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Improving quality of life

Physiotherapy is an allied health discipline that explores the structure and movement of the human body. Physiotherapists (or ‘physios’) are trained to assess your condition, diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan. Physiotherapists use manual therapy, tailored exercises, rehabilitation technologies and lifestyle modifications to help people affected by injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Along with improving mobility and function, physiotherapists provide health education to prevent further injury or illness.

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UNSW Medicine & Health is creating the leaders of tomorrow. We have connections with some of Australia’s best hospitals, private practices and health organisations. You’ll be learning in world-class facilities across our Kensington campus, rural and metropolitan teaching hospitals, and research centres and institutes.

As a physiotherapy student at UNSW, hands-on training starts in year one, giving you time to grow as a healthcare professional. We offer a broad range of clinical placements to ensure you become a well-rounded practitioner. These include:

• musculoskeletal (e.g., sports injuries, back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis)
• hospital-based (e.g., cardiorespiratory & intensive care)
• rehabilitation (e.g., orthopaedic & neurological conditions)
• specialised categories (e.g., paediatrics, pelvic floor, women’s health)

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Prepare for career success

Physiotherapists develop tailored treatment plans, which take into account their patient’s lifestyle, activities and general health. There are many different types of physiotherapy treatment, such as exercise programs, joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilisation (massage), acupuncture and dry needling, hydrotherapy and muscle re-education. Some private practitioners are also expanding their practices to offer Pilates classes and telehealth services.

Physiotherapists are in high demand in Australia and overseas and find employment in a variety of settings, including private practices, public and private hospitals, community health centres, residential aged care facilities and sports organisations.

The physiotherapy profession is growing, with Medicare, Work Cover, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) and most private health insurance companies covering physiotherapy services.