What is Physiotherapy, Scope in Pakistan?

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a treatment program that is used to relieve pain and regain movement loss. It helps the person to restore motor functions, Correct physical abnormalities, and prevent injuries  Or impairments by the use of Exercise, Hydrotherapy, Massage, Heat, Cold,  Mobilization, Manipulation, UltraSound, Ultraviolet, Infrared radiations, and Electrotherapy devices. 

Physiotherapy treatment is entirely different from medical and surgical treatment where medicine and invasive procedures are used to treat the patient respectively. Physical Therapy treatment is preventive, curative, promotive, and restorative. It is a vital component of the healthcare profession. Doctor Of Physical Therapy (DPT)  program is an HEC recognized five years qualifying degree in Physiotherapy.

What is the role of a Physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is a healthcare practitioner. According to the World Health Organization, A Physical Therapist has the Autonomy to examine, diagnose, prognosis, and treat a patient through a comprehensive rehabilitation program. 

He is a direct care practitioner to evaluate the patient and then set goals for treatment, implement and monitor treatment programs, record information about the patient's health status, guide the patient, prescribe Exercises and assistive devices used in the patient's treatment. 

When medicine and surgical procedures fail to recover the patient then a Physiotherapist plays his role to rehabilitate the patient and overcome the depression which results from Chronic pain or disability.

 When to Consult a Physiotherapist?

Many health conditions are treated by Physiotherapy. You can get a proper rehabilitation program by Consulting a Physiotherapist when you are affected by one or more of these problems:

1. Hypomobility, hypermobility, and immobility:

Hypomobility due to any cause such as ligament shortening, muscular tightness, joint capsule adhesions, and after a burn or other disease can be treated by Physiotherapy. Treatment may be in the form of exercises like the range of motion and joint or soft tissue mobilization.

Hypermobility results after many neurological diseases and ligament tears and can be treated by PRICE protocol, strengthening exercises, and by prescribing assistive devices.

Immobility means the inability to move independently. A person becomes immobile due to many reasons such as post-surgery, post-fracture, paralysis from stroke and spinal cord injury, degenerative joint diseases and other joint problems, fear of falling, advanced age, Depression, muscular weakness, and loss of Coordination. 

Physiotherapy helps to treat immobility and restore movements by the use of the passive,  active-assistive, and active range of motion techniques and when a patient becomes able to move then resisted exercises are performed to strengthen the muscles.

2. Neck pain

Neck pain of any cause due to muscle spasm, ligament tears, joint problems, spondylosis, poor posture, whiplash injuries, and spinal cord injury treated by Physiotherapy which is a non-invasive therapy to treat the patient.

3. Back pain

Upper back pain, low back pain, acute low back pain, chronic low back pain, back pain due to muscle spasm, back pain due to vertebral damage,  back pain due to disc slip, poor posture, injury, accident, sciatica, back pain due to Myofascial pain syndrome and many other causes is treated effectively by Physiotherapy. Treatment may be in the form of myofascial release, electrophysiological modalities, joint mobilization, strengthening, and stretching exercises.

4. Joint pain

Joint pain such as shoulder joint pain due to adhesive capsulitis elbow joint pain due to tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, wrist joint pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome, hip joint pain due to arthritis after hip surgery such as total hip arthroplasty, knee pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ligament injuries patellar fractures and ankle joint pain due to an ankle sprain and any other cause can be best treated by physiotherapy.

5. Muscular weakness

Muscular weakness due to brain damage, spinal cord injury,  after fractures, sedentary lifestyle joint problems, and inactivity after surgery can be treated by strengthening exercises e.g progressive resistive exercises.

A Physiotherapist can best guide you about all types of strengthening exercises that are beneficial for Muscular weakness according to the condition of the patient.

6. Muscle Spasticity

Muscular spasticity in stroke patients, cerebral palsy patients, and muscle spasms of any other cause is best managed by positioning techniques, massage, joint mobilization, Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT), tendon release therapy, and range of motion techniques (ROM) which all are provided by a Physiotherapist.

7. Injuries or fractures

Pain, decreased range of motion and muscular weakness,  joint Hypomobility, and hypermobility resulting from injuries or fractures are treated efficiently by Physiotherapy.

8. Sports Injuries

Physiotherapists have a critical role in the rehabilitation of sports injuries such as fractures, ligament tears (Anterior cruciate ligament injury), bruises,  strains,  sprains, Nerve injuries, overuse syndromes such as golfers' elbows, and tennis elbow, and many other conditions.

