1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Backache

Advice on finding a reputable therapist

Posted , 4 users are following.

gooner_47
gooner_47

I have back pain that I believe may be caused by poor posture. I would like to think this could be resolved by stretching and exercises to improve my core strength, but I obviously need a professional opinion to give me a proper diagnosis and advise which exercises I should do.

I am extremely reluctant to visit a chiropractor, I don't like the idea of my back being cracked around at all.

Having investigated other alternatives, musculoskeletal therapy sounds like just the type of thing I'm looking for.

The problem is, I don't quite know where to start in order to find a reputable, well recommended therapist. Are there any resources that provide reviews of such professionals? Similar to a service like trustpilot?

I see that msk services are also available via the NHS, is it unfair to assume I would get better treatment by going private? I am more than willing to pay for quality to get this put right.

Cheers,

Luke

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • gooner_47
    gooner_47

    Posted

    So now I'm reading elsewhere that whether you go NHS or private, you'll basically be seeing the same person. Is that correct?
    • gooner_47
      gooner_47 derek76

      Posted

      Alexander technique sounds interesting, but perhaps too gentle. I'd rather fix what I'm sure is something wrong with me first using exercise or other means, then educate myself on the correct way to avoid it happening again using that technique.

      This may be a stupid question, but is a musculoskeletal therapist the same as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist?

      Would this be a good place to start: https://macpweb.org/home/ or should I go to Bupa? I'm completely lost, and worried whoever I end up seeing won't really know what they're doing and could just make things worse.

    • derek76
      derek76 gooner_47

      Posted

      I take it that you have not consulted your GP about this. He/she would be able to advise on what is available in your area.

      My wife went to a  chiropractor who did an assessment on her condition and sent her for a back X-Ray before doing much. In the end his treatment did not help. I've recently had five sessions with an osteopath. She only helped to a degree in that my joints were looser but it did nothing for the numbness that starts in my feet when walking, She decided that she was not helping enough to be of benefit to me.

      I'm convinced that my problem is from my lower back and had a lumbar CT scan before privately seeing a neurosurgeon as an NHS appointment with him was far in the future.

      He said in his opinion it is not from my lower back and wants a whole spine MRI scan and possibly a pelvic scan as well. I conclude that no matter who you see back problems are difficult to diagnose.

      Like you my problem is probably from years of bad posture and working with computers. I seem to like a YouTube video on the back have ‘perfected the art of slouching’.

    • gooner_47
      gooner_47 derek76

      Posted

      I did go to the GP, he didn't actually recommend anyone but just said to visit a chiropractor. I didn't question him further at the time, as I had a couple of chiropractors in mind who had been recommended by friends and colleagues.

      However, having thought about it since (this was a few months ago now), despite recommendations of friends, I am still very reluctant to undergo manipulation therapy by a chiro to attempt to resolve this. I would much prefer to treat this using stretches and strengthening exercises first - if at all possible - hence wanting to find a musculoskeletal therapist.

  • alpine
    alpine gooner_47

    Posted

    Hello Gooner

    Have you considered yoga ? It helped me get rid of sciatica. Should have kept up the yoga. For more than three years I've been going to aquafi where I can exercise without putting any weight on my feet. This week I'm seeing a pain cliinic specialist as an MRI shows I have spinal stenosis. As for chiropractors, they can help for some problems but not all back issues. My friend benifitted from injections at the pain clinic but my problem may  be different, we shall see.  I wish you well in  your effort to overcome pain. Alpine

  • annie77
    annie77 gooner_47

    Posted

    If you go private you will be seen sooner & will probably have a longer appointment but that is not to say you will get better treatment. All private physios have at one time been NHS physios and many split their time between both. There are pros and cons of both. I would also recommend Pilates which most of my physio colleagues also recommend.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.