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Physiotherapists In Dublin Articles

Have you ever had treatment from a physiotherapist? If you have, then you know what to expect. But, if you haven’t, keep reading, this article will help clear up the process of using the services of a physiotherapist.

The idea of when and how to use a physiotherapist can be confusing. Many people (and you may be one of them) are often unsure (and even hesitant) about what to expect on their first physiotherapy visit.

The type of physiotherapy you receive really depends upon your injury diagnosis, age of your injury, intensity of the pain, and your (and therapist’s) preferred treatment procedure.

Do You Need To Seek Advice From A Doctor To Visit A Physiotherapist?

The short answer is no. The caveat is if you prefer financial reimbursement of medical Insurance through your coverage. A referral from a physician may be necessary to reimburse your physiotherapy care costs. However, a script from your doctor is not required in order to start actual therapy with a physiotherapist.

How Do You Set An Appointment Up With Physiotherapist?

Find a local reputable physiotherapy clinic. Most often when you phone their office you will reach the receptionist first. The secretary may ask you a few questions about your family doctor, your injury, insurance related information among other questions. Don’t be alarmed. Asking for this type of information is fairly standard for most physiotherapy clinics. If you don’t feel comfortable with providing specific information over the phone, let them know. You can provide further details when you see them in person (once you’ve selected the clinic of your choice). Discuss a convenient time to arrange a first appointment, or better yet a free consultation if they offer it. You may get a call back from the physiotherapist to confirm the appointment. You are now ready to visit your therapist. You may discuss the charges for the treatment at this time or when you visit them in person.

Things You Should Know While Visiting a Physiotherapist

Try and arrive at the clinic early. Be prepared to fill out a detailed new patient intake form. This form will request specific details about your injury and medical history. Be sure to bring your physician script (if you have one) and any x-rays if you have them. Also, be sure to bring your insurance information as well. Since physiotherapy involves movement and exercise, it is recommended that you wear clothes that are loose fitting and allow for easy movement.

What Should You Expect On Your First Physiotherapy Treatment?

After you meet your physiotherapist, you may be asked to discuss your injury and symptoms. Expect your physiotherapist to go through your medical history in great detail. Depending on the physiotherapist, they may also check all your tests and reports such as X-rays, MRI scans, etc.. Your first physiotherapy session can last up to an hour. Be sure to communicate every aspect of your injury in as much detail as possible – how you got injured, when the injury occurred, what you applied on the injured surface, etc. Don’t hold back. Now is not the time to be shy. Communicating everything clearly about your injury will help ensure you get the best possible treatment, and highest probability of a successful outcome.

After examining the injury, your therapist may discuss therapy options with you. The goal is to restore normal functionality to the injured site, and help prevent the injury from reoccurring. After creating your treatment plan which may include modalities, manual therapy and exercise, he or she will explain the therapy approach in detail to you. If you do not feel comfortable with any treatment procedure, ask for an alternate option.

To ensure speedy recovery, be sure that you follow the treatment procedure consistently. You may also be asked to arrange future follow-up appointments. Depending upon your injury, you may start a course of therapy at least 1 to 3 times a week. These subsequent appointments can last up to 30 minutes per visit.

There are high chances of feeling sore after going through a physiotherapy session. It’s normal. If you experience it, simply discuss it with your therapist and seek advice on how to alleviate soreness.

There you have it. Physiotherapy demystified. Physiotherapy can be of tremendous benefit. But the most important thing to remember is to seek treatment early. Early intervention can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. And a positive outcome is good for you and your therapist.

  
   

What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a therapeutic health profession that assists people with injuries, pain, stiffness, weakness, and other movement problems. Physiotherapists are university trained and are experts in injury diagnosis, injury treatment, injury prevention, exercise prescription, rehabilitation and many other areas of sport and musculoskeletal health and fitness.

Physiotherapists also have the expertise to assess the underlying causes of musculoskeletal injuries and provide effective, evidence based treatment so you can resume your normal lifestyle as soon as possible with the least likelihood of recurrence. Physiotherapists educate patients and teach them the skills required to take care of their bodies using various tools and methods.

Physiotherapy treatment techniques
Following injury, physiotherapists use a variety of physiotherapy treatment techniques to hasten the body's natural healing process and speed recovery. These treatment techniques may include:

massage
mobilization
manipulation
exercise prescription
stretches
electrotherapy
hydrotherapy
clinical Pilates
taping
bracing
dry needling
ice or heat therapy
biomechanical correction
the use of crutches
advice and education
a gradual return to sport or activity program
The techniques used for each individual are carefully selected by the treating practitioner based on research demonstrating maximum benefit for their particular condition.

