Tag: movement

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Milk really does do a body good. It’s high in calcium, vitamin D and potassium. And it’s also rich in a beneficial protein called casein! @ClevelandClinic

Protect and build muscle while getting essential amino acids and calcium with this protein

Milk really does do a body good. It’s high in calcium, vitamin D and potassium. And it’s also rich in a beneficial protein called casein (pronounced ”KAY-seen“).

If you’re a regular dairy milk drinker, you’re already getting some benefits of casein. But you may want to consider adding more casein to your diet. Athletes and bodybuilders have been using casein protein powder for years. But the benefits of casein aren’t just for pro sports players.

“Protein is a vital part of any balanced diet,” says registered dietitian Elyse Homan, RD, LD. “But different proteins have different effects. Understanding how each protein works is beneficial, especially if you’re supplementing with it.”

What is casein?

Casein is the main protein found in dairy milk, which includes the milk from:

  • Cows.
  • Goats.
  • Sheep.

Casein makes up about 80% of the protein found in milk. The other 20% comes from whey protein.

“When you think of curds and whey,” Homan says, “the solid part is casein protein, and the liquid part is whey protein.”

Getting enough protein is important because protein has many jobs. It has to:

  • Carry out chemical reactions (like digestion).
  • Help your tissues and organs change and grow as needed.
  • Protect your body from viruses and bacteria.
  • Support your body’s movement by providing cell structure.

Casein vs. whey

Casein and whey have a lot in common. They’re both:

  • Animal-based proteins.
  • Complete proteins — they contain all the amino acids your body needs.
  • Excellent sources of calcium.
  • Found in dairy milk.

The main difference is that casein is a slower-digesting protein than whey. “Casein forms a gel-like substance in your stomach,” Homan explains. “It releases more slowly than other proteins and takes longer for your body to absorb.”

Casein protein benefits

Getting the recommended daily amount of protein helps you stay healthy. But casein’s slow absorption also gives it some added advantages. The health benefits of casein include:

1. Gives you all the essential amino acids

Amino acids combine to form proteins. There are 20 amino acids that your body needs to work correctly, and they join in various ways to create different proteins.

Your body makes some of the amino acids it needs, but there are nine essential amino acids that your body can’t produce — you must get them from food. Casein is a complete protein and has all nine essential amino acids.

2. Reduces muscle breakdown

Your cells rely on regular “feedings” of amino acids to continually make proteins. When you go without eating overnight or during an extended fast, your cells may not get the needed amino acids. As a result, they look for those amino acids elsewhere and break down your body’s muscles to get them.

As a slow-release protein, casein provides your cells with the amino acids they need over a long period. The slow absorption consistently feeds your cells with amino acids, allowing muscles to recover instead of breaking down.

3. Promotes muscle growth

Casein contains a high amount of leucine, an amino acid that regulates metabolism (how your body changes food into energy) and helps build and repair muscles. If you don’t typically consume a lot of protein, adding more leucine-heavy protein to your diet (like casein) can help your muscles grow when also engaging in regular exercise.

4. Provides a good source of calcium

The casein in milk is a good source of calcium, which is essential for teeth and bone health. Not getting enough calcium can lead to a loss of bone mass and increase your risk of osteoporosis (a disease that weakens your bones).

Casein protein powder may contain up to 50% of your recommended calcium intake — but always check the label to make sure that the protein powder is a good source of calcium.

How casein protein powder can help

Casein protein’s general health benefits are good for everyone. But using casein protein powder ensures you’ll get a more significant amount of casein each day. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking casein protein powder for:

Weight loss

A high-protein diet can help you shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Protein can help you feel full and improve your satisfaction after the meal.

Different types of proteins affect you differently after you eat them:

  • Whey protein, which you absorb quickly, makes you feel full immediately after ingesting it.
  • Casein’s slow rate of release helps you feel fuller longer.

One study found that participants who consumed casein protein powder before a meal ate less at that meal than people who had whey protein, egg albumin (made from egg whites) or water alone.

“Our bodies only absorb so much protein at one time,” Homan clarifies. “About 30 grams of protein per meal is a good amount to consume. If you plan to have more than one serving of casein powder daily, space it out.” It may help you stave off cravings and decrease snacking between meals, too.

Overnight muscle growth and recovery

Bodybuilders and athletes know that protein is key for building muscle. But keeping your body’s protein levels up overnight can be challenging. That is, unless you ingest casein immediately before going to sleep.