9. Handicapped children OR Special Children(Cerebral Palsy,spina bifida, autism, down syndrome, etc.)

Handicapped children such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, and Down syndrome have lost their movements and delayed milestones so their treatment depends on physiotherapy. Coordination is improved by Frenkel exercises in Physiotherapy.

10. Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve is compressed due to disc herniation, tumor, or bony spur resulting from arthritis that causes pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttock region and then down to the posterior portion of your leg up to the big toe.

A Physiotherapist has special skills to treat such conditions.

11. Hand and wrist pain

Hand and wrist pain due to arthritis overuse syndrome, nerve compression, wrist drop, carpal tunnel syndrome, fracture of carpal bones, and tendon rupture, Physiotherapy is the best choice if you want a quick recovery.

12. Headache

Massage relaxation methods, stress management techniques, strengthening exercises, and myofascial release are some physiotherapy interventions to treat headaches of any cause such as migraine, cluster headache,  tension headache,  headache due to stress, and muscular tightness.

13. Pain

Acute or chronic pain, muscular or visceral pain, trigger or tender points pain and pain of any cause can be managed effectively by TENS, Ultrasound, heat, cold, massage, myofascial release, and many other Physiotherapy procedures. 

14. COVID-19

Respiratory Physiotherapy plays an important role in patients having covid infection in acute care and also in post covid patients. Respiratory exercises are performed to increase lung capacity and improve immunity.

Here I have mentioned the basic and Common problems treated by Physiotherapy. There are a lot of other problems such as cardiovascular and gynecological problems which are treated by a Physiotherapist. Physical Therapists also work in sports and athletic facilities.

What is the History of Physiotherapy?

The concept of Physiotherapy was first introduced in the form of hydrotherapy, massage, and Manual therapy by Hippocrates and a Greek physician Galenus in 460 BC.

Pehr Henric ling also known as "Father of Gymnastics" was the first person who used manipulation and exercises to treat chronic pain in 1813 and founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics(RCIG). The regular body for PTs was first formed by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare in 1887.

In 1894  a "Chartered Society of Physiotherapy" was formed by four nurses in Great Britain. 

In 1913 The University of Otago " school of massage" was Established in New Zealand. In 1916 when there was an outbreak of poliomyelitis in New Zealand a lot of disabled children in the community required Rehabilitation and then young women treated the polio patient and a hydrotherapy center was established in the USA to treat the polio patients. 

The demand for Rehabilitation increased during World War I in 1917 when many soldiers were injured and burned.

The field of Physical Therapy was first institutionalized during world war I to treat injured soldiers and restore their functions and movements lost. After World War I, The first School of Physical Therapy was established at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington.

1st Physiotherapy research was published in 1921 in the USA  and Mary Mac Millan organized the "American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association" now it is called as American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). She was the 1st lady elected as president of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Now PTs have started working at public and private hospitals, medical centers, outdoor patients, orthopedic clinics, Rehabilitation departments, pediatrics and geriatrics settings, schools, colleges, and Universities.

History of Physiotherapy in Pakistan:

In Pakistan initially, a 2 years diploma was started at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center in 1956.  Later the 2 years diploma was modified to 3 years Diploma in 1962. Then a 3 years diploma was upgraded to a 3-year B.Sc physical therapy program in 1963 when the School of Physiotherapy affiliated with the University of Karachi. Later this 3 year B Sc physical therapy was upgraded to 4 years bachelor's degree in 1999 at Mayo Hospital which was the 2nd School of Physiotherapy in Pakistan history. Five years Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program was initiated in 2008 first offered by Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) was a big step towards professional identity. 

Physiotherapy Council in Pakistan:

Since 1999 all the Physiotherapists in Pakistan were struggling hard for their professional competence, Autonomy, direct access towards patients & clients, direct care practitioner, independent practice, and a regulatory body. There are many Seniors Physiotherapists who work hard for the dignity and growth of their profession. 

Their Names are worth mentioning because they are the Gems stone of the Physiotherapy history in Pakistan. Their names are:

• Dr. Salman Malik 
• Dr. Amir Saeed
• Dr. Abid Minhas
• Dr. Shazia Sarfraz
• Dr. Junaid Gondal
• Dr. Asbar Javaid
• Dr. Amol brain
• Dr. Mehboob ul Rahman

They all are senior  Physiotherapists and were also members of the Pakistan physical therapy Association (PPTA) which were established in 2008 and then in 2011 joined the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. They started their work in 1999 for an independent Physical Therapy Council in Pakistan and put all their efforts into this purpose. After tireless work and efforts in 2018, the Federal cabinet has passed the Bill. 

