October 26, 2020 Categorised in: Senza categoria

The characteristics of the 2021 physiotherapist

Already in 2018, in the volume “Dans Santé Publique 2018/6 (Vol. 30)”, and more particularly in the chapter “Regards sur la kinésithérapie en 2018” (Remi Remondière, Marin-Philippe Durafourg), was about the evolution that the role of the physiotherapist had been dealing with for some years.

So, how should it be the 2021 physiotherapist?

Several years ago, in France, there was a trend that is nowadays particularly current throughout Europe: the physiotherapist is transforming from “medical assistant” to “paramedic”. In some countries the physiotherapist has acquired a fundamental role in laboratory diagnostics, and more recently, he has obtained the faculty to adapt prescriptions according to his own vision of treatment; this is done in accordance with the patient’s clinical condition.

Making long-term predictions is impossible, but we allow ourselves to imagine what the physiotherapist will be like over the next few years.

After reading documents and dealing with professionals from different countries, we have come to define some characteristics that a successful physiotherapist should possess.

Here are the six qualities that the 2021 physiotherapist should have:

1- Be specialized in defined areas while maintaining an overall and integrated vision

Specializing means deepening certain topics, until the “specialized” figure is perceived by the patient as “the solution of the problem”. Generic treatments that last over time are instead destined not to have a successful follow-up;
Having an “integrated vision” means not neglecting the interconnections between organs and tissues which are often the basis of many of the symptoms that prompt the patient to go to the specialist.

2- Being able to integrate multiple techniques together with tools in order to minimize the time needed to restore physical exercise

It’s increasingly evident that physical therapies are an efficient modality aimed to stimulate useful reactions for the body, to help its self-repair. Being able to understand which reaction needs to be stimulated, and during which moment of the process, becomes a fundamental element to reduce therapeutic times.

3- Being constantly updated about the evolution of the therapies he applies

Nowadays is easier to have access to data and information and consequently increasingly difficult to find reliable sources. For this reason, knowing how and where to find out about the evolution of the therapies applied, as well as the need to adapt one’s treatments based on the new information available, is essential to improve the therapeutic result and to reduce the risks associated with the therapies that are applied.

4- Be eager to have updated knowledge in the areas in which you want to specialize

Knowledge evolves at an increasingly very fast and stopping at the notions learned in the past means being overtaken by those who keep updated. Since the time at our disposal is a very limited resource, it’s essential to know how to choose the right training paths in order not to follow redundant paths.

5- Having diagnostic skills to adapt therapy over time and to improve dialogue with the doctor

To accelerate recovery time as much as possible, it’s necessary to know the evolution of the anatomical state of the tissues treated, in order to adapt the therapy based on the response.

The integration of diagnosis in the therapeutic field, intended as a tool to monitor the progress of therapy, it will become a “must” for those who want to excel in terms of optimal clinical results.

6- Having the ability to work in team with different specialists

Being specialists unfortunately means giving up on studying some arguments in favor of others. Excellent clinical results require a great knowledge of the human body as a whole, therefore, for the most complex cases it is necessary to know how to interact constructively with other professionals.

A typical example the interaction between the doctor who makes the diagnosis and the therapist who carries out the therapy. If they collaborated strategically, and adapting the therapy according to the patient’s evolution, the result could become outstanding respect to the “golden standard” “protocol”.

Having one or more of these characteristics means being on the right path to become a good physiotherapist in 2021. Nevertheless, it is necessary to be conscious that giving up even one of these elements means being left behind in a rapidly evolving sector.

The Be The Ones path of WINTECARE faces up these issues with the aim of helping those who work in the world of physiotherapy to enhance their strengths and to become a point of reference in the areas that most interest them. If you want to know more, fill out the form below!

The easiest way to understand if this path is right for your needs is to attend our next free webinars. Our specialists tackle a different topic every month. Request information by filling out the form below, a member will reply by email indicating topics and dates.

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