Frequently Asked Questions
Where are we?
We are located in the Grafton Medical Centre, on the corner of Grafton Street and South Ann Street. We have been in there since 2004, so have a long standing in the community. We are accessible from several Hotels, around Grafton Street, and St Stephen’s Green, we are happy to do urgent / emergency treatments for people who have just arrived in country.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No – you can make an appointment directly. However, a referral can be useful. Some insurance schemes require one before they will reimburse your sessions, and you may need one to claim physiotherapy against tax. If you have X-ray or MRI results relevant to your condition, bring them along – more information is always helpful.
Are you CORU registered?
Yes. Colin Lloyd’s CORU registration number is on his profile on our team page.
I’m not sure whether I need a doctor or a physiotherapist?
This is not necessarily an either/or situation – sometimes it is better to see both.
If your pain is clearly mechanical – it is related to a specific injury, and it changes with movement and position – you don’t necessarily need to see a doctor first. However, if the pain is severe enough to strongly restrict your movement, your GP can prescribe pain medication that will help you move better and speed your recovery. In that case, seeing both is worthwhile.
You should talk to your doctor first if you have pain that does not change with activity or position, chest pain, severe night pain, or tingling in both legs or arms. These signs suggest issues beyond ordinary muscle or joint pain.
If you are at all uncertain, it is generally better to see your GP first for peace of mind.
Can you treat multiple conditions in the same session?
We can, to a degree. A 30-minute session is designed to focus on one problem – assessing more than one problem in that time is difficult. If you have several separate issues and want them all assessed at the first visit, book a full hour session.
In an initial session we generally focus on your most pressing problem and bring the others in as we go.
Will I be treated at the first session?
Almost certainly. Most of the first session is spent working out what needs to be done, but we always reserve time to start getting you better. Only if we find that your problem needs a doctor first would we not do any treatment at that visit.
How many sessions will I need?
That is a “how long is a piece of string” question. It depends on the severity and type of injury, how long it has been there, your age, fitness level, occupation, genetics, and how much effort you put in between sessions. We can usually give an estimate after the first session and will discuss this as part of your rehabilitation plan.
Rehabilitation is a process, not an event. One-session miracles are rare. More commonly it takes multiple sessions over weeks to months.
Do you treat children?
Yes, for orthopaedic problems – sprains, strains, recovery after fractures, sports injuries, and foot problems. We do not do developmental or neurological treatment for children, as we do not have the space or specialised equipment for this.
For children under 16, a parent or guardian must attend all sessions. For those aged 16 to 18, a parent or guardian must attend the first session and sign a consent to treat. We prefer (but do not require) a parent to attend subsequent sessions.
Do you do evening appointments?
Being a city centre focussed clinic, we have more focus on appointments that suit the needs of the local workers, and the building we are located in does not open in the evening.
Does my private health insurance cover physiotherapy?
All Chartered Physiotherapists are covered by Irish private health insurers. The amount reimbursed varies considerably between companies and plan levels – check your plan details. Any costs not covered by insurance can be claimed as a tax deduction on Form Med 1.
Is dry needling an acupuncture technique?
No. Dry needling is not acupuncture. It is a western muscle technique, not an eastern energy technique. It cares nothing for energy flows. It just happens that acupuncture needles are the ideal tool for the job. About the only overlap is the traditional acupuncturist will sometimes needle into the same points as dry needling.