Physio or GP??

secondspring

Hi all,


First of all, I'm not looking for medical advice here... I'm also aware there is a similar thread on the front page at the moment, so I hope this isn't duplicating much.


I'm carrying a foot injury at the moment so looking for advice on who might be best to see about it, and in what order.


So far my local GP told me to go for an xray without even examining it, while a Physio I went to late last week ( the first time I've ever been to a physio) told me I needed orthotics straight off the bat.

When I explained to my GP that it was an injury through running and I didn't think I had fractured anything her blunt response and solution was not to run anymore!

The physio... Couldn't get a straight answer and kept bringing up the idea of rather expensive orthotics. Fair enough after a few sessions but this was the first consultation visit, so it really felt like they were just trying to sell me something. ME: I have a problem with my right foot. PHYSIO: I think you need orthotics.... not great!!


So I've been left quite frustrated that I haven't been able to get any type of diagnosis so far. I've been off the road about 3 weeks now.

What all of that in mind I guess I'm looking for someone who has experience in running injuries and is sympathetic to the fact that I want to get back on the road (safely) as soon as I can.


Not sure if I should be seeing another GP or another Physio... and I've also learned that a physical therapist is another option. But not sure the difference?? VHI swiftcare might also be an option if I really get desperate.

I work in in Dublin City but live Southside so any recommendations or advice would be really appreciated.


Cheers


SS

menoscemo

Sounds like you went to see a dodgy Physio tbh, and a GP is never the place to go with a sports injury.

You say you are in Dublin South? Go and see Ciaran Fitzpatrick in Ballinteer. His details are here. He specialises in running and a lot of people on here have highly recommended him in the past. I have been to him with several foot injuries and he always diagnoses/fixes the problem asap.

secondspring

menoscemo wrote: »

Sounds like you went to see a dodgy Physio tbh, and a GP is never the place to go with a sports injury.

You say you are in Dublin South? Go and see Ciaran Fitzpatrick in Ballinteer. His details are here. He specialises in running and a lot of people on here have highly recommended him in the past. I have been to him with several foot injuries and he always diagnoses/fixes the problem asap.

The physio was part of a larger well known company with a few branches around Dublin. As I said it was my first time going to a physio and went to them as they were close to work and had a recommendation off a friend. Though not for a sports injury.


With regards to Ciaran, does he deal with less experienced runners? I've seen his name come up before and he has quite the client list... I don't want to be wasting anyone's time with my lack of experience!!


Cheers

SS

menoscemo

secondspring wrote: »

The physio was part of a larger well known company with a few branches around Dublin. As I said it was my first time going to a physio and went to them as they were close to work and had a recommendation off a friend. Though not for a sports injury.


With regards to Ciaran, does he deal with less experienced runners? I've seen his name come up before and he has quite the client list... I don't want to be wasting anyone's time with my lack of experience!!


Cheers

SS

If you are carrying an injury and want it fixed, he's the man to go to. Your level of running experience is irrelevant.

ecoli

secondspring wrote: »

The physio was part of a larger well known company with a few branches around Dublin. As I said it was my first time going to a physio and went to them as they were close to work and had a recommendation off a friend. Though not for a sports injury.


With regards to Ciaran, does he deal with less experienced runners? I've seen his name come up before and he has quite the client list... I don't want to be wasting anyone's time with my lack of experience!!


Cheers

SS

Your running experience doesn't matter in terms of injuries as they can be gotten from beginners to elite. Some physio's can be very gun ho with orthotics. I know some physio's are even texting their client list promoting orthotics without any diagnosis so you are right to get a second opinion

rom

Find a GP that is specialized in sports injury's. At he/she will refer you to the correct person. I am on my 4th GP in as many years and will be sticking with this one as he specializes in sport injuries. My last GP send me for cortisone shots when all I needed was a good physio that fixed the root of the problem and not just the symtoms.

To be honest you may need to go to a few different people before you get it sorted. You need to be talking to someone who is seeing your problem every week, not every 6 months.

Tom Joad

I avoid GP's when it comes to running/sports injuries as in my experience their reaction is well stop running if you are getting injuries etc and that's fair enough that's where a GP is coming from - you come in with an injury that caused/ aggravated by running then stop running and you will be better. Whereas a good sports physio understands that you enjoy your sport and will try to give you solutions that mean you can continue to train.

2Scoops

+1 to avoiding GPs wrt sports injuries. Even if they can diagnose it, they can't treat it. 60 euro wasted. And as for your one telling you to stop running - I honestly cringed.

RacoonQueen

Your experience doesn't surprise me with the company I'm assuming you went to from your description. Horrible place...

Did either the physio or the doctor even give you a proper examination?

rom

I was talking to a fellow runner recently that had an injury. He went to his GP and explained the problem. The GP looked at him puzzled on how it was caused as he was unfamiliar with the injury. Then he google the symptoms in front of him and they when he found nothing he said he didn't know and told him he should rest for a few weeks. Classic.

