Physiotherapy Overview

What Is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is the treatment of disease or injury using physical means such as spinal mobilisation, manipulation, massage and stretching. Therapeutic exercise and advice form a large part of the treatment enabling patients to help themselves. Electrotherapy such as ultrasound, interferential and laser is also used to reduce pain and promote healing. The Chartered Physiotherapist will diagnose the injury, treat the problem and assist the patient to achieve optimal function.

What Is A Chartered Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists can only use the word Chartered in their titles when they are members of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. This body only accepts people with an approved university education and hospital-based training. Hospitals
and Health Boards will only employ Chartered Physiotherapists. At present there is no law preventing anyone from practising as a “physio”, even if they have no training. The only way to make sure you are in the best hands is to check that your Physiotherapist is Chartered.

What Do Physiotherapists Treat?

Chartered Physiotherapists have a comprehensive medical training, which enables them to treat a wide range of problems. We are best known for the treatment of back and neck pain, sports injuries and mobility problems (experienced following a stroke and by the elderly). Many Chartered Physiotherapists have special skills in other areas such as: incontinence (both male and female), workplace assessments and respiratory health to name but a few. The aim of this pack is to give you a brief outline of some of the areas Chartered Physiotherapists work in and what to expect when you visit.