Madam, - I have great personal admiration for Gerard Hartmann (Sports, November 30th). However, I must express my concern that he and a number of other therapists are now calling themselves "physical therapists", in my view incorrectly. This is of serious concern to members of my profession, chartered physiotherapy.
My profession is linked to the World Congress of Physical Therapy, and in most European countries, and North America, physiotherapists are called physical therapists. The two titles are internationally agreed to be synonymous. In many countries, the title "physical therapist" is legally protected, and one can use this title only after having completed a recognised university degree course, equivalent to the Irish four year degree course in physiotherapy. This ensures similar standards across the globe.
In Ireland, we have a unique situation in which many individuals, including graduates of a three year weekend course, are calling themselves physical therapists. This is confusing to the public, and disingenuously implies that there is some obscure link with the physiotherapy profession. Some other title could and should be used. Chartered physiotherapists are in the process of legally protecting the titles "physiotherapist" and "physical therapist" so that only people with our level of education will be able to use these titles.
In the meantime, I would urge the public to be aware that, in this country, significant differences in standards of training exist between chartered physiotherapists and many people who call themselves physical therapists. - Yours, etc.,
SINÉAD COBBE, MISCP, Chartered Physiotherapist, Shannonville,
Ennis Road, Limerick.