What physiotherapy is and who can practise it in Cyprus

What physiotherapy is

World Physiotherapy, the global body for the profession, says physiotherapists help develop, maintain and restore people's movement and ability to function, whenever ageing, injury, illness or other conditions get in the way.

That covers problems with muscles, joints, nerves, breathing and the heart. A physiotherapist always starts with your history and an assessment, then chooses treatment: hands-on techniques, exercise and physical therapies such as heat or electrotherapy.

Physiotherapists look at the whole person, including stress, work and daily life, because all of these affect how you move.

Who can practise physiotherapy in Cyprus

The profession is regulated by the Registration of Physiotherapists Law of 1989, revised in 2005 and 2021. Every physiotherapist must be on the Cyprus Register of Physiotherapists and renew their licence to practise every year.

Applications are reviewed by the Registration Council of Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Establishments, appointed by the Council of Ministers. Every registered physiotherapist working in Cyprus is automatically a member of the Cyprus Physiotherapy Association, founded in 1989.

How physiotherapists train

The minimum qualification is a four-year, full-time bachelor's degree. Cyprus has three programmes, at European University Cyprus, the University of Nicosia and Frederick University.

Do I need a referral?

Not for private physiotherapy. According to World Physiotherapy, people in Cyprus can go straight to a private physiotherapist. For physiotherapy through GeSY you need a referral from your doctor.

If your physiotherapist finds something that needs a medical opinion, they will tell you to see a doctor.