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Malaysia's Labour Law

2006-10-04T00:21:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS EMPLOYMENT ?
Employment means work or service performed by an individual to the task at hand for another person or entity in exchange for wages or other remuneration.

WHAT IS EMPLOYMENT LAW ?
Employment Law is the law which regulates the operation of the labour market in general and the employment relationship between employers and employees in particular. Examples include hiring process, suspension from work, maternity rights, layoff and wages.
The obligations and rights of an employment contract are covered by the Employment law.
When an offer for employment is made by an employer to an employee, the law governing the relationship between an employee and an employer begins.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC TERMS USED TO DESCRIBE THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP ?
An employer in relation to an employee or a workman, means a person by whom the employee or workman is employed. An employer obtains the services of another to perform work and has direct control of the way in which the work is to be done.
An employer shall provide the means through which the services will be performed such as providing a place where the work is to be performed and tools required to get the job done.
Contract of service means any agreement, whether express or implied, and if express, whether oral or in writing where the employer agrees to employ and the employee agrees to be employed and includes an apprenticeship contract.
In general, an employee means a person who has entered into or works under a contract of employment. There are different interpretations for the term, employee, in different Acts governing the labour market in Malaysia. Those interpretations will determine whether you are an employee protected under the scope of an Act.
Where an employee begins employment with an employer and for a period of more than one month, such employee must be given a written contract of employment with particulars of the terms and conditions of employment including the notice period required to terminate the contract of employment.

WHAT ARE THE LAWS GOVERNING EMPLOYMENT IN MALAYSIA ?
The principal legislation governing the labour market and employment relationship in Malaysia is the Employment Act 1955. However, the application of these rules to Sarawak and Sabah references made under the Act shall be substituted by references to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Cap. 76) and Sabah Labour Ordinance (Cap. 67) or other written laws in force in Sarawak or Sabah, as the case may be.

Some other legal regulations include :
Pensions Act 1980 For the administration of pensions, gratuities and other benefits for officers in the public service and their dependants.

Employees Social Security Act 1969 (ESSA) For social security protection to all employees and their dependants as well as the employers. This Acts is administered by the Social Security Organization (SOCSO) or Pertubuhan Keselamatan Social (PERKESO), Malaysia.

Employees Provident Fund Act 1951 For the provision of financial security to its members particularly after retirement, through a compulsory savings scheme. This Act is administered by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) or Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP), Malaysia.

Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA) For the safety, welfare and health of persons of workplaces or in the operation of high risk machinery against risks to safety or health. This Act is administered by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health or Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan, Malaysia.

Private Employment Agencies Act 1981 This Act is administered by the Manpower Department, Ministry of Human Resources or Jabatan Tenaga Rakyat, Kementerian Sumber Manusia, Malaysia.

Human Resources Development Act 1992 This Act is administered by the Human Resources Development Council or Majlis Pembangunan Sumber Manusia, Malaysia.

Factories and Machinery Act 1967 This Act is administered by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health or Jabatan Keselamatan Dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan, Malaysia.

Petroleum (Safety Measure) Act 1984 This Act is administered by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health or Jabatan Keselamatan Dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan, Malaysia.

Trade Unions Act 1959 This Act is administered by the Trade Union Affairs Department or Jabatan Hal Ehwal Kesatuan Sekerja, Malaysia.

Workmen's Compensation Act 1952 For compensation to foreign workers injured in the course of their employment and to worker's dependents in the event of fatal accident. This Act is administered by the Department of Labour or Jabatan Buruh - Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

Industrial Relations Act 1967 An Act which governs the relationship between employers and workmen or employees and their trade unions and generally deal with trade disputes. This Act is administered by the Industrial Relations Department or Jabatan Perhubungan Perusahaan, Malaysia.

Wages Council Act 1947 This Act is administered by the Department of Labour or Jabatan Buruh - Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

Employment Information Act 1953 This Act provides the Department of Labour with power to obtain and collect information and data on employment, terms and conditions relating to an employment, from any industries in the private sector. This Act is administered by the Department of Labour or Jabatan Buruh - Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

Employment (Restriction) Act 1968 This Act is administered by the Department of Labour or Jabatan Buruh Peninsular Malaysia.

Worker's Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 This Act is administered by the Department of Labour or Jabatan Buruh Peninsular Malaysia.

Weekly Holidays Act 1950 This Act is administered by the Department of Labour or Jabatan Buruh Peninsular Malaysia.

Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966 This Act is administered by the Department of Labour or Jabatan Buruh Peninsular Malaysia.

WHAT IS EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND (EPF) ?
Employees Provident Fund is a compulsory savings scheme in Malaysia. Its primary aim is to provide a measure of security for old age retirement to its members. It also provides supplementary benefits to members to utilize part of their savings for house ownership and other withdrawal schemes.
EPF is the abbreviation for Employees Provident Fund. Employees Provident Fund is commonly known in the Malay term as KWSP or Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja.
Employees Provident Fund Act 1991 is the act governing the Employees Provident Fund in Malaysia. This Act is administered by the Employees Provident Fund, Malaysia.

WHO SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE FUND ?
All employees in Malaysia who have reached the age of 16 and employed under a contract of service whether express or implied, and whether oral or in writing must be registered as a member of the Employees Provident Fund.
An employer will contribute 12% of the employee's wages and the employee contributes 11% of the monthly wages towards the employee's account.
Prior to 1st August 1998, expatriates and foreign workers were not required to contribute to the EPF although they may elect to do so.
However, with effect from 1st August 1998, all foreign workers and expatriates earning less than RM2,500 per month are also required to contribute to EPF with the exception of certain categories.
Those who are exempted from making the compulsory contribution are

employees or workers holding Employment Pass or expatriates holding Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) whose monthly wages is not less than RM2,500
Thai workers who enter Malaysia with a Territorial Pass
Seamen
Foreign domestic maids
Self-employed persons
Out-workers who do cleaning and alteration repair works
Persons detained in custody, in prison, Henry Gurney School and mental hospital
Pensioners

Nevertheless, the above can choose to contribute to the fund.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO REGISTER AN EMPLOYEE WITH THE EPF ?
Employers must register their employees with the EPF within 7 days of employment under law.
Under section 41(2) of the EPF Act 1991, an employer who contravenes the above shall be found guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or fine not exceeding RM10,000 or to both.
An employer shall register the company or firm with the EPF by submitting the KWSP 1 Form. This can be obtained from the nearest EPF branch office.
Thereafter, for each employee, the employee and the employer is required to complete the KWSP 3 (AHL) Form. Generally, an employee will also be required to submit the Nomination Form KWSP 4 (AHL) which is attached together with the KWSP 3 (AHL) Form.
Once the application is approved, the employee will be sent a Membership Card.
The EPF contribution by employer and employee shall commence on the first month of salary payment pursuant to section 45(2) of the EPF Act 1991.

WHEN SHOULD EMPLOYER PAY CONTRIBUTION TO EPF ?
An employer shall before the end of the first week in the first month in which he is paying required to pay contribution to the Employees Provident Fund.
An employer shall prepare and furnish a statement of wages to each employee.
An employer who fails to make contributions to EPF shall be guilty of an offense and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or to both.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE EPF MONIES IF A MEMBER DIES ?
Under the Death Withdrawal Scheme, the beneficiary which has been registered by the deceased as his or her heir or where the deceased has not named a beneficiary, certain person deemed acceptable by EPF has the right to apply for the deceased savings.
The next-of-kin or beneficiary is allowed to withdraw the entire savings.
If a member dies before reaching 60 years of age, the member's dependants will be paid Death Benefits.
Nominees of the member are entitled to monies upon the member's death irrespective of whether there is a Will or not.
However, nominations made before marriage, are automatically canceled and fresh nominations must be made.
Where a member dies without named beneficiary, the following persons will have the right to withdraw the savings :

If the deceased is married :

Inheritance Administrator
Spouse of the deceased
Children of the deceased or their guardians
Parents of the deceased
Siblings of the deceased
Anyone who is deemed acceptable by the EPF as qualified to receive the monies

If the deceased is single

Inheritance Administrator
Parents of the deceased
Siblings of the deceased
Anyone who is deemed acceptable by the EPF as qualified to receive the monies

Where the deceased has not named a beneficiary, there are 3 kinds of payments made by EPF.
Where the deceased total savings is not more than RM20,000 and a Probation Letter or Administrative Letter or Distributing Command is not submitted within 2 months from the date of the death, EPF has the right to

relay the monies to parties whom the EPF deems qualified to hold of these letters.
relay the monies to parties which the EPF deems qualified to receive interest from the deceased.

