Evening Herald, Thursday, 26 May 2005

Women's MINI MARATHON

Physical therapists rubbing people up the right way!

By Lindie Naughton

A FAMILIAR sight at St Stephen's Green on Mini Marathon day are the long queues for the massage tables organised for the past seven years by the Irish Institute of Physical Therapy.

"We treat women both before and after the race from 12 noon until 6 pm, so it's hard work and a long day, but a very enjoyable one for us," says John O'Sullivan, director of the institute. By now there are some women who wouldn't dream of making their way to the start line without a quick nib-down. "We're getting to know a lot of the women because they've been coming to us for a number of years now. From our point of view, it's gratifying to know that they find us useful."

In all, 200 physical therapists, most of them students at the institute, come along for the Mini Marathon, where 120 tables are set up. Each table will handle" about six women an hour, which makes a total of 600 women every hour getting a free leg massage.

"We do a quick-massage which helps warm them up and gets them in the right "frame of mind for the Mini Marathon. After the race, the massage helps get rid of the toxins that build up in the muscles following a prolonged effort and helps ward off aches and pains. "Athletes have come to appreciate what hands-on physical therapycan do, helping prevent injuries before they happen and
hastening recovery after.

SAFE

So what is the difference between physiotherapy and physical therapy? It's quite simple: physical therapy is based on massage so is strictly hands-on, while physiotherapy can also incorporate interferential, laser and other treatments using machines, which _ can help speed up recovery. With a qualified physical therapist, any patient should feel that they are in good, safe hands. "If there is a soft tissue component to a problem, we can do a lot of good and not just with sportspeople," adds John. One thing for sure: a good, therapeutic massage will do no harm. Try it out for yourself at the white tents on St Stephen's Green North (opposite Dawson Street) on Mini Marathon Monday. You’ll be very welcome!