Other areas of physiotherapy
Aside from dealing with musculoskeletal and sports conditions, physiotherapy is also vital to ensure an optimal outcome in patients suffering from conditions in the following medical areas:

neurological
cardiothoracic
paediatrics
obstetrics
Seeing a physiotherapist

All physiotherapists are university educated health practitioners, with entry to the profession being at either Bachelors or Masters Degree level. Many practitioners also undertake further qualifications at Masters or Doctoral level in specialist clinical areas.

When should I see a physiotherapist?
There are many instances when it is appropriate and beneficial to consult a physiotherapist. Some of these include:

If you have sustained an injury
If you have swelling, bruising or deformity of a body part
If you are experiencing joint stiffness, pain or ache (particularly if your symptoms have persisted for greater than 3 days)
If you are limping or protecting a limb due to pain
If you are experiencing pins and needles or numbness
If your limbs collapse or give way occasionally
If you have postural problems
If you need advice on improving strength, flexibility, balance or fitness
If you need advice on injury prevention or other aspects of musculoskeletal health
If you require treatment for an injury
If you wish to improve your physical performance for sport
If you are planning a return to sport or activity following a prolonged period of inactivity
As a general rule, if you are unsure, it is always better to consult a professional rather than not seek advice.

How can physiotherapy help my injury?
Physiotherapy can ensure your injury is thoroughly assessed and diagnosed correctly. This is essential to ensure the correct treatment techniques are chosen for your condition.

Physiotherapy treatment can hasten your body's natural healing process, accelerating your return to sport or activity. Appropriate treatment will also reduce the likelihood of recurrence by addressing factors which may have contributed to the development of your condition. Physiotherapists are experts in advising patients on which activities are appropriate for their injury to maximize recovery and ensure an optimal outcome.

Which physiotherapy clinic should I go to for treatment?
Choosing the right physiotherapy clinic for treatment can be difficult. Whilst all physiotherapists are university trained and qualified, it is important to select a practitioner who is trusted, knowledgeable and friendly and can provide the best quality treatment for your injury. When it comes to choosing a physiotherapist there are no hard and fast rules, but some things worth considering include:

How long has the physiotherapist been qualified for?
Does the physiotherapist have a particular area of expertise?
Does the physiotherapist have post-graduate qualifications such as a PHD or Masters?
Does the clinic have a multidisciplinary team of professionals? (i.e. are there services for podiatry, massage, clinical Pilates, hydrotherapy, exercise physiology, sports medicine, psychology, personal training, myotherapy etc.?)
Have you seen the physiotherapist before and did you achieve a positive outcome?
Have your friends or family had a good experience from that physiotherapy clinic or practitioner before?
If you are already seeing a physiotherapist, is your condition getting better and staying better?
Some additional information which may assist you in making your decision may include:
How long is an initial physiotherapy consultation?
How long is a follow-up consultation?
What is the cost for an initial consultation and follow-up consultations?
Are there any discounts for concession?
Am I able to claim on private health insurance?
Are there HICAPS facilities?

11

The Importance of warming up and reducing the chances of sports injuries.

Performing warm-up exercises before every workout has tons of benefits that they average person may not know about.

By not performing warm-up exercies before every workout, a person may miss out on many important health advantages. Warm-up routines do not need to be long, and can be as short as five minutes. When done properly, warm-up exercies can have an amazing effect on a person's workout.
Warm-up exercises can burn extra calories
Ideally, warm-up exercises should be done at leisurely pace, which is about 50 percent of a person's maximum heart rate. A warm-up routine should be approximately 10 minutes in length. In the time span of the warm-up, a person could expect to burn up to 100 calories. That is 100 calories burned that may have not have been if the person skipped the warm-up exercises before hir or her workout.
Warm-up exercises help prevent injuries
An exerciser should never start exercising full force the minute he or she start the workout. Before a workout, muscles are cold and stiff, which makes them more prone to injuries. Warm-up exercises help to make the muscles warm and pliable, enabling them to perform the workout with a less chance of strain or injury. Also, warm-up exercises help to raise the body's temperature, which helps to lubricate the body's joints. This makes it easier for your body to move and for your muscles to flex and then relax.
Warm-up exercises help to protect the body's immune system
All-out exercise that is sudden actually will flood the body with stress hormones that can weaken the person's immune system. A weakened immune system is more susceptible to illness and diseases which makes it easier to catch colds and viruses. Performing warm-up exercises helps the body to ease into the workout and will not flood the body full of the stress hormones. Since the body is not flooded with stress hormones, the immune sytem remains healthy.

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