Starting a career in physiotherapy

Mandy Pike, programme lead and senior physiotherapist at the University of Winchester

‘Throughout my career, I have had many rewarding opportunities; from enabling patients to reach their potential, to facilitating the development of other AHPs, leading service and system development and now, in my role as a senior lecturer in physiotherapy, supporting our future physiotherapists to become autonomous professionals.

As someone with a visual impairment, I have always found physiotherapy to be a very inclusive profession, and I feel privileged to be a part of that

Heena Mahmood, digital lead for adult community services at Mid Yorkshire Trust

‘The most rewarding part of my job is having the influence to be able to implement innovative ways of working which benefits both staff and patients.

Working in leadership means I am responsible for supporting others in their roles, and whilst challenging at times I also find this rewarding too

'I led the implementation of smartphones for all community staff which improved call reliability, wound imaging and video calling. This resulted in staff reporting much better use of smartphones for their daily business and patients are supported through better communication methods.’

Bex Francis, physio at Northwest rehab and enablement service, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership

‘The most rewarding part of my community role is seeing patients progress in function, improve their quality of life and grow in confidence. 

'I may have helped facilitate this, but the reward comes in highlighting what that individual has achieved with a bit of input and guidance from myself.

These tasks may seem simple but can build a patient’s self-efficacy and confidence when achieving them

Manessa Faal, physiotherapist working in the NHS and as a veterinary physiotherapist

‘The most rewarding thing about my role is my ability to make huge differences to the lives of my patients.

'This includes facilitating performance horses and dogs to reach their full potential, helping dogs that have neurological deficits regain their mobility, and helping elderly dogs improve their quality of life.

I am extremely proud to be part of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) and a member of the CSP

'This means I can treat humans and animals with the same high standards of care. By treating both owners and their animals I have a unique perspective on how people and animals respond to illness and injury, which helps to set realistic goals.’

You can find out more here from ACPAT about how to become a veterinary physiotherapist.

Niju Baby, advanced clinical practitioner at Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children

‘Working as a respiratory physiotherapist is always challenging and at the same time rewarding. As a regional children hospital in Northern Ireland, we are treating and managing acutely unwell patients and those with chronic conditions.

'Physiotherapists are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team and play a major role in assessment, treatments, decision-making. 

'The role has emerged and evolved to a higher level since Covid-19. This has given our profession more opportunities, responsibilities and accountability, which can lead to further job satisfaction. 

My career has given me an opportunity to work in a variety of settings and specialities; however, working in paediatrics is extremely rewarding and our holistic physiotherapy approach supports unwell children and their families in challenging times