First Contact Physio (FCP)

What is an FCP? 

First contact physiotherapists (FCPs) are advanced practitioners working within primary care with extensive expertise in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
FCPs see patients with (suspected or diagnosed) MSK conditions as the first point of contact, instead of a GP, and can be accessed directly by contacting the practice’s reception.

Can an FCP see me for my issue? 

FCPs can see all soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries. They can see problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones, eg tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains. They can also see back and neck pain, including when this causes pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, eg pins and needles or numbness

What will the appointment include? 

A typical FCP appointment involves assessment, diagnosis and first-line treatment. FCPs can also refer patients for a course of physiotherapy treatment, order investigations or make referrals into secondary care services using the same pathways as GPs.

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