This space was created to bring citizens closer to physiotherapists by providing access to clear and reliable information on the various areas of activity of this important health profession, to a list of registered physiotherapists.
What is Physiotherapy?
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, considering the kinesiopathological and pathokinesiological frameworks. The Order of Physiotherapists plays an essential regulatory role, guaranteeing the quality of the services provided, protecting the interests of citizens and ensuring the ethical and competent practice of physiotherapy in Portugal.
Areas of Intervention
Patient safety
Physiotherapy actively contributes to Patient Safety by preventing risks and minimising avoidable harm in healthcare. With practices ranging from preventing falls to promoting safe environments, physiotherapists play a crucial role in ensuring quality healthcare.
Patient Safety leaflet(s)
Physiotherapy in Sport
Physiotherapy in sport helps prevent injuries, rehabilitate and improve the performance of athletes of all ages. Physiotherapists promote sports health, optimising performance and providing ongoing support to athletes and teams.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in Sport
Physiotherapy in Mental Health
Mental Health Physiotherapy focuses on emotional and physical well-being, using exercise and movement as tools to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression and other psychological conditions. This intervention improves functionality and quality of life.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in Mental Health
Physiotherapy in Oncology
Oncology physiotherapy supports cancer patients at all stages of the disease, helping to relieve symptoms such as pain and fatigue, as well as improving functionality. The aim is to provide quality of life and facilitate physical and emotional recovery.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in Oncology
Physiotherapy in the aquatic environment
Aquatic physiotherapy uses the properties of water for rehabilitation, prevention and health promotion. Suitable for all ages, this therapeutic approach improves physical functionality and quality of life in individual or group sessions.
Information leaflet(s) on Aquatic Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy in Cardiorespiratory and Vascular Conditions
Cardiorespiratory and Vascular Physiotherapy improves the functional capacity and autonomy of patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Personalised interventions help to reduce symptoms, increase quality of life and promote long-term health.
Information leaflet(s) on Cardiorespiratory and Vascular Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy in Pelvic and Women's Health
Focussed on pelvic dysfunctions throughout life, this area intervenes in conditions such as pelvic pain, incontinence and postpartum recovery. Physiotherapists promote well-being and help manage conditions that affect quality of life.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in Pelvic and Women's Health
Physiotherapy in Neurological Conditions
Physiotherapy in Neurology rehabilitates patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, helping to restore movement and functionality. The intervention is aimed at autonomy and a better quality of life.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in Neurology
Physiotherapy in the Context of Emergencies, Disasters and Humanitarian Action
Physiotherapy in emergency and disaster situations is essential for the rapid assessment of injuries, physical rehabilitation and the prevention of complications such as thrombosis or pressure ulcers. These professionals are part of Emergency Medical Teams to guarantee effective and dignified responses, promoting the physical recovery and psychological well-being of victims in critical scenarios.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in the context of Emergencies, Disasters and Humanitarian Action
Physiotherapy in Paediatrics
Paediatric physiotherapy treats conditions that affect children's motor development, using playful and creative strategies. It focuses on mobility, functionality and quality of life, with the active involvement of families.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in Paediatrics
Dermatofunctional Physiotherapy
Dermatofunctional physiotherapy treats dysfunctions of the integumentary system, such as scars and burns, promoting the recovery of functionality and self-esteem. It uses advanced techniques for pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Information leaflet(s) on Dematofunctional Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy in Public Health
Physiotherapy in Public Health promotes the health of populations by preventing diseases and reducing risks. Physiotherapists plan and implement physical activity and education programmes to increase quality years lived.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in Public Health
Physiotherapy in Occupational Health and Ergonomics
Physiotherapy in Occupational Health prevents injuries in the workplace, promoting safe and healthy environments. The intervention reduces absenteeism and improves productivity, guaranteeing workers' well-being.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in Occupational Health and Ergonomics
Physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions
This area of intervention treats conditions affecting bones, muscles and joints, promoting pain reduction and functional recovery. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy improves mobility and quality of life at all ages.
Information leaflet(s) on Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for People with Amputations
Focussed on the rehabilitation of amputees, this area helps to improve mobility and functionality. The Physiotherapist promotes adaptation and reintegration, collaborating in multidisciplinary teams to meet the specific needs of each person.
Leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy for People with Amputations
Physiotherapy in Ageing
Physiotherapy in Ageing promotes independence, preventing illness and improving the functionality of the elderly. It helps with mobility and balance, ensuring an active and healthy life.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy in Ageing
Physiotherapy in Pain
Pain physiotherapy assesses and treats different types of pain, using therapeutic exercises and manual techniques. It focuses on improving physical capacity and quality of life, reducing pain in a personalised way.
Information leaflet(s) on Physiotherapy for Pain
Institutional OF
Other information materials
Registered Physiotherapists
Directory of Physiotherapists
Find a physiotherapist near you.
Participation, complaint or report
Use our form to report any situation concerning a Physiotherapist that you feel does not comply with the ethical and deontological standards of the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
All physiotherapists hold a professional licence issued by the Portuguese Order of Physiotherapists. If you want to know whether an intervention has been carried out by a physiotherapist who is duly qualified to do so, you should ask to see the physiotherapist's professional card. The OF advises all citizens to ask for a physiotherapist's certificate when starting treatment.
You can also contact your physiotherapist at Directory on the website of the Order of Physiotherapists.
The physiotherapist will help you with specific physiotherapy interventions. You should bear in mind that when you are looking for a registered Physiotherapist, you are looking for a duly qualified health professional, who must act within quality standards and be subject to a strict supervision. Code of Ethics, a Disciplinary Regulations and the guarantee of professional liability insurance.
Yes. Physiotherapists may practise another profession for which they are legally qualified, as long as they clearly differentiate the professional activity carried out at any given time.
Yes. All Physiotherapists who are legally qualified to carry out Physiotherapy at home can carry out Physiotherapy sessions at the patient's home. Physiotherapists may not carry out physiotherapy sessions in their own homes, unless they have premises that allow access and autonomous and duly appropriate private areas.
The physiotherapist has a duty to provide clarification in order to enable an informed choice to be made and the user, or whoever is authorised to do so, has the right to be informed about the purpose and nature of the intervention, the right to consent or to constitute the right to refuse the intervention and to revoke consent.
Article 11 of Chapter IX of the Physiotherapist's Code of Ethics, which can be found at hereThis article is dedicated to the informed consent of users.
No. Physiotherapists work in different areas. Pain is a relevant symptom for both the patient and the physiotherapist, which must be taken into account, but it is not the only one. Physiotherapists also work in clinical situations in which the element of pain is not present.
Yes, one of the statutory functions of the Order of Physiotherapists is to defend the general interests of patients from services provided by its members, enforcing the 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 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 concerning a Physiotherapist, please fill in the available form here and send it to geral@ordemdosfisioterapeutas.pt.