Physiotherapy Job Roles in the United Kingdom
The UK offers a wide range of physiotherapy roles across the NHS and private sector. Use this guide to understand common role types and jump straight to open positions and helpful UK resources.
Types of Physiotherapy Roles
Hospital / NHS Physiotherapist (Bands 5–8)
Rotational and specialist posts across MSK, orthopaedics, stroke/neurology, cardiorespiratory, ICU, ED, and community rehab services. Browse NHS & hospital jobs.
Private Practice / MSK Physiotherapist
Clinic-based MSK and sports roles with hands-on care, exercise prescription, and case-load variety. See private practice roles.
Community & Home-Based Physiotherapist
Early supported discharge, falls prevention, reablement, and community neuro/MSK pathways. View community jobs.
Paediatric Physiotherapist
Work in hospitals, schools, and community teams supporting developmental, neurological, and MSK conditions in children. Find paediatrics roles.
Neurological Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
Stroke units, neuro-rehab wards, community neuro teams, and specialist centres for TBI/SCI and progressive conditions. Search neuro rehab roles.
Cardiorespiratory / ICU Physiotherapist
Airway clearance, ventilated patient management, pulmonary rehab, and critical care rotations. Cardiorespiratory posts.
Women’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Pelvic floor, ante/postnatal care, continence, and persistent pelvic pain in NHS and private settings. Women’s health jobs.
First Contact Practitioner (FCP) / Advanced Practice
Primary care MSK triage and advanced assessment roles; often require postgraduate training and extended scope competencies. Advanced practice vacancies.
Hand Therapy / Upper Limb
Post-operative and conservative upper limb rehab, splinting, and close MDT work with surgical teams. Hand therapy roles.
Occupational Health & Return-to-Work
Workplace assessments, ergonomic reviews, FCEs, and RTW planning within public or private providers. Occ health positions.
Sports & Performance Physiotherapist
Roles with clubs, academies, and performance centres focused on prevention, rehab, and return-to-sport. Sports physio jobs.
Education, Research & Leadership
Clinical educator, service lead, and academic/research posts across universities and providers. Leadership & academic roles.
Telehealth & Hybrid Roles
Remote MSK and long-term condition support, often combined with in-person clinics. Telehealth opportunities.
Helpful Resources for the UK

Registration guide: Work in the UK (HCPC)
Grading & pay: NHS Bands (Agenda for Change)
All UK physiotherapy jobs

For country-specific questions and lived experiences, visit our forum: Working in the UK (Forum).

For specialty conversations (MSK, neuro, sports, paediatrics, etc.), use the discussion index: Physiotherapy Discussion Areas.