O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 W H AT I S A P H YS I O T H E R A P I S T ?

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who

are committed to providing client-centered, quality
service to individuals suffering from different
physical and/or health issues.

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 W H AT I S P H YS I O T H E R A P Y ?

Physiotherapy involves:
• Evaluating, restoring and maintaining
physical function
• Improving and maintaining functional
independence
• Preventing disease, injury and disability
• Educating and planning

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N
 WORK SETTINGS

Physiotherapists are employed in a variety of

different work settings, including:
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Community Clinics
• Schools
• Research Facilities
• Home Care

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTIONS

There are a number of areas in which

physiotherapists can use their advanced skills. These
areas include:
• Education
• Health Promotion
• Exercise
• Stretching
• Cardiovascular Fitness
• Manual Therapy Techniques
• Mobilizations
• Skin Care
• Incontinence
• Electrotherapy
• Ultrasound
ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N
 There are three broad areas of physiotherapy.
Cardiorespiratory
• Heart and lung disease
• Heart and lung transplants
• Pre and post cardiac surgery
• Trauma

Neurology
• Stroke
• Central nervous system disease
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury

Orthopaedic
• Workplace injuries
• Athletic injuries
• Amputees
• Pre and post joint surgery

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 HOW TO BECOME A PHYSIOTHERAPIST

EDUCATION
University: Minimum of four years, but most
physiotherapists
study for six years or more (Master’s program).
There are five universities in Ontario that offer PT
programs.
COURSES
• Biological Sciences (anatomy)
• Applied Sciences (human development)
• Clinical Sciences (functional pharmacology)
• Scientific Inquiry (research)
• Professionalism/Ethics (health policy)
Physiotherapists are expected to continue learning
throughout their career.

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 W H O PAYS F O R P H YS I OT H E R A PY S E RV I C E S ?

Publicly funded PT services are available at the

following locations:
• Community Physiotherapy Clinics (CPCs)
• Long-Term Care Homes
• Home Care
• Community Care Access Centres (CCAC)
• Hospitals
• Family Health Teams
• Community Health Centres
*Physician referrals are needed for publicly funded services.*

Private Sector: Private clinics may bill clients directly

or bill a third party payer, such as:
• Insurance company
• WSIB
• MVA

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N