Abstract
Physical therapy in the medical treatment and the welfare field is aimed at realizing the maximum independence in daily and leisure activities among handicapped persons. Physical therapy in an occupational health likewise serves the purpose of realizing the independence in occupation activities. From now on, it is desirable that physical therapists (PTs) play an integral role in prevention of disorders, and rehabilitation for handicapped persons; that is, PTs should find their roles in rehabilitation of occupational activities as well as daily or leisure activities. In Japan, however, PTs should have necessary qualifications in order to work in the occupational-health field. This review describes such qualifications; an occupational health care manager and an occupational health consultant, and mentions the possibility of private practice of physical therapy in the field. It also describes the present situation of PTs from the viewpoint of examination qualification; disadvantages or problems to be solved.
