Hi I’m Tom and I work at Stickney Surgery as a First Contact Physiotherapist. Previous to taking up this role last year, I worked as the lead Physiotherapist for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery at Pilgrim Hospital, as well as working in the Physiotherapy Outpatient service for many years before that. I’m also known by some at the surgery as an MSK Practitioner. Both titles are used interchangeably and they essentially mean the same thing. The latter title was created to help people to identify our roles as separate to that of a more traditional rehab Physiotherapist you maybe more accustomed to.FCPs are different in that we have undertaken more advanced level training to to be able to provide safe, high quality assessment, diagnosis, self-care advice +/- first line management and onward referral, as appropriate, for patients presenting with musculoskeletal (MSK) problems – all usually without the need for you to see your GP. A musculoskeletal problem can be anything from back or neck pain to tennis elbow, knee pain or a trapped nerve (to name a few examples)
As an FCP I am able to independently request diagnostic imaging such as MRI, X-ray, Ultrasound and CT scans where appropriate and required.I can also perform at the surgery, where indicated, joint and soft tissue injections using corticosteroid. Corticosteroid injections, when used at the correct time, can help play a crucial role in the management of pain and inflammation in many MSK conditions such as osteoarthritis, shoulder impingement, trigger finger and plantar fasciitis. This is especially so if other explored conservative management options have failed.I am also an independent prescriber, meaning in most cases, I will be able to provide you with a prescription for pain medication, where appropriate, during your appointment. I can also advise where you may in fact be able to stop taking some pain medication – where its use may no longer be indicated.Lastly I can provide you with a FIT note for work should you require time off the requirement for altered duties without the need to see your GP. The overall aim therefore of the service is to provide you as the patient, with a faster and more effective way to manage and treat your musculoskeletal problem.
If you require a consultation, or are seeking advice on managing a MSK problem, then please get in touch with our reception team at the surgery and they will book you an appointment with myself. This initial assessment will be done over the phone, whereby you may be invited for a face to face assessment following if and where required.
