Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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Who can use it? of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists work in hospitals, GP surgeries, workplaces, and in the community. If you want to see a physiotherapist, there are three main treatment routes:
Through your GP:
You will need to make an appointment with your GP and ask to be referred to a physiotherapist. Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and decide whether you will benefit from physiotherapy treatment.
Private treatment:
There are lots of physiotherapists working in England who you can go to privately for treatment. You will have to pay for this, and it is very important to make sure the practitioner you see is chartered and/or registered (all physiotherapists working within the NHS are chartered).
Note that from the 8th July 2005, only practitioners who are registered with the Health Professions Council (the regulatory body) will be allowed to use the titles 'physiotherapist' and 'physical therapist'.
Independent sector:
You may be able to get physiotherapy through your workplace. Some large companies run occupation health schemes that include physiotherapy treatment – you should check with your personnel or human resources department to see if you are eligible.
It’s also possible to access physiotherapy treatment through charities and the voluntary sector
