Elm Tree Surgery

First Contact Practitioners

In the UK, an average of 30% of GP appointments are for musculoskeletal (MSK) problems.
At the surgery we have two first contact practitioners (FCP) who offer a direct service for patients with back, neck, joint or muscle pain. This is delivered by our highly qualified First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) who are Senior Physiotherapists with postgraduate training in Musculoskeletal Management. They have the advanced skills necessary to assess, diagnose and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) problems – such as lower back pain, ankle sprains or frozen shoulder, for example.
An FCP service allows patients who would normally present to their GP with an MSK issue, to self-refer to a professional with expertise in that field. You don’t need to see your GP for back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis or general joint pains, you can now see a FCP.
Our FCP’s deal with all types of problems affecting the bones, joints or muscles. They are skilled in examining and treating these conditions. They are qualified to request X-rays when required. Our FCP will not offer a course of physiotherapy in practice but if this is needed following consultation they will be able to refer you into the Great Western Physiotherapy department.
Our FCP will see patients aged over 16 years of age.