This service is for patients who are suffering from joints or muscles pain. If you have a problem that affects your neck, back, joints or muscles you are able to directly see a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) instead of a GP.
What is a First Contact Practitioner (FPC)?
An experienced physiotherapist or osteopath who has the advanced skills necessary to assess, diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment for problems that affect your neck, back, joint or muscles. They act as your first point of contact and offer advice and referrals for further treatment and scans.
Why see FPC instead of a GP?
Around one in five people book to see their doctor with a neck, back, joint or muscle problem, and often have to wait for a GP referral to get access to physiotherapy advice for their conditions. Seeing an FPC gives you the opportunity to see the right person at the right time. The expertise of the FPC means that you will have quicker access to the treatment you need.
To book an appointment with a Fist Contact Practitioner, please speak to reception on 020 8675 3521.
FCP can help with the following symptoms/conditions:
- Pain affecting the neck, jaw (TMJ), back, ribs, hips, knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands
- Muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage (meniscus) and bursitis injuries
- Headaches due to musculoskeletal causes (neck problems commonly cause headaches)
- Postural problems
- Physical conditioning advice including core training and shoulder conditioning etc.
- Pregnancy related musculoskeletal pain
- Common conditions including sciatica, trapped nerves, ‘slipped’/herniated/prolapsed discs, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, osteoarthritis/arthritis/’wear & tear’, planter fasciitis, shoulder impingement, repetitive strain, frozen shoulder, bunions
- Spine care advice
- Rehab advice/exercise prescription
- Prehab advice/exercise prescription (physical conditioning prior to surgery)
- Assessment of movement patterns – what patterns people use to bend/lift etc.
- Musculoskeletal MOTs e.g. does someone have sufficient mobility and stability to overhead press etc. and are their joints healthy and so on.