“I really didn’t expect virtual physiotherapy would work so well, but for me it was the perfect intervention. It was really efficient, really effective, and I saw a big improvement almost immediately.”
When Alan, 52, started having problems with his knee, he thought he needed to see a physiotherapist. He was slightly skeptical when he was given a virtual appointment through his Equipsme plan, but found the service so effective that he was back and up and running, literally, in just a few weeks.
Alan explains: “I only started running a couple of years ago, but I go about twice a week now. I started to notice my knee was aching, especially when I was going downhill. Soon it was clicking on the stairs too, and then whenever I got out of a chair. I thought I better get it sorted out before it got any worse.
“I didn’t think my knee was a problem for a GP – I knew I needed to see a physiotherapist. I also knew I had sessions included in my Equipsme plan, so I gave them a ring. They suggested the Virtual Lucy service from AXA Health as a first port of call.
“Honestly, I thought it would be a sort of triage process and I’d end up seeing someone in person. But actually, it was really efficient and really effective.
Virtual consultation
“There were a few forms to fill in and then I had an initial video consultation that was around 20 minutes long. The physiotherapist was brilliant. I showed her what was happening and when, and she got me to do a couple of maneuvers so she could see what I was talking about.
“While we were chatting I also had a bit of a lightbulb moment. I realised that as I was sat there at the computer I was crossing my knees and leaning forwards – putting pressure on the bad knee. And my sleeping position probably wasn’t helping either.
“The physiotherapist suggested I change those habits, talked about how to sit and stand up better, showed me how to properly use the velcro knee brace I had, and gave me advice about running - including avoiding hills and warming up and down thoroughly. She also gave me some exercises to do to strengthen the muscles around the knee, and a timetable for how often I should be doing them. So there was this whole plan of action. I have to say I was really impressed – and I was even more impressed with the progress I made.
Quick improvement
“I saw a big improvement in my knee almost immediately. And by the time I had a follow-up session just a few weeks later, I was barely feeling it anymore. Running was easier, and I wasn’t creaking out of a chair like an old man.
“I really didn’t expect virtual physiotherapy would work so well, but for me it was the perfect intervention. Frankly, it’s probably saved us all a bit of time and money, which has to be a good thing!
“Clearly for some physio issues you’re going to need someone to do physical manipulation or massage or something in person. But for so much of it, what you’re going to get anyway is a set of exercises to take and do at home consistently.
“How much easier is it to get those exercises in a spare 20 mintues from home, rather than taking time off, going into town, sitting in a waiting room, and all the rest of it? I’d definitely say to people to give virtual physio a fair chance. With Equipsme you can always go and see someone in person if you need to, but I’ve managed to keep the powder dry on those sessions, so they’re still there if and when something else goes wrong. Which let’s face it, will happen, because I’m not getting any younger!
Value for money
“I’ve worked in insurance for many years, and I’ve always had private medical insurance through BUPA or AXA Health or someone. I’ve used it every now and again when I’ve needed to, and I know exactly how valuable it is.
“When I set up my own business I realised I didn’t want to be without it – but there’s no getting around the fact PMI is bloody expensive. I’d weighed-up cash plans as an alternative for us - but they didn’t do quite enough. So when I heard about Equipsme it seemed like the perfect solution and the perfect balance.
“You’re getting all of the main benefits of PMI, minus the cancer treatment and psychiatric care. And those are elements I’m actually happy to lose in order to have the rest at such a cost-effective price point.
“I very much buy into the fact that with cancer it’s the early diagnosis that’s so crucial, and after that you’re just as well off - or even better off - with the NHS. The fact is that doctors have private and NHS lists and can often just move you over.
“I’d also say that given the value of everything that included, paying the £150 excess a year is nothing. Especially when you think how much you’d pay for your own physio, or how much even basic diagnostic tests cost - literally thousands of pounds.
“I suppose Equipsme makes sense to me because I think health insurance is such a great way to take control and ownership of your own health. If something goes wrong, it’s there to get it put right quickly. Why wait if you don’t have to? You pay to service your car every year, so why wouldn’t you invest in repairs and maintenance for your body?”
