arnsider wrote: ↑1 Dec 2022, 8:28am
The huge problem for anyone suffering from skeletal issues is the reluctance of GPs to diagnose such.
...
My own experience is that, as you say, GP is not very ready to refer to a physio and long waiting lists ... but ...
But last time I had such need I called my GP practice at a quieter time and reception always asks about the problem (for triage). I said I suspected my problem was more physio than GP and they switched to a questionnaire with 5 questions "Is your problem ...?, Is your ...?". My answers and they categorised my problem as MSK and their practice has a MSK specialist visit half a day each week and they booked me an appointment that week. MSK "specialist" was actually a triage nurse not a physio but they tested my symptoms, said I need to see a physio, went on their computer asked if I prefer travel to <choice of towns> and booked me an appointment for 3 weeks away (all NHS).
It was interesting as I'd self-diagnosed but the "specialist triage" got me to do some weird stuff e.g. hold your hand straight out and lift you 3rd(?) finger and does that hurt?". Once home I Googled the tests she asked me to do and they were diagnostic tests for the condition(s) I'd self diagnosed - so she was knowledgeable and doing diagnostic tests not just checking your need was genuine.
My experience of GP services normally means I'm critical (probably as much limited money to primary healthcare as well as over stretched GP as well as GP focused on non-GP work ...) but I was really shocked by how well and quickly the physio route worked. Very contrary to what others have said and I suspect I managed to get on that "track" by initial call being a quiet time (late pm mid-week) and not "I need to see a GP" but suggesting I see somebody other than a GP.
Ian