First Contact Physiotherapy

First Contact Physiotherapy

First Contact Practitioners (FCPs) are physiotherapists usually based in GP surgeries with an expertise in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. It involves placing physiotherapists directly into GP practices to treat patients who come into the clinic with musculoskeletal problems. 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 onto specialist services if necessary.

First Contact Practitioners help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They are also able to provide referrals for patients requiring long-term ongoing physio care.

Patients with MSK conditions bypass the appointment with a GP, and go straight to get help with a specialist physiotherapist. Instead of the traditional method where they are seen by the GP then referred for a physio appointment which can take up to 6 weeks or more.

This makes wait and recovery times shorter, frees up GP appointments, and reduces the need for medication.

They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

You may be eligible for an appointment with a physiotherapist for the following problems:

  • All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries – upper and lower limb
  • 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
  • Mobility changes
  • Post-orthopaedic surgery

Patients can book an appointment directly with the clinician via the surgery receptionists, which means they won’t need to wait for a referral from a doctor.

For more information on First Contact Practitioners please take a look at the following sites.

First Contact Practitioner (FCP) – Placing physiotherapists directly into GP practices

NHS England » First contact physiotherapists