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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want to wait two months to see a physio

56 replies

Poopoopoo · 06/01/2024 08:49

My shoulder is agony,and my hip is sore (left side), I’m not getting much sleep, I don’t want to bother A+E, I have seen the GP four times- no offer of pain relief- finally I have been referred to physio and the appointment is the end of February. I’m taking co-codamol from the pharmacy and using ibuprofen gel. Working full time. I assume physio will refer me for a scan to see if there is anything torn. So then I wait again. I realise/ hope it’s not life threatening. Am I being unreasonable to not want to wait two months!

OP posts:
Original poster
Poopoopoo · 06/01/2024 10:19

I’ll find out, but I do t think so

OP posts:
Original poster
Poopoopoo · 06/01/2024 10:21

I think you have a better, more experienced GP!

OP posts:
LadyWithLapdog · 06/01/2024 10:22

There’s a free NHS MSK app with some exercise suggestions. I haven’t checked for shoulder, though.

LakieLady · 06/01/2024 10:22

Two months seems short to me. I had to wait over 10 months from referral in May 2018 to see an NHS physio about knee pain.

I paid to see a private physio in June 2018, who correctly diagnosed the problem (arthritis and a meniscal tear), but in this area the NHS physio is the gatekeeper for referral to an orthopaedic surgeon, so it didn't really get me any further.

Even when I saw the physio, she couldn't refer me or order x-rays or scans, only a senior physio can do that here, so I had to wait several months more to see them, then wait for a scan, another physio appt to discuss results, then wait for an x-ray, then back to the physio. Then everything was fucked up by Covid and I eventually got a consultant appointment in Dec 2020, and finally had surgery in October '21 - nearly 3.5 years.

If it was that bad 5 years ago, I dread to think how bad things are now.

WhatsitWiggle · 06/01/2024 10:25

My daughter was referred for paeds physio in July and we're still waiting! Also had an OT referral and they sent a letter to say I need to manage it with her myself for 3 months and re-refer if no improvement!

The NHS is on it's knees. Non-emergency treatment is taking forever.

sleepismyhobby · 06/01/2024 10:27

I've just had a telephone physio appointment I was on the waiting list for over 6 months! I'm in agony daily I've was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both my knees my right being severe and my left moderate . I was refused pain relief as they said I had to be in agonising pain 24 hours a day before I'd get any! My right knee pops out of joint around 7 times a day not fun when your a nurse and on your feet all day. And small kids to run after . If I had money I'd go private

Willmafrockfit · 06/01/2024 10:28

LadyWithLapdog · 06/01/2024 10:22

There’s a free NHS MSK app with some exercise suggestions. I haven’t checked for shoulder, though.

that sounds perfect

Mikkismum · 06/01/2024 16:06

I was referred for physio after a nasty fall and spinal fractures. Received first appointment within a week of referral and NHS physio has been brilliant. I am now at the end of my treatment and have recovered really well. Referral has been placed on 'review' for a further 6 months - I can ring for advice or to request another appointment within that time without having to be re-referred. Appreciate the severity of my injuries and impact on my mobility will have increased my priority but wanted to share a good NHS experience. I also got an emailed summary after each appointment which also included details of exercises to be done at home between appointments - this was really helpful.

Original poster
Poopoopoo · 08/01/2024 20:14

Good to know the NHS worked for you. My injury is not that serious.

OP posts:
Original poster
Poopoopoo · 08/01/2024 20:17

Omg, I’m so sorry for you, 6 months is ridiculous.

OP posts:
TheFairyCaravan · 08/01/2024 20:19

Two months is nothing tbh, although I know it doesn’t feel like that when you’re in pain. You can take ibuprofen alongside co-codamol. I find the tablets work better than the gel.

Perihelion · 08/01/2024 20:21

Also instead of ibuprofen gel, used volterol with diclofenic. Behind the counter in pharmacies.

Original poster
Poopoopoo · 08/01/2024 20:27

It’s really not working is it! I’m sorry to hear it seems even worse for many people in greater need than me. The staff are great, but I think more are needed! Maybe more small local services ?

OP posts:
Livinghappy · 08/01/2024 20:29

Did it come on suddenly? What age are you?

