What is First Contact Physiotherapy?
First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are experienced physiotherapists, with many years’ experience working within the musculoskeletal speciality.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect many people and can affect your joints, bones and muscles and sometimes associated tissues such as your nerves. They can range from minor injuries to long-term conditions.
Patients can see an FCP for an assessment directly at their GP practice, without needing to see a GP or be referred externally.
How to access an FCP appointment?
You do not need to see a GP to get an appointment with an FCP, simply call your GP Practice, explain that you are having an MSK problem, and they can book you directly with FCP.
You can also ask your GP, or any other practitioner at your GP Practice, to do this if you have an appointment with them about something else.
There is no referral form required.
What to expect during your FCP appointment?
Your FCP will take a detailed history of your condition, they may also question some of your past medical history to gain a better understanding of your symptoms and to rule out other pathology. They will then assess the joint at fault to aim to gain a detailed diagnosis, which will be explained to you.
The FCP and you will then come up with a plan moving forward, generally this is some rehabilitation exercises and advice on management of your condition.
The FCP’s work closely with the GPs/Pharmacist and often liaise about conditions and work together if this is required for the management of your condition (e.g. prescriptions and can provide sick notes).
Please arrive on time for your appointment. You are advised to arrive few minutes early. If you are more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, we will not be able to see you and you will need to re-arrange.
For more information about what do expect during your FCP appointment – please watch the following video: https://vimeo.com/574370220
Further Investigations or Treatment
Physiotherapy
The FCP service is not a physiotherapy treatment service.
If your FCP feels you need ongoing physiotherapy treatment, they will refer you to the Hospital or Community Physiotherapy service.
Alternatively, you can self-refer here: Adult Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
The FCP will always make you aware to return if your condition is not getting better.
Investigations & Further Treatment
If your FCP feels that you need further investigations, they are able to refer you for scans and tests, including x-rays.
If they feel you require more specialist care or treatment, they are able to refer you to secondary care services at the hospital.
Some FCPs are able to administer joint injections within the Practice. Alternatively, they are able to refer you to the local joint injection service.