Physiotherapy at Gateshead Community MSK Service

1 If you have a problem with pain or stiffness in your joints, muscles, liga- ments or spine then our service may benefit you. The service is provided by fully qualified and experienced physiotherapists with expertise in this area. You do not need to see your GP first to make an appointment and you can refer yourself.

To improve your access to physiotherapy and provide care closer to your home we are able to provide appointments at any of the locations listed on the back page of this leaflet.

Conditions that we are able to assess and treat include: Neck pain Back Pain Arthritis Strains/sprains Sports injuries General musculoskeletal conditions

Referral You can refer yourself to our service or be referred by your GP or health care professional. We will offer you an appointment to be seen within 15 working days of when we receive your referral, or from when you contact us for a self referral. You can be seen during the day, as well either early morning, early evening or Saturday mornings. If you have any of the following additional symptoms please mention when calling to make your appointment as we may need to talk to you very quickly and advise that you seek urgent advice from your GP: Pins and needles , numbness or tingling in both arms / hands or legs / feet Numbness in your groin area Any disturbance of your normal bladder or bowel control Neck pain which has resulted in dizziness, problems with swallowing or speech, memory loss or ringing in your ears Unexplained night sweats Unexplained weight loss Generally unwell/ lethargic/tired 2

You will be offered a choice of venue but you may have to wait longer if you require a specific location. If you would prefer to see a male or a fe- male physiotherapist then please mention this to reception staff when booking.

A face to face appointment will be arranged to assess your condition and a treatment plan will be agreed . Your treatment plan may include:

Self management plan Exercise programmes Electrotherapy Acupuncture Joint mobilisation/manipulation Traction Injection therapy

All of our treatment programmes are based on best available current evidence and follow national and international guidelines. Your Physiotherapist will be more than happy to discuss your treatment plan with you.

Spinal Programme We offer a comprehensive package of spinal care, from assessment and individual treatment through to early and late stage rehabilitation programmes. Our spinal programmes are for people of all ages and abilities and patients have given very positive feedback. The programme has shown good results in supporting patients to return to work and 3 many return to full function very quickly.

To contact the service, you can call 0191 445 2643 anytime

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 8.00pm

Our appointments are available between the following times: Monday 8.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday 8.00am - 8.00pm Wednesday 8.00am - 5.00pm Thursday 8.00am - 8.00pm Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 9.00 am - 1.00pm

Appointments are available at:

Blaydon Primary Care Centre Rawling Road GP Practice, Hospital GP Practice Chainbridge Medical Practice Grange Road Ryton Birtley Medical Centre Teams Medical Practice QE Metro Riverside

Data Protection Any personal information is kept confidential. There may be occasions where your infor- mation needs to shared with other care professionals to ensure you receive the best care possible. In order to assist us improve the services available your information may be used for clinical audit, research, teaching and anonymised for National NHS Reviews. Further information is available in the leaflet Disclosure of Confidential Information IL137, via Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust website or the PALS Service.

Information Leaflet: NoIL408 Version: 1 Title: Gateshead Community MSK Service First Published: February 2013 Review Date: February 2015 Author: Jacqueline Scott—Physiotherapy This leaflet can be made available in other languages and formats upon request

Delivered on behalf of the NHS South of by QE Gateshead

Queen Elizabeth Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Avenue| Sheriff Hill | Gateshead |NE9 6SX 4