First Contact Practitioners (FCP) – Physiotherapy

 

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You can now book a consultation with the specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist at your GP practice for muscle, bone or joint problems as an alternative to a GP. The reception staff can discuss and book your appointment. 

Who is the First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP)?

The FCP is a physiotherapist who is an expert and has specialised in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. They have additional qualifications and training to work in this position.

 

What can the First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) do for me?

The FCP can:

  • Assess you and diagnose your problem
  • Provide expert advice on how to manage your condition
  • Offer injection therapy where appropriate
  • When clinically indicated, arrange onward referral for: Investigations (such as blood tests, X-rays or MRI scans), Physiotherapy treatment, Consultant opinion
 

What could I see the First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) for?

  • All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
  • Arthritis – of any joint
  • Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains)
  • Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain
  • Other spine related problems such as sciatica
 

What shouldn’t I see the First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) for?

  • If you are feeling unwell
  • If you are under 16 years of age
  • For medical management of rheumatoid conditions
  • For women’s health, antenatal and post-natal problems
  • For medication reviews
  • For neurological and respiratory conditions
  • For headaches
  • For a mental health crises

The FCP service runs remotely (telephone or video consultation) on a Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is open to registered Riverside and Hurley patients.  You can book into this clinic directly by calling your GP reception team.

 

Meet Your FCP

Kirsty Walker

  • Gender: Female
  • Primary qualifications: BSc HONs Physiotherapy, MSc Advanced Clinical Practice- current
  • Special interests: Musculoskeletal: Spinal, knee and shoulder conditions

Kirsty is an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner specialised in musculoskeletal medicine. She has over ten years of clinical experience in and both large NHS Hospitals, GP practices and private practice working with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

image of kirsty walker

She currently works in the MCATTs, physiotherapy services at Guys and St Thomas and primary care.  She also is the lead in providing musculoskeletal GP training through the MCATTs service for Lambeth and Southwark. Kirsty has advanced knowledge of spinal, knee and shoulder conditions and specialist interests in injection therapy, person centred care, lifestyle medicine, digital and public health.

In addition, she has advanced training in soft tissue and joint injections and is currently part way through an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice which includes independent prescribing.