By and large,physical therapistis the term used for practitioners in the United States, while physiotherapist is the term used in many other countries. So, it may be reasonable to call a physical therapist a physiotherapist, and vice versa.
But not everyone agrees. While there are certain overlaps in the practices, some professional associations contend that there are subtle but significant differences in what physical therapists and physiotherapists do, including how they are trained.
This article explores the similarities and differences between physical therapists and physiotherapists, including differences in the professions between the U.S. and other countries.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Defining Physical Therapy
In the United States, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is the main professional organization representing over 100,000 physical therapists, physical therapists, and physical therapy students.
According to the APTA, a physical therapist is:
“…a trained and licensed medical professional with experience diagnosing physical abnormalities, restoring physical function and mobility, maintaining physical function, and promoting physical activity and proper function.
To become a physical therapist in the U.S., you’ll need to either complete a Bachelor’s degree and then a Doctoral program in physical therapy which takes around seven years. You can also enroll in a physical therapy program that combines the two degrees and takes around six years to complete.
You could then choose to enroll in a residency or fellowship program, which allows you to specialize in a field of practice. These include cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports, women’s health, and wound management.
Though not required, board certification is available through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) after performing roughly 2,000 hours of clinical work and passing a certification exam.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, physical therapists are qualified to perform numerous modalities, including:
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Defining Physiotherapy
The definition of physiotherapy can differ depending on which country you live in. In the United Kingdom and much of Europe, the overall description and career path don’t vary all that significantly.
According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, which represents over 65,000 physiotherapists in the United Kingdom, physiotherapy is:
To become a physiotherapist in the U.K., you’ll need to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree which takes around three years. There is also an accelerated, two-year Master of Science program if you already have a relevant degree. You can also undergo an apprenticeship program to make a living as you earn your degree.
Once you obtain your degree, you will register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and start practicing immediately.
Physiotherapists who choose to specialize typically take a one-year course. These include specialties like cardiovascular disease, geriatrics, men’s or women’s health, neurology, pediatrics, neuromuscular, respiratory, oncology, mental health, learning disability, and palliative care.
Unlike ABPTS in the U.S., there is no board certification body specific to physiotherapists in the U.K.
While the practice of physiotherapy is more focused on movement. exercise, and manual therapy, physiotherapists are increasingly utilizing many of the same tools as physical therapists, including cryotherapy, thermotherapy, TENS, ultrasound therapy, LLLT, EWST, and magnetic field therapy.
Some practitioners argue that physiotherapy is more holistic in its approach, addressing a person’s lifestyle and circumstances to effect lasting behavioral changes. While this may be conceptually true, physical therapy has undergone a transformation in recent decades with a greater focus on holistic patient care.
Physical Therapy in the UKIn the United Kingdom, the National Health Service classifies physiotherapy as a type of physical therapy. Physical therapy can also include treatment from achiropractor, anosteopathwho performs manual manipulations, or even anoccupational therapistwho offers mobility tools.
Physical Therapy in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service classifies physiotherapy as a type of physical therapy. Physical therapy can also include treatment from achiropractor, anosteopathwho performs manual manipulations, or even anoccupational therapistwho offers mobility tools.
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Summary
Physiotherapy and physical therapy are often considered synonymous. In recent decades, any differences in the professions have faded as the professions embrace many of the same treatments and are more aligned in their approach to holistic patient care.
If there is any difference, physiotherapy has historically focused more on movement, manual therapy, and exercise, while physical therapy has evolved to embrace a more holistic, whole-person approach. Training can also be slightly different, as in countries like the United Kingdom where the pathway can be shorter and no certifying body is in place as it is in the United States.
Moreover, in countries like the U.K., physiotherapy is considered a facet of physical therapy alongside osteopathy, chiropody, and even occupational therapy.
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8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a physical therapist.
National Library of Medicine.Physical therapy modalities.
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.What is physiotherapy?
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.Physiotherapy framework.
Electrophysical Agents and Diagnostic Ultrasound.About EPADU.
American Physical Therapy Association.Looking at physical therapy holistically.
National Health Service.Ways to manage chronic pain.
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