THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST´S PRACTICE IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE – INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Physical therapy has expanded its role in Primary Health Care (PHC), aligning itself with the principles of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and the care model centered on health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensiveness. This integrative review aimed to analyze physical therapy practice in PHC, identifying the professional's responsibilities, challenges, and contributions at this level of care. The search was conducted in the SciELO, BVS, LILACS, and PubMed databases, using descriptors related to physical therapy, primary care, NASF (Family Health Support Center), and multidisciplinary teams. The results show that the physical therapist plays an essential role in comprehensive care, contributing to health education, disability prevention, group work, home visits, and matrix support. Despite the advances, challenges persist, such as the predominance of the biomedical model, structural restrictions, and the need for greater recognition and integration within the teams. It is concluded that expanding and strengthening the presence of physical therapists in PHC is fundamental for improving the quality of life and the effectiveness of services.