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PHYSIOTHERAPY

PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES

Our Department of Physiotherapy along with the Psychological Therapies and Coaching and Development Department, aims to provide a holistic service to improve our clients’ quality of life and wellbeing.

Several senior Chartered Physiotherapists are based at Maryfield, Holywood and provide an in-house service to clients from the greater Belfast area.

Clients from the rest of the province are initially assessed by our Maryfield team. This can be done via telephone triage or face to face. Any necessary treatment is then carried out at an approved, physiotherapy practice closer to their home. For clients with specific needs or circumstances, the initial assessment can be carried out in their own home.

Our associate practices are located in the following areas: Lisburn, Moira, Banbridge, Lurgan, Ballyclare, Portadown, Dungannon, Omagh, Antrim, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Portrush and Ballykelly.

WHAT WE DO

We can treat conditions affecting muscles, bones, nerves and joints such as:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Soft tissue injuries.
  • Nerve pain
  • Joint replacement
  • Chronic pain

We can advise you on keeping healthy and active

We can help you manage the impact of long term conditions such as;

  • Persistent pain
  • Loss of mobility
  • Reduced function
  • Decreased fitness

We use treatments such as;

  • Manual therapy
  • Tailored exercise prescription
  • Acupuncture
  • Electrotherapy
  • Education and prevention techniques 

Additional Therapy Programmes

Our service has developed to provide a range of programmes to complement one to one physiotherapy. Examples of these include:

  • Core Stability
  • Circuits
  • Tai Chi
  • Hydrotherapy

Our Practice

All of our physiotherapists are HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registered and members of the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy). Staff have specialist training in musculoskeletal disorders and the treatment of chronic conditions. Their expertise has been developed over many years working in a variety of Health Service, private and community settings.

All physiotherapists actively maintain their continuous professional development, and use recognised treatment techniques. Our practice complies with national guidelines and professional and clinical standards.

Eligibility

  • All retired police officers
  • RUC GC and PSNI Widows
  • Serving officers and police support staff referred through PSNI’s Occupational Health and Welfare Seapark Physiotherapy Service

The following groups may use the service on a self-funding basis:

  • Immediate family members of serving and retired officers. 

How to access help

Simply contact us via the number below. We accept self-referrals but you may be signposted towards our services from the Health Service, voluntary sector agencies and other police organisations, such as the Northern Ireland Retired Police Officers’ Association.

When you call to make an appointment, an assessment will be arranged within two weeks to discuss your condition. If our services are appropriate to support your needs, specific treatment models will be discussed, and treatment goals mutually agreed with you. Treatment may be provided at Maryfield in Holywood or closer to your home if this is more convenient. If treatment is not required, or appropriate, you will be offered advice and a referral to a more appropriate service for your needs.

View PHYSIOTHERAPY articles and videos on the RESOURCES page

Frequently Asked Questions

Clients are often anxious about attending therapy and are sometimes fearful of what therapy may entail

The Therapists at PRRT are often faced with some common frequently asked questions when clients first attend for therapy. We thought it would be useful to take the time to answer some in advance. Maybe this will help address any concerns you may have.

How do I access Physiotherapy?

To request physiotherapy assessment please telephone our clinical administration team.

Will I have to undress?

This depends on the nature/location of your problem. Generally we do need to expose the affected area but all physiotherapists do everything they can to insure that your dignity is upheld at all times. Each treatment room is completely private. If you are attending for a back or lower limb problem you can bring shorts to change in to and if you forget we will provide them. For upper body problems you may need to remove your top. There are no circumstances where it would be necessary or appropriate to remove underclothing.

Will it hurt?

Some treatments or movements can be uncomfortable or even painful in the short term, however if this is the case then this will be explained at the outset and you can decide if you want us to proceed. Each aspect of your care will be explained in detail and is completely within your control. There is often more than one treatment approach that can be used so we will find an approach that works for you.

Will I see the same therapist each time?

It is our normal practice that you will see the same  physiotherapist each time. In some circumstances such as staff sickness or holidays you may be offered the opportunity to see another physiotherapist if you wish.

Will anyone else know that I am having treatment?

