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Medical NCT - Physiotherapist

Wednesday 16 February 2011

Anne McGoldrick - Chartered Physiotherapist & Medical Director of The Physio Company.

For full details on services, clinic locations, and treatments provided by The Physio Company please visit www.thephysiocompany.com / Locall: 1890 PHYSIO (1890 749746) or 01 6799685

What's the difference between a physiotherapist and a chartered physiotherapist?

The title "Physiotherapist" alone is not evidence of a formal qualification in Physiotherapy. A Chartered Physiotherapist is a specialised member of the health care team. Chartered Physiotherapists are recognised by the medical professions and the Department of Health and Children.
The title "Chartered Physiotherapist" and the initials MISCP indicate that a Physiotherapist is a member of the professional regulating body, the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Chartered Physiotherapists have the high level of education, knowledge and experience needed to give a high quality and effective service to patients. When you attend a Chartered Physiotherapist, you can be sure of a professional, scientific approach to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of your complaint; and seeing a therapist who has qualified with a University degree and who is committed to continuing education and research. Chartered Physiotherapists are recognised and covered by Aviva, VHI, Quinn Healthcare and other health insurance schemes.

Ergonomics or workplace injuries.what are the typical injuries?

• Typical workplace injuries
  
• Cervicogenic Headache
  
• Cervical strain and sprain
  
• Thoracic strain and sprain
  
• Lumbar sprain and strain
  
• Upper limb repetitive strain injury
  
  

And it's important to remember that many people, who work on computers all day every day, do so with no problems at all..
Some people experience general aches and pains which in most cases can be resolved with a few simple adjustments to their workstation. A small number of people do experience more severe discomfort of the shoulder, arm, wrist or hand which may also need treatment from a Chartered Physiotherapist, but as with any injury, if caught early often can be easily managed.

Top Tip:

In order to keep your back healthy, stand up from your desk and move around at least once every hour and take a 10-15 minute break every three hours.

In addition, the following exercised should be performed at least three times per day:

Exercise One:

• Sit with your hands clasped behind your head.
  
• Bend your head forward until you feel a stretch behind your neck.
  
• Gently pull your head further forward.
  
• Hold for 20 - 30 seconds
  
• Repeat 3 times.

Exercise Two:

• Sitting on a chair.
  
• Hold on to the side of the chair with one hand. Pull the other hand over your head onto the opposite ear.
  
• Tilt your trunk and let the hand on the ear bend your head away from the side to be stretched.
  
• Hold for 20 - 30 seconds.
  
• Repeat 3 times.

Balance is important for everyday activities. The following quick balance exercises could be done every day:

Knee bends

• Stand up tall facing the bench with both hands on the bench
  
• Place your feet shoulder width apart
  
• Squat down half way bending your knees
  
• When you feel your heels start to lift, straighten up
  Sideways walking
  
• Stand up tall and place your hands on your hips
  
• Take 10 steps to the right
  
• Take 10 steps to the left

Backwards walking

• Stand up tall and hold onto the bench
  
• Walk backwards 10 steps
  
• Turn around and hold on with the other hand
  
• Walk backwards 10 steps to the beginning