Physiotherapist
OFO Code: 226401
Last checked 3 October 2026
1. Occupation identity
- OFO code
- 226401
- Occupation
- Physiotherapist
- Classification
- OFO 2021
- Major group
- PROFESSIONALS
- Unit group
- 2264 · Physiotherapists
Official description
Physiotherapists assess, plan and implement rehabilitative programs that improve or restore human motor functions, maximize movement ability, relieve pain syndromes, and treat or prevent physical challenges associated with injuries, diseases and other impairments. They apply a broad range of physical therapies and techniques such as movement, ultrasound, heating, laser and other techniques.
More official OFO detail
Specialisations: Cardiothoracic Physiotherapist, Occupational Health Physiotherapist, Neurological Physiotherapist, Paediatric Physiotherapist, Geriatric Physical Therapist, Physio, Continence and Women's Health Physiotherapist, Manipulation Therapist, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Aquatic Physiotherapist, Gerentological Physiotherapist, Orthopaedic Physical Therapist, Sports Physiotherapist, Physical Therapist
- Supervising the work of physiotherapy assistants and others
- Administering muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests to identify and assess physical problems of patients
- Developing and implementing programmes for screening and prevention of common physical ailments and disorders
- Establishing treatment goals with patients and designing treatment programs to reduce physical pain, strengthen muscles, improve cardiothoracic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, restore joint mobility, and improve balance and coordination
- Instructing patients and their families in procedures to be continued outside clinical settings
- Developing, implementing and monitoring programs and treatments using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, massage, manipulation, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultraviolet and infra-red light and ultrasound in the treatment of patients
- Recording information on patients' health status and responses to treatment in medical records-keeping systems, and sharing information with other health professionals as required to ensure continuing and comprehensive care
2. Demand status
Demand evidence not yet linked
This is an official OFO 2021 occupation. Demand status is separate evidence and is not inferred from inclusion in the OFO.
A national demand signal is not a promise of a vacancy in your town.
3. Salary evidence
No sourced salary record has been ingested for this OFO code yet.
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5. Qualification
Qualification evidence pending.
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7. Industry, sector and provincial context
National occupation classification. Industry and provincial context are shown only where a separate official source supports the link.
No source-backed modern OFO↔SIC 7 industry link has been ingested for this occupation yet. PathLens does not infer one from the job title.
Browse the official South African industry classification →8. Next steps — official links
9. Decision tools
10. Sources for this page
- DHET Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO 2021) · Planned
- DHET Occupations in High Demand · Planned
- Critical Skills List · Planned
- QCTO qualifications and occupational certificates · Planned
- Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey · Planned
- SETA Sector Skills Plans / hard-to-fill vacancy tables · Planned