"I left feeling very deflated and disheartened"

I'd waited for this appointment for some time. I suffer from chronic pain and recently developed increased pain in my knees and hips.

I must emphasise that I have always had a lot of respect for physiotherapists, and I particularly admire their generally holistic approach. Physiotherapy has proven very helpful for me previously. 

The physiotherapist I was assigned to was very personable and professional. For this reason, I've been reticent to write this review. However, it is important because, ultimately, the appointment was disappointing and a I felt it was a waste of time.

After a quick discussion about my referral, the physiotherapist wanted to focus on one knee. I had to make it clear that the pain I was experiencing is in both knees and both hips. I have radiographic evidence of OA. The physiotherapist checked my range of movement but didn't examine me walking or perform any type of gait/stance examination. There was no discussion about my general health or pain symptoms, and no obvious focus on my general musculoskeletal wellbeing.

I was handed two leaflets; one about hip OA, the other about knee OA. There was no demonstration of exercises or further advice. Then I was handed a walking stick. I had to ask about the height and how to use it. This information was obviously not going to be volunteered. 

I left feeling very deflated and disheartened.