PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Physiotherapy is the treatment of disease or injury using physical means such as spinal mobilisation, manipulation, massage and stretching. Therapeutic exercise and advice form a large part of the treatment enabling patients to help themselves. Electrotherapy such as ultrasound, interferential and laser is also used to reduce pain and promote healing. The Chartered Physiotherapist will diagnose the injury, treat the problem and assist the patient to achieve optimal function.
Physiotherapists can only use the word Chartered in their titles when they are members of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. This body only accepts people with an approved university education and hospital-based training. Hospitals and Health Boards will only employ Chartered Physiotherapists. At present there is no law preventing anyone from practising as a “physio”, even if they have no training. The only way to make sure you are in the best hands is to check that your Physiotherapist is Chartered.
Hip resurfacing is only available if you have sufficient healthy bone to be resurfaced The total hip replacement or hip resurfacing is an elective operation, which means it is not a matter of life or death. The decision to have the operation is a shared decision made by yourself and the orthopaedic consultant. You must however accept the risks and possible complications that may occur. The doctor may recommend the operation; however, your decision must be based upon weighing the benefits of the operation against the risks. The decision to have surgery should be made following discussions with your family, general practitioner and orthopaedic consultant. The real success of your hip replacement, however, depends partly on you, especially your motivation, exercise and knowing your limitations for a specified period of time after the surgery.