Physio

[fourstardan]

I'm a golfer and I've been to a physio this week, it's the first time I've done anything like this and at 40 it's mostly to help long term.

The reason is after a long year so far of whacking white round things poorly, walking miles in a round I've got a toe joint niggle that's come back again but feeling I think worse than last year, with it being nothing serious and effecting me with the feeling of a bit of an achy pain.

Researching GAIT (and confirmed by the physio) it's been down to a poorly supported left hip (it clicks/pops against the joint when I rotate it).

This has led to poor postures (doesn't help I work at a desk all day), being flat footed, all linked to poor support around my opposite side.

He pulled me out in the hip and feet area (definitely notice the day after, it's like that feeling when you get pulled at the arms) and gave me an exercise to get foot arch less flat.

Heres why I'm here though...when finishing up he wanted to book me in immediately next week and at a pound a minute I'm not sure I'll get the value based on how long I've got to do the work.

I know we all need to make a living, but being 40 and cynical by nature I felt like I was being pushed a bit to return.

Anyone got any thoughts/experiences with this sort of activity?

[spikeyhead]

I needed to see a physio last year after my back locked up.

Since then I've seen him another dozen times, sometimes for specific things and other times just as a general check. He's always given me new exercises to do to further enhance the balance in my body. I'm now at a point where I no longer need him unless I've injured something. My body feels and looks better than it's ever done, which at the age of 56 is quite an achievement.

[Slowboathome]

You're right to be sceptical. Once diagnosed, Physios provide 2 things:

1. They can teach you exercises aimed at addressing your issue.

2. They can do hands-on manual therapy.

I'd be asking them what the treatment plan is, the rationale and how long it will take.

I'd also look for online resources.

[fourstardan]

Slowboathome said:

You're right to be sceptical. Once diagnosed, Physios provide 2 things:

1. They can teach you exercises aimed at addressing your issue.

2. They can do hands-on manual therapy.

I'd be asking them what the treatment plan is, the rationale and how long it will take.

I'd also look for online resources.

Thanks for this, it's what my thoughts are.

Tbh the chap is a bit young so probably pushing to get a new regular client.

I've said I'll book in a few weeks once I see progress within myself.

As I've said its proactive measures for me, im not in pain just locked up a bit and needing to understand why.

[Slowboathome]

fourstardan said:

Thanks for this, it's what my thoughts are.

Tbh the chap is a bit young so probably pushing to get a new regular client.

I've said I'll book in a few weeks once I see progress within myself.

As I've said its proactive measures for me, im not in pain just locked up a bit and needing to understand why.

Cheers.

An awful lot of joint/muscle pain is actually the result of a nerve getting a bit kinked or cramped somewhere along its pathway from (in this case) the lower back. Playing around with different flexing/stretching movements can help the nerve to slide a bit better and 'breathe'. Here's an example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g94F8g_jzGg

[popeyewhite]

Speaking from a professional sportsperson's perspective:

Not indicative of general industry ineptitude but I remember being treated over the years for either for groin strain, oblique strain, a hip issue etc with ultrasound. Most sessions there was a brief chat then straight to the machine. Must have cost me £000s over the years. Whenever I asked precisely how sound waves were supposed encouraged healing I got some twaddle but, convinced they were the experts, kept schtum and let them carry on.

Not one high level study exists that proves their effectiveness in healing above placebo.

Physios can be good for tricky diagnosis.

[dave_s13]

If you've got a painful foot thing consider a podiatrist or just get some off the shelf insoles and give them a whirl.

No doubt that strength exercises should be part of your regular weekly routine.

A lot of the language used about posture, imbalances, overpronation etc are bks terms that don't actually correlate to pain.

A good physio or podiatrist should be able to educate and provide tools to self manage in the longer term. Not become reliant on a regular massage session.

Get yourself a bit of strength and conditioning coaching....again, to learn some stuff, then just DIY.

[boombang]

I saw a physio a few years ago who wasted my time and my insurer's money on unnecessary weekly visits. They focussed on gait, the right shoes and insoles, and an easy exercise program with virtually no progression.

Spoke to insurer who switched me over to another physio. The new one had me working hard and done in 3 sessions over 8 weeks, then back to running without any insoles at all.

Went back to same physio when tore an ankle ligament, that was 6 sessions over 3 months, again clear diagnosis, prognosis and a really tough treatment plan with options for progression as we felt ready.

Finding the right physio is a minefield for sure, plenty of pisstakers but some absolute gems.

[fourstardan]

Thanks guys, the guys released me up a bit and after a round of golf yesterday feel better and noticed when I was slipping into poor postures.

I didn't really think to claim on work BUPA so will check my T&C, I'm starting a new job next week so probably can't use it for a while anyway.

I think on the return visit you guys are all summing up my thoughts, I've not been given a plan of recovery and honestly coming back a week later with exercises just sounds wrong unfortunately.

He also said not to bother with working on it in the gym which surprised me, why wouldn't I get into the gym again to work on this stuff?

Getting my postures/walking right is one to work on DIY for a while, so matey boy will need to see me in a few months!

[KAgantua]

boombang said:

I saw a physio a few years ago who wasted my time and my insurer's money on unnecessary weekly visits. They focussed on gait, the right shoes and insoles, and an easy exercise program with virtually no progression.

Spoke to insurer who switched me over to another physio. The new one had me working hard and done in 3 sessions over 8 weeks, then back to running without any insoles at all.