But unfortunately, the Pakistani physio Community Doesn't have any regulatory body in the form of an independent Physiotherapy council and the Government of Imran Khan has added a physio Community in the Allied health sciences. 

Now young Physiotherapists are trying their best for the Independent Council and they have rejected the allied health council. 

There was a nationwide protest On 21st June 2021 from all the Physio community especially young Physiotherapists and DPT students for the establishment of a separate Council. As a result, a resolution bill for the Independent Physical Therapy Council has been approved by the Punjab government. 

Now the whole physio Community is waiting for the decision of the National Assembly. 

https://youtu.be/zGMmS7956_o

Here are the names of Physiotherapists who led the Physio Community in the protest that took place across Pakistan on June 21, 2021. They had been working day and night for years to establish a separate Physical Therapy Council in Pakistan.

Islamabad:

• Dr. Sana Komal, PT
• Dr. Asjad Mahmood, PT
• Dr. Khalil Ahmad, PT
• Dr. Muhammad Ilyas, PT
• Dr. Irfan Baloch, PT
• Dr. Fahad Ahmad, PT
• Dr. Zubair Janjua

Lahore: 

• Dr. Meer Shakeel, PT
• Dr. Abdul Manan, PT
• Dr. Qazi Salman Latif, PT
• Dr. Omer Bin Khalid

Multan:

• Dr. Azfar Mulghani, PT
• Dr. Ayyaz Ahmad, PT

Layyah:

• Dr. Qamar, PT
• Dr. Asia PT
• Dr. Zara, PT
• Dr. Nadia, PT
• Dr. Sidra, PT

Karachi:

• Dr. Shabana Naz

Quetta:

• Dr. Umair Baloch, PT

Peshawar:

• Dr. Susan, PT

All the Physiotherapists mobilized the youth through the All Pakistan Physiotherapy Alliance (APPA). Without the logo of any organization or association, they protested on a single day and showed unity under this Alliance.

There are many other DPT students and members of the Social media team such as Mr. Shahid Jamal, Mr. Ammar, Mr.Behzad, Mr.Afsar, Mr.Bilal Sherazi, Mr. Zarar, and Zara Sultan who are the real heroes and put their all efforts for the bright future of Physiotherapy profession.

Now necessary steps have been taken from the young Physiotherapists for the constitution of a regulatory Authority. They have more power and energy and are doing all their efforts to raise the Standard of the Physiotherapy profession in Pakistan.

Why do Physical Therapists need an Independent Physiotherapy Council in Pakistan?

• The absence of a separate council for Physiotherapists is a violation of their rights. 
• In Pakistan all professionals having 5-year degrees like MBBS, Pharm D, DVM, BEMS, and LLB have their Separate council only in the Physical Therapy profession there is no regulatory body.

• HEC provides guidelines for DPT curriculum and practices for Physiotherapy but there is no authority for the implementation of these guidelines.
• Institutions offering DPT programs are increasing Day by day and there are no rules and regulations and Monitoring for this rapid growth
• More than 1000 students pass out per Year but having no proper clinical skills and evidence-based theoretical knowledge.

• As the rate of Physiotherapy professionals increases rapidly, fewer job opportunities are available in Pakistan. 
• Physiotherapists are respected all over the world but in Pakistan, they don't have the respect which they deserve.
• According to International Standard Classification Of Occupation(ISCO) Code 2264, Physical Therapists can directly assess the patient and implement a treatment program to rehabilitate the patient.
• Physical Therapists are health care practitioners and have the autonomy to deal with the patient directly without being under the supervision of physicians or any other healthcare professionals.

• The allied health council is mainly formulated for paramedics and diploma holders but Physiotherapists are highly qualified Health care professionals having 5 years DPT degree, 2 years MS, and then Ph.D.
• The credibility hours for Physiotherapy are greater than for paramedics. So merging physical Therapy in the allied health council is injustice.
• Becoming a part of the Allied health council the professional autonomy of physiotherapists will be compromised.

