy.
- Professional physiotherapy was established in Canada at the end of World War I due to the needs of wounded soldiers who required physical rehabilitation.
- Physiotherapy and physical therapy... are exactly the same! Some countries use one term more than the other.
- Physiotherapy is the fifth largest regulated profession in Canada, with over 20,000 registered physiotherapists.
- Physiotherapists hold advanced degrees. They must complete a 4-year Bachelor's program, followed by a 2-year Master's of Physical Therapy program, before they are eligible to take a two-part licensing exam in order to practice. Some continue to pursue even further to obtain a Doctorate degree.
- Only five schools in all of Ontario offer the Master's of Physical Therapy program.
- Canadians spend more than $3 billion on physiotherapy per year.
- Most physiotherapists do not require a medical referral, thus, giving patients easy access to physiotherapy services.
- Physiotherapists work in a variety of settings, including sports facilities, private clinics, workplaces, education and research centres, nursing homes and other assisted-living facilities, hospitals, and residential and community settings.
- Physiotherapists treat more than just musculoskeletal conditions. They also help patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, neurological rehab, recovery from wounds and burns, post-op care, vestibular rehab, concussions, acute care, and women's health, just to name a few.
Increasing research has shown the positive impact of physiotherapy on overall health and wellness. Help promote physiotherapy to friends and family this month!
