Putting MSK Expertise Where It Matters Most — First Contact Physiotherapy in Primary Care

Imagine this: A patient with back pain contacts their GP surgery. Rather than being added to a long referral list, they’re offered an appointment with an experienced MSK physiotherapist — embedded within the practice. Within days, they’re seen by a clinician with specialist expertise, who offers a clear diagnosis and personalised advice.

This is First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) — and it’s reshaping how we deliver MSK care across primary care settings.

 Why First Contact Physiotherapy?

FCP places expert physiotherapists directly in GP surgeries, allowing patients with musculoskeletal concerns to be seen by the right clinician at the right time, without needing a GP referral.

It’s a model built to enhance the wider primary care team, not replace it. GPs remain central, while FCPs offer focused support for MSK caseloads — one of the most common reasons for primary care appointments.

 What Do FCPs Offer?

– Full MSK assessment and diagnosis
– Personalised, evidence-based care plans
– Early advice and self-management strategies
– Referrals for imaging or specialist input where needed
– Support for GPs managing complex or persistent MSK cases

 Benefits for Patients, Practices, and the System

Patients gain faster access to MSK expertise, often far sooner than traditional community physiotherapy or secondary care routes.

Practices benefit from reduced MSK workload on GPs and more efficient use of appointments.
The NHS gains a sustainable, scalable model aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan.

 A Collaborative Model for Better Care

At HealthPlus, we believe in partnership — not placement.
Our FCPs work within your team, communicating closely with GPs, nurses, and administrative staff. We support shared decision-making, evidence-based practice, and care that respects individual patient needs.

We’re here to complement and strengthen what primary care already does so well — while helping to meet rising MSK demand more effectively.

 HealthPlus & FCP: A Smarter Way Forward

With clinical leadership, peer support, CPD, and system integration, we ensure that our FCPs are equipped to deliver safe, impactful, and collaborative MSK care — right at the heart of the community.

 First Contact Physiotherapy is endorsed by
– NHS England: www.england.nhs.uk/fcp
– Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP): www.csp.org.uk/fcp

 Want to explore how FCP can support your practice or PCN?
Let’s talk about delivering smarter, more accessible MSK care — together.

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