Research shows that consuming casein protein before bed balances your body’s protein level throughout the night. When your protein level stays consistent, muscles can continue to grow and recover — even though you’re not eating.

What to consider before taking casein

For most people, casein doesn’t cause any side effects. But Homan says certain people may need to avoid or limit casein if they have a condition such as:

Casein allergy

If you have a milk allergy, the proteins in milk trigger your immune system and cause it to overreact. People with a milk allergy are allergic to casein, whey or both.

A severe allergy can cause anaphylaxis. More mild symptoms of a milk allergy include:

“Casein allergies are not as common in adults as in children, but they do exist,” notes Homan. If you suspect you have a milk allergy, an allergist can do a test to figure out what you’re allergic to.

Lactose intolerance

Like all dairy products, casein contains the sugar lactose. If you have lactose intolerance, your small intestine can’t digest milk sugar. When you have dairy products, you may develop symptoms including:

“Casein supplements do have lower amounts of lactose,” Homan states. “If you’d like to include casein in your diet but have a lactose sensitivity, the supplement might not trigger it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re interested in taking a supplement.”

Protein restrictions

People with kidney disease often need to limit their protein. Too much protein can cause too much waste in your blood. If your kidneys can’t remove the waste, the buildup of toxins can lead to serious health complications.

“People with a protein restriction, such as those with kidney disease, don’t have to avoid casein,” Homan says. “But they do need to watch how much total protein they eat. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out the right amount.”

Sources of casein protein

There are two ways you can add casein to your diet:

Casein supplements

A powdered casein supplement can help you get high amounts of it, according to Homan. The most common form of casein powder is micellar casein, or you can get a rapidly absorbing type (casein hydrolysate). One serving typically contains 24 to 27 grams of protein. Mix with water to create a protein shake, or add it to smoothies, yogurt or baked goods.

“People looking to build muscle or get more protein in their diet should talk to their healthcare provider about adding casein,” she adds. “Supplementing with casein isn’t necessary if you have a healthy, balanced diet, but it can be helpful for some people.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate supplements. So, it’s a good idea to look for a casein supplement that underwent third-party testing. It’s usually a sign of a higher quality product.

Casein food sources

Anyone can benefit from casein, and you and your family probably already get it from the dairy products you consume, such as:

  • Butter.
  • Cheese.
  • Ghee.
  • Ice cream.
  • Infant formula.
  • Milk.
  • Yogurt.

“Adding a dairy product to your breakfast is an easy way to get some casein every day,” Homan encourages. One glass of milk has 8 grams of protein — 6.4 grams (80%) of that protein is casein. “It’s great to start your day with a good protein source.”FACEBOOK

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Why a strong core is important + exercises to try. @ClevelandClinic

cleveland evrything starts wit your core

If you’re planning to start an exercise program and wondering where to begin, start with your core first, says physical therapist Brittany Smith, DPT. People often think of the core muscles as being the abdominal muscles, but the core includes the muscles in the abdomen, back and hips, all working together as a group.

“The core muscles provide stability for the entire body as it moves,” says Smith. “These muscles are activated when you stand up, turn, bend, reach, twist, stoop and move in most other ways. Everything starts with your core.”

Strong core muscles help you maintain good posture, while weak ones can lead to slouching and slumping. Poor posture can be a cause of aches and pain, especially in the back.

Getting started with your core

To get your core muscles in shape, you need to exercise.

“Our bodies were made to move, so any physical activity is really important,” says Smith.

She recommends these specific core-strengthening exercises below.

The first one engages the deep muscles in the abdomen, called the transverse abdominis. “These muscles help hold us in a better position to stabilize our core, thereby stabilizing our arms and legs,” says Smith.

“The more you work on these muscles, the more it will become second nature to hold these muscles tight when you’re lifting grocery bags, doing yard work or any other kind of physical activity,” says Smith. This will help support your body.

Other muscles that tend to be weak are the gluteus maximus in the buttocks, and the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus on the side of the hip. The bridge and clamshell exercises can help strengthen these muscles.

Smith emphasizes that getting the proper position of these exercises correct is more important than the number of repetitions you do. “It’s better to take your time, maybe do fewer reps, but with better quality,” she says. For that reason, it can be helpful to have the guidance of a physical therapist to get started.

