FIRST CONTACT PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
General Practice Multi-Disciplinary Teams
WHAT'S ON?
Self-Management Resources
Spinal
Upper Limb
Lower Limb
Persistent Pain
Condition Information
General Activity
Info on Investigations
Women's Health
Other Information
Apps for Health
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What are the First Contact Physiotherapists?
Our first contact physiotherapists are experts in problems with your joints, muscles and soft tissue (back pain, neck pain, painful joints or sprains and strains).
We can: Diagnose your condition Offer you advice and exercises to manage your condition Order tests Prescribe medication Request x-rays Refer you to another service if required Direct you to community based activities .
The physiotherapist will give you advice and may provide you with exercises and discuss medication. If they feel you require a course of physiotherapy treatment they can refer you or advise you to self-refer. They will be able to discuss medication that may help you, and may also prescribe some medication
Can the FCP refer me to another specialist?
The First Contact Physiotherapist is able to refer you to a specialist service such as Orthopaedics, Rheumatology or Pain Clinic
I need a joint injection – can the FCP do this?
The FCP can carry out a joint injection to relieve symptoms if it is appropriate.
Will I receive treatment from the FCP?
The First Contact Physiotherapist will give you advice and may provide you with exercises and discuss medication. If the FCP feels you require a course of physiotherapy treatment they can refer you or advise you to self-refer.
Can the FCP write a prescription?
The First Contact Physiotherapist will be able to discuss medication that may help your symptoms and may also prescribe some medication.
Can anyone see the FCP?
You should ask to see another Health Care Professional if you are:
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Acutely unwell
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Have continence problems
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Have respiratory symptoms
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Have headaches or a problem with your neurological condition such as Parkinson’s Disease, MS or Stroke
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Receiving medical management for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Meet The Causeway FCP Team
Suzanne Kennedy
Consultant Physiotherapist
Dr Peter Campbell
MDT FCP GP Lead
Seamus Harkin
The Family Practice Portstewart and Portstewart Medical
Stephen Haslam
Bushmills Medical and Portrush Medical