The physiotherapist participates in the re-education and rehabilitation of people with motor or respiratory disorders, of traumatic origin or related to chronic diseases.
What is the role of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a paramedical specialty that allows a qualified professional to work on different forms of re-educationof muscle building, mobility and endurance of a patient. Physiotherapy is widely used following trauma, surgery or a traumatic event for the body. Physiotherapy concerns both the skeleton and the functions of the body, in particular breathing. She improves the patient’s quality of life. The title of physiotherapist is only reserved, in France, for people who have obtained a state diplomat validated by the National Council of the Order of physiotherapists and registered with the National Council of the Order.
When to consult a physiotherapist?
The care of the physiotherapist is necessary for:
- There rehabilitation after trauma (fracture, sprain, tendinitis, etc.)
- After a stroke
- After prolonged bed rest or any type of neurological or motor disease.
- For the perineal rehabilitation after giving birth.
- For aimprove breathing in congested subjects Or in infants with bronchiolitis.
- Some physiotherapists specialize in vestibular physiotherapy, to treat balance disorders related to vertigo of ENT origin.
- The masseur-physiotherapist massages, relieves and rehabilitates thanks to different movement techniques, and sometimes even the use of water, heat, cold or ultrasound.
Do I need a prescription to consult a physiotherapist?
Yes, the care of the physiotherapist is subject to a medical prescription. The attending physician or the surgeon will decide on the need to treat a pathology by a physiotherapist. He will then direct you to the professional best suited to the situation.
What is the difference between a physiotherapist and an osteopath?
A large number of physiotherapists also practice osteopathy. This discipline, which favors a global approach to the body, can be practiced by anyone with a national diploma in osteopathy. Osteopathy is also practiced without a masseur-kinesitherapist diploma but it is not considered as a health professional. It is advisable to always prefer a qualified osteopath.
The choice of physiotherapist is often guided by the attending physician depending on the pathology to be treated. It is always preferable to be followed by the same physiotherapist to ensure a good evolution and a good adaptation of the care to each one. The advice of the prescribing doctor often makes it possible to find a physiotherapist adapted to his pathology. Physiotherapists can practice in a private practice or in a hospital setting. Some divide their activity between the two. They can also work in a thermal center or in thalassotherapy. With experience, some specialize in specific areas: sport, childhood pathologies, respiratory or ENT physiotherapy, for example.
What degree to become a physiotherapist?
To become a massage therapist, it is necessary toobtain a state diploma, issued by a specialized school (French Institute of Masso-Kinesitherapy). Since the start of the 2015 academic year, admission to these establishments is by competitive examination after a common first year of health studies (PACES), a first year of a bachelor’s degree in science, health, technology or STAPS. Students from a PACES are given priority. The entrance examination is particularly selective. THE studies last for three years in a French Institute of Masso-Kinesitherapy (IFMK). The first year of school offers theoretical courses (psychology, sociology, anatomy) and practical courses allowing the learning of physiotherapy techniques (joint and neuromuscular assessment, massages, etc.), to which are added observation internships . Over the next two years, classes and internships alternate. In the third year, courses on managing a practice and writing a dissertation are compulsory. The diploma is obtained by continuous assessment, defense of the dissertation and state diploma tests.
What is the price of a session? Is it reimbursed?
Ihe conventional rate set by Social Security is 16.13 euros for the rehabilitation of a limb. .Physiotherapy treatments are partially reimbursed by Social Security, provided that they are dispensed following a medical prescription. The majority of mutuals cover the supplement.