New Service - First Contact Physio - Find out more 

You can now see a specialist physiotherapist (FCP) at Two Steeples Medical Centre instead of the GP. 

 

This gives you faster access to expert diagnosis and you’ll leave with the advice and exercises you need to start tackling the problem. 

 

The physio can also refer you on to hospital services where necessary, order tests and write prescriptions. 

Nationally, just 5% of patients choose to see a GP afterwards and 96% would recommend the service to friends or family. 

 

Speak to the receptionist or look on our website to book an appointment with our specialist physiotherapist. 

 

First contact physiotherapists (FCPs) are advanced practitioners working within primary care with extensive expertise in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. 

FCPs see patients with (suspected or diagnosed) MSK conditions as the first point of contact, instead of a GP, and can be accessed directly by contacting the practice’s reception. 

 

FCPs can see all soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries. They can see problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones, eg tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains. They can also see back and neck pain, including when this causes pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, eg pins and needles or numbness 

 

A typical FCP appointment involves assessment, diagnosis and first-line treatment. FCPs can also refer patients for a course of physiotherapy treatment, order investigations or make referrals into secondary care services using the same pathways as GPs.