Irish Association of Physical Therapists chairman Leo Cluxton has commented on recent developments.

Referring specifically to the GAA's disappointing decision to withdraw reimbursement cover for players who sustain injury, Cluxton accepts the development and reaffirms the IAPT's commitment to helping gaelic footballers and hurlers overcome injuries.

In the statement, he says: "Although this is an unfortunate and regrettable move as it directly affects the wellbeing of all club and county players, I am sure it was taken for sound financial reasons. The Irish Association of Physical Therapists does not see its role as one of dictating to other professional bodies as to how they conduct their affairs, but given the huge outcry as a result of this decision I feel it is necessary to comment.

"The downside of this decision is that players going forward may be reluctant to seek early intervention for acute injuries sustained during matches and training. We all know that early intervention, assessment and treatment are vital in achieving complete rehabilitation and return to fitness. To this end it is important that the player in question seeks expert advice.Unfortunately this is not always the case and obviously has led to under-qualified or even non-qualified practitioners offering treatments.

"This is a serious situation and undoubtedly needs to be addressed. All members of the Irish Association of Physical Therapists are trained to a high level and are held in high regard by players and public alike, as evidenced by the number of treatments carried out each week. Only Physical Therapists registered with the IAPT qualify for reimbursement with the major health insurance providers.

"The IAPT set down very strict guidelines in order to qualify for membership. This ensures a high standard of safe treatment for players and public alike. We have a proven track record in this regard. Our main concern going forward is that players seek treatment from members of either The Irish Association of Physical Therapists or alternatively from a member of The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists in order to ensure quality and safety of treatment.

"The Irish Association of Physical Therapists and its members have been offering a safe and effective treatment programme to not only members of the GAA but to other sporting codes and the members of the public as well, for the past eighteen years.

"The GAA in their statement have put forward the idea that treatments should be funded by individual clubs. To this end I would suggest that individual clubs log on to the official website of The Irish Association of Physical Therapists - www.iapt.ie - and use the "find a therapist" link to locate a Physical Therapist in their area (if they don't already have one) to provide a safe and efficient treatment programme for their players. I am sure that members of the Association will be happy to negotiate terms to everybody's satisfaction.

"While I agree with a lot of the points raised by the ISCP, I think the decision to seek treatment from the therapist of choice is very much the individual player's decision and this should be respected." Tweet

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