• Doctor of physical therapy (DPT) is one of the few medical programs in Pakistan offering five years of education like MBBS, DVM, and Pharm-D and it is approved by higher education commissions (H.E.C). After completing a 5 years (10 Semesters) degree there is a 6month or 1-year house job. 
• To become a specialized health care professional there is 2 years Master of Science(MS)or Master of philosophy(M.phil) after that you can also go for 3-5 years Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). 
• Some institutes in Pakistan offer an Annual system of education for DPT students and some are offering a semester system. Subjects included in five years DPT program is given below:

1. Anatomy I
2. Physiology I
3. Biochemistry I
4. Kinesiology
5. English
6. Introduction to computer
7.   Anatomy II
8. Physiology II
9. Biochemistry II

10. Biomechanics and Ergonomics
11. Islamic Studies  
12. Pakistan Studies
13. Pharmacology
14. General pathology and Microbiology

15. Physical agents and Electrotherapy including Medical physics
16. Therapeutic Exercises and Techniques and Manual therapy
17. Community health, Research methodology, Social and behavioral sciences
18. Special pathology
19. Physical Therapy in Medicine
20. Physical Therapy in Surgery including Radiology and Diagnostic imaging 

21. Clinical decision making and differential diagnosis
22. Physical Therapy treatment & Techniques I (Musculoskeletal, sports, gerontology including geriatric, pediatric physical Therapist, and Clinical Practice I
23. Evidence-based Physical Therapy & Professional practice
24. Emergency procedures and Primary Care in Physical Therapy
25. Physical therapy treatment and Techniques II( Cardiopulmonary, Neurological, Gynaecological & Obstetrics, Integumentary Physical Therapy and Supervised Clinical practice II

26. Prosthetics, Orthotics, Human Development, and Community-based Rehabilitation.

A sequence of subjects covered per year or per semester may be changed according to different Government and private universities.

Universities For Physiotherapy in Pakistan:

The DPT program has become very important in the last few years. Students who cannot get admission to M.B.B.S turn to DPT but by choice, physiotherapy is the best option for all. As there is no Physical Therapy Council, this program has been started in many small institutes. Many institutes in Pakistan are offering DPT programs including governments and private sectors.

 But the most important thing students must always keep in mind before taking admission to DPT, is to always select that University or institute which is following Higher Education Commission(HEC) guidelines. 

 Government Universities For Physical Therapy in Pakistan

Admission to DPT in government Universities is based on F.sc merit and entrance test marks. The merit criteria for many government universities include 60% marks in matriculation,60% marks in F.sc pre. medical, and 40%- 60% marks in MCAT. So all toppers and those students who can't take admission in MBBS choose the DPT program in the Government sector. The names of Government Universities offering DPT programs in Pakistan are there:

Punjab:

1. King Edward Medical University, Lahore
2. The Institute of Child Health Lahore
3. Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC), Lahore
4. University of Health Sciences ( UHS) Lahore
5. CMH Lahore Medical College
6. Government College University Faisalabad
7. University of Sargodha, Sargodha
8. Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar khan
9. Islamia University Bahawalpur

Islamabad and Rawalpindi:

1. Armed Forces Postgraduate Medical Institute Rawalpindi(AFPGMI)
2. Rawalpindi Medical University,  Rawalpindi
3. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University Islamabad
4. Bahria University, Islamabad

Sindh:

1. University of Karachi, Karachi
2. Jinnah Sindh medical university, Karachi
3. Dow Universities of health sciences, Karachi
4. Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro
5. People University of medical and health for women, Nawab Shah

Balochistan:

1. University of Balochistan, Quetta

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KPK):

1. Khyber Medical University

Private institutes for Physiotherapy in Pakistan:

According to HEC guidelines admission in private universities is based on 60% Marks in F.Sc. Any institutes offering DPT and having admission criteria less than 60% is not best for you as it is not following Higher education commissions (HEC) guidelines. Always select a standard institute for DPT.

Points to be considered before admission to DPT program:

• University, College, Institute must be HEC recognized.
• Institutes providing DPT must have good faculty, infrastructure,  and laboratories of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Biomechanics, Physiology, Medicine, etc.
• The minimum eligibility criteria for admission of students in DPT is 60% marks in F.Sc pre-medical.
• Institutes must have 200 bedded  hospitals with well-established Rehabilitation departments.
• The Head of the department must be a Physiotherapist.
• Faculty proportion must be 1:12
• Providing One year paid house job is mandatory for all Universities.
• 100 students can be enrolled per year(50 per semester).

