First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are highly skilled physiotherapists specialising in the assessment and management of Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. They serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing soft tissue, muscle, or joint pain, helping determine the most appropriate treatment pathway without the need to see a GP first.

What Can Be Booked with an FCP?

FCP appointments are suitable for patients experiencing:

• Soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, or sports injuries

• Arthritis affecting any joint

• Suspected issues with muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones
  (e.g., tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains)

• Spinal pain, including lower back, mid back, and neck pain

• Spinal-related pain in the arms or legs, including nerve symptoms
  (e.g., pins and needles, numbness)

• Post-operative orthopaedic concerns

What Cannot Be Booked with an FCP?

FCPs are not the appropriate service for:

• Patients who are acutely unwell

• Children under 16

• Medical management of rheumatoid conditions

• Women’s health, antenatal, or postnatal concerns

• Housebound patients

• Medication reviews unrelated to MSK conditions

• Neurological or respiratory conditions

• Headaches

• Acute mental health crisis

• Patients who do not wish to see an FCP

What Can an FCP Do?

During your consultation, an FCP can:

• Provide steroid injections (where appropriate)

• Arrange pain medication via a GP

• Issue Fit Notes

• Request investigations such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or blood tests

• Signpost or refer you to GP, practice clinicians, or hospital services

• Provide personalised home exercise programmes using Physitrack