The Firm

Miss Manfield and Mr Williams who started physiotherapy practice in Nigeria in 1945 had as part of their duties; the responsibility of starting a training programme in physiotherapy. They started a three-year Diploma Course. The three-year diploma course was attended by a number on Nigerians. On completion of the training and passing out of the school, they were designated as Assistant Physiotherapist. They were specifically asked to work strictly under the supervision of Chartered Physiotherapists who had trained in England.

With time, the training programme at Igbobi was discontinued. Just before then, plans were in progress to start a diploma course at University College Hospital, Ibadan. This was later changed to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Ibadan. The course took off in October 1966. The graduation of the foundation students in Ibadan in 1969 was a landmark in the annals of physiotherapy in Nigeria. Thus, University of Ibadan was the first in Nigeria and West Africa, to award a degree in physiotherapy.

 In 1971, University of Lagos commenced a three-year diploma course, which was upgraded to a four year Bachelor of Science Degree in 1977. University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) followed Ibadan and Lagos in 1977. The course at Ile-Ife was for a four year Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka also commenced a 5-years Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy) degree programme in 1987. In 1990,a training programme  also took off at the Bayero University, in Kano (Formerly, Federal School of Physiotherapy) to award a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy. A sixth and seventh program recently kicked off at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno State and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus. The programme of the Nnamdi Aziikiwe University which started in 2004 has produced the first set of Physiotherapists in September 2009.Hopefully, all Nigerian Physiotherapy program may soon transit to a 6-years Doctor of Physiotherapy program if the advocacy for the DPT program by the NSP and her members succeeds. Advanced Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs (MSc and PhD in Physiotherapy or Medical Rehabilitation) are available at the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus while the University of Lagos started in 2008.

The products of the Universities are practising as Physiotherapists in many establishments in Nigeria and abroad, with a sizeable number in United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada either as Academicians, Clinicians  Researchers or pursuing postgraduate courses and working to gain further experience and for pecuniary purpose. Also a good number of Nigerian Physiotherapists are known to be in employment in Saudi-Arabia and South Africa. The vogue at home has gradually shifted from working in teaching, state and specialized hospitals to venturing into private practice by a handful of practitioners.

An individual aspiring to become a Physiotherapist will have to pursue a course of study in a University. Currently, the minimum entry level program in Nigeria is Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) , Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.Physiotherapy) or Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (BMR). Hopefully, in a not too distant future, all Nigerian Physiotherapy training program will transit to the Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) degrees. In North America, and hopefully very soon in Nigeria, the minimum Entry level education programs are typically at the Master and Doctoral  levels, i.e. Master of Physcal Therapy (MPT) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

A physiotherapist is a person who has gone through a rigorous Academic program in Physiotherapy in a University or equivalent Institution in Nigeria or Abroad; after which he/she is conferred with a Diploma, Bachelors degree (BScPT, BPT or BMR), Master of Physical Therapy degree (MPT) or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

The normal course of the various Academic programs spans from 3-years for a Diploma (phased out in Nigeria in 1977), 4 or 5-years for a Bachelors (All programs in Nigeria now are 5-years leading to BPT or BMR Professional degree. A 1-year Internship under the supervision of Senior and Licensed Physiotherapists in Accredited Health Centers follows upon graduation from a School of Physiotherapy. This is done with a temporary License. After this, the Physiotherapist is then qualified to be fully registered and licensed by the Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Registration Board of Nigeria (MRTRB) to practice in Nigeria.

Ensure that your attending Therapist is licensed. Every licensed physiotherapist are to display in a conspicuous place in their facility their current Practice License.