If a plumber came out and said he didn't know what was wrong or how to fix the problem I wouldn't pay him as he didn't do anything. His lack of knowledge is not my problem but we still have to pay a doctor when this happens ?

menoscemo

rom wrote: »

I was talking to a fellow runner recently that had an injury. He went to his GP and explained the problem. The GP looked at him puzzled on how it was caused as he was unfamiliar with the injury. Then he google the symptoms in front of him and they when he found nothing he said he didn't know and told him he should rest for a few weeks. Classic.

If a plumber came out and said he didn't know what was wrong or how to fix the problem I wouldn't pay him as he didn't do anything. His lack of knowledge is not my problem but we still have to pay a doctor when this happens ?

I went to my GP last week for a running related stomach issue. He also googled the symptoms right in front of me and started suggesting electrolyte drinks :rolleyes: When i told him i knew about hydration, electrolytes etc, he said 'you know more than me so' and said he couldn't really help me.

Still charged me €50 though. Never Again.

secondspring

Thanks for all the replies everyone


Yeah I was pretty shocked at my GP's response as she's been really good with other things over the years. The least she could of done was tell me to go and see someone more specialised.

As for the Physio, it serves me right for not doing some homework before I went to see someone... I'm usually better with stuff like that but... you're on your lunch hour...its across 2 mins away etc etc. Always an excuse! I did have an examination, but when I asked the physio what part of the foot might be causing the problem, it was clear that they didn't know.

I've booked myself in with Ciaran for later on in the week so hopefully I can get to the bottom of whats going on and get on the road to recovery. This is the first time I've had an injury through running and I can't get over how frustrating it is.... One step forward two steps back. Patience is not my strong point!!

RobFowl

For sports injuries if you are going to see a GP ask frirst if they have any training in sports medicine. (there is next to no sports medicine training on the standard GP training program's).

Id they have the qualification FFSEM, MFSEM (fellow or member of the faculty of sports and exercise medicine) or Diploma in Sports medicine or musculoskeletal medicine they they should be ok.

Best to ask first and the GP's receptionist should be able to tell you.

The only other thing is that a lot of sports medicine can be quite sport specific. A good GP for swimmers may not be that experienced with runners and vice versa.

HelenAnne

I'd really recommend Aidan Woods at Pearse Street Physio http://www.pearsestreetphysio.com/index.asp -- I was going to him about once a month for the last few months getting a knee injury sorted out. He really worked me hard (well, hard for me!) but I am now cured & delighted with my functioning knees. I know he has lots of elite sporting types on his books, but I am very much a beginner and he took just as much time with my problem as with anyone else's. I thought he was really, really god. And he's in the south inner city, so the location might suit you.

CaptainPendulum

secondspring wrote: »

The physio was part of a larger well known company with a few branches around Dublin. As I said it was my first time going to a physio and went to them as they were close to work and had a recommendation off a friend. Though not for a sports injury.

My wife is a physio and I know from conversations that orthotics can make a big difference especially with running. However, they are usually prescribed during or after sessions with the phyio. My wife has detailed knowledge of orthotics and specialised in this for years. However, they are becomming IMO a bit trendy and not all physios are trained in prescribing them. In any case, the physio company you went to, if it is the same one I am thinking about, seem to have a turnover of physios and the quality can be a bit hit and mix. Better to get a recommendation for a specific physio as others here have provided. As I have declared my interest I will not provide my wife's details (we are not Dublin based in any case). Good luck!

robroy1234

The use of orthotics and certain shoes such as motion control shoes do more damage to one's feet and legs, and increase the propensity for injury and further problems in the future.
Certain running shoe companies market and sell all sorts of shoes that provide such items as protection, motion control, arch support, cushioning etc., most of which are unnecessary and counterproductive. More the gimmicks and extras that are added to the shoes, the greater the profit margins they can extract. Therefore a need must be created even though people do not actually require them. Now, we have the extensive use of orthotics, which have created a greater number of problems and injuries. Injuries such as Anterior Tibia Syndrome, shin splints, stress fractures and Plantar Fascia have gotten worse over the period of time as the natural movement of the foot is compromised and forced out of position. The majority of runners only require a light weight, neutral running shoe, with an adequate amount of cushioning. Too much cushioning can actually make the shoe too heavy and that increases the level of shock impacting the feet and legs. Orthotics put too great a pressure by replacing the work normally done by the plantar fascia, if there is no problem with the plantar fascia the orthotic would put undue pressure and forces the foot outwards, this also weakens the plantar fascia thus exacerbate the problem. The solution therefore for weak or collapsed arches is pretty simple and that this barefoot jogging on well mowed grass, or soft surfaces. Also exercises such as picking up marbles with the toes and barefoot toe-towel crunches. Simple, inexpensive, light weight, well-fitting shoes with simple and easy exercises are all that one needs instead of expensive, heavy, shoes and orthotics that are unnecessary.
Here is the link that studies relating to barefoot running as compared to orthotics/specialised running shoes are mentioned http://www.sportsci.org/jour/0103/mw.htm