Physiotherapy as described by World Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising physical potential. It is concerned with identifying and maximising quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habitation and rehabilitation¹. It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being, taking into account variations in health status.  It is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery.  The exercise of clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at its core².

Examples of definitions of physiotherapy from around the world indicate that there is a consensus that ‘movement’ is the core expertise/business of physiotherapy³.

1. Policy statement: Description of physical therapy. http://www.wcpt.org/policy/ps-descriptionPT#appendix_1
2. ↑Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.”What is Physiotherapy?”. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. http://www.csp.org.uk/director/public/whatphysiotherapy.cfm. Retrieved 2010-07-10
3. ↑Jull, G; Moore, A. Physiotherapy’s Identity. Manual Therapy, Volume 18, Issue 6 , Pages 447-448, December 2013