Self Referral for iMSK Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial if you are seeking help for a musculoskeletal (bone, joint or muscle) problem such as back pain, arthritis or a sprain.

You can self refer to physiotherapy using the form below. Guided self help for physiotherapy is available by clicking here. 

Unfortunately, you are unable to self-refer to this service if:

1. Unexplained bladder or bowel problems
2. Numbness or tingling around back passage or genitals
3. Pins and needles or numbness in both arms or both legs
4. Pain at night that persists despite changing your position
5. Fever or night sweats
6. Unexplained weight loss
7. Unsteady on feet
8. On current treatment for Cancer
9. You want to see a physiotherapist about a neurological or breathing problem. Please contact the surgery via eConsult or on 01228 588121 
10. You need a home visit - please contact the surgery on 01228 588121
11. You want physiotherapy following a recent operation; for this you will need to be referred by your surgeon

Patients aged 16 and under are unable to self-refer to Physiotherapy.
Please arrange a consultation with a clinician who will then be able to refer you. 

Pain Relief?

Over the counter painkillers can be helpful. A pharmacist will be able to advise you on the appropriate tablets. If your symptoms worsen you may wish to contact your GP. If you have an old injury, you may find that placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the affected area for 10 minutes reduces pain, while for a new injury you can use a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel for 10 minutes. Please be aware that hot and cold can burn and that you need to check every 5 minutes to make sure that your skin does not become very red or blotchy. If this happens, stop.

What can I do to help myself in the meantime?

It has been shown that resting for more than a day or so does not help and may actually prolong pain and disability. You may need to alter your activities initially, but the sooner you can get back to normal activity the sooner you will feel better. Getting stiff joints and muscles working can be painful, but this is a normal response and not a sign of damage. Feeling a bit sore initially is also normal and often a good sign that you are making progress. Changing your position or activity frequently through the day will help to prevent and reduce stiffness. Try to build up your general activity gradually. Further guidance is available at: www.versusarthritis.org , https://www.nhs.uk and https://mskr.info 

What happens next?

You can self-refer to the NHS physiotherapy service by downloading and submitting the form below.
Please complete the form as fully as possible; the more information that we are given, the easier it is for us to direct people to the most appropriate service.
If you have multiple area of concern please complete separate self-referral forms for each.

Once received, your referral will be reviewed by the physiotherapy team and you will be contacted in due course to arrange an appointment. 

We can only accept froms from patients registered with Carlisle Healthcare.
If you are not registered with us, please contact your own GP surgery who will be able to process your referral request

Self referral form to download /media/content/files/iMSK_self_referral_form.docx