Expert assessment for muscle, joint and bone problems
If you have a problem affecting your muscles, joints, bones or soft tissues, you may be offered an appointment with a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP).
A First Contact Physiotherapist is a highly trained physiotherapist who works within GP practices and is often the most appropriate healthcare professional to assess musculoskeletal (MSK) problems without you needing to see a GP first.
A First Contact Physiotherapist can assess problems such as:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Foot and ankle problems
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Sports injuries
- Tendon problems
- Persistent musculoskeletal pain
Your First Contact Physiotherapist will:
- Discuss your symptoms and medical history
- Assess your condition
- Explain what may be causing your symptoms
- Provide advice on self-management and recovery
- Recommend exercises or activity modifications
- Discuss treatment options
- Arrange referral to other services if required
Most appointments involve assessment, advice and planning the next steps in your care.
First Contact Physiotherapists do not provide ongoing physiotherapy treatment within the GP practice.
This means they do not usually provide:
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Hands-on treatments such as massage or manipulation
- Long-term physiotherapy programmes
- Ongoing rehabilitation within the practice
If ongoing treatment is required, they can advise on the most appropriate service and make referrals where necessary.
Following assessment, your First Contact Physiotherapist may:
- Provide advice and self-management guidance
- Refer you to community physiotherapy services
- Refer you to specialist musculoskeletal services
- Refer you for further assessment by another healthcare professional
- Discuss your case with your GP if needed
Many patients can be assessed and given a management plan during a single appointment.
In many cases, a First Contact Physiotherapist can assess your condition without you needing a GP appointment.
They are specially trained to recognise when symptoms may require further investigation or referral to another service.
If necessary, they will advise on the most appropriate next steps.
You may need a GP or another healthcare professional if your symptoms are related to:
- An acute illness or infection
- Medication concerns
- Mental health difficulties
- Problems not related to muscles, joints or bones
Our practice team will help ensure you are booked with the most appropriate clinician.
Will I receive physiotherapy treatment?
The First Contact Physiotherapist service focuses on assessment, diagnosis, advice and referral where appropriate. Ongoing physiotherapy treatment is usually provided by other specialist services.
Can I be referred for further treatment?
Yes. If your assessment shows that further treatment or specialist support is needed, the First Contact Physiotherapist can advise on the most appropriate service.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Patients can often be booked directly with a First Contact Physiotherapist without needing to see a GP first.
Is the service free?
Yes. First Contact Physiotherapy is an NHS service available to eligible patients registered with our member practices.
If you have a muscle, joint or bone problem, please contact your GP practice.
Our team will help determine whether a First Contact Physiotherapist appointment is the most appropriate option for you.
Getting the right care sooner
First Contact Physiotherapists help patients access expert musculoskeletal assessment quickly, ensuring they receive the right advice, support and referrals without unnecessary delays.