Like quite a few people I was not automatically offered physio on discharge from the hospital (much to my surprise). Just a booklet which isn't particularly good.
Despite seeing my GP at 8 weeks, and mentioning that I was having some difficulties, nothing was said about receiving physio.
So, imagine my surprise, when on a recent subsequent GP visit, I found out that I could 'self refer' (or in common English - request) physiotherapy. I duly completed the online form (not difficult, just some fairly ambiguous questions) and started my physiotherapy on Monday.
As I'm now nearly 18 week post op, I'm somewhat miffed that I wasn't made aware of this 'self referral' system. I could have been receiving needed physio weeks ago!!
So, if you weren't offered physio, it might be worth investigating to see if your Health Authority is offering it on a 'self referral' basis.
Maureen that is what happened to me, they were not particularly interested in giving me physio as soon as possible, I had to request in, but was delayed due to my knee issue. unreal I know. Seems like they do these replacement as quick as possible and discharge you with no after care. Have to go back to GP for help, very sad in deed/
It surprises me how variable the provision of physio can be. I was booked in for physio as soon as my hip was done. So far I have had four half hour sessions. On Wednesday I started a six week hospital gym course, to improve strength and stamina.
I am now nine weeks post thr and have ten physio sessions. If I still have issues at the end of the gym course, I have been told I will be booked in for more.
This seems to be the standard approach at my local NHS trust. I haven't had to make use of anything from my health insurance.
Wow that's crazy. As soon as the drugs wore off after surgery, the PT person was there to get me moving. I know that if I don't move around every now and again, I stiffen. This was the case as I had back surgery (fusion of the last 3 vertebrae) and had a different surgeon for that who did not want me to have PT until 6 weeks post. I disobeyed and did the exercises taught to me just so I didn't regress.
Hi Motaung Oh yes I had PT whilst I was in hospital - twice a day in fact. My issue is that once I was discharged I received nothing. I was just issued with a booklet which had pictures and descriptions showing the exercises.
Not much help really, especially as I found out (eventually) that I was actually not doing all the exercises correctly!
so interesting ... I remember working at a Home health Care Office in Los Angeles and PT was included for 6 weeks in home ..
I live in Holland since 2014 and was asked at pre-op which physical therapy I was going to use after surgery ... I do have a supplement to my basic health insurance though because I was told I would need more than the 6 that is included ...
I'm getting on ok. My operated leg is surprisingly weak (it wasn't pre op) and I find that really frustrating.
Also, being self employed, I had to go back to work very quickly and I have found it difficult getting into a exercise routine - mainly because every day is different (which is good normally, but a bit difficult for routines).
Oh well, I suppose I'll just have to work out a way......
I was the same as you. Exercises to do at home, then a 6 week appointment with the physio, who then discharged me because I was doing fine. To be fair, she might have offered me some more physiotherapy, but I wasn't fussed.
The self referral system is ok, I used that when my hip was first sore, when I was trying to delay my hip op, and it was good. Hope all goes well for you.
Just another example of poor communication by medical professionals.They are overwhelmed and we all suffer the consequences.The PT will still be helpful but would have been better before