WHERE TO FIND A PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
Licensed Physiotherapists can be found practicing their profession in any of the following facilities:-

• Teaching hospitals
• Specialist Hospitals such as the National Orthopaedic Hospitals, etc
• General Hospitals across the nation
• Psychiatric Hospitals
• Private Hospitals
• Private Physiotherapy Clinics nationwide (See Online Directory Listing)
• Research Centers
• Sport Medicine Centers nationwide
• Sports/Football Clubs
• Universities offering Physiotherapy academic programs
• Physical Fitness Centers
• Industrial Clinics, etc
• For further information on how to locate a licensed Physiotherapist, contact:

Physiotherapy was introduced into Nigeria in 1945 by two British Chartered Physiotherapists; Miss Manfield and Mr. Williams. They were employed by the government of Nigeria and attached to the Royal (now National) Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos. Their primary assignments were; first, to treat wounded and disabled Nigerians soldiers who returned home from Burma and other countries during the Second World War. Secondly, they were to start a training programme in physiotherapy. The three-year diploma course was attended by a number on Nigerians. On completion of the training and passing out of the school, they were designated as Assistant Physiotherapist. They were specifically asked to work strictly under the supervision of Chartered Physiotherapists who had trained in England. 

With time, the training programme at Igbobi was discontinued. Just before then, plans were in progress to start a diploma course at University College Hospital, Ibadan. This was later changed to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Ibadan. The course took off in October 1966. The graduation of the foundation students in Ibadan in 1969 was a landmark in the annals of physiotherapy in Nigeria. Thus, University of Ibadan was the first in Nigeria and West Africa, to award a degree in physiotherapy. Other Academic programs followed after (see the page on PT Training in Nigeria). 

In 1971, University of Lagos commenced a three-year diploma course, which was upgraded to Bachelor of Science Degree in 1977. University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) followed Ibadan and Lagos in 1977. The course at Ile-Ife was for a four year Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka also commenced a degree programme in 1987. There is also a training programme at the Federal School of Physiotherapy, Kano affiliated with the Bayero University, Kano. A new BPT program was also recently started at the University of Maiduguri. The first Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program may commence soon at Madonna University, a private Catholic University in Ihiala and Okija in Anambra State.

Physiotherapy practice has therefore spread all over the nation in the last forty years. Many of the products of our Universities are practicing as Physiotherapists in many establishments in the country and abroad. Some are lecturers in Universities in Nigeria and overseas. A sizeable number are in United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada pursuing postgraduate courses and working to gain further experience and for pecuniary purpose. Several Nigerian Physiotherapists are known to be in employment in Saudi-Arabia. The vogue at home has gradually shifted from working in teaching, state and specialized hospitals to venturing into private practiced by a handful of practitioners. 

Physical therapy (or physiotherapy) is the provision of services to people and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. It includes the provision of services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by the process of aging or that of injury or disease. The method of physical therapy sees full and functional movement as at the heart of what it means to be healthy.

Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing movement potential, within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. It involves the interaction between physical clients, families and care givers, in a process of assessing movement potential and in establishing agreed upon goals and objectives using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapists.

The physical therapists' distinctive view of the body and its movement needs and potential is central to determining a diagnosis and an intervention strategy and is consistent whatever the setting in which practice is undertaken. These settings will vary in relation to whether physical therapy is concerned with health promotion, prevention, treatment or rehabilitation.

Physical therapy interventions may include:

"Manual handling; movement enhancement electrotherapeutic and mechanical agents; functional training; provision of aids and appliances; patient related instruction and counseling; documentation and coordination, and communication. Intervention may also be aimed at prevention of impairments, functional limitations, disability and injury including the promotion and maintenance of health, quality of life, and fitness in all ages and populations."

Some of the conditions that physical therapists manage include:

      • back and neck pain
      • spinal and joint conditions, such as arthritis
      • biomechanical problems and muscular control
      • cerebral palsy and spina bifida
      • heart and lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atelectasis
      • sport-related injuries
      • headaches (cervicogenic and tension-type headache)
      • stress incontinence
      • neurological conditions, such as stroke and multiple sclerosis

History of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has its origins in ancient history with the advent of physical treatments and massage in China circa 2500 BC. Hippocrates described massage and hydrotherapy in 460 BC.

The modern practice of physical therapy was developed in London in 1896, believing hospital patients needed to be massaged on a regular basis in order to maintain adequate muscle function and mobility. This special interest group grew rapidly and in 1920 the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy was formed in the United Kingdom. Similar organizations were developed in other countries, including the USA.

