Jordan Hepburn/Liza Maxwell - Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (GP APP)

GP Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APP) now work within our practice. If you have, or think you have, a musculoskeletal (MSK) problem they provide an alternative to seeing your GP.

They provide expert assessment of MSK conditions i.e. muscle, bone and joint problems such as back, neck, shoulder or knee pain. They can provide you with a clinical diagnosis, give you advice on how to manage the problem and suggest appropriate exercise for you to work on independently.

With your agreement and when appropriate, they can refer you to specialist services such as physiotherapy for supported rehab, X-Ray or orthopaedics. If needed they can liaise with your GP to arrange medication or discuss any non- MSK symptoms which might have been found.

You can request an appointment with the GP APP; you may also be directed to them by reception staff who have had training to help them guide you to GP APP. Your GP may also ask you to see the GP APP for an expert MSK opinion. 

When should I see a GP or GP Advanced physiotherapy practitioner (GPAPP) in my GP Surgery?

• If you are not sure that the problem is MSK, or that physiotherapy rehabilitation is the right treatment option for you, or you would like an assessment and to discuss your treatment options
• If you feel your referral to MSK out patients is urgent
• If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below you must contact your GP surgery or NHS111
  • Fainting
  • Bowel/bladder problems
  • Reduced or altered sensation in your groin, genitals or back passage area
  • Weakness in both legs
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Swallowing problems
  • Speech impairment
  • History of cancer

When should I self refer to MSK out patients physiotherapy

• If your referral is routine and you are over 16
• You have ONE MSK condition /area you would like assessed.
• You can attend the out patient clinic

If your problem is urgent, severe or getting worse then you should call NHS 111 or contact your GP practice.

MUSCLE OR JOINT PROBLEMS?

Do you have a muscle or joint problem?  You can now self-refer to physiotherapy.

MSK ADULT PHYSIOTHERAPY self-referral for Edinburgh patients guidelines are:

• Please note only adults 16+ can self refer
• Self referral is for ROUTINE out-patients physiotherapy appointments only.
• We only accept referrals from patients from Edinburgh GP Practices
• People can refer themselves for ONE problem only
• Home visits can only be arranged with a GP referral to Physio @ Home

For continence problems and walking aid referrals, please use a separate self-referral form which can be accessed at the same link listed below.

Collars, wrist splints, knee braces, maternity belts etc cannot be routinely provided.

The form can be found at:

Physiotherapy - Self-referral

It should  be printed out and posted to us at the address below:

Physiotherapy Department

Slateford Medical Centre

27 Gorgie Park Close

Edinburgh

EH14 1NQ

We understand there can be lots of changes during pregancy.  Pregnancy related aches and pains can be common, however there are many things you can do to ease and manage these aches and pains in pregnancy.

We would encourage all patients, whether you have aches and pains or not, to watch our antenantal video which discusses ways to care for your body during pregnancy.  The NHS Lothian video includes information and advice on ways to adapt simple day-to-day activities along with demonstrations of exercises you can try.

Antenatal video 'Care of the Body'

Prior to calling the relevant physiotherapy department, we do require all patients to have watched the video and to have attempted the exercises and follow the advice for at least two weeks.  If symptoms are not improving, please contact the relevant physiotherapy department for further advice.