WHAT IS CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPY?
 

Physiotherapy is a science-based healthcare profession which involves the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of physical dysfunctions and disorders. A Chartered Physiotherapist is a university graduate with hospital-based training who has comprehensive knowledge of how the body works, along with specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle and joint pain. As chartered physiotherapists undergo a medical based degree, they are competent in detecting serious illness in the early stages and in identifying when further investigations are necessary. At Helping Hands, our Senior Physiotherapist has also undergone more than 400 hours of specialised, post graduate training courses and is highly specialised in the field of complex disability.

 

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
 

Occupational Therapy is a healthcare profession offering support to people with physical, psychological and social problems to enable them to live life to the fullest. Occupational therapists help people to do the everyday activities they want and need to do when faced with illness, injury, disability or challenging life circumstances or events. The key features of Occupational Therapy are:
 

• We focus primarily on the person's occupation. Occupational therapists use the term occupation to describe all the things we do to take care of ourselves and others; to socialise and have fun; to work and learn; and to participate and contribute to our community and society.

• Our occupations are the activities that fill up our days and that give meaning and a sense of purpose to our daily lives.Occupational therapists understand how important these everyday activities are to all of us and are experts in enabling you to live life to the fullest despite challenges or limitations.

• In the case of children, the focus will be on enabling participation in childhood occupations such as play and school and supporting development and emerging independence skills.

• Occupational therapists understand how illness, injury, disability or challenging life circumstances and events can affect people's ability to do the everyday things that are important for them and know how to support them to reach their maximum level of independence and autonomy.

• Occupational Therapists are experts at assessing how different health conditions can affect people's abilities and helping them to overcome or work around the difficulties that are affecting their daily occupations and roles.

• Occupational Therapy focuses on people's strengths and therapy is always guided by the client's preferences (or those of their family in the case of children).

• Occupational Therapy is client-centred and helps people to live their lives in a way that is meaningful and satisfying for them by tailoring a programme that responds to their unique identity, situation and needs.
   

PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN IRELAND
 

In Ireland, qualified therapists have received a degree from a recognised university. To attain a license to practice and be entitled to use the titles of Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist, the physiotherapist must register with CORU and prove they have sufficient education to be fit to practise. When you choose a therapist who is CORU Registered, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they are a part of Ireland’s only regulatory body. It is your guarantee that they have been trained to the highest academic and professional standards – and also that they continue to keep abreast of emerging trends and developments through a programme of Continuous Professional Development. All of our therapists are registered with CORU.