Move on from the core

Core exercises are the starting point of overall fitness because you need to hold those muscles engaged while you strengthen other muscles, such as the biceps in the arms or the quadriceps in the legs.

Smith suggests setting short-term goals (for about a month) and then more long-term goals. Once you have achieved short-term goals, such as getting around more easily, add other types of weight-training or resistance exercises to build muscle elsewhere.

With any exercise you do, always listen to your body, warns Smith. If you have pain other than muscle burn, take it easy. Reduce the number of repetitions, the weight or the duration of the exercises. Then build up gradually. “You don’t have to be in pain to make gains,” she says.

Beginner exercises for core strength

For each of the following, work up to one to two sets of 10 to 15 repetitions once a day.

Abdominal bracing

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Contract your abdominal muscles, and press the arch of your back down toward the floor, pulling your belly button toward your spine. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Make sure your lower back stays flat on the floor. Relax and repeat.

Bridge

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor with your arms at your sides. Squeeze your abdominal and buttocks muscles, push your heels into the floor and slowly lift your buttocks and hips off the floor. Keep your back straight. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds.

Clamshell

Lie on your side with knees bent in line with your hips and back, draw up the top knee while keeping contact of your feet together as shown. Don’t let your pelvis roll back during the lifting movement. Hold for 5 seconds.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/planning-to-start-exercising-start-with-your-core-first/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=cc+tweets

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Milk really does do a body good. It’s high in calcium, vitamin D and potassium. And it’s also rich in a beneficial protein called casein! @ClevelandClinic

Protect and build muscle while getting essential amino acids and calcium with this protein

Milk really does do a body good. It’s high in calcium, vitamin D and potassium. And it’s also rich in a beneficial protein called casein (pronounced ”KAY-seen“).

If you’re a regular dairy milk drinker, you’re already getting some benefits of casein. But you may want to consider adding more casein to your diet. Athletes and bodybuilders have been using casein protein powder for years. But the benefits of casein aren’t just for pro sports players.

“Protein is a vital part of any balanced diet,” says registered dietitian Elyse Homan, RD, LD. “But different proteins have different effects. Understanding how each protein works is beneficial, especially if you’re supplementing with it.”

What is casein?

Casein is the main protein found in dairy milk, which includes the milk from:

  • Cows.
  • Goats.
  • Sheep.

Casein makes up about 80% of the protein found in milk. The other 20% comes from whey protein.

“When you think of curds and whey,” Homan says, “the solid part is casein protein, and the liquid part is whey protein.”

Getting enough protein is important because protein has many jobs. It has to:

  • Carry out chemical reactions (like digestion).
  • Help your tissues and organs change and grow as needed.
  • Protect your body from viruses and bacteria.
  • Support your body’s movement by providing cell structure.

Casein vs. whey

Casein and whey have a lot in common. They’re both:

  • Animal-based proteins.
  • Complete proteins — they contain all the amino acids your body needs.
  • Excellent sources of calcium.
  • Found in dairy milk.

The main difference is that casein is a slower-digesting protein than whey. “Casein forms a gel-like substance in your stomach,” Homan explains. “It releases more slowly than other proteins and takes longer for your body to absorb.”

Casein protein benefits

Getting the recommended daily amount of protein helps you stay healthy. But casein’s slow absorption also gives it some added advantages. The health benefits of casein include:

1. Gives you all the essential amino acids

Amino acids combine to form proteins. There are 20 amino acids that your body needs to work correctly, and they join in various ways to create different proteins.

Your body makes some of the amino acids it needs, but there are nine essential amino acids that your body can’t produce — you must get them from food. Casein is a complete protein and has all nine essential amino acids.

2. Reduces muscle breakdown

Your cells rely on regular “feedings” of amino acids to continually make proteins. When you go without eating overnight or during an extended fast, your cells may not get the needed amino acids. As a result, they look for those amino acids elsewhere and break down your body’s muscles to get them.

As a slow-release protein, casein provides your cells with the amino acids they need over a long period. The slow absorption consistently feeds your cells with amino acids, allowing muscles to recover instead of breaking down.

3. Promotes muscle growth

Casein contains a high amount of leucine, an amino acid that regulates metabolism (how your body changes food into energy) and helps build and repair muscles. If you don’t typically consume a lot of protein, adding more leucine-heavy protein to your diet (like casein) can help your muscles grow when also engaging in regular exercise.

