Dubai physiotherapist strikes a healthy balance

Orla Deegan is a physiotherapist at Mediclinic in Dubai’s Arabian Ranches. The Irish national, who first arrived in the UAE three years ago and initially refused to sign a two-year contract because she did not think she would stay, is now settled into her new life, and her travelling plans that featured Australia and New Zealand are still on hold.

7.15am

I know that is late by the standards of many in Dubai; it always surprises me the time that people start the day here. I would like to say I start the day with breakfast in my apartment but those extra 10 minutes in bed are important to me. I often have an apple and a banana in the car on the way to work, or at my desk – luckily I live close to my job so there is little stress in the mornings.

7.50am

I’m at my desk going through the morning schedule. Because I work in a small practice on the outskirts of Dubai I rarely have to deal with trauma patients – they are handled by the hospitals as inpatients. Instead I take the referrals from hospital so it is generally second-stage recuperative work, sporting injuries and a lot of neck, spine and back pain.

8.45

The morning is split into 45-minute sessions with five patients. The sessions include discussion with the patient as to their lifestyle with suggestions on how the particular injury may be rehabilitated. The physiotherapy itself has to be creative as we do not have a gym in the practice so the moves and manipulations have to be refined to an office setting. This, actually, often enhances the therapy as it can be carried on at home by the patients themselves without the need for equipment. The session also includes detailed medical notes on how the patient is progressing, what is working and what may need changing. These notes are very important if sessions are skipped as it gives a thorough understanding of where we are with each patient.

12.15

I’m starving by now and waiting for lunch at 1pm. The insurance companies in the UAE seem to have a good attitude towards physio, generally assenting to 45 minute sessions. In Ireland the sessions could be as short as 15-20 minutes which would be little help to anyone. The sessions here are tailored, methodical and built towards full recuperation.

1pm

It’s time for lunch, which is either some of last night’s dinner, something from the little Geant opposite or a Costa sandwich and a coffee. The practice has very little hierarchy and we all sit and have lunch together, which creates a nice atmosphere. Any new physiotherapist gets support from Mediclinic with regard to the social side of life. All the physiotherapists from different hospitals and clinics meet once a month, which helps newcomers with their work-life balance. This can be a lonely place if you don’t step outside your door.

2pm

Arabian Ranches seems to have a lot of people who work from home as the afternoon is booked solid, much like the mornings. My first job here dealt mainly with Arabic clients and I suddenly realised how important communication was in my job, I had to learn some rudimentary Arabic very quickly. I enjoy working in a smaller practice where the pace is not so frenetic and I enjoy meeting the differing nationalities I see every day.

5pm

I am finished with the patients and fill in paperwork, be it insurance forms or updates to doctors and other medical practitioners.

5.30pm

I try to fix myself some dinner before my evening activity. The plan is to eat half now and half after I’ve finished but that plan does not always get carried through.

7pm

I play badminton a couple of times a week. It used to be football but most of the team disappeared for the summer so I had to find something inside and I love it. The Indian and Filipino communities are big badminton players so I generally go to their clubs and play whoever shows up – it costs about Dh30 for three hours so it’s great value. There aren’t many women who play in the Indian clubs but that doesn’t seem to bother anyone.

9pm

Either home to some television, which I watch online – even though I pay for the TV – or I meet my boyfriend for dinner. I have tried to cut down on that side of Dubai, it’s an easy trap to fall into – the takeaways and nights out midweek are not good.

11pm

Maybe a book to calm my mind and by midnight I’m done for the day.

ascott@thenational.ae

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