Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APP) see patients (age 16 and over only) at the Practice for a range of musculoskeletal issues such as sprains, strains, sports injuries, joint pain and stiffness, sore back/neck, arthritis and muscle, ligament, tendon or bone problems. These appointments are 20 minutes long and are an alternative to seeing a GP, for assessment and diagnosis as well as advice, support and exercises. These appointments aren’t for ongoing treatment, but they can refer patients on to physio and secondary care, as well as for further investigation including X-ray

Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury or illness in the future.

Physiotherapists consider the body as a whole, rather than just focusing on the individual aspects of an injury or illness.

Some of the main approaches used by physiotherapists include:

• Education and advice – physiotherapists can give general advice about things that can affect your daily lives, such as posture and correct lifting or carrying techniques to help prevent injuries
• Movement, tailored exercise and physical activity advice – exercises may be recommended to improve your general health and mobility, and to strengthen specific parts of your body

You can self-refer to NHS lothian physiotherapy department for an initial routine assessment by downloading and posting or emailing your completed form to:

Physiotherapy Department
Slateford Medical Centre
27 Gorgie Park Close
Edinburgh
EH14 1NQ

loth.physioselfrefedinnoreply@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

1: You must be over 16, (under 16s require a GP referral)
2: Be registered with a GP Practice
3: You can self-refer for ONE issue only

This self referral option is for routine outpatient appointments only (urgent review requires GP referral*)

*Urgent cases relate to an injury or condition that causes severe unrelenting pain, major loss of function, and results in an inability to work or care for somebody.

Here are some useful resources for specific conditions that we see quite commonly in general practice - please click to see more information