Physiotherapy services
- What is physiotherapy?
- How much does physiotherapy cost?
- Physiotherapy in your community from the HSE
- How to apply for physiotherapy through the HSE
- More information
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is used to treat pain, injury, disability and illnesses that can affect you at any age.
A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who:
- Uses physical treatments such as exercise, acupuncture, and massage therapy
- Can prescribe a tailored exercise programme to suit your needs and health conditions
You can pay for physiotherapy privately. You can also get physiotherapy through the public health service (Health Service Executive (HSE)) in hospitals on an in-patient or out-patient basis.
How much does physiotherapy cost?
Private physiotherapy
If you visit a physiotherapist as a private patient, you must pay fees. Fees for private physiotherapy can vary, so you should contact the physiotherapist directly for details of their charges. You may be offered a reduced fee if you have a medical card or student card. You may be able to claim tax relief for medical expenses.
Physiotherapy through the HSE
You may be prioritised for free physiotherapy in your community from the Health Service Executive (HSE) if you have a:
Physiotherapy in your community from the HSE
The HSE may have physiotherapy services in your community, but this is not available in all areas. You can contact your local health centre or clinic to check if there is community physiotherapy in your area.
Your local health office may also provide physiotherapy in your home if you have a disability.
How to apply for physiotherapy through the HSE
You need a referral from your family doctor (GP), public health nurse or hospital to get physiotherapy as a public patient.
Contact your Local Health Office or health centre for more information on the availability of physiotherapy services in your area.
You can also refer yourself to a physiotherapist.
More information
Practising physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU, the regulator for health and social care professionals.
The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) is the body representing chartered physiotherapists. A chartered physiotherapist is a physiotherapist that has a university degree and hospital-based training.
You can read more about physiotherapy, including contact information for chartered physiotherapists nationwide, on the ISCP website.