Islamabad:

1. Isra University Islamabad
2. Foundation University Islamabad
3. IBADAT University, Islamabad 
4. Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad
5. Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Islamabad
6. Yusra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Islamabad
7. Abasyn University Islamabad

8. Hafeez Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad
9. Iqra University Chak Shahzad Campus
10. Aman Medical Institute, Islamabad
11.  Institute of Health and Management Science, Islamabad
12. Riphah International University, Islamabad
13. Bashir Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad
14. Prime Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad
15. Rawal Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad
16. Hamdard University, Islamabad
17. Comwave Institute, Islamabad

Rawalpindi:

1. Margalla Institute of health science Rawalpindi
2. CASH (Center of Advanced Studies in Health and Technology)

3. Zohra Institute of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi
4. Al wateen Institute of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi
5. Grace College Of Health Sciences Chakwal
6. Islamabad College Of Physiotherapy, Rawalpindi

Punjab:

Lahore:

1. University of Management and Technology Lahore
2. The University of Lahore, Lahore
3. Nur International University Lahore
4. Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College Lahore
5. PSRD college of Rehabilitation Sciences Lahore
6. Advance Life College of Medical Sciences, Lahore
7. Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore
8. Ace Institute of Medical and Emerging Sciences
9. Shalamar School of Allied Health Sciences Lahore
10. University of South Asia Lahore
11. Rashid Latif College of Physical Therapy, Lahore
12. Central Park Medical and Dental College, Lahore
13. Gulab Devi Education Complex, Lahore
14. Informatics Group of College
15. The Superior University Lahore.
16. Hussain College of Health Sciences, Lahore
17. Lahore Institute of Professional Studies
18. FMH College of medicine and dentistry
19. Riphah International University Lahore
20. Central Park College of Allied Health Sciences
21. Afro-Asian Institute, Lahore
22. Aims Institute of Management Sciences, Lahore
23. Akram Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Lahore
24. Hajvery University, Lahore
25. Punjab Institute of Professional Studies, Lahore
26. South City Institute of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Lahore
27. University of Sargodha (Lahore Campus)
28. Lahore College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
29. School Of Allied Health Sciences, Lahore
30. Mars Institute Of Health Sciences(Women), Lahore
31. Federal Institute Of Health Sciences, Lahore
32. Johar Institute Of Professional Studies, Lahore
33. Nasjon Institute of Health Sciences, Lahore
34. Government College University, Lahore
35. Amna Inayat Medical College, Lahore
36. Lahore Medical & Dental College

Sahiwal:

1. Kings College of Health Sciences, Sahiwal
2. The Limit Institute of Health Sciences, Sahiwal
3. Kamiyana college sahiwal
4. Quaid e Azam College sahiwal

Multan:

1. Multan Institute of Health Sciences, Multan(MIHS)
2. KAIMS International Institute, Multan

3. Royal Institute of medical science(RIMS)
4. Federal Institute of health science(FIHS)
5. Times Institute
6. The Next College, Multan
7. Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College
8. Allied College of Health Sciences Multan
9. Institutes of allied Health Sciences Laeeque Rafiq Hospital

10. Kings College of Health Sciences Multan
11. The Physio college of rehabilitation
12. Muhammad Institute Of Medical And Allied Health Sciences
13. Islamic International Institute Of Sciences, Multan
14. Multan College Of Physiotherapy 

Faisalabad:

1. Riphah International University Faisalabad
2. The University of Faisalabad
3. Able College of Physical Therapy
4. University of Sargodha women campus Faisalabad
5. Faisal Institute of Health Sciences. Faisalabad
6. University Of Sargodha (Lyallpur Campus)
7. Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad
8. Independent Medical College, Faisalabad

Sialkot:

1. University of Sialkot
2. University of Management And Technology, Sialkot Campus
3. Islam College Of Pharmacy, Sialkot
4. Sialkot College of Physical Therapy
5. Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College
6. Sialkot Medical College

Sargodha:

1. University of Lahore, Sargodha
2. Sargodha Medical College, Sargodha
3. Sargodha Institute of Health Sciences, Sargodha

Gujrat:

1. University of Lahore, Gujrat campus
2. Mukabbir College, Gujrat

Gujranwala:

1. Royal Group of Colleges, Gujranwala
2. Gujranwala Institute Of Rehabilitation Sciences 

Bahawalpur:

