First Contact Physiotherapy

Our Patient Advisers can referrer you to a physiotherapist without having to see a GP.

The role of First Contact Practitioners is to assess patients with muscle and joint pain and decide the most appropriate management pathway. They are physiotherapists with expertise in assesment of MSK conditions. The vast majority of musculoskeletel first contact practitioners are physiotherapists with enhanced skills. They can help patients with musculoskeletal issues such as back, neck and joint pain by:

• Assessing and diagnosing issues
• giving expert advice on how to best manage their condition
• referring them onto specialist if necessary.

Patients with back and joint pain, including conditions such as arthritis, will now be able to contact their local physiotherapist directly, rather than waiting to see a GP or being referred to hospital. Patients can also see a physiotherapist by speaking to the practice receptionist or by being referred by their GP.

By making it easier for patients to access physiotherapist, patients will have quicker access to diagnosis and treatment, helping them to manage their conditions more effectively and recover faster, so they can get back to normal life quickly. They will help GP’s to manage their workload more effectively and recover faster, and reduce the need for onward referrals. The physiotherapists will call you to get details of the problem and offer you an appointment if they need to see you.

The First Contact Physio team can now arrange to see you at Horton Park Medical Practice.

For more infomation please click here.