First Contact Physiotherapy

What First Contact Physiotherapists Do in Primary Care

First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are highly skilled clinicians who specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and helping manage musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions — such as back, neck, joint, or muscle pain — directly in general practice.

In the North Devon Coastal PCN, our FCPs are often the first point of contact for patients with MSK issues. They work closely with GPs but are able to see patients without a GP referral, helping people get the right care, faster.

Expert MSK Care – Without the Wait

Instead of waiting for a referral to hospital physiotherapy or specialist services, patients can now see an FCP quickly at their local GP surgery.

FCPs are trained to:

  • Assess and diagnose joint, muscle, and bone problems

  • Give expert advice on rehabilitation, pain management, and exercises

  • Refer for imaging (e.g. X-rays or MRI) where needed

  • Issue fit notes and refer for more specialised input if required

  • Support self-management and prevent long-term issues

Their goal is to help people recover faster, avoid unnecessary medication, and stay active and independent.

Common Conditions FCPs Can Help With

  • Back or neck pain

  • Shoulder, elbow, or wrist problems

  • Hip, knee, or ankle injuries

  • Sprains, strains, and joint stiffness

  • Tendon issues or repetitive strain injuries

  • Arthritis and joint degeneration

They are especially valuable in supporting early intervention, which can prevent conditions from becoming chronic and reduce the need for surgery or hospital-based care.

Working Across the Team

FCPs are fully integrated into our general practice teams across North Devon. They:

  • Free up GP time by managing MSK cases directly

  • Support patients to stay active and avoid unnecessary investigations

  • Liaise with hospital physio, orthopaedics, and pain management services where needed

  • Help manage long-term MSK conditions in collaboration with other clinicians

This team-based approach means patients are supported holistically — whether their issue is short-term or part of a long-standing condition.

Keeping North Devon Moving

With our beautiful but but often challenging geography, we know that access to timely, local MSK care can be a challenge. By having FCPs embedded in our PCN, we’re offering patients:

  • Quick access to expert MSK advice

  • Reduced need for GP appointments and onward referrals

  • Fewer delays in getting started with rehab or self-management

  • Support to stay mobile, active, and pain-free

This is especially important for older adults, people in physical jobs, or those managing joint pain who want to maintain independence.

A Better Way to Manage MSK Health

Seeing a First Contact Physiotherapist doesn’t just improve the patient experience — it improves outcomes. By acting early and using targeted, evidence-based care, FCPs are helping to keep our communities healthy, mobile, and empowered to manage their own recovery.

If you have a muscle or joint problem, you don’t always need to see a GP first — ask about booking in with one of our First Contact Physios at your local North Devon Coastal practice.