Alan Kerins: Physiotherapist at the out-patient unit at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, and member of Co Galway hurling team
I start work at 9 a.m. First I get my patient list and sort out my patient notes. I see my first patient of the day at 9.30 a.m. and normally would see between 11 or 12 patients in total during the day.
I treat orthopaedic patients, which means I see a lot of fractured ankles, hands, fingers, wrists and elbows. I also treat cruciate ligaments, dislocated shoulders, slipped discs, back problems and soft tissue injuries.
When I first see a patient I give them a full assessment and look at their range of movement, strength and mobility.
Depending on what I find, I treat the patient accordingly and use therapies such as deep tissue massage, electrotherapy and exercises. I also discuss issues such as footwear and orthotics with the patient.
I usually get on very well with all my patients and enjoy meeting the wide range of people I come across, including a couple of real characters.
For the most part I find people easy-going and more than willing to do the exercises they are assigned. If they don't, I remind them of the importance of exercises. It's like homework at school - if patients don't do the exercises they will not improve and will fall back to square one.
I usually see each patient for half an hour once every week or two weeks. After each session I write up my notes on how they are progressing, which I will refer to at our next appointment.
Some patients I will only need to see once-off, such as someone who is just out of a cast and who has a full range of movement and reports no pain. I will treat other patients with more complicated problems for months and sometimes up to a year. There is no time limit and I will see them until they are better or have reached some form of plateaux.
I enjoy my job. It's rewarding. People come into me, I help them get better and discharge them.
On the downside, it can be a little stressful when some people don't improve. Having a big caseload and time limits can be stressful too. Some patients can get emotional or upset over their condition and others can be quite anxious.
I just try to do my best. I try to help those who come to me and improve their situation by getting them back to where they were before or help them get a better quality of life and get on with their lives. Most patients know where they want to be and I work with them to set goals and then help them achieve those goals.
I have just started working here in Merlin Park but worked in University College Hospital, Galway for two years before this. Merlin Park is a great working environment and there is a brilliant atmosphere here. With lots of green areas and open spaces, it is a great setting for this type of work.
In my time as a hurler and footballer, I have been to physiotherapists a good bit and have learned a lot from being on the receiving end of treatment. I injured my ankle last year and, in the past, have had knee injuries, ligament problems and broken fingers, pulled muscles and lower back problems.
Compared to other players, these injuries are nothing serious. I have been very lucky. But the experience has been of benefit to me in my work.
I take a 30-minute lunch break and usually finish up with my last patient at approximately 4.15 p.m. I live in Clarinbridge. Being out here on the east of Galway city is handy because I usually manage to get ahead of the traffic in the evenings.
I am concentrating on hurling at the moment and train four days a week. I am expected to do gym work or swimming twice a week, so I tend to do a little bit every evening after work.
(Interview by Fiona Tyrrell)