Physiotherapy is a health care profession which aims to treat and prevent many of the physical problems that can arise from injury, illness, aging and disuse. The primary goal of physiotherapy is to diagnose, give hands-on treatment and provide exercise prescription to address movement dysfunctions. Physiotherapists also focus on providing valuable education in order to help empower the patient to take control of their own health and to manage their own injuries. All physiotherapists are graduates of an accredited university program and are recognized as primary health care practitioners by both the British Columbia provincial government. Physiotherapy is also recognized and funded by most extended health plans.