Everyone Else
Restricted Activities
A restricted activity is a regulated health service that by law can only be performed by individuals who are authorized to perform them. Restricted activities for physiotherapists are divided into two sections:
- Basic authorized activities
- Advance authorized activities
Basic authorized activities
All physiotherapists may, in the practice of physiotherapy and within the standards of practice, perform a basic authorized activity if they are competent to do so and it is appropriate to their area of practice.
- Assessing and treating TMJ dysfunction
- Inserting and removing catheters
- Reducing a dislocation of a joint
- Suctioning or instillation
- Treating urological, gynaecological and rectal conditions
- Wound debridement and care
Advance authorized activities
Only physiotherapists registered on the general or courtesy registers and authorized may perform the following activities independently.
- Order diagnostic imaging (limited to x-rays, MRI and diagnostic ultrasound)
- Perform spinal manipulation
- Use needles in practice
Authorization is granted to physiotherapists who provide evidence they have the competencies required. Authorization is noted on a member’s practice permit and can be verified online.
Considerations for employers
Ensure physiotherapists are authorized when ordering diagnostic imaging, performing spinal manipulation or using needles.
Physiotherapists learning an advance authorized activity (and prior to authorization) may perform that activity provided they are appropriately supervised:
- Supervising physiotherapist is present or on site.
- Supervising physiotherapist is able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
