At Castlehead Medical Centre, requests about muscle, bone or joint problems may be directed to our First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP). FCPs are experienced clinicians who are trained to assess and diagnose these problems, so you do not need to see a GP or already have a diagnosis before attending.
This is not the same as being referred for a routine course of community physiotherapy. It is an initial clinical assessment within primary care, similar to seeing a GP for the same problem, but with a clinician who specialises in musculoskeletal conditions.
Common questions
- I contacted my GP practice, so why have I been given a physiotherapy appointment?
All clinical requests are reviewed and directed to the clinician considered most appropriate from the information provided. For problems involving muscles, bones or joints, this will often be the First Contact Physiotherapist because they have specialist expertise in assessing and diagnosing these conditions.
This is about providing the right care, from the right person. Seeing the FCP directly means you can access specialist assessment sooner, while helping to keep GP appointments available for patients with other medical needs.
Being offered an FCP appointment does not mean that your concern has already been diagnosed as requiring a course of physiotherapy.
What if I need pain relief?
The FCP can discuss your pain and advise on options to help manage it. If medication is needed, they can liaise with a GP or another prescribing clinician to arrange appropriate pain relief. You do not need to see a GP first simply because you would like help with pain relief.
- Has a GP reviewed my request?
Yes. Requests submitted to Castlehead Medical Centre are clinically triaged by the duty doctor. Accurx is the secure system used to receive and manage requests; it does not make the clinical decision about which member of the team you should see.
- What can a First Contact Physiotherapist help with?
FCPs commonly assess:
- back or neck pain;
- hip, knee, shoulder or other joint pain;
- muscle pain;
- sprains, strains and sports injuries;
- suspected arthritis; and
- sciatica-type symptoms.
They will discuss your symptoms and medical history, carry out an appropriate examination, explain the likely cause and agree a management plan with you.
- Can a First Contact Physiotherapist diagnose my problem?
Yes. FCPs are trained to assess and diagnose muscle, bone and joint conditions. A diagnosis does not need to have been made by a GP before your appointment.
- Is this the same as routine physiotherapy?
No. An FCP appointment is primarily an expert initial assessment rather than a routine course of physiotherapy treatment. The FCP may provide advice and exercises, recommend further management or, where appropriate, direct you to another service.
- What if I need to see a GP or require further investigation?
If the FCP identifies that you need medical review, investigation or assessment by another service, they will advise you about the appropriate next step. FCPs are also trained to recognise when a problem may not be musculoskeletal or requires more urgent medical attention.
- What if I need an ongoing course of physiotherapy?
The FCP appointment is an initial specialist assessment, rather than a routine course of physiotherapy treatment. The FCP will assess your condition, explain the likely cause and agree an initial management plan. This may include advice and exercises or, where appropriate, referral to community physiotherapy or another service.
Waiting times for community physiotherapy are generally considerably longer than for an FCP appointment and can vary according to demand and clinical priority.
- Will I be seen more quickly?
The wait for an FCP appointment may be shorter than the wait for a routine GP appointment. However, waiting times can vary depending on demand and appointment availability.
- Choosing the right clinician for you
FCPs are experienced clinicians who can assess and manage many musculoskeletal problems, and you may be offered an appointment with an FCP where this is appropriate. However, if you would prefer to discuss your problem with a GP, please let us know when contacting the practice and we can advise on the most appropriate appointment.
Read more about First Contact Physiotherapists on the NHS England website