Many MSK problems can be treated in primary care.
First Contact Physiotherapists, or FCPs, are specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) clinicians who work side by side with GPs in local GP practices.
Seeing an FCP in your GP practice means you get to see an MSK specialist as soon as possible, usually within just a few weeks.
Not every GP practice has an FCP, and those which do have different systems for assigning appointments, so please ask your own GP practice for more information.
It works best if you see an FCP as your First Contact with the practice - the idea is that you don't need to see a GP first.
FCPs will:
- Assess you and diagnose what's happening
- Give expert advice on how best to manage your condition
- Recommend exercises and other approaches to deal with the issue
- Refer you on to physiotherapy or other specialist services, if necessary
Please note that FCPs don’t offer “physiotherapy treatment” – if you need a course of physiotherapy treatment, the FCP will refer you to your local MSK service.
Your FCP may signpost you to our "Looking after yourself" page, or may send give you specific exercises and advice, to help manage your MSK condition.
They might refer you for tests (such as an X-ray) which they can arrange from the GP surgery.
If they feel that your condition is not to do with your muscles, bones or joints, or if it seems more complex, they may discuss your case with one of the GPs, and/or arrange for you to see a GP.
There are great working relationships between Circle MSK services and the FCPs who work in the practices we cover, and FCPs understand what services Circle can provide to patients who need more specialist care.