Physiotherapy Referral
General Practice
How to Refer if you are a GP!
This pathway is designed for patients with acute (recent episode) radicular pain/radiculopathy of the leg or arm.
Where the pain is severe, not improving after 6/52. Optimised conservative measures have been trailed and pain has not improved.
Their Leg/arm pain is having a severe effect on function and mental wellbeing.
Suspected acute radicular pain
• Screen red flags
• Confirm diagnosis
• Advice on prognosis
• Medication advice or review
• Trial neuropathics
• Advice on staying active and exercises
Is fast track imaging required?
• Acute pain showing no or little improvement at >6/52
• Pain in leg or arm remains severe >7/10 NRS
• Pain is severely affecting function and mental well being
• Patient wishes to consider further intervention
What to do Next..... if yes to all of the above
• Refer for Physiotherapy
• Please mark the referral as "Urgent, for Senior, ARPP referral
• The patient will then be seen by a senior physiotherapist who can discuss all options including (MRI or nerve root
block if appropriate).
Please do not raise expectations of urgent intervention as it may not always be appropriate.
Keeping Me Well
Sections
GP Useful Links
Lower Back Self-Management Advice and Exercise
ESCAPE Back pain (SELF REFERAL)
Manage Backs (NEEDS PHYSIO REFERRAL)
National Exercise Scheme (REFERRAL REQUIRED)
Knee Self-Management
Escape Knee & Hip pain (SELF REFERRAL)
OAK: Options, Advice & Knowledge for OA Knee (PHYSIO REFERRAL REQUIRED)
Lateral hip pain Self-Management
GP Useful Links - Continued
ESCAPE Hip pain (OA Hip)
Foot and Ankle Self-Management
Shoulder Pain Self-Management
Elbow Pain Self-Management
Hand wrist and elbow Self-Management
If you require any further information with regards to the information provided within this platform, please contact David Turner , Physiotherapy Lead