1. King College of health sciences, Bahawalpur
2. Bahawalpur Medical and Dental College
3. National College of Physical Therapy
4. Sutlej College of Allied Health Sciences
5. Agile Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Bahawalpur

Lodhran:

1. Shahida Islam Medical and Dental College, Lodhran

Khanewal:

1.  Allied College Of Health Sciences 

Sindh:

1. Isra University Hyderabad
2. Blessing Institute of Medical Sciences, Sukkur
3. Royal Institute Of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Hidayat Campus
4. Hidayat Institute of Rehabilitation and Emerging Sciences, Sukkur
5. College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sukkur 
6. Isra University Karachi
7. Jinnah Medical and Dental College Karachi
8. Bahria University Medical and Dental College Karachi
9. Ziauddin University Karachi
10. United College of Physiotherapy, Karachi
11. Indus University Karachi
12. Hamdard University, Karachi
13. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Dewan Karachi
14. Liaquat National Hospital And Medical College Karachi
15. United Medical and Dental College, Karachi 
16. Nazeer Hussain University, Karachi                   
17. Bhitai Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mirpur Khas
18. Meyer Institute Of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mirpur Khas
19. The Institute Of Nursing And Allied Health Sciences, Umerkot
20. Iqra University Karachi
21. Taqwa Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences
22. Hayat Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine
23. Hyderabad Institute of Medical and Allied Sciences
24. Blessing School of Paramedics, Karachi
25. Al- tibri Medical College, Karachi
26. Baqai Medical University, Karachi 
27. Angel Institute Of Health Sciences, Karachi 
28. Abu Zafar Institute Of Medical Sciences, Karachi 
29. Suleman Roshan College of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Tando Adam
30. Al-biruni Institute Of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Hyderabad
31. Jeejal Maau Institute of Physiotherapy& Rehabilitation Sciences, Hyderabad 
32. Suhail University, karachi

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK):

1. Gandhara University Peshawar
2. Frontier Institute of Medical Sciences , Abbottabad

3. Sarhad University of science and information technology Peshawar
4. Abasyn University Peshawar
5. City University of science and information technology Peshawar
6. Iqra National University Peshawar
7. Hafeez institutes of Medical Sciences Peshawar
8. Mahboob Medical Institute Peshawar
9. NCS University system Peshawar
10. Rehman Medical Institute Peshawar
11. Northwest Institute of Health Sciences Peshawar
12. Women Institute Of Rehabilitation Sciences, Abbottabad 

13. PEF University College Peshawar
14. Ahmad Medical Institute Peshawar
15. School of Health Sciences, Peshawar
16.  P.e.f Post Graduate College, Peshawar
17. Ghazali Institute Of Medical Sciences, Peshawar 
18. Swat Institute Of Medical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mingora
19. Bannu Medical College
20. Gajju Khan Medical College, swabi
21. Helping hand Institute Of Rehabilitation, Mansehra

Balochistan:

1. University College of Dera Murad Jamali.
2. University of Turbat
3. Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences
4. Sina Institute Of Medical Sciences, Quetta

Specializations in Physiotherapy:

After graduation, a Physiotherapist does a two-year M.S or P.phil in which he can specialize in various fields. The M.S degree is for clinical skills. If you want to go on the clinical side and have good skills to treat a patient then M.S is the best choice for you after DPT. You can learn more skills in a better way if you take admission in M.S.

As this program includes clinical skills, the students have a chance to learn about the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the patient under the supervision of well-experienced and board-certified Specialized physical therapists.

Another option is M.phil which is best if you are interested in academics because in M.phil you have more chances to increase your knowledge about research methodology and teaching skills. There are many specialties For Physical Therapist after completing five years of DPT:

1.  Women's health (MS-WHPT)

It is a great specialty for women because everything in this specialty is related to women's disorders such as pelvic floor problems, pregnancy,post-pregnancy, osteoporosis, lymphedema, etc.

In this specialty, you also have to deal with trauma to the pelvic floor such as ligament, tendons, muscles, bones, and joints.

2. Geriatrics:

Geriatrics is the greatest specialty related to disorders and diseases with old age such as Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and some Neurological Disorders like Parkinson's Disease. Physical therapists work with old people to help alleviate their pain, increase muscular strength, gain coordination and balance, selection of proper walking aids and assistive devices. Provides education and counseling to old patients and their families regarding independence in activities of daily living.

