Misguided Patient mansplains misguided diagnosis

Recently graduated Physiotherapist, Emma, 24, was subjected to an unprovoked and thorough mansplaining from a heavily biomedicalised Patient with a long-standing back pain problem. A reliable source for The Good Health Tribune indicated that the Patient spent 34 minutes of the 45 minute consultation explaining in fine detail the precise cause of his problem and the exact treatment required to permanently resolve it until his next appointment in two weeks.

“I want to say from the outset that I’m not happy that you’re my new Physio,” said the 74 year old Patient and self-described expert on most things. “How long have you been a Physio for, Darlin’? My last Physio, Pete, was very experienced. He knew exactly what I needed him to do for me”.

Our source revealed that since the Patient first suffered back pain lifting a heavily leaded pencil three years ago, he had been expertly managed by “Pete”, who skillfully manipulated his spine on a weekly basis. Much to the Patient’s dismay, Pete had recently moved overseas to take up a position in London, resulting in his care being shifted to Emma.

“I’m not surprised that Pete’s moved onto greener pastures. He was too good for this place. But such is life, you’ll have to do for now Emily”, said the Patient to Emma. “Look, I can tell you’re young and new to the game and probably a little bit too female to know what you’re doing… so I’ll help you out ok. I’ve got a chronically unstable right L4/5 facet joint. It tends to get stuck into extension, left rotation and left side-flexion. So I need to get it manipulated whenever it gets painful… and then I need to make sure I maintain good posture and keep my core switched on at all times, especially when I’m lifting or bending, which I don’t allow myself to do.

So hop to it lassie… less yackin’ more crackin’. eh. And once you’re done, I’ll show you the exercises that you need to show me, and I’ll let you know if you’re telling me how to do them the right way”.