[sharileedahl]

I don't know what the situation in other countries is but the waiting lists for orthopedic specialists / surgeons is lengthy at best in Canada (varies from province to province). That may be the reason that your mother-in-law's doctor is delaying a referral. If the doc feels it is a partial tear, the doc knows that many surgeons will choose not to do surgery anyway (also depends on her age and other factors specific to her). Unfortunately for your mother-in-law, she is up for a lengthy rehab process. 12-18 months? That sounds excessive but sorry "alophysio", I wouldn't expect 6 weeks to do the trick. That being said, if I were the therapist, if the treatment took weeks or months, I wouldn't necessarily be seeing them that whole time. There is a lot that a physiotherapist can offer, there is some that time can offer, and a huge amount that can be offered by the client being compliant with their home program (i.e. definitely NOT a quick fix).