Where the total savings of the deceased is between RM20,000 and RM30,000, EPF cannot pay more than 50% of the total savings to the above persons.
Where the total savings of the deceased is more than RM30,000, EPF can pay up to 25% of the total savings or RM30,000 whichever is lower, to the above persons.
Where the member is a Muslim with named beneficiary, the beneficiary will only acts as an executor or "wasi" who will upon the member's death be responsible for the distribution of the deceased savings in accordance with Faraid (inheritance) laws to the legal heirs.
The nominees can make the claim from the Employee Provident Fund by completing the KWSP 9(KM) Form.
Named beneficiary who has not reach 18 years of age will have to complete additional KWSP 22 Form and for applicants who is legal heir to the named beneficiary that passed away after the deceased member will have to submit KWSP 10A Form in addition to KWSP 9(KM) Form.
Members are always encouraged to name their beneficiary to avoid any inconvenience for the beloved ones or next-of-kin in the event of death.

UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES CAN A MEMBER WITHDRAWAL THE ENTIRE OF THE EPF CONTRIBUTIONS ?
EPF members are entitled to withdraw the full amount of contributions :

on attaining the age of 55 years
on the death of the member (withdrawal made by beneficiaries)
if the member is prevented from engaging in any further employment by reasons of physical or mental incapacitation
for those expatriate foreign workers who have contributed but are excluded
on leaving Malaysia permanently

Where a member withdraws all the savings at the age of 55, application can be made by filling in the KWSP 9B (AHL) Form and enclosing a photocopy of the identity card.

Withdrawal under the Retirement Withdrawal Scheme is being offered in three options :

Lump sum withdrawal
Periodical payment withdrawal scheme
Annual dividend withdrawal scheme
Annuity scheme

Where a member is an expatriate or have canceled their citizenship of Malaysia and leaving Malaysia with no intention of returning, such member is allowed to withdraw the entire savings by proceeding to the EPF office and submit the form KWSP 9B (AHL) and KWSP 9 (DN).

Where a member experiences physical or mental disability which robs him or her of his or her ability to continue working, such member can withdraw the entire of the EPF savings under the Physical or Mental Incapacitation Withdrawal Scheme.

Under the above scheme, if a member has withdrawn all the EPF savings before reaching 60 years of age, such member will also receive a Disability Benefit.

To withdraw under the Physical or Mental Incapacitation Withdrawal Scheme, a member must submit the KWSP 9B (AHL) Form and a photocopy of identity card and a medical report must be attached. The medical report must include

information on the illness or accident that caused the disability
information on present state of health

Reports from the a Government or University Hospital must not be more than 1 year old while report from a private hospital or clinic must not be more than 6 months from issuing date.

Member's letter of resignation stating the cause of resignation or retrenchment from employer must also be enclosed. Where such letter is not available, a member may also submit a Statutory Declaration made before a Magistrate stating the following information :

Name of last employer
Date of resignation
Last position held
Reasons for resignation

The member will be referred to the panel of doctors of the EPF for check up, when the EPF is satisfied with the application. The approval of application will depends on the approval of the EPF panel of doctors. The member can also obtain approval from a Medical Practitioner in a Government Hospital.

WHAT IS SOCIAL SECURITY ORGANIZATION ?
The Social Security Organization is an organization set up to administer, enforce and implement the Employees' Social Security Act, 1969 and the Employees' Social Security (General) Regulations 1971.
The Social Security Organization provides social security protection by social insurance including medical and cash benefits, provision of artificial aids and rehabilitation to employees to reduce the sufferings and to provide financial guarantees and protection to the family.
SOCSO is the abbreviation for Social Security Organization. It is commonly known in the Malay term as PERKESO or Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial.

WHO IS COMPULSORY TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOCSO ?
An employee employed under a contract of service or apprenticeship and earning a monthly wages of RM2,000 and below must compulsorily register and contribute to SOCSO regardless of the employment status whether it is permanent, temporary or casual in nature.
An employee must be registered with the SOCSO irrespective of the age.
SOCSO only covers Malaysian workers and permanent residents. As a result, foreign workers are protected under the Workmen's Compensation Act 1952.

Nevertheless, SOCSO does not cover the following categories of persons :

A person whose wages exceed RM2,000 a month and has never been covered before.
Government employees.
Domestic servants employed to work in a private dwelling house which includes a cook, gardeners, house servants, watchman, washer woman and driver.
Employees who have attained the age of 55 only for purposes of invalidity but if they continue to work they should be covered under the Employment Injuries Scheme.
Self-employed persons.
Foreign workers.

