All physiotherapists hold a professional licence issued by the Order of Physiotherapists. If you want to confirm that an intervention is being carried out by a duly qualified physiotherapist, you can ask to see their professional card.
The Order of Physiotherapists advises citizens to apply for a professional card at the beginning of their physiotherapy session.
You can also search for your physiotherapist in the Directory available on the website of the Order of Physiotherapists.
The physiotherapist will help you with specific physiotherapy interventions focused on promoting movement and functionality. Physiotherapy is defined as the study, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health conditions that affect the structures and functions of the movement system, as well as the functionality of people, groups or communities.
When you go to a physiotherapist registered with the Portuguese Bar Association, you're looking for a duly qualified health professional, who must act within quality standards and be subject to a Code of Ethics, to a Disciplinary Regulation and the guarantee of professional civil liability insurance.
No. The physiotherapist cannot carry out physiotherapy sessions in their own home, unless it has premises with access and autonomous reserved areas, duly adapted and licensed.
Yes, legally qualified physiotherapists can carry out physiotherapy sessions at the patient's home.
To this end, they must be registered with the ERS as a mobile unit and comply with all the rules applicable to this type of structure, including, for example, the provision of a complaints book.
Yes, legally qualified physiotherapists can carry out physiotherapy consultations online, as long as they are registered with the ERS as a telemedicine unit and comply with all the rules applicable to this type of structure, including, for example, the provision of a complaints book.
The physiotherapist has a duty to provide clarification in order to enable an informed choice. The user, or whoever is authorised to do so, has the right to be informed about the purpose and nature of the intervention, as well as the right to consent, refuse or revoke consent to the intervention.
Article 11 of Chapter IX of the Physiotherapist's Code of Ethics, which can be consulted here, is dedicated to the informed consent of users.
There is a procedure in place to register and review all complaints submitted, depending on nature, which requires a response to the person or entity that submitted the complaint, and the respective referral.
If you would like to submit a report/complaint/complaint regarding a Physiotherapist, please fill in the available form here and send it to geral@ordemdosfisioterapeutas.pt.
No. Although pain is a frequent and relevant symptom, physiotherapy is not limited to its treatment.
Physiotherapy is a health profession centred on the promotion, prevention, assessment, treatment, habilitation, rehabilitation and maintenance of functionality and movement. Intervention takes place in various areas of clinical practice.
No. Physiotherapy can only be practised by physiotherapists.
The performance of physiotherapy acts by someone who is not a physiotherapist may constitute usurpation of functions and should be reported.
Find out what to do in this situation here.
It should be remembered that the Order of Physiotherapists is responsible for reports, complaints or denunciations of cases of usurpation of the professional title. As the profession's regulatory body, the Order endeavours to ensure that the profession is only practised by competent and qualified professionals, guaranteeing the protection and safety of citizens.
Yes. One of the statutory functions of the Order of Physiotherapists is to defend the general interests of users of the services provided by its members, ensuring and enforcing citizens' right to health.
The Order of Physiotherapists has a Jurisdictional Council which, among other competences, can instruct and judge disciplinary proceedings against members of the Order.
There is a procedure for registering and analysing all complaints submitted, depending on their nature, which requires a response to the person or entity that submitted the complaint and for it to be forwarded.
If you would like to submit a report, complaint or grievance concerning a physiotherapist, please fill in the available form here and send it to geral@ordemdosfisioterapeutas.pt.
Find out about other channels for participation, complaints or claims here.