When a Physio is not a Physio?
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Well, according to the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP), if you're looking for the services of a Physiotherapist, quite a lot.
In Ireland there is no legal protection of the title 'Physiotherapist' or 'Physical therapist', which means that anyone can use either title and practise as such. So how are the public meant to know the difference?
According to the Irish Society of Physiotherapists (ISCP), which accredits physiotherapists in Ireland, in order to be a member of the society, candidates must have completed a 3 or 4-year university degree programme covering the 3 core areas of musculoskeletal, neurology and cardio respiratory medicine. In order to maintain membership and insurance after qualification, there is also a mandatory requirement to engage in continuous professional development/education.
In Ireland, there is a host of practitioners within the sports injuries area who typically do not have the same qualification as a Chartered Physiotherapist. The ISCP would encourage the public to establish the qualifications of any practitioner before attending for treatment.
The use of the word "Chartered" in this situation is not for any reasons of elitism but rather to ensure that the public can recognise that a Chartered Physiotherapist has a qualification which will ensure the appropriate diagnosis and safe treatment of patients. In so doing you will guarantee the most effective management of your symptoms, a timely return to full activity/sport and also reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of the injury.
If you wish to use the services of a professional Physiotherapist then you should check for their membership of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapy (ISCP).
If you wish also, you can look up the Society's website, www.iscp.ie, to find members in your area.
