We use cookies to make this site work. We'd also like to set optional cookies so we can understand how the site is used and improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept them. You can change your choice at any time from the Cookie settings link in the footer.
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are required for the site to work. They store your cookie preferences and keep your session secure. They are exempt from consent under PECR Regulation 6(4) because they are essential to deliver the service you have requested.
Optional cookies
Optional cookies help us understand how the site is used and provide additional features such as analytics, accessibility tools and translation. We will only set them if you accept.
First Contact Practitioner/Joint Pain
Physiotherapy - First Contact Practitioners
What is a First Contact Practitioner?
First Contact Practitioners (FCPs) are physiotherapists usually based in GP surgeries with an expertise in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. If your GP surgery has a first contact practitioner, you can book an appointment directly with a physiotherapist via the receptionist, which means you won’t need to wait for a referral from a doctor. You may be seen at your surgery and another nearby surgery as sometimes the FCPs work across a group of surgeries in a local area.
What can we offer patients
In one session we will do the following:
- Assess and provide diagnosis
- Give expert advice on how best to manage your condition
- Prescribe Medication
- Give Injection therapy
- Give Physical activity advice
- Refer for course of physio treatment
- Triage for orthopaedics, rheumatology and pain management services
- Refer patients for X-ray and blood tests if these are needed
We do not provide rehabilitation, if we feel that you need a course of Physiotherapy we will refer to the community physiotherapy services.
Who can use the service?
- Patients over 16
- All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
- Arthritis - any joint
- 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)
Who is the service unsuitable for?
- Acutely unwell
- Children under 16
- Medical management of rheumatoid conditions
- Women’s health, antenatal and postnatal problems
- Housebound patients
- Medication reviews for non-MSK conditions
- Neurological / respiratory conditions
- Headaches
- Acute mental health crises
- MSK chronic pain who are already being seen by orthopaedics, pain clinic or seen within last 6 months in regular physio
- Where the GP has advised that the FCP is unsuitable
How to get an appointment
Patients can request an appointment with a First Contact Practitioner by contacting their practice reception team or use the practice online consultation forms.
You do not need to see a GP first prior to seeing us.