It means you can refer yourself to our physiotherapy service without needing to see your GP or needing your GP to complete the referral for you.

If you have already been to see your GP or First Contact Therapist and they have suggested that you refer yourself to the service, you can follow the steps below.

No, lots of health and wellbeing services (but not all) allow you to refer yourself.  We have had self-referral into physiotherapy for over 15 years however, are now broadening this out into the rest of the areas we cover.

We are now working with some of our local hospitals to allow some of their patients to refer themselves to our service after visiting A&E or having had an operation.

There are many benefits to self-referral however, two of the main ones are that it reduces the workload for the GP teams and also gives you complete control over your physiotherapy referral as you can complete it any time, any day, any place.

Our self-referral system is for patients who require our help for musculoskeletal (MSK) related issues such as muscle and joint issues.

Anyone over 16 years old with an MSK-related complaint can refer themselves for physiotherapy.

Whilst self-referral is open to most people, it may not be suitable for:

• If you have low back pain with any new or worsening of existing bladder or bowel issues; numbness in your genitals, inner thighs or around anus; pain into both legs as well as your back; loss of control of your legs and/or a change in your normal sexual function (more details can be found here: Recent Lower Back Pain)
• If you have a hot, red and swollen joint (especially if you also feel feverish or unwell).

If you have any of the above symptoms, it is strongly advised that you seek urgent medical attention at your nearest A&E department.

• If you have suffered an injury within the last 72 hours.
• If your symptoms have dramatically worsened recently.
• If you feel unwell, feverish or are having night sweats alongside your symptoms.

If you have any of the above symptoms, it is advised that you seek medical attention by calling 111 or via your GP.

• If you are between 12 and 16 years old with an MSK-related issue, you will need to ask your GP team to refer you to our service.
• If you have learning or pronounced communications difficulties, you will need to ask your GP team to refer you to our service.
• If you require a home visit for your MSK-related issue, you will need your GP team to refer you to our service.
• If you have a non-MSK related issue e.g. continence problems or a neurological complaint (i.e. Stroke or Parkinsons), you will need to talk to your GP team as you will need a referral to another more appropriate team.

Using the Airmid app is the quickest and easiest way for you to refer yourself to physiotherapy however, if you cannot access the app or don’t have a suitable device, you can call 01493 809977 to book a quick 10 minute phone assessment with our admin colleagues which will get the self-referral process started.