Physiotherapy is a first contact, autonomous, client-focused health profession dedicated to:
- Improving and maintaining functional independence and physical performance,
- Preventing and managing pain, physical impairments, disabilities and limits to participation; and
- Promoting fitness, health and wellness.

Physiotherapy Services are those that are performed by physiotherapists or any other trained individuals working under a physiotherapist’s direction and supervision.

Physiotherapists analyze the impact of injury, disease or disorders on movement and function. Their unique contribution to health care is to promote, restore and prolong physical independence by enhancing a client’s functional capacity. Physiotherapists encourage clients to assume responsibility for their health and participate in team approaches to health service delivery.

Physiotherapy is anchored in movement sciences and concerned with the function of multiple body systems and aims to enhance or restore function. Physiotherapy is committed to health, lifestyle and quality of life.This holistic approach incorporates a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions and aids.

To achieve health goals, physiotherapists adopt state of the art diagnostic and assessment procedures and tools in order to plan preventive and therapeutic courses of intervention.

Physiotherapists receive a university-based education that provides a foundation of modern science for the profession. By monitoring the development of physical and physiological approaches and the expansion of alternative therapies, such approaches are incorporated into practice and considered complementary therapies when sufficient evidence is available.

Source: Description of Physical Therapy - The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)