Went back to same physio when tore an ankle ligament, that was 6 sessions over 3 months, again clear diagnosis, prognosis and a really tough treatment plan with options for progression as we felt ready.

Finding the right physio is a minefield for sure, plenty of pisstakers but some absolute gems.

I find a lot of pysios are somehwere between 'healing crystals' and 'scented candles' in terms of real measurable benefits.

[fourstardan]

KAgantua said:

I find a lot of pysios are somehwere between 'healing crystals' and 'scented candles' in terms of real measurable benefits.

Physio = exercise to me though, if you don't do them and work on limitations then it's not going to work. So I shall continue with working on the limitations and see how this one pans out.

I'd see a Chiro/osteo if I need to get quality of life back in a short space of time.

I watch the older guys I play golf with go and see them and they still walk the same and look the same so what's the real long term benefit.

[coldel]

On the whole I have had good experiences with Physios. I play a lot of football and had a nagging recurring groin issue, went to a physio that specialises in looking after footballers and after 4 visits havent had the problem since. But, what he didnt do was just say come back next week heres my ratecard!

He gave me a diagnosis, he gave me a recovery plan with expected milestones, he listed out all the tests we would do on each visit to measure progress and adapt the plan if needed, plus of course the home exercise plan where he linked youtube videos etc. He also did as you might expect some sports massage for some short term pain relief each visit. I think I paid about £50 for 30 minutes and to be honest it was £200 well spent to get rid of something that is so debilitating. Due to the time needed for recovery we spaced out the visits so I could make tangible progress between each visit.

Hope that helps (although appreciated its kinda whats been said before). But Physios can have a very positive impact on injuries, you just need to ensure you get the right one. Oh and yes you can claim on private health care, but be aware many plans do not allow you to claim against pre-existing injuries/anything you are currently having treatment for if you are just starting a new job and getting it anew.

Edited by coldel on Monday 10th October 11:22

[Scabutz]

fourstardan said:

Thanks guys, the guys released me up a bit and after a round of golf yesterday feel better and noticed when I was slipping into poor postures.

I didn't really think to claim on work BUPA so will check my T&C, I'm starting a new job next week so probably can't use it for a while anyway.

I think on the return visit you guys are all summing up my thoughts, I've not been given a plan of recovery and honestly coming back a week later with exercises just sounds wrong unfortunately.

He also said not to bother with working on it in the gym which surprised me, why wouldn't I get into the gym again to work on this stuff?

Getting my postures/walking right is one to work on DIY for a while, so matey boy will need to see me in a few months!

Definitely look at BUPA, I have been having physio for months on a recurring shoulder injury all done via work Axa, plus doctors and injections and MRI, had about £3k worth.

With physios though they can vary in terms of quality. I was seeing one at a local clinic who seemed really good, and I was seeing improvements. I stopped seeing him, but then pain returned and he had left so I saw someone else. The next guy didnt seem to have a clue what he was dong and randomly pushing and prodding. I actually think he made it worse. So I swapped clinics and am now seeing a different one. So if youre not sold on one person, try a different physio

[KAgantua]

Scabutz said:

fourstardan said:

Thanks guys, the guys released me up a bit and after a round of golf yesterday feel better and noticed when I was slipping into poor postures.

I didn't really think to claim on work BUPA so will check my T&C, I'm starting a new job next week so probably can't use it for a while anyway.

I think on the return visit you guys are all summing up my thoughts, I've not been given a plan of recovery and honestly coming back a week later with exercises just sounds wrong unfortunately.

He also said not to bother with working on it in the gym which surprised me, why wouldn't I get into the gym again to work on this stuff?

Getting my postures/walking right is one to work on DIY for a while, so matey boy will need to see me in a few months!

Definitely look at BUPA, I have been having physio for months on a recurring shoulder injury all done via work Axa, plus doctors and injections and MRI, had about £3k worth.

With physios though they can vary in terms of quality. I was seeing one at a local clinic who seemed really good, and I was seeing improvements. I stopped seeing him, but then pain returned and he had left so I saw someone else. The next guy didnt seem to have a clue what he was dong and randomly pushing and prodding. I actually think he made it worse. So I swapped clinics and am now seeing a different one. So if youre not sold on one person, try a different physio

Bursitis?

[Scabutz]

KAgantua said:

Bursitis?

Yeah, but also now thinking there might be a tear in one of the rotator cuffs. MRI tomorrow to find out

[popeyewhite]

Scabutz said:

KAgantua said:

Bursitis?

Yeah, but also now thinking there might be a tear in one of the rotator cuffs. MRI tomorrow to find out

If it's a major tear you'll probably need surgery. if you want the shoulder to function properly again. Prognosis is now pretty good for rc surgery. Good luck!

[Scabutz]

popeyewhite said:

Scabutz said:

KAgantua said:

Bursitis?

Yeah, but also now thinking there might be a tear in one of the rotator cuffs. MRI tomorrow to find out

If it's a major tear you'll probably need surgery. if you want the shoulder to function properly again. Prognosis is now pretty good for rc surgery. Good luck!

Thanks, Im hoping its pretty minor, it something that came on slowly rather than a noticeable injury. The doctor did an ultrasound, said the bursa was inflamed again but that was causing the problem, he thought one the tendons may have moved and that's why he suspected a tear