The care and rehabilitation of the large numbers of amputees resulting from the World Wars of the early 20th century, as well as care of patients suffering from diseases such as polio galvanized the development of physical therapy worldwide. One of it's principle advocates was Sister Elizabeth Kenny, an Australian nurse who made a great impact on the progression of polio during the 1930s and 1940s.

Physical therapists
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who evaluate and manage health conditions for people of all ages. Typically individuals consult a PT for the management of medical problems or other health-related conditions that; cause pain, limit their ability to move, and limit the performance of functional activities. PTs also help prevent health conditions through prevention, restoration of function and through fitness and wellness programs that achieve healthy and active lifestyles. PTs evaluate individuals, diagnose conditions, and develop management 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.

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 technology including mobility aids, standing frames, and walking devices. The physical therapist should consider functional progress; and include ongoing review and refinement. Patient education is a key aspect of all treatment plans.

It is difficult to explore the many aspects of physiotherapeutic treatment options, especially considering their ongoing development in the face of an increasing research base. Nonetheless, some examples of treatment options are listed below.

Musculoskeletal physical therapy
Musculoskeletal physiotherapists are able to diagnosis, treat and using the range of techniques outlined below help with prevention of pain/pathology.

Various therapeutic physical therapy modalities are available, including exercise prescription (strength, motor control, stretching and endurance), manual therapy techniques like joint mobilization/manipulation, soft tissue massage, and various forms of so-called "electrophysical agents" (such as cryotherapy, heat therapy, iontophoresis and electrotherapy).

Nowadays in various countries physiotherapists are specializing in orthopaedic medicine. Those people can use diagnostic and therapeutic infiltration/injections to various soft tissue and joints. They are trained to diagnose and treat various orthopaedic conditions.

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
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
Treatment 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.

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.

References:
1. This article was reproduced from Wikipedia. Click the link for further details.

2. Follow this link of Development of Physical Therapy in the United States as presented by Marilyn Moffat, current President of the WCPT.

Physiotherapy is a health care profession, which involves patient evaluation through the administration of physical and/or extent of injury prior to the use of physical modalities for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Physiotherapists perform tests to assess patients; joint motion (goniometry), strength and endurance of muscles (dynamometry), joint stability (arthrokinematics), walking (gait) pattern, functional ability (physical work capacity); function of the heart and lungs (cardiorespiratory fitness), integrity of sensation and perception (sensorimotor status), need and use of braces (orthosis and prosthesis), and performance of activities required in daily living.

The treatment commonly administered by Physiotherapists include the use of therapeutic exercise (to increase strength, endurance, co-ordination and range of joint motion), heat (infra-red radiation, short-wave and microwave diathermies), ultra-violet radiation, ice (cryotherapy), electricity (transcutaneous electrical stimulation), sound (ultrasound), water (hydrotherapy), direct current to introduce medicinal ions into the skin and mucous membranes (iontophoresis), manual therapy, electro-acupuncture and cold laser.

Physiotherapists also provide educational services to prevent the incidence of physical disability and movement dysfunction. During treatment, the Physiotherapist monitors the patient's performance and modifies the treatment plan in the light of patient's responses and goals. Apart from these services, Physiotherapists engage in research to develop more effective treatment or methods of evaluation in order to improve patient care. Cognitive scientific knowledge is the flesh of physiotherapy; while psychomotor skills and affective traits constitutes the soul of our profession. Researchers from several parts of the world including Nigeria are contributing immensely to our body of knowledge. The major areas of focus in current physiotherapy Research studies include:-

      • Neuromuscular re-education 
      • Musculoskeletal re-education 
      • Cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory research 
      • Management of acute and chronic pains 
      • Kinesiological and Biomechanical studies of Human motion in normal and pathological conditions 
      • Energy costs in ambulation 
      • Wound healing, both in chronic and acute stages, and much more

The are also different Disciplines and Specialization in Physiotherapy.