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Physiotherapists have specialist skills in the physical treatment and rehabilitation of people and offer a range of therapies including exercise, electrotherapy and manual therapy.

The role of the physiotherapist is to improve a person's mobility and independence. This could be through helping them recover from a chest infection, controlling their pain or helping them to mobilise after a stroke. This approach can prevent someone from being admitted to hospital, speed up their recovery if in hospital and promote an early discharge.

Physiotherapists can work independently or in larger teams specialising in different areas of health and medical care. They work in the National Health Service (NHS), in primary and secondary care and in specialist centres. They also work in the private and voluntary sector, in education and in private industry.

Physiotherapists may be accessed directly or following referral from a doctor or other health care professional.

Physiotherapists working in the NHS have to be state registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

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