Chartered Physiotherapists have an extensive scientific background of human anatomy and physiology. So not alone can they help you sort that dodgy back, they can also:
- Diagnose and treat all sorts of conditions and illnesses
- Help prevent injury in the workplace or on the sports field
- Encourage healthier lifestyles
To practice in Ireland, all Chartered Physiotherapists must have:
- Completed a three or four year university degree course which included a minimum of two years clinical practice
- Been accepted as a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP)
- Undertaken continuous professional development
- Professional Indemnity Insurance.
If your physiotherapist is a member of the professional regulating body, the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, they are entitled to use the title “Chartered Physiotherapist” and the initials MISCP after their name. If you are not sure that your physiotherapist has any or all of these credentials, don’t hesitate to ask.
Chartered Physiotherapists are involved in a wide variety of areas such as:
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches
- Sporting injuries, fitness monitoring, pre-season assessment, treatment of injuries
- Respiratory care, helping people overcome breathing difficulties and preventing infection
- Orthopaedics, rehabilitating people following surgery on bones and joints
- Paediatrics, helping babies in special care units, helping children in developmental clinics and special schools to achieve independence
- Neurology, helping people suffering from conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke and head injury to overcome problems due to muscle weakness, pain and poor balance
- Care of the elderly to ensure that they maintain or improve their mobility, strength and balance so that they can lead full and active lives
- Cardiac care, including rehabilitation and fitness following heart surgery or a heart attack
Chartered Physiotherapists use mainly physical means such as exercise, manipulation, mobilisation, massage and electrical modalities to help patients achieve their full potential. The treatment doesn’t hurt but you might feel some mild discomfort, especially if the area being worked on is sore.
Chartered Physiotherapists operate in Private Practices – assessing and treating a wide variety of muscle, joint and ligament problems.
In hospitals, Chartered Physiotherapists treat inpatients and outpatients, as well as people in specialised units such as intensive care, coronary care, burns and rehabilitation centres The treatment is free in the public service and you will need a referral from your consultant or G.P. In private practice, costs vary and can range from €35 – €50 a visit.
The level of costs will also depend on:
- the location of the practice
- whether it is a first or follow-up visit or part of a course of visits
- the duration of treatment
- whether any specialist materials were supplied such as customised insoles used in the treatment of biomechanical malalignment
The first time you visit a Chartered Physiotherapist, they will:
- Ask you some general questions about your health, occupation and hobbies as well as asking questions about your symptoms and how they affect you on a day-to-day basis
- Do a physical examination to assess your condition
- Make a diagnosis
- Treat the injured area
- Give a customised exercise programme if necessary
- Advise you on your posture and general activities
- Contact your GP, with your permission, to discuss your condition and progress
Depending on your condition and healing ability, you may have to have a course of regular treatments. Your physiotherapist may also give you some stretching or strengthening exercises to do regularly at home.
The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists website contains general information on its members as well as a useful section of downloadable leaflets www.iscp.ie
Hibernian Aviva Health covers a wide range of day-to-day practitioners – including Chartered Physiotherapists – on your day-to-day a and day-to-day 50 plans.