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Home > Hospitals And Services > Services A to Z > Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy > Self Referral to Adult MSK Physiotherapy

Self Referral to Adult MSK Physiotherapy

Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy involves the assessment and treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints, nerves and other structures in order to:

  • improve your movement and strength.
  • help you to do more of your normal activities.
  • help you to understand and manage your condition.

Treatment is likely to include an exercise program specific to your needs.

We are unable to accept a self referral under certain circumstances. Please read and answer all of the following questions.

MSK Physiotherapy may not help if you:

  • have had physiotherapy treatment for the same condition within the past year.
  • are referring yourself for widespread aches and pains.
  • have previously attended the Pain Clinic for the same condition.

If you have recently or suddenly developed:

Please consult your GP URGENTLY or NHS 24 Call NHS 24 on telephone number 111

  • difficulty passing urine or controlling bladder / bowels
  • numbness or tingling around your back passage or genitals
  • numbness, pins and needles or weakness in both legs

Please inform your GP of this self referral if you:

  • have recently become unsteady on your feet
  • are feeling generally unwell / fever
  • have a history of cancer
  • have any unexplained weight loss

Reasons why we may not accept your self referral

If you come across any blank options when completing the form it may be down to the below:

Not registered with a GP who is within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

We are unable to accept a self referral if you are not registered with a GP within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Your GP or hospital doctor may be able to refer you to us or to a department nearer to you. Please consult them to discuss this.

If you are currently pregnant

We are unable to accept a self referral if you are currently pregnant. You can self refer to Maternity Physiotherapy. If you do not have local contact details in your maternity pack, you should contact your midwife.

If you are a currently attending or are under the care of Rheumatology

We are unable to accept your self referral if you are currently attending or under the care of Rheumatology.

You can contact the Rheumatology Physiotherapy Self Referral service on 0141 531 3703 or alternatively the Rheumatology Nurse Led Helpline on 0141 451 5384.

If you have attended Accident and Emergency or Minor Injuries Unit within the past 2 weeks for your condition?

We are unable to accept a self referral if you have attended Accident and Emergency or Minor Injuries Unit within the past 2 weeks for your condition. We need a referral from your hospital clinic to make sure physiotherapy is appropriate and safe. Alternatively, your GP can refer you.

Is your condition due to a fracture or break within the past 3 months?

We are unable to accept a self referral if your condition is due to a fracture or break within the last 3 months. We need a referral from your hospital clinic to make sure physiotherapy is appropriate and safe. Alternatively, your GP or hospital doctor can refer you.

If you have had surgery for this condition within the past 3 months

We are unable to accept your self referral if you have had surgery for this condition within the past 3 months. We need a referral from your hospital clinic to make sure physiotherapy is appropriate and safe. Alternatively, your GP or hospital doctor can refer you.

If you have require a home visit

We are unable to accept a self referral if you require a home visit. Please ask your GP to refer you to Community Rehabilitation Services.

Being under the age of 14

We are unable to accept a self referral if you are under 14 years old. Please ask your GP to refer you to Children’s Services.