You are here: Home > Health > Care in your community > Physiotherapy services

Print Page Send to a Friend

Physiotherapy services

Information

Physiotherapy services delivered through the public health service are generally provided in hospitals, either on an in-patient or out-patient basis. Physiotherapists are specialised members of the healthcare profession who use mainly physical means such as exercise, manipulation, massage and electrical methods of therapy. This therapy is used to treat pain, injury and disability as a result of conditions and illnesses that affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

A limited community physiotherapy service may also be provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Where available from the HSE, physiotherapy services are free of charge to medical card holders and people who have contracted Hepatitis C directly or indirectly from the use of Human Immunoglobulin-Anti-D or from the receipt within Ireland of any blood product or a blood transfusion and who have Health Amendment Act Cards. is not obliged to provide physiotherapy services in the community but they do in some cases. Usually, a community service is provided in health centres or clinics.

How to apply

In general, if you wish to access physiotherapy services as a public patient, you need a referral from your family doctor (GP), public health nurse or hospital. You can also refer yourself to a community physiotherapist.

You will have to pay for physiotherapy services if you attend a physiotherapist in a private capacity however, you may be able to claim tax relief for medical expenses incurred by you whether you, your spouse, your dependent child or a dependent relative attend a physiotherapist privately. If you wish to apply for tax relief in respect of physiotheraphy services, download and complete Form Med 1 here.

Where To Apply

Contact your Local Health Office or health centre for further information on the availability of physiotherapy services in your area.

Staff in your local tax office can answer queries in connection with tax relief and physiotherapy services.

The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists is the professional body representing chartered physiotherapists. You can find out more information on physiotherapy, including contact information for chartered physiotherapists nationwide through their web site or by contacting the Society:

Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists

Royal College of Surgeons
St. Stephen's Green
Dublin
Ireland

Tel:+353 (0)1 4022148
Fax:+353 (0)1 4022160
Homepage: http://www.iscp.ie
Email: info@iscp.ie

Page updated: 2 September 2010

Language

Gaeilge

Related Documents

  • Aural services
    Aural services that are provided by your Health Service Executive (HSE) Area include hearing tests and hearing aids. Find out who qualifies for free services and how you can obtain a hearing aid at a reduced rate.
  • Speech and language therapy services
    Speech and language therapy services are available through the public health service. How services are delivered and how to apply.
  • Chiropody services
    Chiropodists/podiatrists assess, diagnose and treat diseases and abnormalities of the foot. Some Local Health Offices provide chiropody services to certain eligible people.

Contact Us

If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.


Social Welfare | Employment | Education and Training | Travel and Recreation | Housing | Moving Country | Money and Tax | Family and Relationships | Health | Justice | Consumer Affairs | Death and Bereavement | Government in Ireland | Environment