A day in the life of an advanced physiotherapy practitioner
Today we hear from Sam, an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (APP) at Practice Plus Group MSK & Spinal Service.
“I have worked for Practice Plus Group MSK & Spinal Service, Lincolnshire for more than five years. Since qualifying as a physiotherapist in 2010 I have worked in London teaching hospitals, private practice and with sports teams. I have also completed post-graduate qualifications in imaging interpretation and injection therapy.”
“I have undertaken 18 months of internal and external training to develop from a senior physiotherapist to an APP. I have been supported and mentored by Practice Plus Group and the consultant physiotherapist working within our service to achieve this.
“As an APP, my main role is to decide – in collaboration with my patients – what is the best course of management for their presenting problem. This involves listening to their story; asking relevant questions and conducting an appropriate physical assessment to decide how best to proceed. This may involve:
- Advice regarding physical activity and lifestyle changes
- Referral to physiotherapy,
- Further investigations (such as ordering x-rays, MRIs or ultrasound scans),
- Injection therapy, referral to our colleagues in secondary care (Orthopaedics, Rheumatology or pain services), or
- Combination of investigation and treatment options.
“I place a great emphasis on education and explanation in order to help the patient understand the nature of their problem. Doing this allows them to fully participate in managing and improving their symptoms. I enjoy the problem solving aspect of my day-to-day job and I like meeting, and hopefully helping, a variety of different people.”
Current vacancies
| Job title | Location | Contract type | Schedule type | Closing date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist – HMP Risley & HMP Thorn Cross | Bucks Physio and Podiatry in Health and Justice | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 31 Jan 2024 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | HMP Thameside | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 4 Jan 2024 |
| Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioner | Practice Plus Group MSK & Spinal Service Lincolnshire | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 31 Dec 2023 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | HMP Belmarsh | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 29 Dec 2023 |
| Occupational Therapist (Part Time) – HMP Isle of Wight | HMP IOW | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Dec 2023 |
| Occupational Therapist – HMP Winchester | HMP Winchester | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Dec 2023 |
| Dietician – HMP Isle of Wight | HMP IOW | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 21 Dec 2023 |
| Speech and Language Therapist- South Yorkshire Cluster | HMP YOI Moorland | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 18 Dec 2023 |
| Speech and Language Therapist- West Yorkshire Cluster | West Yorkshire HMP Wakefield | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 18 Dec 2023 |
| Physiotherapist-HMP Stafford | West Midlands HMP Stafford | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 14 Dec 2023 |
| Occupational Therapist – Heathrow IRC | Heathrow IRC | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 12 Dec 2023 |
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