The vast majority of musculoskeletal 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 best to manage their conditions
- referring them to specialist services 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 a hospital. Patients can also see a physiotherapist by speaking to the GP practice receptionist.
By making it easier for patients to access physiotherapists, 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.
You can self-refer to FCP, who can give you advice, and send you for an x-ray rather than you seeing a GP. When you ring ask for an appointment with the FCP team.
