Bachelor of Science (Hons) Physiotherapy

Physical therapy or physiotherapy is a branch of rehabilitative medicine aimed at helping patients maintain, recover or improve their physical abilities. Physical therapists or physiotherapists work with patients whose movements may be undermined by aging, disease, environmental factors, or sporting hazards. Physical therapy also means the treatment of any pain, disease, or injury by physical means. The profession concerned with promotion of health, with prevention of physical disabilities, with evaluation and rehabilitation of persons disabled by pain, disease, or injury, and with treatment by physical therapeutic measures as opposed to medical, surgical, or radiologic measures.

A physical therapist seeks to identify and maximize quality of life and movement potential through prevention, intervention (treatment), promotion, habilitation, and rehabilitation. Habilitation means making somebody fit or capable of doing something. Rehabilitation means making somebody fit or capable of doing something they can no longer do properly or at all, but used to be able to - i.e. restoring ability or abilities. Promotion means the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health. Physical therapy is not alternative therapy. It is a clinical health science. Physical therapists study medical science subjects, including anatomy, neuroscience and physiology in order to acquire the health education needed for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, etc., of patients with physical problems. A qualified physical therapist is an expert in the examination and treatment of people with cardiothoracic, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases; focusing on conditions and problems that undermine patients' abilities to move and function effectively. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social well being. Physical therapy involves the interaction between physical therapist, patients/clients, other health professionals, families, care givers, and communities in a process where movement potential is assessed and diagnosed, goals are agreed upon, using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapists.

4 years of Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Physiotherapy programme with Lincoln University College, aims to prepare students in all areas of practice fundamental to the needs of a newly qualified physiotherapist. For this, students must be able to exercise sound judgement in a variety of clinical situations, and be able to evaluate and adapt their therapeutic skills to meet the needs of the individual patient. Graduates possess the knowledge, skills and professional attitudes that are required for the reliable, ethical and effective practice of physiotherapy. As lifelong learners and active consumers of the professional and scientific literature, graduates are able to fulfil their roles in developing the profession through continuing education and/or participating in investigative and evaluative projects. Their sense of social and professional responsibility is further recognised by their efforts to educate clients, the public and the next generation of therapists. The training will involve both periods of theory and clinical experience gained by meeting and working with patients. During training the students may also get the chance to work with students from other disciplines. This is a beneficial foundation for the team building which will become an essential part of your working life.