First-Contact Physiotherapy Services

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Team

• Team Lead Physiotherapist – Megan Sutton
• First Contact Physiotherapist – Bill Hombersley

A first contact physiotherapist (FCP) is an experienced physiotherapist who has the advanced skills necessary to assess, diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment or referral for musculoskeletal services (MSK). Patients will now be able to contact their local physiotherapist directly at one of our surgeries, rather than waiting to see a GP or being referred to hospital. Patients can see our physiotherapist by speaking to their GP practice receptionist or by being referred by their GP. By making it easier for patients to access physiotherapist, patients will have quicker access to diagnosis and treatment, helping them to manage their conditions more effectively and recover faster, so they can get back to normal life quickly.

Did You Know...?

You can now see a physiotherapist without going to a doctor first?

First Contact Physiotherapy is a new service, where Specialist Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy is offered as an alternative to seeing your GP for MSK conditions.

This can also help decrease the waiting time for you to be seen.

The physiotherapist will:

• Assess you and diagnose what’s happening
• Give expert advice on how to self-manage your condition
• Refer you to other services if needed

The FCP can see:

• All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, or sports injuries
• Arthritis – any joint
• Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bone
• Spinal pain including low 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
• Changes to walking
• Post-orthopaedic surgery

Available at Bere Regis Surgery, Sandford Surgery, The Wellbridge Practice and Wareham Surgery. Coming soon to Corfe Castle Surgery and Swanage Medical Practice.