Physiotherapy

Back when I originally dislocated my kneecap, I was referred to the local physiotherapist to aid in the healing process. The physio I saw was an older lady and was perfectly nice and seemed to know what she was doing. She taped my foot to provide support, told me I needed a knee brace and should see a podiatrist for orthotics. Then she told me to do this very specific muscle tightening exercise where it was difficult to be sure I was doing the right thing. I followed her instructions and eventually my knee did get better. I’m not totally sure it wasn’t just due to the passing of time and the healing of the muscles or a combination of the two.

Since then, the problem has recurred from time to time and I have procrastinated about going back to the physio. After the current flare which doesn’t seem to have any specific cause, I finally got around to making an appointment and saw somebody today. The previous physio must have retired as the practice now has three young practitioners.

The practice had changed to a new computer system and it seems they didn’t get my old notes so there was no information on my previous visit. The physio today took a new history then had me lie on the table for examination. Then she suggested that we first try some dry needling, which seems to be a form of acupuncture. I was rather surprised at this since there isn’t scientific evidence of its efficacy. It wasn’t going to incur an extra charge so I thought I would go with the flow and see what it was all about. Three needles were used and placed in muscles in my thigh. The first one I hardly felt but the second one made me jump and the third was much like the first. Except that I was anticipating more that time and was probably a bit tenser than before. The needles only stayed there for a couple minutes and that was the end of that. I was told I might feel a bit sore there for a few hours but that didn’t happen and I haven’t noticed any effects. I think it was supposed to relax the muscles.

Then she had me try some exercises that she wants me to practice twice daily for the next three weeks. Unlike the one I was asked to do before, this one  made sure I was working the correct muscles and was easy to do. She then had me do a variation on the exercise and that was pretty much the end of the consultation. I am booked for another appointment in three weeks to see how I am going and to check how my knee is functioning. Also she doesn’t want me to wear a knee brace as it doesn’t let the muscles strengthen enough to function properly. Aside from the dry needling, I was pretty satisfied with the consultation and felt confident with the program prescribed.

I am now wondering if the previous one was a bit old school and possibly not up to date on current practice, especially as she was nearing what I assume was retirement age. I think she stopped practicing a couple years ago. It was quite a different experience from the first visit, considering this is the same problem.