Cancer is a group of conditions where the body’s cells begin to grow and reproduce in an uncontrollable way. These cells can then invade and destroy healthy tissue, including organs.
Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other parts. This process is known as metastasis. There are over 200 different types of cancer, each with a specific name, treatment and chance of being cured.
Chartered Physiotherapists work in cancer care across a variety of settings alongside the other members of the healthcare team to promote independence and optimise quality of life. The following are some of the ways Chartered Physiotherapists can help people with cancer and cancer survivors.
Chartered Physiotherapists can help with regaining movement and avoiding complications after surgery for cancer.
Chartered Physiotherapists have a key role in assessing and rehabilitating balance, co-ordination, strength and mobility in patients whose cancer affects their nervous system, like brain or spinal cancers.
Chartered Physiotherapists use a variety of approaches to the management of pain, including, active movement, thermal modalities, electrotherapy modalities (e.g. TENS) and massage.
Chartered Physiotherapists can assist with the management of fatigue. Some of the treatments which can assist with the management of fatigue are; exercise prescription, lifestyle advice and self-management strategies.
Chartered Physiotherapists are experts in exercise prescription. Exercise is safe both during and after cancer treatment. Patients living with and beyond cancer who exercise regularly have been found to have reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression and fatigue, and also higher levels of physical fitness and quality of life .
Mobility can deteriorate at various stages of cancer treatment. Chartered Physiotherapists use a combination of exercise and gait re-education (and occasionally provision of mobility aids) to optimise mobility.
Chartered Physiotherapists can help to address some respiratory complaints, such as breathlessness and difficulty clearing respiratory secretions through use of breathing control strategies and active exercise.
Chartered Physiotherapists provide advice on ways to minimise the risk of developing lymphoedema, and, offer lymphoedema management (self-massage, massage and compression) as necessary.
Chartered Physiotherapists also work in rehabilitation in cancer care. Rehabilitation can include very specific exercises (e.g. following Neurological or Orthopaedic surgery or injury), or, a more generalised exercise programme following other treatments (e.g. following Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy). Exercise programmes are based on current best practice guidelines and are tailored to suit individual requirements (e.g. post-treatment guidelines, overall health status and personal exercise preferences).
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. When you choose a physiotherapist who is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered physiotherapists (ISCP), you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they are a part of Ireland’s only professional body within its field.
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.
The Society is the only association in Ireland recognised by the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. It provides a strong, unified voice for the profession, and regularly speaks out on issues involving the role and responsibilities of physiotherapists – either within private practice or as part of the national health system.
Choosing a Chartered Physiotherapist assures you that your chosen practitioner is fully committed to upholding the highest standards of medical and ethical standards.
If you’re in need of physiotherapy treatment while you are in hospital, the physiotherapist will typically be made aware that you need physiotherapy and come and see you on the ward or treat you in a dedicated Physiotherapy Department. If you are not in hospital you may be referred to a Chartered Physiotherapist by your G.P. or hospital consultant, but you can also make an appointment for yourself if you believe you are suffering from a condition that requires the intervention of a Physiotherapist.
When choosing a physiotherapist it is important to make sure that they are Chartered (they will have MISCP after their name). Chartered Physiotherapists are autonomous practitioners, which means that you can directly access their services and refer yourself for treatment, however to access treatment within the public system you will usually require a doctor’s referral. You can use our Find a Physio directory on our website to find a chartered physiotherapist working in private practice in your locality.
Some employers run occupational health schemes for their employees that may include physiotherapy. Check with your human resources or personnel department to see if you are eligible. Larger organisations often have an in-house physio while smaller businesses may use the services of a local physiotherapy service. There is good evidence that occupational physiotherapy is cost-effective for large and small businesses. If you are an employer or manager, find out more about how physiotherapy can help:
Physiotherapy is more than just musculoskeletal support. Physiotherapists extend their care to chronic health impacts, like heart disease and diabetes, and lesser-known pelvic floor issues. They’re experts in helping to reduce the alarmingly common health and safety issues associated with working in labour intensive industries, preventing injury as well as getting people back to work quickly and safely. Here are some of the different areas of physiotherapy:
Physiotherapists are trained to assess your condition, diagnose the problem, and help you understand what’s wrong. Your treatment plan will take into account your lifestyle, activities and general health. The following are common treatment methods use by physiotherapists:
If you are visiting a chartered physiotherapist for the first time, you may expect:
You can use our Find a Physio directory of Chartered Physiotherapists to find a physiotherapist working in private practice in your locality. You can also use it to check if your physiotherapist is Chartered. All the Physiotherapists in this directory are current members of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP). This is the only association in Ireland recognised by the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. If you need to access a Chartered Physiotherapist in Northern Ireland visit Physio First
Chartered Physiotherapists are autonomous practitioners, which means that you can directly access their services and refer yourself for treatment. However to access treatment within the public system you will usually require a doctor’s referral.
All major Health Insurance providers (VHI, Aviva, Irish Life, Laya etc) provide cover for treatment provided by a private Chartered Physiotherapist. The level of cover will vary in accordance with your individual health insurance plan. Check your policy information to find out what is included in your cover.
You may also be eligible to claim tax relief for your physiotherapy treatments using the Med 1 form (Note: Prior G.P. referral may be required)
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