Mental Health Physiotherapy

[vintagegirl]

Hi All,
I'm extremely new to this site and I'm a long-way off being a qualified physio! I'm currently doing an Access course to return to uni next year as a Physio mature student. One of the tasks I've to do as part of my Access course is chart how I'd move into a specialist field after qualifying. I know I want to work in MH so I wondered if anyone could give me an idea of how they moved into MH after graduating and in particular any specific CPD courses?
I've spoken to NHS Careers and the Health Learning and Skills Advice Line but they've both been a bit hazy on the detail. I've also looked at post-grad courses but they just talk about a certain time period working in the applicable area of interest, which doesn't help much either.
I currently do 1 day a wk volunteering at a horticultural project for MH users (more OT than physio) and I'm waiting on my CRB check to return to a psychiatric hospital central therapies dept for a longer work experience stint (did 1 wk in Sept).
Thanks in advance!

[Wilfie]

Hi,

I am a final year physio student and I have just got a band 3 PTa job on the bank working in MH. I have also managed to get a placement in MH in Jan. I am really looking forward to the challenges it will bring. I do get a bit annoyed with other students who dismiss MH physio....Is it just ignorence on their part? Surely it's just different skills needed, not less valuable.

Any thoughts?

W

[Homonculus]

Hi,

I am a final year physio student and I have just got a band 3 PTa job on the bank working in MH. I have also managed to get a placement in MH in Jan. I am really looking forward to the challenges it will bring. I do get a bit annoyed with other students who dismiss MH physio....Is it just ignorence on their part? Surely it's just different skills needed, not less valuable.

Any thoughts?

W

Hi all,

it's such a shame that this thread went quiet... it would be so useful to hear about 'case studies' how different therapists dealt with difficult/straight forward situations, what are the techniques that work to motivate this client group, or what are the definite 'no-nos'.
It makes me sad how some people talk about patients with MH issues 'on top of' usual conditions that are treated by physiotherapy. We are such a judgemental society and it wouldn't take much to stop and think, try to understand.
Any challenging situation someone wishes to discuss and how they managed it? Any good tips would be much appreciated!

xx

[LP Physio]

Hi all

I am a Senior Physio in an acute Mental Health Hospital. Have been in this post for an year now.
First of all it is great to know that someone has initiated this thread.
Would like to see this thread getting more active and useful for Physios in MH.
Could anyone share what protocols you use for Falls management in MH setting?
Looking forward to hear from you all soon.

Thanks in advance!