Physical therapy has undergone a rapid transformation in Pakistan during the last 20 years, turning into a supportive specialty in the healthcare system and becoming an evidence-based and highly specialized profession on its own. Since the formation of the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC) and the acknowledgment of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the scope of practice of a physical therapist in Pakistan has been specified in writing.
The new update has given a clarity on the professional boundaries, roles and competencies of physical therapists, as they are able to practice as far as their learning and training has taught them and also according to their clinical judgment. It also highlights the significance of the identification of physical therapists as first-point practitioners, which increases access to the patients and health care provision.
Definition of Scope of Practice
Physical therapy in Pakistan has three main pillars on which it is defined to practice:
Legal/Regulatory Scope: It is established based on national laws, licensure and guidelines by the AHPC.
Professional/Educational Scope: Determined based on abilities gained in accredited DPT and postgraduate programs, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
Individual Scope: It relies on personal expertise and clinical judgment of a therapist as well as higher certifications.
Collectively, all these pillars can make sure the Pakistani physical therapists practice in safe, ethical, and effective limits without falling short of the international standards.
Independent Practice of Physical Therapists
In 2025, the registered physical therapists (PTs) in Pakistan will be given the official authority to practice on their own. Their rights include:
- Assessment and diagnosing without referral.
- Formulating and implementing treatment programs independently.
- Referral of patients to specialists or working with multidisciplinary teams when necessary.
- Establishing independent clinics, rehabilitation centers or specialized units.
- As a first-contact practitioner of musculoskeletal, neurological, pediatric, sports and rehabilitation related conditions.
This identification is not only empowering to the therapists but will also enhance accessibility to care particularly in rural and underserved areas.
General Physical Therapist (Gen. PT)
A general physical therapist is a qualified DPT registered by AHPC. Their usage is authorized to the prefix of Dr. and their name and PT.
Eligibility
- DPTA-DPT, I-DPT, A-DPT, PPDPT, or BSPT.
- Registration with AHPC.
- Meeting of the internship and licensing criteria.
Scope of Practice
- Assessment and Diagnosis: The implementation of physical and functional analysis, the prescription of elementary tests (X-ray, blood tests), and dysfunctions.
- Intervention: Formulating individualized rehabilitation programs, prescribing therapeutic activities, using manipulative therapy, mobilization, electrotherapy, cryotherapy and functional training.
- Medical Collaboration: Prescription,Recommending special consultations, prescribing over-the-counter drugs (NSAIDs, painkillers, muscle relaxants), and oxygen administration within instructions.
- Rehabilitation Aids: Prescription of mobility aids, braces, splints and instructions on safe use.
- Education and Prevention: Conduction of awareness programs, ergonomic consultation and home exercise education.
- Specialized Certifications: Performing such techniques as dry needling, low-level laser therapy and kinesio-taping after accredited certification (at least 48 contact hours).
Physical Therapist, Specialist (Spe). PT
Specialized PT is a postgraduate degree-trained professional who has advanced training (MS, MPhil, or fellowship).
Enhanced Scope of Practice
- Besides Gen. PT roles, they are able to:
- treat multisystem, chronic or complex conditions.
- Apply technique of the modern diagnostic and assessment (e.g., gait, EMG, NCS).
- Order higher imaging (MRI, CT, inflammatory and nutritional tests).
- Use special methods including serial casting, pediatric rehabilitation, advanced manual therapy and complex neuromuscular re-education.
- Chair multidisciplinary teams, manage junior therapists and facilitate CPD.
- Recommend the standards of rehabilitation to government units and healthcare policymakers.
Practice environment in Pakistan
In 2025, physical therapists are considered to be a vital component of medical teams in all kinds of settings such as:
- Hospitals: BHUs, THQs, DHQs and tertiary care.
- Rehabilitation centers: Stroke, SCI, cerebral palsy, amputations and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Community services: Geriatric services, pediatric rehabilitation services, home based therapy and disaster response units.
- Sports and performance facilities: Injury management, rehabilitation and maximization of athletic performance.
- Individual clinics / tele-rehabilitation websites: Increasing the coverage of both urban and rural communities.
Activities Beyond the Scope of Practice
Although they are autonomous, the PTs are to observe professional boundaries. Their activities do not include:
Referrals to other medical conditions outside PT jurisdiction.
- Administering of controlled drugs or corticosteroids.
- Practice of psychotherapy, chiropractic adjusting or occupational therapy that are not dual-certified.
- Advocacy of physical therapy as the treatment of incurable diseases.
Importance of Scope of Practice in 2025
The updated framework:
- Provides patient safety through the design of roles.
- Enforces professional responsibility.
- Enhances appreciation of PTs as autonomous health care providers.
- Brings Pakistan in line with international physiotherapy standards.
- Promotes the development of education, research and special practice.
Conclusion
The state of physical therapy in Pakistan in 2025 is indicative of an evidence based, dynamic and patient-focused profession. As the first-contact practitioners, increased control over diagnostics and rehabilitation and introduction of specialization, the physical therapists currently contribute to a significant increase of the Pakistani healthcare system.
Working within the legal, ethical and professional scope as stipulated by the AHPC, physical therapists not only are transforming the outcomes of the patients but also are transforming the future of healthcare delivery in Pakistan.
