A number of reasons, the following genuine case studies highlight the reasons why more and more people seek help out their Independent Physiotherapist. Early treatment frequently means a quicker recovery with less time off work or less time in acute pain. Independent physio- therapists work in your community. There are over 2700 in the UK and they pride themselves in seeing patients at the earliest opportunity at a time that will fit in with the patient's lifestyle, perhaps 7.00 in the morning before the patient goes to work or 8.00 at night when they return after a day's work. Although the physiotherapist works closely with the GP, and will keep them advised of treatment undertaken, there is no need for a patient to see the GP first.
Most patients simply contact the physiotherapist directly.
Case study Roy is a self-employed builder whose hobby is fishing. His income is dependent on personal recommendations and the ability to fulfil his contracts on time. His work involves heavy lifting and with business under pressure, he cannot afford to be off work. Roy is used to a degree of back pain as a consequence of his work but it was with horror that he lifted some heavy planks of wood one day and experienced very acute pain in his low back which left him almost unable to move. He managed to get home and hoped that with a night's rest he would be better.