What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is a hands-on healthcare, providing a client-centered approach in the field of musculoskeletal health in Ireland. It is concerned with identifying the underlying factors causing pain and affecting movement and function within the body's musculoskeletal system and it intervenes to achieve agreed goals and objectives in maximising function and alleviating pain.

A mainstream and scientific-based form of healthcare

Physical Therapy is a mainstream, and scientific-based form of heathcare with a distinct assessment, treatment and management approach in the field of musculoskeletal health. It incorporates a whole-body approach in assessment of the musculoskeletal system utilising a wealth of scientific assessment techniques. The client's needs are established within the process of clinical reasoning, by a detailed analysis of findings determined through extensive history-taking and whole-body musculoskeletal assessment. Physical Therapy specialises in the use of palpatory skills, not only in the initial assessment phase but also in continual assessment and monitoring of soft tissues and joint motion during treatment. It integrates a wide variety of advanced soft tissue and articular techniques to effect restoration of optimal painfree function.

Working in collaboration with the individual

Physical Therapy involves working in collaboration with the client:

• To establish the underlying cause of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction
• To effectively restore balance and optimal function within the musculoskeletal system.

With the client, a treatment is designed and undertaken on an individual basis. The duration of a Physical Therapy treatment is spent exclusively with the individual.

Injury Prevention, an essential part of Physical Therapy

As well as the assessment and treament of musculoskeletal disorders, injury prevention is an essential focus in Physical Therapy. An ongoing home-care programme is designed for the client and a maintenance treatment schedule is established based on the client's individual needs.

Education and Awareness

Education and awareness, is a vital part of Physical Therapy. The Physical Therapist spends time over the course of treatment in educating the client:

• To ensure that he/she is fully aware of how the dysfunction evolved / occured.
• To ensure that he/she has the means and measures to prevent recurrence.
• How to faciliate in their own treatment, recovery and maintenance.

For information click on the following:

• Development of Physical Therapy in Ireland
• What to expect when you visit a Physical Therapist
• Who can benefit from Physical Therapy?