Scope of practice

Contemporary physiotherapy practice may have developed a great deal from its early roots but the four broad 'pillars' granted to the profession by Royal Charter in 1920 still have validity today:

• massage
• exercise and movement
• electrotherapy
• kindred methods of treatment

Defining scope of practice

Working safely and competently within your scope of practice means that you:

• ensure you have the skills, knowledge and abilities required to carry out your work role
• identify areas in which you need to further develop in order to maintain your competence.

We expect that you will maintain your competence through continuing professional development (CPD) activities and there are a range of resources available to support you in doing this.

While encouraging innovation and professional development, the CSP expects its members to adhere to current rules and standards in their practice.

The Health Profesions Council, as professional regulator, also lays down minimum proficiency standards expected of all physiotherapists wishing to practise.

Beyond that, we recognise that each physiotherapist will develop their own particular blend of expertise and specialist skills, which will deepen as their career progresses.

Further information

See our information paper on the Scope of Physiotherapy Practice and the developing physiotherapy page for more information.