First Contact Physiotherapists

FCPs (First Contact Physiotherapists) are physiotherapists with expertise in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. They can help patients with musculoskeletal issues such as back, neck and joint pain.

In one session FCP can do the following:

• Assess and provide diagnosis
• Give expert advice on how best to manage your condition
• Prescribe Medication
• Give Injection therapy
• Give Physical activity advice
• Refer for course of physio treatment
• Triage for orthopedics, rheumatology and pain management services
• Order investigations such as X-ray and blood tests

A national evaluation on this service showed faster access to specialist expertise, fewer onward referrals to see a hospital consultant and on average, 95 % of patients do not require a GP follow-up.