How qualified are Physios to diagnose problems?

[lizzie145]

I see a chiropractor who is excellent and has relieved my neck pain and now doing my back pain.

My GP said to use ibuprofen gel on a possible lipoma and to use it on a spot on my back !?

I have used a physio in the past, privately (sports physio) and on the NHS ( very senior ) and both were very good but you often just get a basic physio who doesn't have the experience to diagnose.

[bluedave]

Originally Posted by sam_b

I’m not a physio, but I view chiropractors and osteopaths as verging on quackery, and akin to homeopaths...
Manipulation has been shown to be often a placebo effect and sometimes is downright dangerous (can cause stokes when performed on upper vertebrae). Personally,I would not go to a chiropractor.

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Anyone can be called an osteopath and they have a reputation as quacks but I’ve never know anyone take that view of chiropractor. They have to be registered and the nhs does use them ( not every area of the U.K. though).

I have no personal connection to a chiropractor so not trying to ‘big’ them up as such but we as a family have been failed countless times by physios. Maybe we’re unlucky in the area we live in but other than one injury 10 years ago or so they’ve not alleviated any of our issues ( as a family we've had a fair few sports injuries). The chiropractor has sorted them.
The OP may get help from her daughter for her daughters pain but there’s is no way on earth I would put complete trust in a physio - if there’s no improvement I would want an MRI.

Each to their own though!

[MEZZA]

I’m being treated by the orthopaedic hospital in Birmingham for spondylithesis not seen a Dr yet - more than happy with my physio - he’s done spinal injections etc now recommending I have surgery I am more than confident in his abilities

[Mr Tom Morrow]

I think we all have our favourites be it a Physio or a Chiro.

My Wife sees a Physio privately and I see a Chiro so even in our house we have different favourites!

What did hearten me was when my Wife need a shoulder operation both recommended the same Surgeon. Following on from that she needs a hip replacement and again both recommended the same Surgeon again. (not the same one I hasten to add).

Personally we have faith in both professions.

[married2mm]

Originally Posted by Labboy

Tbh I would trust a professional like a physio every time , more than I would a doctor.

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I could not agree more with this statement.

In simple terms I like the physio I’ve been seeing; he’s really nice
The consultant I do not care for at all; she’s nasty.


The differences in their bedside manner, thoughtfulness, assistance generally is like chalk & cheese.
Sadly though, the physio can only do so much & the consultant won’t do anything else -
In fact at my last appointment she wanted to discharge me; even though my symptoms had worsened since we first met!