WHAT DO WAGES MEAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOCSO CONTRIBUTION ?
For the purpose of SOCSO contribution, wages mean all remuneration payable in money to an employee. The following payments are considered as wages :

salary
overtime payment
commissions and service charge
payment for leave, sick, annual, rest day, public holidays, maternity and others
allowances, shift, incentive, housing, food, cost of living and others.

Payments made to an employee paid at an hourly rate, daily rate, weekly rate, task or piece rate are also considered as wages.

However, the following payments are not considered as wages :

payments by an employer to any statutory fund for employees
mileage claims
gratuity payments or payments for dismissal or retrenchment
annual bonus.

WHAT IS THE COVERAGE PROVIDED TO AN INSURED PERSON BY SOCSO UNDER ESSA 1969 ?
An insured person or dependants will be entitled to the following benefits :

Periodical payments in the case of invalidity
Periodical payments in the case of disablement suffered as a result of an employment injury
Periodical payments to the dependants of an insured person who dies as a result of an employment injury
Payments for funeral benefit or expense on the death of an insured person as a result of an employment injury
Periodical payments to an insured person who is in receipt of invalidity pension or disablement benefit and is so severely incapacitated or disabled as to require the personal attendance of another person
Medical treatments for the attendance on insured persons suffering from disablement
Periodical payments to dependants of an insured person who dies while in receipt of invalidity pension

SOCSO provides coverage to eligible employees through 2 schemes namely

Employment Injury Insurance Scheme
Invalidity Pension Scheme.

These schemes are classified into 2 categories :

First Category - Employment Injury Insurance Scheme and Invalidity Pension Scheme. The contribution payment is made by both the employer and employee
Second Category - Employment Injury Insurance Scheme Only. The contribution is paid by the employer only. An employee who is not eligible for coverage under the Invalidity Pension Scheme is protected under this category.

These schemes provide the benefits of invalidity pension, invalidity grant, survivors pension, rehabilitation, funeral benefit, constant attendance allowance and educational loan.

Physiotherapy

2006-09-26T23:26:00.000-07:00

What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is also called physical therapy. It is the treatment of diseases and physical defects of the body by remedies such as massage or electricity, rather than by using drugs.
Massage, moving muscles and bones, exercises, cold, heat, and light are therapies used to assist in treating patients bring back normal function after an illness or injury.

one of the fastest-growing allied area of medicine, is the system of treatment of disease and disability using physical exercises. It is the most important rehabilitative service needed in a community and a vital therapeutic supplement of the medical profession, integral to the treatment of most patients.

Meanwhile, physiotherapy also may be defined as a science that seeks to improve movement dysfunction, promote optimal health and functions of the human body. Physiotherapy helps in optimal functioning of the body. It involves the assessment, maintenance, restoration of the physical function and performance of the body and is strongly recommended for people with degenerative disorders, the physically challenged, sportspeople and those suffering from arthritis and neurological disorders. This preventive and remedial procedure is very often used as a supplement with oral medicines. It could also include heat radiation, water therapy, massages, diathermy, traction and other procedures.

History of physical therapy
Physical therapy has its origins in ancient history with the advent of joint manipulation and massage in China circa 3000 BC. Hippocrates described massage and hydrotherapy in 460 BC. In 1894 the British Medical Journal raised concerns about the practices of some masseuses and masseurs who were offering massage as a euphemism for immoral services, and called for an institution to be formed to regulate massage practice. The Society of Trained Masseuses was formed by well-meaning nurses and midwives who were keen to see their massage practices authenticated.
A concern to provide an authentic alternative to the massage parlours, and a desire to court medical approval, saw early physical therapy pioneers adopt a view of the body based on biomechanics and kinesiology in health and illness - something that dominates the physical therapy 'philosophy' even to this day.
Massage and remedial gymnastics became a vital service in both world wars and much was learned through the rehabilitation of injured servicemen from these unfortunate events. Physical therapy grew rapidly after the Second World War with spinal injury units, orthopaedic hospitals and chest clinics providing new challenges to the profession.
In many countries, the profession of physical therapy has blossomed to become the largest allied health profession, third only behind medicine and nursing in the number of graduating health care students.

Physical therapists

Physiotherapists are as essential as doctors in helping recover and rehabilitate a patient from a state of incapacity, due to genetic defect or the result of an accident or an illness. They must have a thorough knowledge of the human anatomy and the way the bones, muscles and nerves move. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of ailments, so specialisation is possible in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports physical therapy, neurology, clinical electrophysiologic and cardiopulmonary therapy.

