Helping your PCN manage
MSK related workload
across your practices

Primary Care Physio is the leading provider of first contact physiotherapy (FCP) and podiatry services in the UK. We support nearly 200 NHS Primary Care Networks (PCNs), 37 ICBs and over 1000 GP practices utilising FCPs to manage MSK workload.

If you are a PCN looking to utilise ARRS funding to implement an FCP service, we offer a cost-effective solution that enables your member practices to benefit from a high-quality service without any of the employment or clinical supervision liability.

The positive impact of first contact physiotherapists working in primary care

Low back pain and neck pain are the greatest cause of years lost to disability in the UK, with chronic joint pain or osteoarthritis affecting more than 8.75 million people. In addition, musculoskeletal conditions also account for 30% of all GP appointments.

By 2024, all adults in England should be able to see a musculoskeletal first contact practitioner at their local GP practice without being referred by a GP.


The vast majority of musculoskeletal first contact practitioners are physiotherapists with enhanced skills. They can help patients with musculoskeletal issues such as back, neck and joint pain by:

  • Assessing and diagnosing issues
  • Giving expert advice on how best to manage their conditions.
  • Referring them onto specialist services if necessary.

By making it easier for patients to access skilled MSK practitioners, patients will have quicker access to diagnosis and treatment, helping them to manage their conditions more effectively and recover faster, so they can get back to normal life quickly. They will help GPs to manage their workload more effectively, and reduce the need for onward referrals.

Primary care FCPs can help patients with musculoskeletal issues
such as back, neck and joint pain:

Assessing and diagnosing issues

Giving expert advice on how best to manage their conditions

Referring them onto specialist services if necessary

What PCN Clinical Directors say about our service...

I would like to feedback that your team are providing an outstanding service to us and our patients, and we have received a lot of positive feedback from GPs, staff and patients alike - we are very grateful to have them. 

Dr Will Howard, Coastal (West Hampshire) PCN

Our FCP is settling in well and I am most impressed with how proactive she is with seeking to fine tune the referral pathways to optimise her role within the PCN.

Dr Clare Reeves, Trafford West PCN

Primary Care Physio have been professional, mobilised quickly and supported us with implementation. Our first physiotherapist started in November, he is fantastic and has integrated well into our teams. We are looking forward to our second starting shortly.

Dr Jo Chan, Seisdon PCN