We do not share any client information with anyone else not directly involved in your physiotherapy care. We routinely inform your GP of your attendance and the general outcome of your treatment but only if you have given us permission to do so.  In any other circumstances where we felt it was of benefit to you to share information, with for example another clinical professional, it would only be done with your explicit permission.

There are exceptionally rare occasions where we would be required to share information without your permission for example if you were considered to be a danger to yourself or others, if child protection issues were evident or if we were required to by law.

How much treatment am I entitled to?

We do not operate in terms of entitlement to a certain amount of treatment. We have based our processes around best practice and clinical evidence and the clinical needs of our clients. Each condition and each course of treatment is different.

In general terms the average number of treatments per condition is just below 6 and it would be highly unusual for someone to need more than 10 treatments.

If I need more treatment after I am discharged can I get it?

We try to insure that when we discharge a client they have all the skills they need to manage any setbacks or flare ups. We do recognise however that some clients will require a more long term approach and will therefore offer annual courses of treatment to assist in self- management of long term chronic conditions. If you have a new or different problem or have another intervention such as injection or surgery then you can come back for a new course of treatment at any time.

What happens if I have more than one problem?

If you have 2 or more different problems it is often more beneficial to concentrate on the most significant first. Subsequently you can access treatment for your other problems.

If I am to go to have assessment and treatment at one of the other practices (not Maryfield), why do I need a triage appointment with a PRRT physio as well?

It is important that we have enough clinical information about you and your condition to insure that we provide the correct care for you at the correct time. The triage helps us do this and confirms that physio is appropriate; it also allows us to decide how much treatment your condition is likely to need and to discuss your case, if necessary, with your GP or the physio who is treating you on our behalf.

Can I have physiotherapy treatment at PRRT whilst having treatment through the NHS?

In normal circumstances it is better to have one therapist managing your condition. In very rare and exceptional circumstances it may be appropriate to supplement your NHS treatment however this can only be done with the consent of your NHS physiotherapist and with a joint treatment plan.

Our normal advice is that you should complete your NHS physiotherapy and if subsequently you feel you would benefit from further treatment we will be happy to assess you.

Can my family members access physiotherapy at PRRT?

Family members are not eligible for free physiotherapy at PRRT. Immediate family members can access the service but will be charged, this service can only be offered if we have availability as we prioritise our eligible clients.

How do I access the hydrotherapy service?

All clients wishing to access hydrotherapy must be assessed by a physiotherapist at PRRT or have assessment via our telephone triage service.

Clients may avail of at least one course of hydrotherapy per year and if beneficial may have 2 consecutive courses if places are available. Places are prioritised and allocated on clinical need and the number of courses previously attended.

How can I access the classes offered at PRRT?

Tai Chi and Circuit classes are offered on a self-referral basis, just contact Clinical Administration who will enrol you on our next available course. Circuit classes are high intensity and fast-paced as they include a mix of cardio and strength training, health screening questionnaires are filled out prior to classes. To attend a core stability class you must first be assessed by a physiotherapist. Contact us for more details.

Is there a cost?

There is no contribution for eligible clients. Please check above under Eligibility for more details.

Is the service in the regions different to that in Belfast?

All our physiotherapists whether at Maryfield or in their own practice are qualified to the same high standard and highly experienced. The same system/approach operates wherever you are. If you are treated by one of our associates obviously we at PRRT are not directly involved in your treatment so if you require more than the 6 sessions allocated at your telephone triage we will ask you to attend a review appointment at PRRT. We will also when necessary discuss your case with the physiotherapist concerned.

When your treatment course is finished we receive detailed discharge information from your therapist for our clinical records.

What if I have significant injuries that I feel require more input?

It is important that you communicate with us if you feel for any reason the treatment or plan for the ongoing management of your condition is not meeting your needs. Where clients have very complex clinical needs/ significant disability we can review how the service is delivered and if appropriate, tailor it accordingly.

How long is a treatment session?

Your first face to face appointment should last no less than 45 minutes regardless of where you are seen. Subsequent sessions should last between 30 and 45 minutes but no less than 30 minutes regardless of where you are seen.

Why are some physiotherapists not on your provider list?

Our external providers are selected following a formal process and have met the criteria to be part of an approved list. They must meet a high standard both professionally and in terms of their premises.

Testimonials

Physiotherapy Therapy Locations

The map below shows PRRT Physiotherapy locations.