What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the use of exercises, hands-on therapy and education to help reduce pain and increase mobility. Physiotherapy strives to reach the goals of the patient by returning them to work or hobbies. It also empowers the individual to manage their issue in the future by being proactive and looking after their physical and mental health.
What is a Physiotherapist?
A Physiotherapist is a regulated health care professional that must adhere to certain codes of practice and standards that are outlined by the governing body CORU and ISCP (Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists). Physiotherapists have completed a full time 4-year degree at a university along with a dissertation. They have also completed over 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience as a student in a hospital-based environment. Physiotherapists must continually engage in continuous professional development (CPD) to stay registered with CORU. Physiotherapists must keep up-to-date with any medical research developments and must also continuously upskill. They do this by attending courses, lectures and seminars and reading journal articles. This in turn enhances the level of service they provided to patients.
How are Physiotherapists regulated?
CORU is a health care regulatory body for allied healthcare professionals in Ireland. Its most essential role is to ensure the public are receiving health care advice and treatment from medical professionals who are qualified, safe and competent. For a more detailed view, visit the ISCP website here: “What is a Chartered Physiotherapist?”
What does a Physiotherapist do?
A Physiotherapist can work in four main areas: Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, Orthopaedics and Neurology. Usually, a Physiotherapist will specialise in one of the above-mentioned areas. Next Level Physiotherapy specialises is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. However, since graduating, John has gained practical experience in all areas of Physiotherapy through NHS Scotland, sports teams and from within private clinics.
What experience does John have at Next Level Physiotherapy?
John’s breadth of knowledge ensures that all relevant medical history is taken into account when establishing a patient treatment plan. For example, a patient may come in with a complaint of low back pain (musculoskeletal issue) who also has COPD (respiratory issue), a previous stroke (neurological issue) and a previous total hip replacement (orthopaedic issue). John, as a Physiotherapist, has the practical experience and theoretical knowledge of each condition to ensure the patient receives a thorough treatment plan, in consideration of all elements and not just the back pain complaint they came to the clinic with. In summary, a Physiotherapist can specialise in one area but quite often the four areas of Physiotherapy will intertwine with each other, as highlighted in the example above.
What are the benefits of seeing a Physiotherapist?
- A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who has achieved a full time 4-year University degree
- Physiotherapists deal with any issues from minor aches and sprains to identifying serious medical emergencies and pathologies that may present as muscular aches and pains
- A Physiotherapist is a regulated health professional that must continually engage in professional development to stay registered with CORU. For example, continual membership of ISCP, attending courses, seminars and reading journal articles
- Physiotherapists have excellent anatomical and physiological knowledge with regards to joints, tendons, ligaments, the nervous system and healing time-frames
- Physiotherapists have experience and knowledge of post-surgery rehabilitation and successfully returning patients to agreed goals
- Physiotherapists can refer patients for medical investigations, liaise with your GP and write recommendations to employers regarding work environment
What is the difference between a Physiotherapist and Physical Therapist?
In some countries a Physiotherapist can be called a Physical Therapist for example in the United States. However, in Ireland these professions are different and care should be taken when deciding which professional to seek help and advice from. Further explanation on the differences can be found in this article “When a Physio is not a Physio”
To discuss your Physiotherapy requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling/texting 087 184 9464 or emailing info@nextlevelphysiotherapy.com. Alternatively, book online through the website.
