Physiotherapy

What is Physical Therapy?

Physiotherapy (or Physical Therapy) is a branch of Medicine which is dedicated to the healing power of natural factors on the human body.

Physiotherapy uses the following methodics: sunlight, air baths, hydrotherapy, mineral water, heat and cold, electrical and electromagnetic effects, barotherapy, mechanical effects (massage, curative trainings, compresses.

Physiotherapy is mainly aimed at the prevention of diseases, but it helps to improve the patient's condition in case of some diseases, for example, asthma, digestive tract diseases or musculoskeletal system. Treatment and physiotherapy procedures help children with developmental disabilities to catch up with their peers, and older people - to feel more active and healthy. Of course, Physiotherapy always complements clinical medicine and therapy since there are so many issues with which Physiotherapy cannot deal on its own.

Physiotherapy program structure

The structure of study programs in Physiotherapy is rather similar to the structure of many basic study programs in Medicine, but with less emphasis on Clinical Medicine and its methods and topics and more emphasis on Global Health and healing procedures. Students undertake such courses as Social Care, Global Health and Physiotherapy Management. Courses in Human Medicine are also mandatory, but they are usually taught during the first years of the education. During the last years of education, students are involved in a research project, so their curriculum will relate to the chosen topic - last years of the education usually consist of a variety of compulsory and elective courses.

All study programs in Medicine, including Physiotherapy, include mandatory practice in hospitals and healthcare organizations.

Some study programs in Physiotherapy can also include a year abroad, so students can receive the experience of other countries and paradigmas.

Entry requirements for Physiotherapy applicants

Those who wish to apply for a undergraduate study program in Physiotherapy in a foreign university need to have high grades in Biology. But admission for some universities is a bit more difficult. For example, many universities in UK and Australia (and some other countries) ask Russian applicants to receive at least one year of higher education in Biology, Human Medicine or other relevant area. Volunteering or other experience in this area will also be a big advantage.

Since most of the study programs in Physiotherapy are graduate, applicants for these programs are expected to hold a Bachelor (or equivalent) degree in relevant area - Human Biology. Human Medicine, Public Health, Social Work or other.

Most study programs which are available for international students are taught in English.

That means that applicants whose native tongue is other from English need to demonstrate satisfying language level, which is different for different countries. Most universities accept the results of TOEFL, IELTS or other equivalent tests.