Physiotherapists are highly qualified healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive and evidence-based care for a broad array of issues and conditions. The form of treatment and preventative care they deliver is important, and they work towards helping many people. All that said, do their qualifications make a physiotherapist a doctor in Australia?
In recent years, confusion has increased about the term ‘doctor’. Many people use the title, rightly or wrongly, and when applied in a healthcare setting, it has the potential to cause uncertainty or misdirection. Recent positive changes and growth within the physiotherapy field and training opportunities may also add to this confusion.
When seeking professional help, it is important to understand the person’s qualifications and abilities to ensure you are receiving the care you seek. Learn more about physiotherapists and their qualifications, and how we may be able to help you.
Who is a Physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist is an allied healthcare professional who focuses on the human body’s structure and movement. They provide care, treatment, and education to patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Physios must complete a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or professional doctorate program to qualify and complete supervised practice in various clinical settings. They must register under the National Physiotherapy Board of Australia and undertake ongoing professional development.
What Do Physios Treat?
This support may cover a broad array of concerns, conditions, injuries, and target outcomes. Alongside treatment, physios may provide preventative care, support devices and aids, life modification advice, health promotion education, occupational health assessments, and guidance and programs for athletic performance improvement.
Some issues physios may work with include:
- Sports injuries.
- Trauma suffered during accidents such as a car crash.
- Post-surgical recovery.
- Age-related wear and tear.
- Overuse damage.
- Pain management.
- Arthritis.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
- Obesity and weight gain.
- Cancer.
- Migraines and headaches.
- Spine injuries.
- Developmental delays.
What Treatment Options Do Physios Provide?
Physios take a personalised approach to cater to each patient’s specific needs and goals. They will undertake a comprehensive assessment in an effort to identify underlying factors and reasons for the patient’s symptoms, or to identify the patient’s target outcomes, such as athletic performance goals or injury prevention. This evaluation may include a physical assessment, discussion, and looking at relevant scans and medical history. They will then develop a tailored care plan or program to best meet the individual’s requirements.
Treatment techniques may include options such as:
- Manual therapy.
- Dry needling.
- Acupuncture.
- Ultrasound therapy.
- Exercise prescription.
- Stretching.
- Education.
Where Do Physios Work?
Physiotherapy is delivered in different settings such as private clinics, hospitals, sports organisations, aged care homes, and community centres. This allows physios to provide care to a broad array of people with varying needs, goals, and requirements. Physios may deliver general physiotherapy care or may choose to focus on one field, such as sports, paediatrics, or rehabilitation.
Who is a Doctor?
The term ‘doctor’ is typically used to classify a medical professional who has completed a relevant bachelor’s degree in medicine. This requires many years of study, internships, and experience in a broad array of settings.
One reason for confusion regarding the term is that people who complete a doctorate, otherwise known as a PhD, or post-doctoral studies, can also be classed as doctors. However, this latter group is not the medical professionals who the public traditionally knows as doctors.
In addition, the law states that a professional must not imply they are a medical doctor, but does not protect the title. This means that some people incorrectly use the term doctor (even without doctorate or post-doctorate qualifications) to appear more competent than they are.
Is a Physiotherapist a Doctor in Australia?
So, we have concluded that a medical doctor is different from someone who has the title of doctor due to specific, advanced education in their field. However, there have been recent changes to physiotherapists’ classification due to ongoing lobbying from Fellows of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (ACP). They presented the need to recognise the need for physios to demonstrate their professional standing, ability, and achievements by using the title ‘doctor’. Subsequently, if a physiotherapist has experience and knowledge at level 10 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, they may now refer to themselves as a doctor.
Not many physiotherapists have undertaken level 10 qualifications currently. However, there is a push to encourage more physios to complete this qualification so that physiotherapy may continue to grow and assist countless people.
Receive Physiotherapy Care at The Excel Body & Health Clinic
The physiotherapy team at the Excel Body & Health Clinic is experienced and qualified to deliver high-quality care personalised to your needs. If you are dealing with issues such as pain, reduced functionality, or chronic health conditions, please contact our friendly team to organise an initial consultation.
CALL US: (03) 7009 3811
