Hopeless 1st Physio appointment

marie48
marie48 Member Posts: 189
edited 23. May 2009, 08:07 in Living with Arthritis archive
Had my first appointment with physio after waiting for nearly 5 months. What a disappointment, saw student physio who did not know what she was doing? She did not even know about neck injection etc. She was supervised by a qualified physio. She asked about the pain on a scale of 0 - 10. I am really hopeless at this and when I said 8, the male physio said to me is your pain as when you were having a baby, I said no. Anyway, he is a man how would know what labour pain!!

I think physio is a waste of time, she gave me some exercises to do and they are the same ones I have been doing. I do not think I will be getting anywhere, she also advises to use heat on the neck. Apparently they are the one who will refer me to Ortho surgeon if necessary. God save me. I have the impression, she does not know what to do and she asks me what was my objective for coming here!! As if I am coming to see them for nothing. Did not even know there was a scan report, had to ask for the results in details? Took my blood pressure, I told her one arm is higher than other, bp 129/90, a bit high I think, did not bother to check the other arm. Anyway I think the automatic blood pressure monitor is not very accurate. I really think I am wasting my time there, she said she will do more nerve tests next week. My elbow did not react first time, she had to tapped hard and it did hurt.

My friend had private physio, she had whiplash and she had manipulation and she said he is very good. I guess, my GP is paying a lot of money for exercises. Hope you all coping well. Take care. Marie X

Comments

  • joanlawson
    joanlawson Member Posts: 8,681
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Marie
    It sounds as though you have been very unlucky, firstly with having to wait for 5 months for your appointment, and then in the poor help you have received. I only had to wait two weeks for my appointment, and my physio was the most helpful person I have seen.

    How silly to ask you what your objective was in going there :!: Surely, if you are referred by a doctor, it should be obvious from the referral. I saw my physio when I developed bursitis in my hip following knee surgery, and a steroid injection didn't work. She took ages asking me details about myself, and then examined me thoroughly. She treated me with ultrasound treatment and acupuncture, and she loaned me a Tens machine. I saw her for 8 weeks, and she worked wonders on me, so now my hip pain has gone. The best thing was that she treated me like an individual, and always had time to talk.

    I hope your next appointment will be better than the first.

    Joan
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  • kathbee
    kathbee Member Posts: 934
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Marie

    Sorry to hear about your experience at the physio.

    I waited a few weeks for an appointment, saw someone
    who I thought I would have faith in and then at the next
    appointment saw The She-Torturer from Hell.

    It was awful, I almost passed out, I was crying
    with pain, she was like someone demented, totally
    hyper and far too heavy handed with my small and
    R A ridden frame. I too was asked
    'what are you hoping to achieve'. :roll:

    I managed to get home somehow and then promptly
    phoned and said I would not be going again.

    The session threw my health back by weeks and weeks.
    Probably a one-off bad experience I had but I couldnt
    risk going there again

    So I have resorted to going to a private osteopath clinic
    in my area ( first time today) to improve my mobility
    and ease the sciatica pain I have, and the difference is
    amazing . So whilst it will cost me money, I am going to go
    with the private clinic, and fingers crossed, its money
    well spent.

    Obviously its early days so will have to see how things go
    next time.

    Kath


    .
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I had my first post op physio session yesterday. (NHS) I waited 3 weeks from for appointment. The physio was very thorough taking a history, medication, pain assessment, examination of my back and hips and pelvis.
    He noted that I was standing with my operated leg abducted and found that I have leg length discrepancy of just over 1 cm. (not much I think) He has 3 views as to why I am having back pain, and decided to do some manipulation of my back and put an electric wave type machine on my low back for 20 mins. He asked me to wear lace up shoes/trainers next time in case I need a shoe riser in them. He said he wasn`t starting any new exercises yet, until my symptoms improved, but to continue the ones I have been doing.
    I came away feeling I had had a thorough and worth while experience.
    I hope that your next appointment is more beneficial for you, Marie.
    NB
  • marie48
    marie48 Member Posts: 189
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Not if I am stuck with her. She was supposed to give me some neck exercises. When I left I noticed she did not give me any and I had to go back and asked for it. The printer was playing up and had to wait a bit. I know she is a student but she is not very confident, she asked me whether it will be ok for me to come back and she can do more nerve tests. I nearly said you can work magic with the exercises after a week. Just have to wait and see how it progresses. Give me an osteopath anytime, shame you have to go private. She also told me to take painkillers, I said what's the poiont as they do not work and the pain is manageable.
  • mandy_b1967
    mandy_b1967 Bots Posts: 115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I hope my physio appointment comes through before 5 months are I cant sit straight and it needs correcting asap.

    Maybe next time you go they will have had a bit more experience and gained confidence. if not you could ask to see someone else.
    Mandy
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,790
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Poor you Marie :(
    Waiting 5 months for that :(
    Are you going back?
    OBJECTIVES?!! WHAT DO THEY THINK?? to get better as much as poss!!
    Pillocks :(
    So very disappointing for you.
    Take care
    Toni x
  • jean123
    jean123 Member Posts: 642
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Just to let you know that scottishlass's post was in response to a post which has now been removed from the forum

    Jean (Forum Supervisor)
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry you had such a bad experience. I have had physio on my back and hip, and I had quite a few sessions, and gave me exercises changing them a bit each week. They worked well. Like everything in life, I suppose, you get good and bad. I'm just sorry you waited all that time, for a bad experience! :( Love Sue