4. Provides a good source of calcium

The casein in milk is a good source of calcium, which is essential for teeth and bone health. Not getting enough calcium can lead to a loss of bone mass and increase your risk of osteoporosis (a disease that weakens your bones).

Casein protein powder may contain up to 50% of your recommended calcium intake — but always check the label to make sure that the protein powder is a good source of calcium.

How casein protein powder can help

Casein protein’s general health benefits are good for everyone. But using casein protein powder ensures you’ll get a more significant amount of casein each day. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking casein protein powder for:

Weight loss

A high-protein diet can help you shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Protein can help you feel full and improve your satisfaction after the meal.

Different types of proteins affect you differently after you eat them:

  • Whey protein, which you absorb quickly, makes you feel full immediately after ingesting it.
  • Casein’s slow rate of release helps you feel fuller longer.

One study found that participants who consumed casein protein powder before a meal ate less at that meal than people who had whey protein, egg albumin (made from egg whites) or water alone.

“Our bodies only absorb so much protein at one time,” Homan clarifies. “About 30 grams of protein per meal is a good amount to consume. If you plan to have more than one serving of casein powder daily, space it out.” It may help you stave off cravings and decrease snacking between meals, too.

Overnight muscle growth and recovery

Bodybuilders and athletes know that protein is key for building muscle. But keeping your body’s protein levels up overnight can be challenging. That is, unless you ingest casein immediately before going to sleep.

Research shows that consuming casein protein before bed balances your body’s protein level throughout the night. When your protein level stays consistent, muscles can continue to grow and recover — even though you’re not eating.

What to consider before taking casein

For most people, casein doesn’t cause any side effects. But Homan says certain people may need to avoid or limit casein if they have a condition such as:

Casein allergy

If you have a milk allergy, the proteins in milk trigger your immune system and cause it to overreact. People with a milk allergy are allergic to casein, whey or both.

A severe allergy can cause anaphylaxis. More mild symptoms of a milk allergy include:

“Casein allergies are not as common in adults as in children, but they do exist,” notes Homan. If you suspect you have a milk allergy, an allergist can do a test to figure out what you’re allergic to.

Lactose intolerance

Like all dairy products, casein contains the sugar lactose. If you have lactose intolerance, your small intestine can’t digest milk sugar. When you have dairy products, you may develop symptoms including:

“Casein supplements do have lower amounts of lactose,” Homan states. “If you’d like to include casein in your diet but have a lactose sensitivity, the supplement might not trigger it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re interested in taking a supplement.”

Protein restrictions

People with kidney disease often need to limit their protein. Too much protein can cause too much waste in your blood. If your kidneys can’t remove the waste, the buildup of toxins can lead to serious health complications.

“People with a protein restriction, such as those with kidney disease, don’t have to avoid casein,” Homan says. “But they do need to watch how much total protein they eat. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out the right amount.”

Sources of casein protein

There are two ways you can add casein to your diet:

Casein supplements

A powdered casein supplement can help you get high amounts of it, according to Homan. The most common form of casein powder is micellar casein, or you can get a rapidly absorbing type (casein hydrolysate). One serving typically contains 24 to 27 grams of protein. Mix with water to create a protein shake, or add it to smoothies, yogurt or baked goods.

“People looking to build muscle or get more protein in their diet should talk to their healthcare provider about adding casein,” she adds. “Supplementing with casein isn’t necessary if you have a healthy, balanced diet, but it can be helpful for some people.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate supplements. So, it’s a good idea to look for a casein supplement that underwent third-party testing. It’s usually a sign of a higher quality product.

Casein food sources

Anyone can benefit from casein, and you and your family probably already get it from the dairy products you consume, such as:

  • Butter.
  • Cheese.
  • Ghee.
  • Ice cream.
  • Infant formula.
  • Milk.
  • Yogurt.

“Adding a dairy product to your breakfast is an easy way to get some casein every day,” Homan encourages. One glass of milk has 8 grams of protein — 6.4 grams (80%) of that protein is casein. “It’s great to start your day with a good protein source.”FACEBOOK

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Yoga Poses That Can Strengthen Your Core Muscles @ClevelandClinic

cleve abs

20h20 hours ago

 
 

Engage your abdominal muscles with these yoga poses that build a strong & stable center!

