Professional Roles, Ethics, and Responsibilities in Physical Therapy

Abstract

Physiotherapy has become an increasingly important component of contemporary healthcare, contributing to health promotion, prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term management of movement-related conditions. This chapter outlines the roles, responsibilities, competencies, and practice settings of physiotherapists. It discusses clinical assessment, intervention, patient education, prevention, care planning, interprofessional collaboration, and the growing use of advanced and extended-scope roles. Physiotherapists may work across emergency and acute care, primary and community care, musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory, pain, and sports services. The chapter also highlights competencies required for safe and effective practice, including clinical reasoning, communication, leadership, adaptability, ethical practice, and evidence-informed decision-making.