Choose chartered
NHS
All physiotherapists working within the NHS will be registered with the regulatory body for physiotherapists: the Health Professions Council (or HPC). The HPC is an independent, UK-wide health regulator for thirteen different professions including physiotherapy.
Private treatment
If you opt for private treatment, make sure you see a chartered and/or registered physiotherapist/physical therapist. This guarantees that:- their qualification is properly recognised
- they are governed by a professional code of conduct
- they are covered by professional liability insurance
- either one of the following sets of initials after their name: MCSP (Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) or FCSP (Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy)
- and/or is a registered physiotherapist/physical therapist.
Protection of title
From 9th July 2005, the titles 'physiotherapist' and 'physical therapist' are protected by law: this means that only physiotherapists registered with the Health Professions Council (the regulatory body) will be allowed to use either of these two titles when practising.
CSP members are reminded that using the title 'physiotherapist' or 'physical therapist' and not be registered with the HPC is now an illegal act. If you are aware of anybody using either of these titles who are not registered with the HPC you need to inform the HPC of this. Further information is available on their website: www.hpc-uk.org.
