can dwp force me to have physiotherapy
Hello everybody
Can anyone answer the following questions
Do the dwp have any legal authority to FORCE me to undergo physiotherapy
If I am offered physiotherapy by my doctor and I decline the offer, can the dwp stop my pip benefit
My circumstances are as follows
I have suffered from Functional neurological disorder since 2018, at this time I could only walk for about 30 minutes at 15 metres per minute and then I had to continue mobilizing in a powered wheelchair, although I could ‘propel’ myself in a manual wheelchair I could only do this at 15 metres per minute, had to stop frequently to let the pain in my arms subside and due to a lack of physical strength in my arms as a result of my FND condition (also effected the strength in my legs which is why I could only walk slowly) and thus couldn’t maintain control of the wheelchair ‘downhill’ this is why I had to use a powered wheelchair.
Now, I still have to use a powered wheelchair as there has been no improvement in the strength in my arms, however I can now walk at a pace of 31.6 metres per minute, albiet only for a few minutes and then after continue in my powered wheelchair.
On the basis my condition is slowly improving I don’t believe physiotherapy will help me (genuinley) but I do worry if there would be serious consequences from the dwp if I were to refuse it.
Obviously due to my ‘mobility issue’ and my inability to use a manual wheelchair I am also in the LCWRA group
Thanks everyone
Comments
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No, no one can force you to do anything you don't want to do, including DWP and your GP.1
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Hi woodbineThanks for your replyI can assure you I do have genuine reasons for not wanting to have physiotherapy, although I wont bore you with the details. Rest assured I am not trying to hide anything.1
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Hello @michael_m
Welcome to the community
As Poppy said, they cannot force you to do anything you don't want to do. I just wanted to check in you still have support with your health. Is there anything else they can offer or have offered to support you?0 -
The DWP weren't exactly impressed that I hadn't taken up the physio and x-rays that my GP had ordered for me and that was probably why I didn't get any points for mobility on my PIP assessment despite getting LCWRA because of it being so poor. A MR has been submitted for PIP.
Given that I knew I was about to be made homeless and because of my severe social anxiety having kept me housebound for years I just couldn't cope with the thought of it. The WCA assessor seemed to understand this but the PIP one didn't despite awarding me lower mobility because I need someone with me when I go out.
I may feel up to physio when I'm in my new home, I don't know. They can't force us but they obviously think it is ok to use it against us.0
