ISCO 08 Code 2264  Physiotherapists     

Lead Statement

Physiotherapists assess, plan and implement rehabilitative programs that improve or restore human motor functions, maximize movement ability, relieve pain syndromes, and treat or prevent physical challenges associated with injuries, diseases and other impairments. They apply a broad range of physical therapies and techniques such as movement, ultrasound, heating, laser and other techniques.

Task statement

Tasks include:

• administering muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests to identify and assess physical problems of patients;
• Establishing treatment goals with patients and designing treatment programs to address patients' problems;
• treating patients to reduce pain, improve circulation, strengthen muscles, improve cardiothoracic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, restore joint mobility, and improve balance and coordination;
• using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, massage, manipulation, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultraviolet and infra-red light and ultrasound in the treatment of patients;
• reviewing, continually monitoring, assessing and evaluating programs and treatments;
• instructing patients and their families in procedures to be continued at home;
• recording information on patients' health status and responses to treatment in medical records-keeping systems, and sharing information with other health professionals as required to ensure continuing and comprehensive care;
• developing and implementing programmes for screening and preventation of common physical ailments and disorders.

Included occupations

Examples of the occupations classified here:

• Geriatric physical therapist,
• Paediatric physical therapist,
• Orthopaedic physical therapist
• Physiotherapist

Excluded occupations

Some related occupations classified elsewhere:

• Podiatrist - 2269
• Occupational therapist - 2269
• Acupressure therapist - 3255
• Hydrotherapist - 3255
• Massage therapist - 3255
• Physiotherapy technician - 3255
• Shiatsu therapist - 3255
• Chiropractor - 3259
• Osteopath - 3259

Comments

Chiropractor, Podiatrist, Prosthetist, Prosthetic technician were moved to 2249 or 3239 as appropriate. Masseur  moved to "Physiotherapy technician" or "beautician" depending on nature of work performed.

ISCO 88 Code(s) 3226, part

(NCvB; Maart 2010)