Contributor: Certified yoga instructor Patti Kopasakis, PT, DPT, SCS, RYT-200

Your abdominal muscles are just one component of your core. The gluteal muscles, diaphragm, hip flexors, and hip adductor muscles also comprise your core. These large muscle groups help control the movements you make throughout the day.  Strengthening these muscles helps to absorb forces from daily activities and decrease the forces that move through joints.

Here is a group yoga poses that can help to improve your core muscles. Try holding them for two to three breaths at first, then increase the number of breaths to challenge yourself. On the one-sided poses, be sure to repeat on the other side!

Note: Poses should be entered into and moved out of slowly to protect muscles and joints. If you are having specific pain that has been ongoing for longer than two weeks or you have a specific injury, it is always best consult a qualified health care provider, such as a physical therapist, who can develop a plan specific to your needs.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/yoga-poses-that-can-strengthen-your-core-muscles/?

 

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Morning back pain waking you up? Try these simple fixes. @ClevelandClinic. Pain relief from experienced Physical Therapists

Why Your Lower Back Pain Is Worse in the Morning (and What To Do About It)

Your sleep position, immobility, mattress and underlying conditions can all cause morning back pain

There’s nothing worse than waking up on the wrong side of the bed. But it can be hard to avoid when you wake with lower back pain in the morning. A back that throbs, aches or sends shooting pain down your legs can quickly set the tone for your day.

Most people experience lower back pain at some point, and more than 20% have chronic lower back discomfort. It’s the second most common reason people in the U.S. visit their primary care provider — behind colds and flu.

Whether you experience lower back pain all day or only in the morning, understanding what’s contributing to the pain may help you fix it. Pain management specialist Tara-Lin Hollins, MD, shares what might be behind your morning back pain and offers tips to help you wake up pain-free.

4 causes of lower back pain in the morning

Back pain and sleep have a complicated relationship. Pain can disrupt your sleep, and poor sleep can make you more likely to have higher pain. Getting to the bottom of your pain may help end the cycle.

Dr. Hollins says several factors can contribute to morning back pain.

1. The wrong sleep position

You spend a third of your life sleeping or resting, so if your spine is out of alignment while you sleep, it can have a significant impact on your body. Your sleep position affects your alignment and may (or may not) support the natural curvature of your spine.

“It’s common to be so tired at bedtime that you fall into bed and sleep however you hit the bed,” Dr. Hollins says. “But you may not be sleeping in the best position for your spine.”

The most beneficial sleep positions for your back are on your:

  • Side, with your knees partially bent
  • Back, as long as you don’t have sleep apnea (which worsens when sleeping on your back)

Sleeping on your stomach makes you more likely to twist your neck to the side — a quick way to throw your neck and spine out of alignment.

2. Lying down for hours

When you sit all day at your desk without moving, it can make you stiff. Similarly, when you sleep, you’re not moving much for seven to eight hours. Lying immobile for a long period could cause you to wake up with back or hip pain.

“Our bodies are not supposed to be stagnant for multiple hours,” Dr. Hollins explains. “Stiffness can settle in, and inflammation can build up. Then, when you try to move in the morning, releasing the inflammation can be painful.”

Tricky, right? After all, you want a good night’s sleep, and lying immobile while you doze is often a sign that you got all of your ZZZs. But to avoid lower back pain, Dr. Hollins advises taking some time to stretch before you jump out of bed.

3. An unsupportive mattress or pillow

Your mattress is your main source of back support while you sleep. And your pillow ensures proper neck alignment. A mattress that’s damaged, too soft or sagging can cause your lower abdomen to sink deeper than the rest of the spine, pulling your back out of alignment.

“All too often, people opt for a soft mattress, thinking it will be more comfortable,” Dr. Hollins notes. “You don’t want a hard mattress, but it should feel firm and supportive. You shouldn’t sink into it.”

Need tips for choosing the best mattress for your back? We can help.

4. An underlying condition or pregnancy

Some conditions or chronic diseases may put you at higher risk for morning back pain. Chronic conditions that affect both sleep and morning back pain include:

Pregnancy can also bring back pain in the morning due to:

  • Additional strain on your lower back muscles
  • Shifting center of gravity
  • Increased weight

How to stop waking up with lower back pain

Lifestyle changes, like achieving a healthy weight and exercising every day, are always helpful for back pain. But Dr. Hollins also recommends actions related to sleeping that may additionally help reduce or eliminate your morning back pain.

