Physios and demand!

run_Forrest_run

OK, this probably classifies as a rant but I will not try to go on too much

My History: I do a bit of road running and races (3 marathons, training for #4)

Lately I have been having some back problems. I decided to go to a physio (who was mentioned on this site before) with past running experience.

Made my appointment and off i went. I was quite impressed with the guy (even though it was soooo sore!). Anyway he wanted me to come back again. I also decided to get the custom orthotics done [based on his advice!] which is costing a lot of money!

Yesterday I turned up for session #3 and they feckin double booked me. I was fairly cheesed off because I had to leave work early to make the appointment and when they realised they made the mistake he was not very apologetic and could only offer me other times during the day that I would be typically working!

I am just annoyed because I have spent almost €500 in the last 3 weeks with this guy (and over €1500 in total on another physio combined).

OK, you may say if I am not happy just leave and find someone else but this is where the problem lies, I have found it very hard to find a good physio who is available to see me either early in the morning or late in the afternoon (4:30pm - 7pm range). OK, I know most people are looking for these times also!

I mean the guy I am going to knows he will want me back for more treatment so why couldn't he just block book me in advance?

Anyway as I said I don't want to rant too much but can I ask if anyone else has experienced this sort of thing with physios in general?

I am beginning to lose trust in these guys, they seem to have a license to print money these days without looking after their customers...they are more interested in grabbing as many customers as they can.

OK, rant over! Thanks

hunnymonster

would it interest you to know that less than half of last years graduating class of physiotherapists have gotten jobs as physios yet?


Theoretically there is nothing to stop them setting up a private practise straight out of college but the more conventional route is to spend a year or two in the health service intially to gain experience.


My own experience with my physio (Nessa Smyth) has been nothing but positive.

lilly03

Hi Forrest,

Well you've had a bad deal there. The physio should really have made you a priority esp if he's doing orthotics for you. Having said that some patients hate the idea of being railroaded into 3-4 block booked appointments coz they presume its a money making thing. My advice is to talk to the guy and see if u can block book.
Not sure if you are a physio hunny monster but most practice owners wouldnt put a new grad next or near a patient in a practice -= particularly one who runs and has biomechanical problems. Most practices worth hteir salt have at least3 year post-grad experience caveats. Having said that there are alwys bad apples.
My advice is to look for someone with postgrad qualifications - eg Masters in Manipulative Physiotherapy - ask at the practice before you present yourself.

Sorry to hear your trouble Forrest - pm me if you'd like recommendation for a practice. And no, I dont work in practice - I'm a HSE physio!

run_Forrest_run

hunnymonster wrote:

My own experience with my physio (Nessa Smyth) has been nothing but positive.

Is she based in Douglas? I know there is a Neasa Long in Douglas who is getting good reports.

run_Forrest_run

lilly03 wrote:

Hi Forrest,

...Sorry to hear your trouble Forrest - pm me if you'd like recommendation for a practice. And no, I dont work in practice - I'm a HSE physio!

Thanks lilly...PM sent.