First Contact Physiotherapists
The role of our new First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) is to assess patients with soft tissue, muscle and joint pain and to decide on the most appropriate management pathway. FCPs are physiotherapists with expertise in the assessment and management of Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. They may also be known as Advanced Practice Physiotherapists (APP) or MSK Practitioners.
FCPs will see patients who are over 16 years old with new or newly recurrent muscle or joint pains. Their clinics are based at a few locations in North Southwark including a weekly clinic here at Blackfriars. They will physically assess your condition and either give you advice there and then or refer you on to the correct service at the hospital without needing a GP referral. Please ask our receptionists if you would like an appointment to see the FCP.
Physio Self Management App (getUBetter)
The Southwark MSK app (powered by getUBetter) is provided free of charge for patients registered at Blackfriars Medical Practice. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises and tips to help you get better from a range of new or recurrent musculoskeletal conditions:
- Lower back pain
- Back and leg pain
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Ankle Pain
- Knee Pain
- Soft Tissue Lower Limb Pain
- Hip Pain
You will be referred to the app by one of our GPs or FCPs, or you can self-register.
Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition you need help to manage. You will then be sent an email with all the information you need to get started.
You can download the getUBetter App to your Smartphone for easiest access or use the Webapp.
If you develop another condition select your new condition from within the app and it will be added to your account.
The app will also connect you to your local; treatment, healthcare providers or support services, if needed, such as Physiotherapy.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy self-referrals
If you're registered with a GP in Lambeth or Southwark, you can refer yourself to musculoskeletal physiotherapy at Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital for specialist assessment and management for an urgent issue. Please click on the link below for more information:
Physiotherapy self-referral at Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital