The Profession of Physiotherapist

The profession of physiotherapist is regulated by the Code of Public Health. It is a profession of medical auxiliaries, whose field of competence is defined by a decree of acts of the Council of State :

Physiotherapy consists of acts carried out for the purpose of physical rehabilitation, which aim to prevent the impairment of functional capacity, to contribute to their maintenance - and when they are altered - to restore or supplement them. These acts are adapted to the evolution of science and technology. On the other hand, in France, only physiotherapists are authorized to carry out massages : we thus speak of monopoly of massage reserved for the profession.

The physiotherapist activities are medically prescribed and take into account the characteristics of each patient. Within the framework of this prescription, the physiotherapist establishes a report which includes the physiotherapy diagnosis and the objectives of care, as well as the choice of the acts and techniques which appear the most appropriate to him. He communicates all relevant information in his possession to the doctor.

The French Physiotherapy Council (CNOMK) has been created in 2004. The law provides that its Board must include all physiotherapists which are authorized to practice their profession in France, with the exception of physiotherapists belonging to the army health service.