The job of a physiotherapist, which is preventive, restorative and rehabilitative, is challenging but lucrative at the same time. They are qualified to perform a history and physical examination, conduct assessments to determine a diagnosis process, select appropriate physical therapy interventions to treat the dysfunction, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Physiotherapists use various therapeutic intervention techniques to treat a patient. Some of the them are Manual Therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation used to control pain), Ultrasound Technique, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Manipulation, Acupuncture etc. Although the work of a physiotherapist may tend to be physically very strenuous as it involves physically lifting and supporting patients, their profession brings with it much satisfaction, since it involves relieving patients of pain and helping them recover from specific physical ailments.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (2006), physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs also help prevent conditions associated with loss of mobility through fitness and wellness programs that achieve healthy and active lifestyles. PTs examine individuals and develop plans using treatment techniques that promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTs must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure examination. The minimum educational requirement is a master's degree, yet most educational programs now offer the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree. Licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.

Scope of practice
The scope of practice of physical therapy varies from region to region, depending on the structure of the local health-care system.
Physiotherapists in some jurisdictions, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of the United States, enjoy professional autonomy, and have the ability to act as primary care providers, meaning that they do not require a referral from a physician to treat.
Physical therapists can practice in a wide variety of practice settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, sports facilities, and home care. Some practice settings demand a broad knowledge of a wide variety of conditions, while others permit a special interest approach.
An advancement of technology has allowed physical therapists to give treatment advice via "telehealth", examples of which include cardiac rehab and online treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

Physical therapy assessment
A physical therapist will initially conduct a subjective examination (interview) of a patient's medical history, and then go on to the objective assessment (physical examination). The subjective examination is guided by the presenting system and complaint, and the objective assessment is in turn guided by the history.
This semistructured process is used to rule out serious pathology (so called red flags), establish functional limitations, establish the diagnosis, guide therapy, and establish a baseline for monitoring progress. As such, the objective exam will then use certain quantifiable measurements to both guide diagnosis and for progress monitoring. These depend upon the system (and area) being managed, e.g. a musculoskeletal exam may involve, inter alia, assessment of joint range of motion, muscle power, neurological assessment, motor control, and posture, whilst a cardiopulmonary assessment may involve lung auscultation and exercise physiology testing.
In some countries a physical therapist may order diagnostic imaging tests such as x-rays and MRIs to obtain more information about a patient's presenting condition and determine the treatment plan including referral to other practitioners. Physical therapists may also perform electromyography and nerve conduction testing to aid in the diagnosis of muscle and nerve disorders.

Physical therapy treatment
Guided by the assessment findings, the physical therapist will then develop and facilitate a treatment plan. Aside from the various physiotherapeutic techniques involved in therapy, the treatment regime may include prescribing and advice regarding assistive walking devices; should consider functional progress; and include ongoing review and refinement. Patient education is a key aspect of all treatment plans.

Three types of physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an effective form of treatment for a wide range of conditions. It can also help speed recovery after many different types of surgery. Physiotherapists are trained in a range of specialist areas such as paediatrics, sports medicine or women’s health. Generally, the three different types of physiotherapy include:

Musculoskeletal physical therapy ~To treat muscles, bones and joints (also called orthopaedic physiotherapy). Common conditions treated include back pain, sprains, strains, arthritis, bursitis, workplace and sports injuries, problems with posture, incontinence and reduced mobility. Rehabilitation after surgery is also offered.
Various therapeutic physical therapy modalities are available, including exercise prescription (strength, motor control, stretching and endurance), manual techniques (joint mobilization/manipulation), soft tissue massage, and various forms of so-called "electrophysical agents" (such as cryotherapy, heat therapy, iontophoresis and electrotherapy).
Despite ongoing research giving a clearer picture regarding the use of various modalities in specific conditions, the benefits of electrotherapy are widely debated.
The practice of physical therapy should not be defined by the use of modalities but rather the integration of examination, history, and analysis of movement dysfunction.

