Physiotherapy Personal Statement

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Physiotherapy is vital for the re-establishment of a patient's quality of life; I have personally had life-long support from physiotherapists. Growing up I had physiotherapy to re-align my hips and feet after having a breach birth. This was a lengthy, but worthwhile experience; which has led me to be passionate about studying physiotherapy. I realise the importance of rehabilitation and seeing how someone's quality of life can improve due to small changes in their lifestyle recommended by physiotherapists and healthcare professionals. I have reached the point in my personal development where I know Physiotherapy is the career I want to pursue. I am enthusiastic about my future, physiotherapy is an important career in the care for patients, and to be involved is an honour.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Studying PE, Psychology and Business at A-level, has given me the foundation knowledge to study Physiotherapy. Psychology prepares me for the neurology and mental health modules of the course, whilst PE covers the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular respiratory, anatomy and physiology sections. Alongside my academic subjects, I have completed a community sports leadership qualification (CSLA) which required leading voluntary sports sessions for younger students. I am aware of the demands of physiotherapy within the NHS, and I am ready to take the challenge of continuous learning and progression.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

During a week of work experience on musculoskeletal outpatients at a community hospital, I observed physiotherapists and ESP's carry out new patient referrals, follow-ups, steroid injections and ultrasound treatments. I attended an osteoarthritis clinic where I learned about different treatments. I was able to talk to patients and listen to how each patient perceives their pain, enabling the physiotherapist to make an appropriate treatment plan for each patient. I have also observed physiotherapists in an acute hospital trust, working in various different wards; a stroke unit, musculoskeletal outpatients and orthopaedics (including trauma). I witnessed a wide range of people with injuries from common to trauma and learnt new techniques such as hydrotherapy and how to interact with people both in pain and with speech impairments. I met the multidisciplinary team who worked together during an emergency cardiac arrest call. My time here made me excited at the thought of studying physiotherapy. Being involved in competitive swimming from a young age I have experienced leadership and teamwork in different situations, therefore I can adapt to different circumstances. The high physical demands of swimming means injuries are a regular occurrence, so I have experienced rehabilitation myself and through the experiences of my teammates. I understand the importance of Physiotherapy, how muscle strengthening can prevent injury and how healthcare professionals need to work as part of a larger team. Competing in swimming since I was eight, training nine hours a week involves commitment and dedication. I have competed for Cambridgeshire and qualified for the East Regionals. I have been club captain for the past two years, as I am a positive role model to younger swimmers. I also volunteer to coach younger swimmers, passing on my experience. This has increased my confidence, improved verbal communication skills and the ability to lead whilst passing on my experience and knowledge within the sport. My part-time job as a pool lifeguard requires responsibility, acting quickly under pressure and allows me to gain a good rapport with members of the public. This also involves me partaking in monthly training to keep up to date with the latest technology and techniques. Good time management skills are something I had to develop: balancing studying, training, a part-time job and social time, has given me transferable skills for my future roles.