Our Services
Physiotherapy
We all suffer from pain from time to time. Pain is the body’s way of telling us something is wrong. Most aches and pains settle down by themselves as our bodies are excellent at repairing and healing.
Sometimes however we require some assistance to get back to full physical health. Physiotherapy is a science and evidence based profession which strives to diagnose and treat injuries, aches, pains and movement dysfunction through research proven techniques. Pain can be caused by simple activities such as sitting too long in an office chair, lifting, playing sport, being involved in a road traffic accident, post surgery or from an unknown source.
No matter what the source of your pain or problem, we are here to help.
Sports Injuries
Here at Dun Laoghaire Physio we regularly deal with sporting strains, sprains and injuries. We treat all ranges of active people from high level rugby players and triathletes to people who just like to walk.
Being active is hugely important to your general health both physical and psychological but inevitably injuries occur from time to time. We are here to get you back doing what you love as quickly as possible.
Having completed an MSc in Sports Physiotherapy in UCD in 2012 Niall specialises in all types of sport related injuries but all our physiotherapists are qualified to assess and treat sports injuries.
We will explain the problem and provide a specific program to help you get back to full fitness as soon as possible.
Whiplash
Road traffic accidents are an all too common occurrence and while some people walk away unharmed others are left with a lot of pain. The symptoms of Whiplash Associated Disorder can range from mild neck stiffness to chronic debilitating pain.
When involved in a car crash the body is subjected to severe external forces which put huge pressure on the joints and muscles of the spine. Often the initial jolt seems mild but then pain develops over the next 24 hours.
We will explain why you are in pain, correct the abnormal movement patterns that develop and help to reduce your pain. Recovery from whiplash can take days, weeks, months or even years and we aim to shorten that time frame as much as possible.
Headaches
There are many types of headache with varying causes. A percentage of headaches, and even severe headaches like migraines, are caused or contributed to by problems in your neck
If you have neck pain or stiffness and suffer from headaches we can assess and treat the neck which often leads to a significant reduction in symptoms. We will also spend time going through other potential aggravating factors such as posture, repetitive movements, exercise, work etc.
Through small modifications of certain activities and by treating neck problems where relevant a big difference can be made to your headache.
If we feel your neck is not a relevant contributor to your headache we will tell you and discuss options including onward referral to medical headache specialists where appropriate.
Orthotics
Insoles and orthotics are custom made devices designed to correct bio-mechanical issues in your feet or legs which may be leading to pain or dysfunction when you exercise or walk. Incorrect bio-mechanics can lead to pain in your feet, your shins, your knees and even your back.
Everybody’s feet are different. Some people have high arches and some low. Some feet are long and thin and some are wide and short. There is no perfect foot and there is no one perfect device that corrects all problems. Not all “flat feet” require correction. We are all different so particular attention is paid to your specific problem and you will be advised as to whether your issue can be affected or improved by using orthotics.
Orthotics do not cost a fortune! Here at Dun Laoghaire Physio we only charge the cost of the consultation and then the cost of the orthotic from our supplier plus postage.
Prices range from €70 for insoles to a max of €250 for custom orthotics. You should not be paying €400+ for orthotics!
Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Sarah specialises in acupuncture for pain relief and muscle relaxation. Traditional acupuncture originated thousands of years ago in China but is now widely practised with western interpretations approved and licensed for use in Europe and the USA. Western acupuncture combines the traditional Chinese methods with the dry needling technique used a lot in sports rehabilitation. Depending on your injury or problem our Physiotherapists can modify their approach to ensure a speedy recovery.
Acupuncture is a useful form of treatment for conditions such as neck and shoulder pain and spasm, low back ache, headaches, chronic muscular injuries and stress. It works by directly breaking down muscle spasm but also by inducing the release of natural opioids and endorphins in the body which help to reduce pain and stress.
All of our Physiotherapists are trained in Dry Needling. Dry needling uses the same needles as acupuncture but is specifically for the treatment of myofascial trigger points (knots) in muscle. It is very effective for the treatment of muscular pain and sports injuries.
Women's Health
Back Pain/Sciatica/Pelvic Pain
Back pain during pregnancy is not uncommon. This can become severe in some cases with symptoms of sciatic irritation and sacro-iliac dysfunction occasionally experienced. Usually these symptoms resolve once you have had the baby but not always.
Whether you are pregnant or post-partum we can help to alleviate your pain with advice and manual treatment. Diastasis Rectus (parting of the six pack muscles) during pregnancy may predispose to future back pain. Sarah can assess for this and guide you through a restorative program.
Urinary Incontinence
It is believed that 800,000 women in Ireland are suffering with some degree of urinary incontinence, or poor bladder control. It is often felt that there is no cure and that lives have to be planned around the condition. Many causes of urinary incontinence however can be fixed or significantly improved with simple modifications to lifestyle and specific exercises for the pelvic floor muscles.
Specialist physiotherapists can assist and treat these issues in a caring and compassionate manner as you would expect for such a sensitive problem.
Sarah is a women’s health physiotherapists specialising in the area of incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction. She can help you understand the condition, assess the likely factors affecting your bladder, and help you on the road to recovery. Of course all treatment options will be fully explained throughout
Pilates
Our Pilates classes are run by Sarah, Niamh, and Samantha. Class sizes are small which ensures close attention and guidance. We particularly cater for people with back pain or injuries but equally accommodate those looking to increase core strength, body awareness and posture control.
Pilates is a fun, focused activity that benefits all shapes and sizes whether injured or not. The benefits of Pilates include improved core stability and strength, improved body awareness, movement patterns and posture, enhanced flexibility and better balance and co-ordination. It is also a great way to lessen back pain or to aid recovery post injury or surgery.
As our instructors are physiotherapists all manner of injuries or weaknesses can be discussed and catered for, including pregnancy. If at any stage you are unsure about your ability or suitability for a class you can chat to us and we will advise you as to what’s best for you and your body.
Classes run for 6 weeks and cost €105 per course (in-person) or €90 online. Please email or call to register your interest and we will let you know when the next class is starting and which class would suit you best.
Bump, Baby & Soul Yoga Classes
Our ‘Bump, Baby & Soul’ Ante-natal classes are a great way to prepare for your pregnancy, the birth of your baby, and the early motherhood period.
Each exercise is chosen to challenge and support your body as it changes through your pregnancy.
We can help you to:
- Strengthen areas prone to weakness from ligament laxity
- Stretch areas prone to tightness from postural changes
- Limit fluid retention
- Minimise pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis pain, and joint discomfort
- Strengthen the pelvic floor muscle group to facilitate continence in pregnancy
Our ‘Ante-natal Pilates classes are a supportive environment that allows you to exercise safely, and finish feeling limber, relaxed and destined for a good’s night sleep.
