PATIENT PA — MADE-UP EXAMPLE ONLY Not medical advice. AI summaries and transcripts may contain mistakes. Stiff knee and getting back to walking — 2 October 2026 SUMMARY What you talked about Your knee has been stiff for several weeks, especially when you first get up. You want to feel more comfortable walking to the shops and spending time in the garden. What the doctor said The doctor examined your knee and discussed getting advice from a physiotherapist. The physiotherapist can help you find movements and exercises that suit you. You do not need to remember an exercise routine from this appointment. What was agreed - The doctor will send a physiotherapy referral. The team will contact you to arrange an appointment. - If you haven’t heard from the physiotherapy team after two weeks, call the GP practice to check the referral. - Book a review with the doctor in about six weeks. Make a note of what has improved and what is still difficult. - Contact the practice sooner if things get worse or you are worried. Questions for the physiotherapist - What would help me get back to my usual walks? - Is there a more comfortable way to kneel or work in the garden? TRANSCRIPT 00:00 Doctor: Good morning. What would you like us to talk about today? 00:08 Patient: It’s my knee. It isn’t stopping me doing everything, but it feels stiff and I’ve started thinking twice about going for my usual walk. 00:25 Doctor: Tell me a bit more about the stiffness. When do you notice it most? 00:34 Patient: First thing in the morning, and when I get up after sitting for a while. Once I’m moving it feels a bit easier. The walk to the shops is all right, but I don’t always feel like walking home again. 00:57 Doctor: And how long has that been happening? 01:03 Patient: A few weeks. I can’t give you the exact day. I noticed it when I was out in the garden, getting up from the little stool I use. 01:20 Doctor: Was there a particular fall or twist, or did it come on gradually? 01:28 Patient: Gradually, I think. I haven’t fallen. I’ve just been doing less because I don’t want to make it uncomfortable. 01:42 Doctor: What would you most like to be able to do more comfortably? 01:49 Patient: My walks, really. I meet a friend on Fridays and we walk round the park. And I’d like to get back to pottering in the garden without thinking about my knee all the time. 02:12 Doctor: Those are useful things to aim for. I’d like to examine your knee now, if that’s all right. Afterwards we can talk through a plan. 02:23 Patient: Yes, that’s fine. Will I need to take my shoes off? 02:30 Doctor: Yes, please. Take your time getting onto the couch. I’ll ask you to bend and straighten your leg and tell me what feels uncomfortable. 03:24 Doctor: Thank you. You can put your shoes back on and sit down again. We’ve talked about when it feels stiff, and I’ve checked how your knee moves. I think some advice from a physiotherapist would be a useful next step. 03:45 Patient: Is that somebody I have to find myself, or do you arrange it? 03:54 Doctor: I’ll send a referral from here. The physiotherapy team will contact you to arrange an appointment. They can talk about your usual walks and gardening, and help you find movements and exercises that suit you. 04:16 Patient: I’m not very good at remembering exercises. Last time I was given a sheet, I put it somewhere safe and then couldn’t find it. 04:28 Doctor: You can tell the physiotherapist that. Ask them to write down the plan in a way that works for you. You don’t need to remember an exercise routine from today; this appointment is about agreeing the next step. 04:47 Patient: That’s a relief. How will I know when the appointment is? 04:55 Doctor: The team will contact you with the details. If you haven’t heard from them after two weeks, call this practice and ask us to check the referral. 05:12 Patient: Two weeks before I ring you. Right. And should I come back to see you as well? 05:22 Doctor: Yes. Let’s review things in about six weeks. You can book that with reception. Before then, make a few notes about what feels easier and what is still difficult. That will help us see how you’re getting on. 05:45 Patient: Would it be useful to write down how I feel after going to the shops? I sometimes forget by the time I get here. 05:57 Doctor: Yes, that would be helpful. It doesn’t need to be a long diary. A few things you notice, and any questions you want to ask, will do. If things get worse or you are worried, contact the practice sooner rather than waiting for the review. 06:23 Patient: I’d also like to ask about kneeling in the garden. It’s getting down and back up that puts me off. 06:32 Doctor: That’s a good question to take to the physiotherapist. Tell them what you normally do in the garden, so the advice fits your day. 06:47 Patient: Can I just check I’ve got it right? You’ll send the referral, I’ll ring the practice if I haven’t heard in two weeks, and I’ll book to see you in about six weeks. 07:03 Doctor: That’s right. And bring your notes about your walks and anything else you want to discuss. Is there anything about that plan you’d like me to go over again? 07:17 Patient: No, that sounds clear. I’ll write down the gardening question before I forget it. Thank you. 07:27 Doctor: You’re welcome. Reception can help you with the review appointment on your way out. MY OWN NOTE Ask the physiotherapist about kneeling in the garden. Write down how my knee feels after a walk so I remember at the next appointment.