As part of the 2018 General Medical Services Contract (Scotland) to provide additional professional services to GP practices, we now have a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) in the team. Michelle is an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner who will be in the Stow Practice on a Thursday morning and Lauder Practice on a Thursday afternoon.
FCP’s will be seeing patients with bone, muscle and joint problems directly. The role is to assess and diagnose the musculoskeletal condition and organise investigations including X-rays and scans if required. They will plan and discuss the management with you which may include some self-management advice, exercises and treatment. If appropriate they can organise a referral onto specialists for example Orthopaedic consultants or on for further Physiotherapy treatment.
The Physiotherapist cannot see patients under 16 years of age, pregnant women or where the problem is suspected to be caused by infection or malignancy. They are not able to prescribe medication or complete a sicknote/fit note.
Other ways to access Physiotherapy:
You can refer yourself directly to the outpatient Physiotherapy Department at the Borders General Hospital - click on the link below to find the form on the NHS Borders website. You will also find links to common musculoskeletal problems with advice and exercises that should help to manage your condition.