Some weeks ago, I injured my right knee and although it improved a bit, it is quite painful at times. Time to look for a physiotherapist. None locally, but I could self refer to the NHS for treatment.
Not that easy. I downloaded the necessary form which was not compatible with my laptop, so I had to use my wife's tablet - which has a smallish screen. The form was like a complete medical history. This was only the first hurdle and it could have taken months before receiving any treatment.
Then I found a newly established physio in the local town. Short waiting time and high tech diagnostic and treatment options. OK, it will cost a packet, but if it works, it will be worth it.
What annoys me is that I have little choice, wait possibly 4 or 5 months for the NHS and accept their schedule, or pay and have the work done when it suits.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
I know what you mean. I am having this with hearing aids. NHS services were provided locally by a charity organisation. They recently closed down and the service has passed to Specsavers.
I was in the situation where my aids were getting on in years and playing up. In fact hardly worth wearing. Phone call to Specsavers, spoke to someone clearly not interested, but did give me an appointment some months away. I have now visited a local, private business and currently testing a pair of private aids. Next week I go back to finalize the purchase, subject to some changes. I must say, this is the best hearing I have known for some years, so never mind the cost, I will spend cash and have the benefits.
Everyone I know that has had cataract surgery, has had to go private (4,5 people?). By the time they might have got to the top of the NHS queue, they would not legally have been able to drive. The only person who was fast tracked is diabetic & the optician has to see the eye properly to check for related problems.
As for the knee: there are so many scenarios for such a complex joint. In my own experience, physio made no difference because the ligament was seriously disrupted & the cartilage torn off. Manipulation or heat etc would have had no effect, I just had to sit it out while it healed & have arthroscopy to remove all the debris, then eventually build the protective muscles back up.
In my sister’s experience in NZ, by diligently doing the daily exercises set by the physio, she has regained mobility & has less pain. This means that every year, she & the consultant (no NHS there) decide not to replace the knee joint yet.
Once you are aging it really is a bonus if you have funds to pay for any none urgent surgery.
My dad had a new hip, luckily just before covid. Seen and sorted inside a few months, NHS, but a private orthopaedic surgery. He now has some issues with his other leg, but no major issues with the hip, suspect it is knee related. He has been told 12-24 months waiting list.
Similarly sister"s father in law fell just after Christmas and dislocated his shoulder. He is still in severe pain, can't drive. His physio appointment was ten minutes and a leaflet.
I've told them both to pay for an MRI and get some answers.
Someone at our rugby club's son suffered ACL rupture, they looked at private and in UK it was £11,000. They are off to Belgium - €2,500 for the same job.
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Topic: High tech knee treatment
via mobile 06/3/2026 at 3:55pm
