In a recent survey we carried out of the people attending our clinic, we found their key frustrations when dealing with health care providers was

1. Having to wait for an appointment
2. Availability of appointments

Thankfully, there’s a way forward. Self referral. With physiotherapist being the experts in effectively diagnosing and treating a huge range of painful conditions; from back pain to calf tears, post surgical recovery to sports injuries, arthritis to growing pains. For musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, a physiotherapist is your best first point of call. Regulated medical practitioners in their own right, you don’t need to be referred by a middle man – you can refer yourself.

So many people still see their GPs as the ‘gate keepers’ to their care, and in many instances this still holds true. But with MSK injuries, this isn’t always the best way. If you have an MSK pain or injury, seeing your GP first will only result in the following:

1. Waiting time to see your GP, which can be weeks if it’s not urgent
2. Taking time off work to see your GP during their opening hours
3. A brief consultation with your GP, who will often recommend resting and/or medication as a first line of action
4. Possibly referral to an NHS Physiotherapist, which again can be weeks if not months

So, what’s the alternative if you’ve got an MSK injury? You can pick up the phone from 8am 6 days a week (until 8pm Monday – Thursday) or hop onto your computer 24/7 and book online to see one of our specialists.

The result

• You’ll get an appointment to see one of our experts, normally within 24 hours if not the same day
• You’ll come away with a diagnosis and pro-active treatment plan to resolve your individual injury tailored around your lifestyle
• You’ll be back doing what you love doing, free from pain, quickly

So, not only does this save you lot’s of angst, worry, waiting and frustration, it significantly helps reduce the burden on the NHS, freeing up their resources to help ‘sick’ people. Your GP does not have to be the ‘middle man’, you can refer yourself directly to physiotherapy.

“GP’s are not hands on when making a diagnosis and lack expertise in different areas – no reflection on GPs, but they are not the experts”

Mrs P, goPhysio Patient, January 2018