Physiotherapy

What is Physio?

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 in the future.

Physiotherapy is a science-based profession that takes a “whole person” approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patient`s general lifestyle. At the core is the patient`s involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment.

Want to learn more about Physio? (click here)

When is Physio used?

It can be helpful for people of all ages with a wide range of health conditions, including problems affecting the:

• Bones, joints and soft tissue – such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and sports injuries
• Brain or nervous systems – such as movement problems resulting from a stroke, MS or Parkinson`s disease
• Heart and circulation – such as rehabilitation after a heart attack
• Lungs and breathing – such as COPD and Cystic fibrosis

Physiotherapy can improve your physical activity while helping you to prevent further injuries. (Click here) to view information on how to care for an injury at home. If however you still have symptoms after 2 weeks of self-treatment it would be advisable to self-refer (See below).

Self-Referral Service

You are able to self-refer for physiotherapy appointments and advice, without the need to contact or speak to your GP.

To self-refer, please contact the service:

• 0300 456 9987 (local rate)
• Or visit http://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/physiopkb

Monday-Friday 08:30-12:00 noon, excluding bank holidays.

The MSK Physiotherapy service provided by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust will be offering a new style service from mid-July 2023. This aims to reduce waits for patients who are registered with a local GP practice.

The new service offers a virtual consultation using a “digital first” service from 17th July – which will offer appointments within 7 working days.

If a virtual consultation is not suitable for your needs or you are not able to access the digital option, in-person appointments will still be available although waits for face-to-face appointments are currently at 6-8 weeks.

Please take a look at this information leaflet provided by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, which contains information on what to expect when you arrive for an in-person appointment, parking at the site, self-care for injuries, and important information about symptoms that, if you have, should not be ignored or left.