As others mentioned, go private, at least for an initial assessment. A colleague had a shoulder injury and I suggested he look online for exercises (lots of really good physiotherapist post videos). He waited the months for appointment on nhs and after the assessment the exercises were as had been mentioned online. They also cured the issue which is a good result.

Original poster
Poopoopoo · 08/01/2024 20:30

Wow, 3.5 years, you poor thing Lakielady it just seems cruel

OP posts:
colouroftherainbow · 08/01/2024 20:31

Unfortunately NHS physio is a complete waste of time for less severe outpatient appointments. I had a new diagnosis (which took 13+ months chasing to get) and then was offered physio to try strengthen and limit damage. I was seen f2f but there was no point in it being in person - the physio did not touch me or show me any exercises. Took a verbal history then said would send me an email with some exercises. If they do not work, they will repeat tests.

If you are an inpatient or have a serious injury, they are fantastic but unfortunately not enough time or funding allocated for the rest

Inkyblue123 · 08/01/2024 20:33

I gave up and went private. 3 years of telephone appointments! I did see an NHS physio but it didn’t help. I’m still haven’t steriod treatment, physio and I’m starting acupuncture in a couple of weeks. If you can afford it go private, do it. I had to have an MRI to confirm a diagnosis, I don’t think the NH S would have provided it. My only reverent is not doing it sooner and putting myself through so much pain.

Original poster
Poopoopoo · 08/01/2024 20:34

I had hurt the shoulder swimming a year ago, but it had been fine, then I moved a heavy item at work and it really hurt, more than ever. I’m 47, so I guess this is going to be how life is now, joints are giving up!

OP posts:
DrinksbytheSea · 08/01/2024 20:38

Sorry you’re going through that, it’s such a long time to wait! I phoned my GP last week and got a physio appointment two days later. Then a second appointment for this week. A friend is being seen just as fast by her GP surgery as well.

It seems strange that it varies so much. Perhaps not many people in my part of the country need a physio??

Paw2024 · 08/01/2024 20:39

I had back pain and was on meds from the GP and waiting for an MRI
Went private to a physio, did 2 sessions and she came out to watch me walk in on session 3. She sat me down and said "something is very wrong, did you know I can send you for an MRI?"
Anyway I went for the MRI then very quickly as I took whatever slot came free and I've never been so grateful to that physio
I then got seen quickly for results as I took a cancellation appointment with 25 mins notice

I had a massive disc herniation and any chiropractic treatment etc or exercise would have caused further damage and it was so bad I developed cauda equina and needed emergency spinal surgery

Worth every penny if you find a good one

Papillon23 · 08/01/2024 20:40

@Poopoopoo - just popping an explanation below of how the site works (it's ridiculous!).

PSA

Please note: The Reply button on here does not work. If you use it you will not actually reply to that post but create a new post not linked and nobody will be able to follow the conversation.

Please use Quote (under the three dots) instead or copy part of the post you want to reply to and put it between asterisks to make it bold.

Riverlee · 08/01/2024 20:42

Have you considered an osteopath? If there’s an osteopath teaching school near you, it can be cheaper.

Serencwtch · 08/01/2024 20:48

It's worth paying for an initial physio appointment & check with your work occ health if they offer anything if it's affecting your work.
I had a telephone assessment with the work one then a one off private one. They both gave same diagnosis so could then do right exercises (rotator cuff tear) so had already been doing the exercises & had some improvement when I got the NHS physio so could then go straight to next stage (steroid injection)
I can't remember how much physio was but was less than dentist/hygienist etc.

To be honest GP & a&e aren't going to offer anything they only rule out fracture etc. They can't give stronger painkillers for longer term pain anyway.

I found the long acting ibuprofen best for helping with pain at night and sleep. Take it regularly twice a day & regular paracetamol. Worked as well as the prescription stuff but fewer side effects

NoNotMyHair · 08/01/2024 20:50

That's a short time to wait for physio compared to where I live.

unbelievablescenes · 08/01/2024 20:55

Where do you live? In Scotland there are services that can speed up physio referrals if it is impacting on you ability to work. There may be alternative services if you're in another country. In Scotland they're called working health services and salus. Both free. Private companies often have employee assistance programme that provide this too. Ask your employer or local authority