Add supportive pillows

Pillows are a great way to support your back’s alignment. Your typical sleep position should guide the pillows you use:

  • Back sleepers. Choose a head pillow that supports your neck and lets your head sink in. Place a pillow under your knees to support your spine’s natural curvature.
  • Side sleepers. For your head, choose a thick pillow that keeps the top portion of your spine straight and parallel to the mattress. Place a small pillow between your knees to help even out your hips.
  • Stomach sleepers. Don’t use a pillow for your head, or choose a very thin one. Put a thin pillow under your lower abdomen to keep your spine aligned.

“Look for pillows that are specific to your sleep position,” Dr. Hollins advises. “But no matter which position you use, adding pillows strategically around your body can support your spine and reduce morning pain.”

Adjust your sleep position

If you’re used to sleeping in the same position every night, it can be challenging to change it. But small adjustments may help:

  • Place both arms in the same position if you sleep on your back — instead of flinging one arm over your head — to keep your spine aligned.
  • Bend your knees when sleeping on your side to help balance your body and reduce any pressure on your lower spine.
  • Put pillows in front of you if you sleep on your side so you don’t roll onto your stomach.
  • Sleep on your left side whenever possible to take pressure off your internal organs.

“You want to be as comfortable as possible when you go to sleep,” Dr. Hollins says. “That way, you’ll be more likely to stay in a supportive sleep position.”

Replace your mattress regularly

According to the Sleep Foundation, the general guideline is to replace your mattress every six to eight years. But you may need a new mattress sooner if yours is:

  • Making noise (if it’s an innerspring mattress)
  • Noticeably sagging or damaged
  • Causing muscle or joint stiffness, especially if you don’t have the same stiffness when you sleep at hotels or other homes

When choosing a new mattress, choose a “medium firm” mattress — level 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. It may reduce your back pain symptoms by nearly half.

Pause before you get up

Most people get out of bed as soon as they wake up, Dr. Hollins points out. But taking a few minutes to prepare your back for transitioning to sitting, standing and walking can help with morning back pain.

  • Stretch while you’re still in bed. While on your back, bring one knee to your chest. Hold it for three seconds, let it go and then, switch to the other leg.
  • Warm your muscles. Slide a heating pad under your back to warm your muscles. Use one that’s designated as safe for use in the bed and has an auto shut-off. Keep the sheet or your shirt between the pad and your skin.
  • Take your time getting up. First, sit on the edge of the bed and let your back adjust. Then, use your legs — not your back — to stand up.

See your healthcare provider if your back pain worsens or occurs most mornings for two or three months. They can check for underlying back issues and may prescribe physical therapy.

“Don’t wait six or eight months to see your provider,” Dr. Hollins urges. “They can provide guidance about the best stretches to do, and your back will thank you.”

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Physiotherapists allowed to refer patients for medical radiological procedures for the first time @RCSI_Irl

RCSI welcomes progress in physiotherapist referral for medical radiological procedures

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has welcomed the policy decision to permit physiotherapists to refer patients for medical radiological procedures, and the progress made in implementing this important new measure which will make it quicker for patients to access a diagnosis and begin their treatment.

Physiotherapist referral for medical radiological procedures results in fewer health professionals being involved in the patient pathway. At present, physiotherapists with advanced training can refer their patients for radiological investigations, such as X-ray, in several jurisdictions including England, Sweden, Canada and New Zealand. 

Physiotherapists in Ireland will soon be invited to undertake advanced training which will allow them to refer their patients for radiological procedures. Initially, clinical specialist physiotherapists working in roles in specific clinical areas in the HSE are being invited to train for the authority to refer. In early 2025, application to the training programmes will then be opened more widely.

Professor Suzanne McDonough, Head of the RCSI School of Physiotherapy, said: “This is an important development which will lead to efficiencies in the patient pathway and reduce barriers to effective treatment for a range of musco-skeletal conditions.

“The evidence from the countries which already permit physiotherapist referral for radiological procedures is positive, with no serious adverse events reported and with many advantages for the patient and the health system,” added Professor McDonough. 

An Expert Working Group was established in March 2024 to support the development and implementation of this policy. The group includes representation from Department of Health, Health Service Executive, CORU, UCD and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Established in 1999, the RCSI School of Physiotherapy aims to educate professionally safe, competent, reflective and analytical physiotherapists.