I was recently in conversation with a fellow professional in regards to with whom a prospective patient should consult based on the location of their pain. The fellow professional believed that in every case where the pain was, directed the patient as to whom they should consult.
However, being a professional with a specialism in musculoskeletal conditions, and a training that enables me to diagnose all musculoskeletal conditions and to treat the vast majority, it allows one to appraise the origin to be in a different place to the location of the pain.
For example, a podiatrist has a specialised knowledge of conditions that effect the feet and experience in how to treat the feet appropriately. In addition, they have a generalised knowledge of other aspects of the musculoskeletal system that appertains to the feet. An understanding of gait for instance. However, they do not have the detailed knowledge of the whole musculoskeletal system as a chiropractor.
In a recent situation a question was asked in regards to heel pain. Although heel pain is in the foot, and ostensibly may be addressed by a podiatrist, pain in such a location does not make a podiatrist necessarily the first port of call and definitely not the only port of call. The overall knowledge that the additional 60% longer in training afforded to a chiropractor, over a podiatrist, allows a number of other possible diagnoses to be considered than specifically issues with the foot.
In this particular case the patient referred to us at the chiropractic clinic. We were able to take a very general history of the day to day activity of the patient, as well as a detail examination of the patient’s lower back. pelvis and lower limbs, including the feet, with particular emphasis on the muscles within the legs. The resultant being that we were able to provide the patient with a number of working diagnoses and an appropriate treatment plan. Returning after one treatment the patient reported being 50% better than prior to the treatment of a condition that had been painful for a few months. Advice and exercises were given after the second treatment and with continued management, this patient will improve and we believe maintain this improvement over the next few weeks and months.
The treatment has allowed the patient a greater degree of confidence and reassurance to continue to do the sporting activities that they wish to undertake.
Confirmation therefore, that it is not always the best policy to refer to the clinician who only focuses on one area of the body, in order to facilitate a positive outcome to their symptoms.
