A physiotherapist plays a vital role in restoring movement and function to individuals affected by injury, illness, disability or ageing. They work closely with people of all ages and from varying backgrounds, so communication and people skills are highly regarded in this profession. Patients can include children, the elderly, and those who've suffered a stroke or sustained sports injuries.

Those in physiotherapy jobs help to facilitate a patient's recovery and enable them to gain a better range of movement, often reducing physical pain. They must have expertise in the core requirements for the profession (therapeutic exercise and manual and electrophysical therapies), as well as an understanding of the mental, social and environmental factors that may affect a client.

As well as treating physical symptoms, a physiotherapist will promote good health and well-being, sometimes advising a patient's general lifestyle. Advice from a physiotherapist will usually help a patient avoid further injury or prevent the aggravation of an existing injury or ailment.

As a physiotherapist, you have the potential to work in a variety of specialties within health and social care. Still, finding the role that best suits your experience and qualifications is essential. If you're looking to progress your career or to change location, you'll see plenty of locum and permanent opportunities to take advantage of within the NHS and the private healthcare sector.

Why become a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapy is a vital component of the modern NHS. An increased demand for improved quality of life requires better promotion of healthy and active lifestyles. It's an exciting time to work in healthcare, especially for physiotherapists, who can take the lead and provide excellent patient care.

That said, physiotherapy isn't limited to working within the NHS. You could work as a team physio at a sports club or in private practice. It's a career that provides multiple varied paths.

There are also plenty of progression opportunities. Once qualified, you can join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), and you might choose to specialise in one particular area, such as working with children or concentrating on sports injuries. You might follow the management route or even set up your clinic. Maybe you'll even use your qualifications to teach physiotherapy.

What qualifications does a Physiotherapist need?

This profession requires you to have completed a physiotherapy degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To gain a place in a full-time undergraduate course, applicants need at least two A Levels, including a degree in biological science and PE. At least five GCSEs, including Maths, English Language, and Science, will be required at grade C or above.

As this is a patient-facing, hands-on role, you must build rapport with patients and their families. You should have a firm but encouraging attitude and the ability to calm any patient's anxiety or stress.

What does a Physiotherapist do?

This varied role will generally be broken down into the following areas:

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists: Specialise in treating patients with conditions affecting muscles, bones, joints, and soft tissues. They use manual therapy, exercises, and advice to alleviate pain and improve movement. MSK Physiotherapist Jobs

Neurological Physiotherapists: Assist individuals with neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's. They aim to enhance function, reduce symptoms, and improve the quality of life. Neurological Physiotherapist Jobs

Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapists: Work with patients suffering from heart and lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and post-heart attack rehabilitation. They provide exercises and techniques to improve breathing, endurance, and functional ability. Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist Jobs

Paediatric Physiotherapists: Dedicated to the treatment and care of infants, children, and adolescents with a range of developmental, neuromuscular, and skeletal conditions. They aim to improve mobility and independence through tailored interventions. Paediatric Physiotherapist Jobs

Orthopaedic Physiotherapists: Specialise in rehabilitating patients or those suffering from musculoskeletal injuries after orthopaedic surgery. They focus on restoring function and mobility through targeted exercises and therapies. Orthopaedic Physiotherapist Jobs

Sports Physiotherapists: Work with athletes and active individuals to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries. They also focus on performance enhancement and injury prevention strategies. Sports Physiotherapist Jobs

Women's Health Physiotherapists: Address conditions related to women's health, including pregnancy-related issues, incontinence, and pelvic pain. They provide specialised care tailored to the unique needs of women at different life stages. Women's Health Physiotherapist Jobs

Elderly Care Physiotherapists: Specialise in treating older adults, improving mobility, reducing pain, and maintaining independence. They address conditions common in older age, such as arthritis, balance disorders, and osteoporosis. Elderly Care Physiotherapist Jobs

Community Physiotherapists: Provide care in patients' homes or community settings, helping those who might not be able to access traditional clinic-based services. They cover various conditions, offering tailored interventions to support independent living. Community Physiotherapist Jobs

Occupational Health Physiotherapists: Focus on preventing and managing work-related injuries, promoting health and safety in the workplace, and facilitating a timely return to work for employees. Occupational Health Physiotherapist Jobs

Physiotherapy Assistants: These assistants support physiotherapists in delivering care and help with exercises, equipment setup, and patient preparation, which is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Physiotherapy Assistant Jobs

The physiotherapist's role is developing and reviewing treatment programmes, which draw upon various exercise and movement techniques.

You must be empathetic and compassionate if you're currently looking at physical therapist jobs. Interpersonal skills are essential for physiotherapists, as they're required to build patients' trust when working closely with them.

Where does a Physiotherapist work?

Physiotherapists are needed in practically every department within a hospital, but they are best placed according to their specialty. The role may also see them working on the broader community. Physiotherapy appointments may occur at clients' homes, GP surgeries and nursing homes. Physiotherapists working outside of the NHS may find themselves in private hospitals and clinics, sports clubs and gyms, or within private practice.

Locum physiotherapy jobs allow for freedom and flexibility because no ties to contracted hours exist. Many prefer the change of scenery and pace of being assigned to different hospitals. However, the security of permanent and part-time physiotherapy jobs opens up opportunities to advance your career and gain experience in other specialties.

What does a Physiotherapist earn in the UK?

A physiotherapist within the NHS will start at Band 5 of the pay scale and earn around £22,383 per annum (working full-time, 37.5 hours per week). 

An experienced physiotherapist can expect to earn up to £37,350 (Band 6), while those working at a highly specialist/advanced practitioner level could receive a salary of up to £50,056 (Band 7).

In the NHS, a physiotherapist usually works standard hours (37.5 a week), although some shift work may be required. For physiotherapists outside the NHS, hours will depend on where they work. In private practice, for example, hours will be dictated by the client's needs, while a sports physiotherapist will likely work weekends.

Locuming as a Physiotherapist

Locum work offers physiotherapists exciting opportunities and the flexibility and variety to work in diverse settings temporarily. Being a locum physio is an excellent way to gain experience across different specialities, manage work-life balance, and often enjoy competitive pay rates. Locum physiotherapists can fill short-term gaps in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, providing vital continuity of care while exploring new professional challenges.

Your Physiotherapy Career with Your World

Whether you're new to the field or seeking a change, Your World is the Physiotherapy agency that can connect you with the best physio locum jobs in the UK. We help you find the right job for your skills and goals, whether it's a permanent position or temporary work.