Hetty Lamb

The Role of First Contact Physiotherapist in Primary Care is to assess patients with soft tissue, muscle and joint pain and to decide on the most appropriate pathway. First Contact Physiotherapists with expertise in the assessment and management of Musculoskeletal conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

• All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
• Arthritis – any joint
• Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, e.g. tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
• Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid back pain and neck pain
• Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, e.g. pins and needles or numbness
• Changes to walking
• Post-orthopaedic surgery

Exclusion Criteria

• Acutely unwell
• Children under 16
• Medical management of rheumatoid conditions
• Women Health, antenatal and postnatal problems
• House-bound patients
• Medication reviews
• Neurological and respiratory conditions
• Headaches
• Acute mental health crises