Physiotherapist
First contact physiotherapy.
Direct access. Fast, appropriate care.
Based at Southfields Group Practice, Wandsworth Medical Centre and Triangle Surgery, our 3 First Contact Physiotherapists (FCP) are advanced practitioners who can assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal (MSK) problems such as back, joint, and muscle pain without a GP referral. Patients can go directly to a FCP, who provides an initial assessment and self-management advice. They can refer to other services, including specialist physiotherapy, imaging (e.g. x-rays, MRI), or secondary care if needed.
We provide this service in collaboration with Surrey Physio.
Eligible for an appointment?
- All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
- Arthritis – any joint
- Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, e.g. tennis elbow, carpel 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
of all GP appointments are for musculoskeletal conditions.
What to expect during your FCP appointment.
Your FCP will take a detailed history of your condition. They may also question some of your past medical history to gain a better understanding of your symptoms, your general health and help rule other pathologies. They will then assess the joints causing problems, aiming to gain a detailed diagnosis, which will be explained to you.
The FCP will work with you to come up with a plan. Generally this is rehabilitation exercises and advice on the management of your condition. The FCP service is not a physiotherapy treatment service, but your FCP will always ask you to return if your condition is not getting better.
If your FCP feels you need ongoing physiotherapy treatment, they will refer to St George’s Hospital or other equivalent local service. If they feel you need further investigations or referral, they are able to refer you for X-rays, scans, or to hospital- based services, or to the local joint injection service.
For more information about what do expect during your appointment – please watch the video here featuring our FCP Glen.