Polite way to tell physiotherapist I want to try PT on my own

[RiderJen]

I have been going to a reputable sports-oriented physiotherapist since last November, first for shoulder pain and now for elbow pain. My shoulder pain (supposedly due to RC tears shown in MRI, and likely impingement) did not respond to PT, it only got worse. After several weeks, the therapist suggested I stop doing the PT until I saw my doctor again (I saw him last week). Meanwhile, my elbow in the same arm (right arm) began hurting, and last week the doctor (a sports ortho shoulder/elbow specialist) said I now have tennis elbow. He wants to treat the elbow before resuming treatment of the shoulder. My first PT for the shoulder was last Friday.

I'm an active woman, age 54, and cannot participate in my favorite regular activities without pain -- cycling, gardening, even walking now aggravates my elbow because of the normal arm-swinging motion. Knitting, another favorite activity, also aggravates it.

While researching these problems I was told about a device called the Thera-Band Flexbar, a simple foam device that can relieve tennis elbow in a short period of time. Someone I know told me he tried it after months of tennis elbow pain, and his pain was gone after a week.

I also learned about the book Fixing You: Shoulder and Elbow Pain while visiting these forums.

I would like to try the above resources on my own to see if they work. If my shoulder problem is contributing to my elbow, and the shoulder is not healing after several weeks of PT for that, then I am not encouraged that my elbow will heal with similar PT.

My question: How can I politely tell my physiotherapist that I would like to try these on my own, and if they don't work then I will return to formal PT? I am considering sending him the links, and saying that if I do need PT for my shoulder then I want to reserve all the PT sessions allotted by my insurance company for rehab following surgery. I don't want to return to him red-faced IF my plan doesn't work, but I feel reasonably confident they will.

I know I am free to make my own choice but I don't want to offend my physiotherapist who seems to know what he is doing --- yet, at the same time, I wonder.... there are other resources that may work for me.

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[ophqui]

stop turning up to appointments? He should get the message

[Musculoman]

Be honest? If a client said exactly what you typed to me, I would politely respect their decision and wish them the best, advising them to contact me if they have any questions or concerns while performing their own rehab.

I know it is difficult but beating around the bush or making something up will likely causing both parties problems. Do NOT just not turn up to sessions!!!!! What an ignorant comment, a practitioners time is valuable, and often other clients who want treatment can take that treatment slot.

Once again, just be honest, he shouldn't be angry or offended.

[RiderJen]

I would never just not turn up to my appointments -- I have a relationship with them and that would be incredibly rude. That's not a good way to convey a message.

I spoke with my physiotherapist who agreed to help me with a new set of exercises which I have already begun.

[Fyzzio]

Hi,
generally and theoretically, it's quite an easy step. You need to consent to any treatment that you receive. Therefore, if you don't consent - no treatment. The Physiotherapy treatment is an option - the most recommended one, but still only an option. You do not have to do it.

In practice, it's a bit harder, because of the human connection and trying to keep your options open.
I would recommend that you tell your Physio and Specialist (he also needs to know) that you have decided to not go along with the recommended plan of action. You do not have to justify your decision, but it might keep communication patyhways open.

As Physios, we know that patient motivation is the key to any success. So if there is no buy-in on your side, success will be much harder to achieve. It is up to the Physiotherapist to educate you about benefits of their treatment and what the consequences of non-attendance could be.

The internet has allowed patients to research medical treatment on their own over the last few years, with more or less success. The step away from traditional medicine, whether eastern or western, is possible.

It is up to you what you decide, but please ensure that you undertake a truly informed choice.

Regards,
Fyzzio