Physiotherapy Explained
If you've ever wondered what Physiotherapy is and what Physiotherapists do then this section of the site is for you. Very briefly, Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising potential. Ultimately, a Physiotherapist main focus is reduction of pain and correction of dysfunction and injury.
For all the conditions we treat and treatments we offer please click here to go to our A to Z.
Since its emergence as an independent medical profession over 100 years ago, Physiotherapy has adapted and evolved its treatment techniques and increased the range and number of patients it can help. Unlike some other treatment professions available in Ireland, Physiotherapy is considered within the realm of conventional medicine.
Physiotherapy is certainly far more than fixing musculoskeletal and sports injuries although that is perhaps the most common perception of the profession. Physiotherapy is a science-based healthcare profession which involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a range of diseases, disorders and disabilities using physical means.
To become a Physiotherapist in Ireland, an individual must first obtain a graduate degree from an accredited Physiotherapy program. In Ireland. The Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (BSc Physio) is conferred by Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, the Royal College of Surgeons and University of Limerick. During this time they all complete over 1,000 hours of clinical practice in a number of different specialities. On leaving they are awarded a degree (not a diploma or Mickey Mouse award like some professions). Upon completing the degree the Physiotherapist must acquire their license and insurance from the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and thereafter are referred to as Chartered Physiotherapists.
Many Physiotherapists go on to obtain a Master's degree in Sport's Medicine, Manipulative Therapy, or other specialty areas. These qualifications are denoted by the letter MSc and follow the BSc title. In addition, Chartered Physiotherapists are compelled to fulfill their CPD (Continuous Professional Development) on an annual basis. This CPD comprises of at least 35 hours per annum of postgraduate training and research and is closely monitored by our professional body, the ISCP. This ensures that Chartered Physiotherapists are up to date with new findings and techniques and keep their "finger on the pulse" so to speak.
It is worth making the distinction that Physiotherapy is also referred to as physical therapy in the United States. Whereas in Ireland, Physical Therapy is a university degree course and is not recognized by the regulatory body, the Chartered Society (i.e. trained, licensed and insured).
As a Chartered Physiotherapist, all our practitioners have professional indemnity insurance and as such all of our patients are protected in the very unlikely event of injury. One thing for sure is that Chiropractors, Physical Therapists and Massage Therapists cannot claim to have this level of full time university training, experience and insurance. If you do not believe us, just ask your GP.
If you are not going to come to our clinic, we still strongly advise that you make sure you see a Chartered Physiotherapist. This guarantees that:
- their qualification is properly recognized
- they are governed by a professional code of conduct & ethics
- they are covered by professional liability insurance
Remember your body is extremely important, so always ensure that you look for Chartered or MISCP (Member of the Irish Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) before you let someone treat you. Just ask your GP, they will tell you.
For more information on the conditions that we treat, please go to the Conditions and Treatments section.
