Many UK healthcare areas now use a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) or MSK triage service as the first stop for joint or back problems. An experienced physio assesses you (sometimes on the same day you'd have seen a GP), orders any imaging or blood tests needed, and either treats you directly, sends you into a rehabilitation programme, or refers you on to rheumatology or orthopaedics — usually faster than the traditional GP route.
What is physiotherapy triage?
Physiotherapy triage: Physiotherapy triage is an initial assessment (often by a First Contact Practitioner in general practice) to sort MSK problems into: self-management, physio treatment, imaging, or specialist referral. Reduces GP burden and speeds care.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.