First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) Service - Physio

Our FCP Team

The service is provided by our First Contact Physiotherapist Mrs Komal Hassan.

Komal is a highly experienced clinicians with advanced training in assessing, diagnosing and treating muscle, joint and bone problems. She can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and, where needed, can arrange investigations, referrals and onward support without the need for a GP appointment first.

 

Accessing the Service

Patients with MSK symptoms can be booked directly into the FCP service as a first point of contact - you do not need to see a GP before making an appointment.

You can book an appointment directly on-line via your My NHS App.

Reception staff may also signpost appropriate MSK presentations directly to the FCP team.

If a condition is not suitable for physiotherapy assessment, patients will be directed to the most appropriate service, including GP review where required.

Expert MSK Care - Without the Wait

MSK (musculoskeletal) refers to conditions affecting the muscles, joints and bones.

Instead of waiting for a referral to hospital physiotherapy or MSK services, patients can now see an FCP quickly at their local GP surgery.

FCPs are trained to:

  • Assess and diagnose joint, muscle, and bone problems

  • Give expert advice on rehabilitation, pain management, and exercises

  • Refer for imaging (e.g. X-rays or MRI) where needed

  • Issue fit notes and refer for more specialised input if required

  • Support self-management and prevent long-term issues

Their goal is to help people recover faster, avoid unnecessary medication, and stay active and independent.

 

What First Contact Physiotherapy do in Primary Care

Patients seen by the FCP team will receive a full assessment and personalised treatment plan tailored to their symptoms and needs. This may include advice, education, self-management support and exercise-based rehabilitation to help patients recover and stay active.

Where appropriate, our FCPs can arrange investigations such as X-rays and MRI scans, as well as refer directly into specialist services including orthopaedics, rheumatology and other musculoskeletal pathways — often without the need for a GP appointment first.

If during the assessment it becomes clear that symptoms may not be related to muscles, joints or bones, or that a medical review is needed, patients will be quickly directed to the most appropriate clinician or service.

 

Common Conditions FCPs can help with:

The FCP service assesses a wide range of MSK conditions: 

  • Back or neck pain
  • Sciatica & nerve-related symptoms

  • Shoulder, elbow, or wrist problems

  • Hip, knee, or ankle injuries

  • Sprains, strains, and joint stiffness

  • Tendon issues or repetitive strain injuries

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Arthritis and joint degeneration

  • General soft tissue injuries

They are especially valuable in supporting early intervention, which can prevent conditions from becoming chronic and reduce the need for surgery or hospital-based care.

Benefits of the Service

The FCP model improves access to specialist MSK care and supports patients to be seen more quickly by the most appropriate clinician. It reduces unnecessary GP appointments for MSK conditions and helps streamline assessment, investigation and onward referral where needed.

Page last reviewed: 25 August 2026
Page created: 12 May 2026