PHYSIOTHERAPIST

ABOUT

The role of First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) in Primary Care is to assess patients with soft tissue, muscle and joint pain and to decide on the most appropriate management pathway. FCPs are physiotherapists with expertise in the assessment and management of Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) health issues such as back, muscle and joint pains are the most common cause of repeat GP appointments and account for around 1 in 5 of all GP appointments. Most of these issues can be dealt with effectively by a physiotherapist without any need to see a GP.

HOW THEY CAN HELP

Our Physiotherapists can:

provide quicker access to expert MSK assessment, diagnosis, treatment and advice
help to prevent short-term problems becoming long-term conditions
give patients lifestyle and physical activity advice to help manage their condition
provide longer appointment times so patients feel listened to, cared for and reassured

Physiotherapists do not provide massages, steroid/joint injections or prescriptions as part of treatment.

HOW TO SEE ONE

Patients with back and joint pain, including conditions such as arthritis can see a physiotherapist by speaking to the GP practice reception team, or by being referred by their GP. Please refer to the table below regarding inclusion and exclusion criteria.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

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
post-orthopaedic surgery (can differ between localities)

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

acutely unwell
children under 16
medical management of rheumatoid conditions
women’s health, antenatal and postnatal problems
house-bound patients
medication reviews for non-MSK conditions
neurological and respiratory conditions
headaches
acute mental health crises
patients who do not want to see a FCP

LEARN MORE

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