At the PCN, the receptionists and the clinicians from your own individual Surgery are able to refer you directly to the First Contact Physio (FCP). They are able to help, signpost or book a direct appointment for any new body pains or aches.
The appointments for the FCP can be booked via your own GP Receptionist and can be booked by any clinicians. The FCPs assess over 18’s with musculoskeletal problems, any person under this age may be referred to different outpatient clinics.
Your First Contact Physiotherapy practitioner can see anyone with:
- All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
- Ongoing pain with joints i.e. osteoarthritis
- Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, e.g. tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
- Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain
- Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, e.g. pins and needles or numbness
- Changes to walking
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Sports injuries
The physiotherapist will:
- Assess you and diagnose what’s happening
- Give expert advice on how best to manage your condition
If you need physiotherapy treatment, further investigations, medication reviews or onward referral to specialist services then this can also be arranged.
You can book an appointment directly with a First Contact physiotherapist via the receptionist, which means you won’t need to wait to see a doctor first.
