Osteopath, Chiropractor or GP?

[MerryMarigold]

I've had some pain in my upper arm and shoulder for around a year now. Initially it hurt to lift my arm straight up and do up my bra, dry my back. I thought it was a bit if a muscle strain and it would gradually improve. Plus it's so difficult to get a GP appointment let alone any referral for something so minor (I know as my DC has considerable knee issues which took 1.5 years to get seen). In the past month it's begun hurting more so I have to put bra on front ways then swivel it, painful to sleep on that side, hurts to carry heavy bags on that side etc. Not sure what I'd be best off doing. Not keen on GP route but I'll try it if you think it's a good idea. No experience of trying anything else though. Thoughts please! Thank you.

Gp or physio as first port of call.

Won't they need to refer me for physio? Getting a GP appointment is another mission. I had to drive my son to a hospital the other day after being on the phone for ages as I suspected a chest infection and he's asthmatic. (It was a chest infection so a 3hr trip to get an antibiotic prescription). But anyway....I can but try.

No, you can look up local physios same way as you would an osteopath. It won't be an NHS apt, you'll have to pay but price will be comparable to osteo or chiropractor. Just Google physios near you.

I mean I couldn't get an appointment for him.

Thanks Susu. I'll have a look.

From my experience, a GP will just push a pack of high octane painkillers into your hands and shove you back out of the door.

I had ongoing costochondritis which is inflammation of the connecting tissue between your ribs....... it was horribly painful, and GP's answer was long term anti-inflammatories, codeine and a stomach lining tablet. I felt permanently sick taking them. I got so fed up with it that I booked a series of appointments with an osteopath.... and it was a miracle cure. I did cry a few times during the 1st session as she found the most painful points, and it was agony for a few days after but by the 3rd session the difference was remarkable.

I always try a gentle approach before trying a GP personally.

Thanks boodle. Really interesting. What's the difference between osteo and chiro?

I always thought a chiro is more about bones/joints and osteopaths treat the muscles as well as the bones/joints if that makes sense.

I've used an osteopath for headaches, back ache and my ribs. It's around £45 a session locally but I've never had more than 6 sessions with an occasional top up if needed.

Thanks. That makes sense.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/chiropractic/

Chiropractors are not medically trained and are complementary therapy practitioners.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteopathy/

www.nhs.uk/conditions/physiotherapy/

Whichever option you go for, good luck and hope you're pain free soon!

I probably wouldn't bother with GP I'd just go straight to an osteopath. In my experience they will recommend if physio can be helpful, plus many offer exercises themselves it this is what's needed. Though this will all be private so depends on your finances.

I’d say osteopath.

Similar problems here. Couldn’t face trying to get an appt with the GP, so made an appointment with a physio, who also does acupuncture and was recommended for an holistic approach. Ended up seeing her associate who diagnosed frozen shoulder and told me to go to the GP for a steroid injection. Didn’t even touch my arm / shoulder. Feel like I’m back to square one as while the diagnosis seems sound I’m not sure I want the injection. Been doing Adam Fields exercises from YouTube but sounds like your shoulder is more “frozen” than mine. Utterly baffled with where to go next, as can’t face the osteopath who will undoubtedly crack my neck.

Tbh physio/chiro/osteo much of a muchness, I'd go with a local recommendation. I'd never go near a GP with this kind of problem, you will be told variations of keep moving and take painkillers. A good independent practitioner will tell you if it's something you need to see a GP for e.g. you need a referral for a scan.

Thanks. This is all very helpful. I'll get a local recommendation.