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Got into physiotherapy but have no idea how to go ahead? Uncertain of what lies ahead? If you are a new physiotherapy student, I will take you through all that you can expect to happen in the very crucial, First year of B.P.T (or B.P.Th).
What is physiotherapy?
It’s a healthcare field in which you will treat patients. Similar ones that a doctor treats. The only difference is that your treatment method is not medicine but mostly exercise, a bit of electrical machines, and some techniques with your hands. That’s it. When you complete a degree in physiotherapy, you will be called a Physiotherapist.
Types of students who join this degree
For MBBS, students join for 2 reasons. Either they want to become a doctor, or their parents want them to.
It’s not that simple with physiotherapy, though. Here are some students you’ll see –
Those who couldn’t get into MBBS, so chose physiotherapy as it is still a health profession.
Parents made them join the degree.
The ones who actually want to be a physiotherapist
The ones who picked a random degree and have no clue what they’ve gotten into
Those who want to prepare for competitive exams requiring a basic degree thought physiotherapy would be easy enough for them to focus on other things.
Other reasons which will probably not make sense
No matter what the reason, everyone is put on the same path.
So, which one are you? Honestly, it doesn’t matter. Ask yourself the following questions –
Will you be able to do justice to the profession?
Do you feel you can become a good, trustworthy physiotherapist?
Will you keep the profession’s respect?
Do you have an interest in pursuing this field? If not, can you develop an interest?
If you answered yes to most of these, go ahead. However, if you don’t think you are suited for this, do reconsider changing your field of education.
The Foundation Year
All 4.5 years are critical, but this one’s the most important. It’s the foundation. The base on which extra information will be added. Consider it the equivalent of the base of a building or of a tall wedding cake. Only if the ground is firm can it withhold everything added on top of it. Otherwise, an inevitable collapse.
The subjects this year are:
All subjects will have Theory and Practicals, both of which will be included in exams.
At first glance, it does seem like a lot. Since you’re fresh out of school, it’s a drastic change. But these subjects are actually interesting and easy. But you’ll realise that when you go to second year.
How to study
Before you think of how to study all this, identify your learning type.
Different people have different effective ways of learning.
Which of these best suits you?
You learn when you watch the topic
You learn when you listen to the topic
You learn when you read the topic
You learn when you practice/demonstrate/perform the topic
You learn when you teach others the topic
After you figure this out, divide the subjects into theoretical, conceptual and practical subjects and plan learning strategies accordingly.
(Detailed content coming up about how to study each subject)
Mostly, first years are not sent to regular clinical postings. This leaves you with a lot of time on your hands. This time is useful for learning things you won’t approach again in further years.
In electrotherapy, remember how each current feels. You won’t have the time to re-visit that in the following years.
Go to the anatomy lab as often as possible to learn from the cadaver.
Practice any exercise that you learn. Perform the exercise principles on yourself. You should know how an exercise feels before prescribing it to a patient.
As cliché as it can get, if there are any medical reports in your family, read and correlate them with what you’ve learned.
Have occasional trips to the hospital, observe the doctor-patient interaction closely. Even if you don’t understand the assessment management part, it’s fine. But you should hone your patient interaction skills.
Things which you shouldn’t do –
Do not attend courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. Most of these are meant for finals years and interns. Going for them early on will be a waste of time and money.
Do not start treating patients or giving medical advice. You’re neither prepared nor qualified.
Definitely don’t take this degree lightly. It’s going to take effort. You’re going to deal with patients who will come to you with a lot of hope. And it’s going to be rewarding.
Definitely don’t neglect your health! Apart from the sudden increase in academics, keep some time to exercise, rest and do stuff you love!
