Who you will see

You will be seen by one of our advanced physiotherapy Practitioners (APPs) who are Advanced Physiotherapy Specialists in musculoskeletal conditions.

They have specialised in a specific field and done additional training.

The APPs work closely with:

• GPs
• Orthopaedic Consultants
• Radiologists
• Rheumatologists
• Pain specialists

When necessary they are able to request investigations such as MRI, X-rays and blood tests.

They are also able to undertake joint and soft tissue injections if necessary.

Assessment

In order to do a thorough assessment the APP will ask you detailed questions about your problem.

They will also ask about your general health and medical history.

They will also ask you about any medications you are taking and any investigations that you have had.

After taking down all of this information they will do a physical assessment.

What to wear

During your appointment you might be required to carry out a number of movements to determine the cause of your pain.

It may be necessary for you to partially undress for the physical examination so you should wear appropriate clothing.

We recommend you wear loose fitting clothing and underwear that you are comfortable being assessed in.

If you feel more comfortable in shorts, please bring these with you.

Your wishes and dignity will always be respected.

Tests

You may referred for investigations such as X-rays, blood tests or scans.

The APP will discuss this with you.

These should help us to diagnose and treat you.

You may be asked to have an X-ray before being seen. 

Treatment

At your appointment you may be offered and given treatment such as an injection or self-management advice.

We may refer you to another service for treatment, such as physiotherapy.

Sometimes we need to wait for test results before deciding on your treatment.

Once these are available, we will contact you by letter or phone, or we will see you in clinic again to let you know the test result, or to arrange any treatments you might need.

If you need an operation

If it is necessary for you to have an operation this will be discussed with you.

They will discuss with you the choice of consultant and location that you would prefer.

After your visit

Following your appointment, we will send a letter back to your GP.