APP Face-to-Face

An APP is an advanced practice physio that is a very experienced MSK clinician that has undertaken additional training to enable them to carry out specialist assessments, investigations and interventions such as ordering XRays and scans and administering joint and soft tissue injections. 

You and the clinician will discuss your symptoms and how they are affecting you. The clinician may then undertake a physical assessment. This may include asking you to carry out some movements. The clinician, with your consent, may need to touch the affected joints to examine them (especially if more specialist tests are needed).   

The clinician will then discuss their findings with you. You and the clinician will talk through the different management options available to you, and you will be helped to make a decision about what is right for you at the time. 

Sometimes a joint or soft tissue injection may be given at that appointment. Please note that an appointment with an injecting clinician does not mean you definitely will have an injection. An injection would only be given if it seems that this is the most helpful treatment, and if you consent to this. 

You may be offered advice to help you manage your condition or you may be referred to a different service to help you, such as physiotherapy.  If necessary, the clinician will be able to order further investigations such as Xrays, MRI scans or blood tests.  They can also refer you to a hospital for management of your condition under a different service if this is what seems most appropriate. The clinician may also communicate with your GP if they feel that the GP could help with certain aspects of your management.