As a business, we talk about the need for physiotherapy care, and its significant health benefits, all the time. We are of course focused on the local areas of Bramley, Guildford, Godalming and West Surrey. But what of the need across the UK?
Increase in physiotherapist numbers – and need for still more
The website Statista notes that in 2021, there were approximately 57,000 physiotherapists employed in the United Kingdom (UK). This is a significant increase from 2010, when there were around 44,000 physiotherapists employed in the UK.
However, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) noted in mid-March 2023 that thousands more physiotherapists are needed. The CSP notes that a review of the physiotherapy workforce shows that the UK is lagging behind other countries. In the UK, there is currently one physiotherapist for every 1,136 people. In Germany, the figure is one for every 430 people and in Australia, one for every 742 people.
The CSP has called on the government to grow registered physiotherapist numbers by at least 7% a year to bring the UK closer in line with international peers. More can be found here: https://www.csp.org.uk/news/2023-03-14-thousands-more-physiotherapists-needed-governments-workforce-plan
Physiotherapy care has become even more important
We are of course not responsible for the data contained in the links above. However, it is clear that the need for physiotherapy care has become of greater importance over the period in the UK. The NHS England webpage further confirms this need by noting:
Low back and neck pain are the greatest cause of years lost to disability in the UK, with chronic joint pain or osteoarthritis affecting more than 8.75 million people. In addition, musculoskeletal conditions also account for 30% of all GP appointments. More can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/expanding-our-workforce/first-contact-physiotherapists/
Clearly lots of physiotherapy care to be provided and a growing need as the profession gathers even more momentum.
Summary
Interesting statistics, we hope you would agree, and it is refreshing to note the need for physiotherapy care increasing, to help many people with treatment, rehabilitation and if appropriate, return to work in a proactive process. We hope to see more of this progressive thinking as time moves forward.
Contact Us
We look forward to helping you with your physiotherapy needs, tailored to your personal circumstances, through the remainder of 2023 and beyond. If you are interested in our services feel free to call us on 07309 272 555 or email Physio@Lifemadesimple.co.uk. Life Made Simple - expert physiotherapy in Guildford and Surrey.
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