Cardiopulmonary physical therapy ~To treat disorders of the cardio-respiratory system including asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and to offer rehabilitation after thoracic surgery.
Cardiopulmonary physical therapists work with patients in a variety of settings. They treat acute problems like asthma, acute chest infections and trauma; they are involved in the preparation and recovery of patients from major surgery; they also treat a wide range of chronic cardiac and respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and post-myocardial infarction (MI). They work with all ages from premature babies to older adults at the end of their life. Physical therapists are pioneering new management techniques for non-organic respiratory problems like hyperventilation and other stress-related disorders as well as leading the development of cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation and non-invasive ventilation.
Cardiopulmonary physical therapists use physical modalities to treat people. This may involve using manual techniques to clear infected mucus from a person's chest, or using non-invasive ventilation to help a person breathe, or prescribing exercises to improve a patient's functional exercise capacity.

Neurological physical therapy ~To treat disorders of the nervous system including acquired head injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, and to offer rehabilitation after brain surgery.reatment in neurological conditions is typically based upon exercises to restore motor function through attempting to overcome motor deficits and improve motor patterns. To achieve this aim various theoretical frameworks have been promoted, each based upon inferences drawn from basic and clinical science research. Whilst some of these have remained static, others are designed to take into account new developments, perhaps the most notable example being the "movement science" framework. The various philosophies often generate considerable debate

A holistic approach

A physiotherapist works to improve your mobility and health and to reduce the risk of injuries. In many cases, an injury is caused by different factors working together. For example, persistent back pain may be triggered by a combination of poor posture, being overweight, repetitive work-related activities and incorrect technique when playing sport. The physiotherapist aims to treat the back pain, but also to address the factors which contribute to the cause. This approach aims to reduce the risk of the injury happening again.

A range of therapies

Physiotherapists draw upon a wide range of therapies, tailored to suit your individual needs. Some of these therapies include:

Manual therapies - such as massage, stretching, manual resistance training, joint mobilisation and manipulation, including spinal mobilisation.

Electrotherapy techniques - such as ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), laser therapy and diathermy.

Exercise programs - such as posture retraining, muscle strengthening, cardiovascular training and stretching.

Other services - taping and splinting, correcting flawed sporting techniques, providing or offering information on equipment aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames. - taping and splinting, correcting flawed sporting techniques, providing or offering information on equipment aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames.

Integumentary physical therapy
Treatment of conditions involving the skin and related organs. Common conditions include wounds and burns. Treatment interventions include debridement of wounds and burns, dressings, scar prevention and reduction.

Things to remember

The central aim of physiotherapy (physical therapy) is to restore proper functioning to the body.
Physiotherapy can treat many different disorders including musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiothoracic conditions.
Physiotherapists in Australia are university trained, registered health care professionals.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist.

Related fact sheets:
Ankle sprains.
Arthritis.
Back problems.
Elbow - common causes of pain.
Knee injuries.
Neck and shoulder pain.
Pain management.
Physiotherapy - Q & A.
Sprains and strains.

