Physiotherapy - Musculoskeletal Service (Newham)

All referrals are clinically screened. Patients are then booked for appointments with a physiotherapist and the appropriate treatment modality is agreed with them. We offer assessment, diagnosis and treatment of MSK conditions including education, advice and exercises to maintain progress and to prevent reoccurrence of symptoms. This may include:

• Face to Face assessment and treatment
• Telephone and or Video consultation
• Manual Therapies
• Electrotherapies
• Group exercise, with rehabilitation options
• Exercises to improve strength, mobility and proprioception
• Acupuncture
• Orthopaedic Triage Service, which comprises; Diagnostic radiology, Injection therapy, Direct onward referral to other specialties and MDT liaison.

The Advanced Physiotherapists provide the Orthopaedic Triage service. They also have a role to support the other specialist MSK Physiotherapists in clinical supervision and provision of in-service training. We also have productive relationships with local Consultants, GPs and Community links to local health schemes.

Adult patients (>18 years old) registered to a Newham Health Locality GP and with a musculoskeletal condition appropriate for physiotherapy (e.g. not requiring secondary care intervention) may be referred to the service.

1. Direct referral from GP’s:

• Ensures better quality of referral in order to aid appropriate screening of patients.

2. Self-referral by patients:

• Allows patients to access the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service without needing to utilise unnecessary GP appointments. Physiotherapy staff contact GP’s if further medical information is required.
• If you have completed a get U better programme and are being prompted to self refer, please call us on 0203 819 4999.

All GP and Consultant referrals (Out of Borough via the GP) written on an approved referral form with the fullest possible information in order to facilitate screening. Where an approved referral form is not available a letter will be accepted so long as appropriate GP, patient and clinical details are included. These referrals are sent via the Single Point of Access (SPA) team. Self-referral forms can be accessed either directly from Stratford Physiotherapy Centre or a patient’s own Newham locality GP. The MSK Physiotherapy Service operates a clinical screening and prioritisation process with all referrals. All new referrals are screened daily by a physiotherapist and will be allocated to the appropriate service or other departments dependent on the information within the referral. All referrals are allocated urgent or routine status for appointments dependent on the information for the referral.

All first and follow-up appointments for patients referred by Newham GPs’ and self-referral will be booked by the SPA team on the EMIS booking and notation system.

Following first assessment the patient will be given advice and a plan of treatment for their problems. On completion of an episode of care the patient will be discharged with information regarding their self-management to optimise outcome.

Do you have a joint or muscle problem?  

Please use the FREE local getUBetter app approved by your clinicians in North East London. It is provided alongside your NHS care and offers local tips, advice, and exercises tailored to you and your stage of recovery.  

•    Instant access 
•    Easy to use 
•    Safe and effective 

Your healthcare professionals cannot be with you 24/7, but getUBetter can.  
 

Why is self-care important?  

Most musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and conditions can be treated at home and will get better without the need for a specialist appointment. getUBetter gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to improve your MSK health and lifestyle. 
 

What is getUBetter?

getUBetter is a safe and effective way to help you self-manage your injury or condition at home, work, and on the move.  
The app covers a range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions…

Back,Back & Leg,Neck
Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist
Ankle, Hip, Knee, Foot    
Upper limb tendinopathy    
Lower limb tendinopathy
Sprains and strains    
Hand    

…and is designed to help you trust your recovery, live and work well.  
 

Who is getUBetter for?  

Anyone 16 or over who needs help with a joint or muscle problem. 
 

What will I get?  

•    Instant and 24/7 support approved by your clinicians
•    Easy to follow exercises you can progress yourself
•    Support to recover, live, and work well
•    Help when waiting  
•    Advice on when to seek help
•    Access to local treatments and services

Touch to Speak languages function for:
•    Arabic
•    Bengali
•    Farsi
•    Gujarati
•    Polish
•    Portuguese
•    Punjabi
•    Romanian
•    Somali
•    Spanish
•    Ukrainian
•    Urdu
•    Welsh
•    English

What are the next steps?  

1.    Download the getUBetter app

You can download the app through this link https: //tinyurl.com/4aenay7y

2.     Create your account

Enter your postcode, select your GP practice, and enter your details to create your account.

3.    Choose your condition

Select your condition and follow your personalised and targeted recovery pathway.

If you need further help getting started get in touch with one of our team at  contact@getubetter.com.  
 

The current clinical team structure is composed of an MSK Team Lead/Advanced Physiotherapist, Advanced MSK Physiotherapists, and Specialist MSK Physiotherapists, with the exception of a Rotational Band 5 physiotherapist who is part of the wider Trust rotation scheme across Community Health Newham.

Within this team structure, all team members are static musculoskeletal (MSK) specialists except 1 Rotational Band 5 physiotherapist who is part of the wider Trust rotation scheme across Community Health Newham.

The clinical team have appropriate state registration and enhanced DBS certificates. All staff members are required to maintain professional standards through continuous professional development.