I've recently become interested in exploring physiotherapy as a career. Would appreciate any comments on whether I might be suited to the field, as it is in practice, in Canada...

I like and am interested in people; I'm a natural listener and teacher. I'm patient. I get a thrill from creative problem-solving and daily variety, and am good with my hands. Have always had a more-than-casual interest in the human body, and medical issues in general, which I've only just identified as possibly important in a career.

(I work in non-profit research, and am sick to the gills of cubicle life; having whole projects depend on political whim; not *ever* seeing results for my individual efforts; it goes on. I'd like to do something direct and active. I'd considered other helping professions [social work, counselling] but feel I might prefer assisting people with discrete, practical problems that have a greater chance of being ameliorated in a shorter time frame.)

Part of what drew me to physio as an idea has been my own experience as a a patient. I know no one can comment directly on how much my own issues might interfere, but I do have occasional cervical, knee and ankle pain, and a little touch of hypermobility in both shoulders. Would this present significant limitations on working as a physio? How fit does should a practitioner be?

I was not an athlete as a youth (in fact, I struggled with dyspraxia), but have made great improvements in my coordination and balance through dance and fitness, and want to help spread good health!

If this matters - Myers-Briggs testing has consistently pegged me as an INFP. I'm only moderately introverted though - I infinitely preferred tutoring small groups to staring at computer screens.

Any responses are welcome - many thanks in advance!

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