Physiotherapists are specialists who assist people with injury, or disability to help restore full function, rehabilitation, mobility and strength.They are engaged in promoting health and maintainance of overall well being.

Severe injuries require patients to visit an emergency physician for further medical or surgical mode of treatment. Both physiotherapists and doctors can diagnose several injuries and either can be referred depending on the range of factors. However, physiotherapists specialize in treating musculo-skeletal system related conditions by certified exercises.

Both physiotherapist and physical therapist are interchangeable terms. Both kinds of people possess specific training to diagnose symptoms of injury, disability and illnesses and treat them by physical manipulation, exercises and heat therapy.

Physiotherapists are not trained in performing surgery. However, physiotherapists can work along with other health professionals for providing rehabilitation services.

The right to prescribe medicines by physiotherapists vary across nations and their medical boards. Some physiotherapists may be licensed to prescribe certain groups of pain relieving medications.