What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a science based healthcare profession which aims to restore and improve physical functioning, movement and independence within the individual person based on an analysis of patterns of movement, alignment and posture which is underpinned by an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology and the response of the human body to the forces placed upon it by everyday activities, injury, disability or disease processes. The physiotherapist is able to use a variety of treatment techniques to help:

Physiotherapy is very much a hands on profession which uses a variety of treatment techniques including:

Is the Physiotherapist Chartered?

Yes. As a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) you can be assured that I have gained a high level of education, knowledge and experience to be able to provide you with a service of the highest standard and that I am committed to my own ongoing professional development.

Chartered Physiotherapists are recognised and covered by all major health insurers.

Physiotherapy at home?

Home Physio is a fully mobile physiotherapy service. I am able to provide a comprehensive service in a location which is convenient for you, at a time that is convenient for you.

By meeting you in your own environment, I am able to assess fully the unique problems which you face in your daily life. This means I can tailor a therapy programme to suit you as an individual. One that fits in with your familiar surroundings, your lifestyle and the demands placed upon you on a daily basis. It also saves you the time and effort involved in travelling to a clinic for treatment, time and effort which hopefully is put to more effective use in your therapy session at home.

What about equipment?

I have a stock of exercise therapy equipment, for example hand weights, resistance bands, balance boards, gym ball etc to be used as required during treatment sessions.

Equipment may be offered to you on a loan basis or if you wish to purchase, equipment will be provided at cost price. Information as to where items can be purchased will be provided.

Which counties are covered?

I am based in Freshford, Kilkenny and am able to travel throughout the county and surrounding counties within a 30mile radius. If you live further afield and would like to avail of my service, please contact me to discuss this.

How do I make an appointment?

Physiotherapists are fully autonomous in their profession and are able to assess and treat independently. Your GP may recommend you see a physiotherapist for your condition, though their referral is not necessary. You can refer yourself, simply call, text or email me:

Tel: 087 9537808

Email: joanne@homephysio.ie

If I do not answer the phone, leave me a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can. I aim to arrange initial appointments within 48hours, sooner if possible.

What can I expect for my first appointment?

The aim of the assessment (first) session is for me to gain an understanding of how your current complaint/condition is affecting you and to discuss with you your aims and personal goals and what you want to achieve through physiotherapy so that a personalised treatment plan can be designed. In order to do this it is necessary for me to ask you some questions about your condition and to perform a physical examination. If you have any information from your GP or hospital consultant regarding your condition, it would be useful to provide this whilst I am taking your history.

During the physical examination, I will need to look at a number of things including your posture and alignment, your strength and range of movement, your mobility and function and maybe look at how you perform certain activities. It is important that you wear comfortable loose clothing as some of this examination may involve me needing to feel your muscle tone and soft tissues and how they respond when you move. In some instances it might be necessary for me to ask you to undress to your underwear so that I can get a greater view of how your body is moving as a whole, (for example if looking at a shoulder complex in relation to the trunk). At all times your privacy and dignity will be respected, if you have concerns about any aspect of the physical examination please do voice them to me and I will ensure that your concerns are listened to and the session progressed in a manner that is satisfactory with yourself.

Once the physical examination is complete and we have discussed your problems and aims, an individualised treatment plan will be agreed together with the identification of short term and long term goals and this will form the framework for the ongoing therapy sessions.

Your treatment will begin during the first session and may involve a variety of treatment techniques, together with the provision of a home exercise program for you to be doing in between treatments.

A written record of the assessment, goals and treatment plan will be made and all subsequent sessions will be documented. In accordance with a strict code of professional conduct you can expect confidentiality of all information and are protected under the Data Protection Act.

How many treatments will be needed?

At this stage it is difficult to say exactly how many treatment sessions you would need as everyone is unique and everyone responds differently. I should be able to give you an indication of the anticipated number of treatments you may need during your first session. Your progress is evaluated and monitored on an ongoing basis at each treatment session. If you are making improvements quicker than expected, if progress plateaus or if no improvement becomes apparent your treatment will be altered accordingly.

Will there be exercises or activities to be doing in between appointments?

The success of any physiotherapy programme depends very much on a partnership process between the therapist and the client. In order to maximise your potential, I may well give you a series of exercises or activities to perform in between treatment sessions. These will be tailored to suit you as an individual within your own environment. What you do in between your treatment sessions is very much a part of your programme, and is just as important as the treatment itself.

How long are appointments?

All appointments are scheduled for one hour. If you are concerned about you current level of fitness or your ability to tolerate an hour long session please do discuss this with me.

I aim to be punctual and arrive at your door on time, however, there may be occasions where I am delayed (e.g. in traffic). If this happens I will telephone you to apologise and inform you of the delay and my expected arrival time. You will not lose any of your treatment time, with your session commencing on my arrival.

How much does an appointment cost?

The hourly rate for the service is 75euro. Any additional equipment needed or containment garments required for the maintenance of lymphoedema are charged for separately. Payment is required at the time of treatment. Payment can be made by cash or cheque. Receipts will be issued for all payments.

When are appointments available?

The service aims to be flexible to meet your needs. Appointments are generally available Monday to Saturday. Early morning and evening appointments are available.

Are treatments covered by health insurance?

Yes. All of the major health insurers recognise treatments by a Chartered Physiotherapist. You may be eligible for reimbursement of some of the costs towards physiotherapy if you are insured. Please check with your health insurance provider.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

Please inform me at the earliest opportunity if you need to cancel or alter an existing appointment. There is no charge for appointments cancelled up to 24 hours before the appointment time.