First Contact Physiotherapy Service

The First Contact Physiotherapist (FCPs) service is available at all Taff Ely practices.

If you aged 16 or over and you’re suffering from back, neck or spinal pain, you can now refer straight to a physiotherapist based within the surgery, without making an appointment with your GP first. Our FCPs are highly trained and have extensive experience in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions.

The on-site specialist physiotherapists can provide early assessment of the injury along with advice and treatment plans. They are also able to refer for any relevant scans or x-rays, provide prescriptions for medication, plus write sick notes. They provide further onwards referral to other departments if and when this is needed.

The physiotherapists can assist with:

• All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries.
• Osteoarthritis of 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.
• Any changes to walking observed.