Knowledge and reasoning in practice: an example from physiotherapy and occupational therapy

In this chapter we describe the nature and sources of knowledge used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists in their daily clinical work. We have chosen to itegrate our discussion of knwoledge with a discussion of clinical reasoning reflecting the current understanding that knowledge and reasoning are inherently related in clincal practice (Higgs and Jones 2008). To illustrate the nature of knowledge and clinical reasoning used by these caring professions, we present an example of client following a stroke. We conclude that the knowledge and reasoning processes used by these professions include shared and distinctive elements reflecting a close relationship between two professions that maintain defined and seperate roles in health practice. Physiotherapy (or physical therapy) is a healthcare profession which focuses on the restoration of movement. The World Confederation of Physical Therapists (WCPT) has defined physiotherapy in the following manner.