Musculoskeletal conditions account for 30% of all GP appointments and many patients are now able to make an appointment directly with a First Contact Physiotherapist at their local GP practice.
First Contact Physiotherapists are physiotherapists usually based in GP surgeries with expertise in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. Their role is to assess and diagnose issues including sprains, strains or sports injuries, possible problems with muscles and ligaments, spinal pain and nerve symptoms. They can also give expert advice on how best to manage conditions and can make referrals if on-going physiotherapy treatment is needed as well as being able to refer to other specialist services.
As part of the NHS 10-year health plan, there is a drive to ensure that patients have access to care within their communities. Local people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now able to book more appointments with different healthcare professionals at GP practices, meaning they can be seen quicker and cared for in the best possible way.
Jan Henriksson, a First Contact Physiotherapist at a GP Practice in Hampshire, said: “I have been working as a First Contact Physiotherapist in a GP practice for the last five years and have been a physiotherapist for the last 40 years. My main responsibility is to assess patients with issues like knee injuries and joint, neck or back pain. I can also advise patients on how to best manage their conditions or refer them on to local specialist services if necessary.
“By making it easier for patients to access care from a physiotherapist, they will be diagnosed and treated quicker. This will help patients to manage their conditions more effectively, recover faster and get back to normal life more easily.”
In March 2025, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight launched the ‘It Takes a Team’ public information campaign to highlight the different specialists working within GP practices. The 12-month campaign will throw a spotlight on a different specialist role each month and will feature people working within those roles in local GP practices. This month’s focus is on First Contact Physiotherapists.
Patients can book an appointment directly with a First Contact Physiotherapist by calling their GP Practice and explaining that they are having a musculoskeletal problem (joint, bone, muscle, tendon). The GP receptionist will then book an appointment directly with one of the First Contact Physiotherapist team without the patient needing to see a GP first. Please note that a First Contact Physiotherapist does not provide a full physiotherapy service but is the first point of contact to assess and treat any musculoskeletal aches and pains. If a patient requires ongoing, regular treatment the First Contact Physiotherapist is able to refer them on for further physiotherapy.
Dr Tom Bertram, local GP and Clinical Director at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “Our First Contact Physiotherapists are a great resource and can help GPs manage their workload more effectively by seeing patients with musculoskeletal conditions. They are now an integral part of the primary care team and our patients are increasingly seeing the benefit of having this role within our GP practices.”
Further information about the campaign and the specialist roles working in local GP practices can be found here: It Takes A Team