3. Pediatrics:

Pediatrics is good for you if you have the best skills to handle children, love them, and care for them. It is related to childhood disorders such as Cerebral Palsy,spina bifida, down synonym, autism, etc. They are called handicapped children and their growth and development are delayed than normal children. 

It is a specialty of choice for women because of their attachment to children. After completing MS in pediatrics you can work at Government and private hospitals, special children schools, Rehabilitation departments, outpatient centers, and children's homes. Here you can treat anyone from infants to 18 years old patients.

4. Neurology (MS-NMPT):

Neurology is an important specialty and its demand is increasing rapidly in Pakistan. So if you want job security then neurology is the best specialty to get into.

Studies are a little tough for neurology as you have to learn everything related to the brain and spinal cord. Recovery time for Neuro patients is usually longer than some orthopedic and other disorders so consistency and patience are needed.

Typically patients with Neurological disorders such as brain & spinal cord injury, stroke, Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other diseases want a Neuro specialist for their treatment. Neuro Specialists would probably work in places like hospitals and rehabilitation facilities that are specific for neurological patients.

5. Cardiovascular and pulmonary

Physical therapists who specialize in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy work at the Coronary care unit (CCU) and provide rehabilitation in patients having a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, implantation of stents, and other heart problems and related surgeries.

 They work to increase the overall health of the heart through different phases of aerobic conditioning programs. Endurance exercises are performed to improve the physical status of the patient. Pre-operative and post-operative rehabilitation programs are there for cardiac patients.

In pulmonary rehabilitation, specialists work to improve the health status of patients having breathing problems due to Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Emphysema, Asthma, tuberculosis, Cystic fibrosis, and other pulmonary diseases. 

6. Sports Physical Therapy(MS-SPT)

Sports physical therapy is the best specialty ever. The scope is also greater in this specialty. A sports physical therapist works in athletic and sports facilities.

Sports specialists deal with sports injuries such as ligament tears, muscle and tendon injuries, bone fractures, ankle sprain, and many other conditions.

But in this specialty you need the best skills and proper physical fitness as the whole career of a player or athlete is compromised if they don't recover properly.

7. Orthopedic and Manual physical therapy (MS-OMPT):

Orthopedic and manual therapy is the most popular specialty. It is related to ligaments and strains, sprains, injuries and fractures to bones, arthritis, ankle sprain, and other bone and joints problems.

Orthopedics work to decrease pain, increase range of motion, and increase muscle strength by manual therapy, cold therapy, and Strengthening exercises.

8. Clinical Electro-Physiology:

A pretty new specialty in Physiotherapy is Clinical Electrophysiology. It is related to new approaches to rehab of nerve and muscles damage by the use of Electrophysiological devices such as TransCutaneous Electrical Nerve stimulator (TENS),  Ultrasound, EMS, Short wave diathermy, Ultraviolet and infrared radiation to treat the patient. Physical therapists with this specialty have Diagnostic ability by using Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS).

9. Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy

Most of the students after completing the Dpt program select Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy specialization. It is the most common specialty of Physiotherapy yet the scope of MSK is increasing day to day in Pakistan.  The reason behind this is that you can treat a wide variety of patients after completing MS in this specialty.

It is related to the treatment of patients having problems with Muscles, Nerves, ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules. Treatment may be in the form of Exercises, mobilization, myofascial release, tendon release, relaxation massage, etc.

What is the scope of Physiotherapy in Pakistan?

Physiotherapy is a pure Clinical based degree. The hands of Physiotherapists are also known as magical hands. The more Clinical skills you have, the more chances you have to earn and increase the scope of your field. After completing the Degree of DPT Physiotherapist can go for a job in the following sectors:

• Government Hospitals
• Private hospitals
• Private clinics

• Hospitals
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Athletic facilities
• NGO's
• Physical, Medical and Rehabilitation center
• Medical technologies companies
• Research
• Special children schools
• Army, navy, and air force
• Home health agencies

As many small institutes are offering DPT programs, the number of graduates per year is greater than job opportunities. The scope of DPT depends on your clinical skills and strong theoretical knowledge for that reason. Therefore students should choose a good, large, and standard university having a well-established Rehabilitation department or attached hospitals. visit more on Video

Overview:

In this article, we do our best to share maximum information about Physiotherapy in Pakistan and especially the scope of Physiotherapy in Pakistan. If you have any queries about any information given in this article do comment so that we enhance our skills and provide more quality information.

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