What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is an holistic and patient-centred approach focusing on the manual treatment of the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia). Therapists use highly skilled, hands-on techniques to diagnose, prevent or treat underlying conditions and problems. It is based on health science principles and works alongside other medical practises.

Physical therapy is founded on a tradition which recognises and values the healing properties of touch. It is proven as being very safe, non-invasive and is of course, drug free. Each treatment is individually tailored. The therapist, after a careful history-taking will consider psychological, social and environmental factors in devising a treatment plan and in suggesting appropriate changes to lifestyle, work practise or exercise.

 What can it treat?

Physical therapy is suitable and effective in both the treatment and prevention of a surprisingly wide range of conditions. Its safety and flexibility mean it is suitable for almost every patient where it can make a contribution to alleviating pain and discomfort.

Most patients attend physical therapists based on a friend’s recommendation, though many are referred directly from GP’s or other health professionals.

Conditions treated include, but are not limited to the following:

·                                 Sports injuries

·                                 Back pain

·                                 Neck pain

·                                 Shoulder problems

·                                 Whiplash

·                                 Stress related conditions

·                                 Tension headaches

·                                 Joint strains

·                                 Tennis elbow

·                                 Golfer's elbow

·                                 Frozen shoulder

·                                 Fallen arches

·                                 Ankle sprain

·                                 Ankle strain

FAQ

Is Physical Therapy the same as physiotherapy?

In a word -- no. Physical Therapy has its own individual values and ethos. Until the early part of the last century both professions would have shared much common ground. Since then, the professions have been happy to move in contrasting directions - Physical Therapists have concentrated on developing hands-on skills, with treatment solely through touch.

As with most other professions, ongoing research, the development of improved techniques and a greater understanding of the human body in the last century has brought significant change and improvement to efficacy of Physical Therapy treatment.

Nowadays, Physical Therapy is seen as an alternative to physiotherapy and as such has won great favor with patients in Ireland since its introduction in 1989

 

Physical Therapy and expenses:

As a medical treatment, Physical Therapy can be tax deductible

Physical Therapy is covered by Ireland’s three big private health insurance companies:

Quinn Healthcare, VHI healthcare and VIVAS Health,

thereby enabling clients of Physical Therapy to claim back some expenses.