Physical therapy education
As with many aspects of the profession, essential physical therapy training varies considerably across the world. As a general rule, physical therapy studies involve a minimum of four years tertiary education. Some examples are described here.
In Australia, an undergraduate physiotherapy degree is typically undertaken over a four-year period, with the early components being predominantly theoretical and with an increasingly clinical focus throughout the later stages. Postgraduate entry into physiotherapy is possible in some institutions, typically involving two years of study following the completion of a related (e.g. exercise physiology or science) Bachelor degree.
In Canada, entry-level physiotherapy education is offered at 13 universities. Many of these university programs are at the Master's level, meaning that applicants must have already completed an undergraduate degree prior to applying. (All entry-level programs in Canada are slated to be at the Masters level by 2010.) Many universities also offer graduate programs in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or related disciplines at the masters or doctoral level. Many physiotherapists may advance their education at these levels in such Clinical Practice Areas as cardiorespirology, geriatrics, neurosciences, orthopaedics, paediatrics, rheumatology, sports physiotherapy, and women's health.
In New Zealand, there are currently two schools of physiotherapy offering four-year undergraduate programs. Many New Zealand physiotherapists work in the private health care system as musculoskeletal physiotherapists and the curriculum reflects the need to prepare graduates for autonomous practice. Students follow an educational program similar to Australia with an emphasis on biomechanics, kinesiology and exercise. Postgraduate study typically involves two years of subject specific learning.
In the UK university degrees tend to be three rather than four years in length, as historically British students specialise earlier in their education than in most developed countries. Thirty-five universities and tertiary level institutions train physiotherapists in UK. In the UK the vast majority of physiotherapists work within the National Health Service, the state healthcare system.
In the United States a student completes an undergraduate degree prior to gaining entry into a graduate program specialising in physical therapy (Masters or Doctorate) in which they undertake their physical therapy training. Most educational institutions in the United States have transitioned or are transitioning to an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree for entry-level physical therapy practice.
In the United Arab Emirates the Bachelor Of Physiotherapy (BPT) consists of a 4 year undergraduate degree program. In the first year of the program they are introduced to pre-clinical subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Human Behaviour & Socialisation & Basic Medical Electronics & Computers. The students also get hands on experiences in cadaveric dissections while learning Human Anatomy during the first year of the program. The students progressively are introduced to supervised clinical practice and the integrated curriculum offers the best learning experiences in addition to extensive inhouse elearning programs. The course offers Case Based Learning experiences and focusses on Evidence Based Practices. The program culminates with a six month internship ending with a research project work.
In South Africa the degree (B.PhysT, B.Sc Physio or B.Physio) consists of four years of general practice training, involving all aspects of Physiotherapy. Typically, the first year is made up of theoretical introduction. Gradually, time spent in supervised practice increases until the fourth year, in which the student generally spends about 80% in practice. In the fourth year, students are also expected to complete Physiotherapy research projects, which fulfills the requirements of an Honours degree. Professional practice and specialization can only be entered into after a state governed, compulsory year of community service is completed by the student after graduation.
In India, an undergraduate physiotherapy degree (Bachelor of Physiotherapy - BPT) typically consist of four years of course study and six months of internship, irrespective of universities the first year of an undergraduate course focus on theorotical and laboratory based studies. The later stages increasingly have a clinical focus. There are more than fifty universities that offer under graduate and post graduate physical therapy courses in India. Postgraduate entry into physiotherapy in many institutions is based upon entrance examinations. Post graduate courses (Master of Physiotherapy - MPT) involve two years of subject specific dissertational study.
Following basic physical therapy training, experienced practitioners may undertake further study towards certification as a specialist practitioner. For example, in the United States, experienced physical therapists may apply to take a specialty exam to earn board certification in any of seven sub-specialty areas: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiologic, Geriatric, Neurologic, Orthopaedic, Paediatric, and Sports physical therapy.

Qualifications in the United States
Physical Therapists must have a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program before taking the national licensure examination. Most educational programs now offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states (in the United States) require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program before they can practice.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 209 accredited physical therapist programs in 2006. Of the accredited programs, 46 offered master's degrees, and 163 offered doctoral degrees.
Physical therapist programs start with basic science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and then introduce specialized courses such as kinesiology, biomechanics, neuroanatomy, human growth and development, pathology, diagnostics, physical examination techniques, and therapeutic procedures. Besides classroom and laboratory instruction, students receive supervised clinical education.
Physical therapist education is rigorous, so interested students should attain superior grades in high school and college, especially in science courses. Courses useful when applying to physical therapist educational programs include anatomy, biology, chemistry, social science, mathematics, and physics. Before granting admission, many professional education programs require experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic.
Physical therapists should have strong interpersonal skills to successfully educate patients about their physical therapy treatments. They should also be compassionate and possess a desire to help patients. Similar traits are also needed to interact with the patient's family.
Physical therapists are expected to continue professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. A number of states require continuing education to maintain licensure.
Many physical therapists pursue board certification in one of seven specialty areas (orthopaedic, pediatric, neurologic, sports, electrophysiologic, geriatric, and cardio-pulmonary.) Board certified specialists have demonstrated expertise in the clinical content area.

Career Options
Employment opportunities for physiotherapists are tremendous as it is a career where the demand exceeds supply. A physiotherapist could be employed in the rehabilitation departments, municipal corporations and private bodies. Their demand in medical institutions is increasing since physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of patients with muscular and cerebral problems. Like all other medical and paramedical professionals, physiotherapists can work in hospitals, orthopaedic departments, rehabilitation centres for the handicapped, schools for the mentally retarded and physically disabled children, health institutions and defense medical establishments. Physiotherapists can also opt for teaching, while those with adequate capital can establish private clinics of their own.
The demand for physiotherapists in the country as well as abroad is immense. They are in great demand in USA, Canada and Australia.

Dream-dream cafe

2006-09-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

i'm sure every1 have a dream...some people like 2 daydreaming and some people wish that they will have a sweet dream when they sleep...aren't u one of those people??