Physio Needs is the leading supplier of physiotherapy and rehabilitation products in Ireland. You may have wondered as you pass by the shop in Bath Street what exactly lies within its doors. It is a company which primarily provides physiotherapists with all kinds of practical orthopaedic devices. For the general public, there are also a number of aids to help overcome everyday complaints.

Since they first opened in 1992, they have been selling the Swedish Orthopaedic Pillow which has been one of their most popular products. Most ordinary pillows do not support the neck, leading to pain and stiffness, whereas this pillow moulds to give perfect support to the cervical spinal column for maximum benefit and relaxation. Frank Sheehan, the Director of Physio Needs, says that once you’ve slept on one of these, you’ll never go back or even travel without one.

Frank says that “The physiotherapy profession has come of age.” Through Physio Needs, these experts are using the latest proven techniques. In the case of a sports injury for example, they will get you back to health using aids supplied by the business: ankle and shoulder braces; cervical collars; back supports and strapping; cold and hot packs, used for pain relief and to reduce swelling and electrotherapy tools for soft tissue stimulation.

Hot paraffin wax baths heat wax which when applied, delivers penetrating heat to soothe aching joints and stiff muscles, and ease arthritic pain. They also provide examination couches and massage plinths used by the profession.

Physio Needs has many other very popular products that can be used in the home. They sell the Innosol Rondo SAD lamp for those people who suffer from depression due to light deprivation. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects people in Ireland during the winter months. This lamp disperses smooth, glare-free light to the sufferer creating ‘a warm feeling of the sun and summer’. It is also inexpensive to run.

HipSaver pants are sold with cushioning and shock absorption to reduce fall force, and prevent hip fractures in arthritis and osteoporosis sufferers. The pants, though protective, are made of thin polycotton/Lycra, and therefore, do not show under most clothing. They are widely used in nursing homes.

Physio Needs also provide exercise equipment, specifically for the practice of pilates. Pilates is a form of exercise often used by professional dancers in order to develop flexibility and control. Extra-thick mats, exercise bands and exercise balls with a special anti-burst system are all available. There is also equipment available to help women to improve the strength of pelvic floor muscles weakened through childbirth.

The mobility scooters on display, illustrated, help people who are incapacitated and find it hard to get out and about. The motorised machine is permitted on roads, and like a bicycle, needs no tax or insurance. It’s great for going anywhere as it runs on an extended life battery and it can be dismantled for trips and put into the boot of a car.

Physio Needs, 8-10 Bath Street, Dublin 4. Tel: 01-6602808. E-Mail: info@physioneeds.eu or shop online at www.physioneeds.ie