Physiotherapists help patients with musculoskeletal* conditions. They assess, diagnose and treat these patients. They can refer you to other services too (eg: Rheumatology, Orthopaedics, Spinal Surgeons), or may recommend medication treatment to your GP.
If you are aged 16 or over and have a musculoskeletal* problem or pain, you can refer yourself; you do not need a referral from your GP. This helps patients get treatment more quickly.
A paper self-referral form is also available from your GP Practice, which you can ask to be posted, emailed or collected.
*Musculoskeletal conditions cover a wide range of problems including:-
– all soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
– any joint affected by arthritis/rheumatism
– problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones
– spinal and neck pain
– aches and pain in joints (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, fingers, toes, feet, ankle, knee, hip)
– spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms
– changes to walking or gait
– post-orthopaedic surgery
– persistent pain
– chronic fatigue