11 week wait for physiotherapist... unbelievable!

[winnertakesitall]

So, saw my physio about the fact that I was in serious pain with my back. Prescribed my some naproxen, and some physio. Great I thought.

3 weeks later I get a letter from hospital saying that it is an 11 week wait just for an assessment with the physio.

So in total, it would be at least 14 weeks before just seeing someone for an assessment- before even any exercises, manipulation etc. started!! So, over 3 months.

As soon as I got the letter I bit the bullet and went private as the pain was excruciating, in spite of the naproxen. In that time I have now had 3 sessions with the physio, and things are beginning to feel better.

But... over 3 months before seeing a physio for back pain. I'm really quite appalled. I know they're overstretched, but that is a LONG time if you are suffering with back pain.

It doesn't surprise me. I have never been able to get physio on the NHS, only after surgery, and that was just a check up. I've had to pay, and it's expensive.

There just aren't enough physio's and those that are available are usually dealing with the old.

The wait here is similar- although this is only for a leg. I got a letter saying there would be a 12 week wait, but it was actually 5 months from referral to appointment. The good side is that the physio started me on exercises at the assessment. I actually went to the GP in the hope of being told where to look for recovery advice so was surprised to be referred for physio as I had assumed NHS physios were basically not available to non hospitalised people!
I agree its inefficiently long (I am sure it is better for recovery to start exercise sooner rather than later)- and terrible when you are in pain.
I do hope your private physio is helping winner.

The private really is helping, along with the 2 sessions of pilates a week I've signed up for. Any hint of back pain, and I have a hot bath. Luckily DS is 4.5, so old enough to pop something on the telly and have a brief soak to alleviate pain.

I just feel a bit let down by the NHS- as when the pain is bad, it is pretty much immobilising. I wonder if the GPs realise that the wait is so long- as I'm not sure why they bother referrals if this is how long it takes.

My GP is genuinely the nicest guy ever, so am grateful that he drugged me up- but I don't think that even the naproxen would have cut it for 3 odd months.

I had 5 weeks as urgent. Physio has really been cut.