Physiotherapy within BC’s regulated health system
Physical therapy is a regulated health profession in British Columbia. Under the current Health and Care Professionals Regulation, its scope includes assessing a patient’s physical health status, preventing, treating and managing diseases, disorders and conditions by physical and mechanical means, and advising on physical health.
The regulation identifies the primary purposes of physical therapy as promoting, maintaining and restoring physical health, rehabilitating and improving physical function, and relieving pain.
Physiotherapist and physical therapist are protected titles
In British Columbia, the titles physiotherapist and physical therapist are reserved for people authorized to practise the profession. The College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) regulates physical therapists and maintains a public registry that can be used to verify current licensure and any practice restrictions.
Verify a physical therapist through CHCPBC
Assessment drives treatment planning
Physiotherapy care should be based on an individual assessment, the patient’s presentation and goals, professional judgment and the practitioner’s scope and competence. A practice website can explain services and pathways, but it cannot determine the appropriate treatment for an individual patient.
A broad physical-health and rehabilitation scope
Depending on the individual practitioner’s competence and the patient’s needs, physiotherapy may incorporate physical or mechanical approaches, movement and exercise, rehabilitation planning, education and other interventions within the regulated scope. Certain restricted activities have additional regulatory requirements or certification conditions.