Physiotherapy
The role of First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) in Primary Care is to assess patients with soft tissue, muscle and joint pain and to decide on the most appropriate management pathway. FCPs are Physiotherapists with expertise in the assessment and management of Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. FCPs see patients with MSK conditions as the first point of contact, instead of a GP, and can be accessed directly by contacting the Practice reception. FCPs work at an advanced practice level and are responsible for assessing and diagnosing soft tissue, muscle and joint problems at the practice. They will provide patients with faster access to expert advice for MSK conditions and will decide on the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient to enhance recovery and improve self management.
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHED SELF REFERRAL FORM AND POST TO 'The MSK Referral Centre, First Flooe, Ward 6, Woodend Hospital, Eday Road, Aberdeen, AB15 6XS'
You can also self refer to 'Core Physio' using the link below.
www.mskphysiogrampian.scot.nhs.uk
Click on the link and fill out the form to be referred. This is for a more direct physio route as First Contact Physio is more about self management.
Inclusion critera (what the FCP can see):
· All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries (that do not require A & E or minor injuries)
· Shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle, foot pain
· Arthritis – any joint
· Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, e.g tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
· Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain
· Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms e.g pins and needles or numbness
· Post-orthopaedic surgery
Exclusion criteria (what the FCP cannot see):
· Patients who are already seeing the GP for this problem
· Patients who do not have joint, muscle or bone pain
· Acutely unwell e.g fever, sweats, temperature
· Open wounds, facial/head injuries
· Children under 16 that are non sports injuries – discuss with local FCP’s
· Abdominal pain
· Chest pain
· Medical management of rheumatoid conditions
· Women’s health, antenatal and postnatal problems
· House-bound patients
· Medication reviews
· Neurological, falls and respiratory conditions
· Headaches, migraine & dizziness
· Acute mental health crises