The use of physical therapy methods with natural substances dates back to ancient times to improve organ function and alleviate pain. The Chinese, for example, were renowned over 3000 years ago for employing various natural therapy methods. Similarly, the Romans and Greeks were known to use hot mineral baths to treat pain, contributing many advancements to natural therapy techniques. In modern times, in 1894, a private society for physiotherapy was established in Britain under the name “Chartered Society Of Physiotherapy,” leading to the establishment of numerous physiotherapy training programs worldwide. Modern techniques in therapy applications began to be utilized in Europe and the United States.
The field witnessed significant development during World War II due to numerous cases of spinal cord and central nervous system injuries in hospitals.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation is a branch of the Health Sciences Faculty and is considered an allied specialty to the medical profession. Specialists in this field treat individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, bone and joint pain, muscle disorders, and accident victims and rehabilitate patients before and after surgical procedures.
The study of physiotherapy and Rehabilitation encompasses preventive and therapeutic curricula to enhance health awareness alongside scientific and technological advancements. Graduates from this department are awarded the title of “Physiotherapist.”
The curriculum of the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation program
Get to know the curriculum of the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation program at one of the Turkish universities. You can familiarize yourself with the curriculum details of the university you wish to study at through its official website to confirm the subjects covered in each academic year.
The Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation program offers students diverse academic courses and organized professional training to acquire knowledge and professional skills. Over the four years of study, it includes the following:
First academic year
- Human Physiology
- Physiology and histology
- Skeletal System and Nervous System
- Respiratory System, Urinary System, Endocrine Glands, Digestive System
- Biochemistry
- physiological processes
- Applied Basic Anatomy
- Fundamentals of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Biological-Psychological Rehabilitation Values and Principles
Second academic year
- Basic Assessment Methods in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Human Body Structure
- Human Body Measurements
- Muscular Endurance and Flexibility
- Mechanical, Physiological, Psychological, and Reflex Effects
- Techniques Related to Physiotherapy Methods
- Neurology
- Nutrition
Third academic year
- Neurophysiology
- Bone Evaluation and Rehabilitation Techniques and Methods
- Professional Therapy
- Use of Necessary Assistive Devices
- Pediatric Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Applications
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Clinical Biomechanics
- Motion Science
- Radiological Imaging Techniques
- Pharmacology
Fourth academic year
- Various Clinical Diagnosis Cases
- Research Methods in the Specialization Field
- Epidemiology
- Developing and Implementing Appropriate Treatment Strategies
During the final year, students undergo clinical training, where they can apply the knowledge gained in the previous three years and benefit from experts’ guidance. In addition to mandatory summer training, students also attend educational courses to understand professional ethics and acquire high-level professional skills.
Job opportunities for Physiotherapy Specialists
Physiotherapists work in:
- Government, private, or university hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Private clinics
- Sports clubs
- Industrial facilities
- Public health units
- Schools
- Nursing homes
- Primary healthcare facilities
Graduates interested in pursuing academic careers can continue their postgraduate studies and work in universities.
