So, Sally, you've been referred to me by your GP, and I've got your notes here. First of all, though, I'd like to hear from you. What's brought you here today? Could you tell me how your problems began, what treatments you've had and anything else you think I may need to know?
Well, it all started about . I began to notice a pain in my arm and it's gradually got worse. It's a horrible type of pain, a sort of tingling, like pins and needles going all the way down my right forearm from the elbow. It's the inside part that's particularly bad and it occasionally affects , too. Anyway, I've had to come and see you because it's got to the point where I can't work. I cycle for a living. I'm a delivery cyclist. And last weekend I noticed I was finding it hard to use the . And when I turn corners, it's agony. I just can't seem to things properly. It's having quite a big impact on my life. I mean, all of the hundreds of little jobs I do every day that I never used to think about now seem almost impossible. This morning I had to ask my son to tie my for me. My wrist feels so weak, it's ruining everything.
I see. So what have you been doing to manage the pain?
Well, I went to see my GP. It must have been about a year ago now. He suggested using and to rest the arm. So that's what I did, and it did work up to a point, but it's gone beyond that now. So then this friend of mine said I should try oil, as it's supposed to be amazing for that kind of pain and it is the best thing I've found so far.
Okay.
But if I know I'm going to be doing a big job and I need my arm and hand to work properly, I take a beforehand. I see.
Now, it says here on your notes that you went to see a chiropractor too. How did that go?
Well, I only went once because it's expensive. He gave me some funny exercises to do. I had to squeeze a like this over and over. And the other thing he did was give me an elastic band and put it round my hand. Then I had to stretch it. Oh, and one more exercise where I had to lift up and down slowly. But it didn't help much, really, to be honest. I stuck to it for about a week and when nothing happened, I gave up because it felt like a .
I see. Is there anything else I need to know about any major illnesses or operations in the past?
Well, I had appendicitis when I was a kid and two years ago I went on a in Spain and somehow I managed to pick up a shoulder injury there, but otherwise nothing major. I've had a few bouts of depression over the past five years or so, like when a long term relationship came to an end. And then when my brother passed away, he had , but I managed to pull round ok, because I'm very . I don't know many other women of my age who are in such good shape. And, of course, I'm not overweight either.
No, you do look very well, Sally.
What really worries me coming here is that it's all going to be a complete waste of time and totally ineffective. I mean, does even work? No offence, but I can't afford any more days off sicken. If the problem's ongoing, you know, like a long term thing, then I'm going to be in trouble. What I really want is .
Well, a lot of people have doubts about physiotherapy, but I can assure you that it's an extremely powerful form of treatment and you will see results if you commit to doing the exercises.
Okay, but it'd be good if we could at least talk about some sort of . My GP said I had to come and see you first. I don't think it'll even come to that.
From what you've been saying, I am confident that we'll be able to handle this with physiotherapy and .
