"Physiotherapy Assessment at Upper Limb Clinic"

I took my 94 year old dad to see an NHS advanced physiotherapist following a referral from his GP about an issue with his right hand.  The appointment lasted less than 5 minutes, despite an empty waiting room, and there was no discussion about his chronic health issues or his current medication.  I told the physiotherapist he lived alone with support provided by family.

The physiotherapist diagnosed Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and said the usual treatment was surgery.  I told her Dad’s health issues prevented him from having surgery and asked her about non-surgical treatments.  The physiotherapist advised Dad to splint his arm at night by wrapping it in a towel and securing it with elastic bands.  When I mentioned his chronic eczema, the physiotherapist said he should put the splint over his pyjamas.  

At 94 and living alone, Dad could not wrap and secure a towel on his arm by himself and it would also be impractical as he urinates several times during the night due to an enlarged prostate.  However, as previously mentioned, there was no discussion about Dad’s chronic health issues or his current medication.  No exercises, further investigation or more suitable splints were offered. 

The assessment felt rushed and didn’t take Dad’s health issues and physical limitations into account and the treatment offered was impractical and inappropriate.  Dad’s GP later told me she would not want him putting elastic bands on his arms.  The physiotherapist had no bedside manner and was prickly when I asked a question.  The care was not patient centred.