Our first contact physiotherapists help patients with musculoskeletal problems (joints, bones and muscles). They assess, diagnose and treat these patients.
Patients can refer themselves to first contact physiotherapists. They do not need a referral from their GP. This helps patients get treatment more quickly.
A first contact physiotherapist can help with:
- All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
- Arthritis – any joint
- Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, eg 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, eg pins and needles or numbness
- Changes to walking
- Post-orthopaedic surgery
A first contact physiotherapist cannot help with:
- Acutely unwell
- Children under 16
- Medical management of rheumatoid conditions
- Women’s health, antenatal and postnatal problems
- House-bound patients
- Medication reviews
- Neurological and respiratory conditions
- Headaches
- Acute mental health crises
- Patients who do not want to see a FCP
If you are unsure if a first contact physiotherapist can help you, view our decision-making guide for booking FCP appointments. If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact us.
