You can refer for any musculoskeletal problems. A musculoskeletal problem is one that involves bones, muscles, nerves or joints. If you complete a self referral that is not related to a musculoskeletal problem your referral will not be accepted.

We are able to accept referrals for anyone over the age of 16. If you are under the age of 16 please contact your GP for referral to paediatric physiotherapy if appropriate.

Patients registered with a GP in Birmingham and Solihull can self refer via the Get U Better application. Patients registered with a GP outside of Birmingham and Solihull should follow the link above to complete a referral form.

Joint and muscle problems are common and include shoulder, neck, lower back and knee problems. Most of these problems are not serious and get better with self management advice which is provided via the getUbetter app. If your symptoms do not improve with self management advice the app has physiotherapy self referral built in and you will be prompted to complete a referral form. The referral form will be sent directly to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Physiotherapy team.

If you require urgent treatment or are in serious pain please visit your GP or an Urgent Treatment Centre / Emergency Department (A&E).

Before completing the self referral form please ensure you know the name of your GP surgery, have a list of your current medications and have your NHS number (10 digit number). If you do not know your NHS number please click here to be directed to the website to find your NHS number.

It is important that you complete the form fully and give as much information as possible. Any missing information may result in a delay in you being seen.

A physiotherapist will review your online form. The physiotherapist will decide on what should happen next and how urgent the referral is. This is a process called triage. You will be contacted by phone or letter with one of the following outcomes:

• An appointment with a physiotherapist
• Request for further information regarding the problem you are referring for
• Advice to see your GP for further assessment/management
• Advice to refer to another specialist service

We are only able to accept and manage one condition per referral. This is to ensure we can deliver high quality care and keep waiting times down. Once you have completed care for this condition you may refer again for another problem if required.

Yes, you can complete the referral form on behalf of someone else, but you should have consent from the person you are completing the form for. It is advisable to complete the form together so the person who is being referred can provide the required information for each question.

• If you are under 18 years of age
• Patient requiring further investigations for diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems – please see your GP for referral to triage services
• Patients requiring home visits – please contact your GP for referral to community physiotherapy services
• Respiratory conditions requiring respiratory physiotherapy treatment such as cystic fibrosis, asthma
• Neurological conditions requiring neurological physiotherapy such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or head injury
• Non musculoskeletal pain
• Physiotherapy for Long COVID
• Rheumatological conditions requiring rheumatological physiotherapy such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
• Problems requiring emergency care such as suspected fractures, tendon ruptures or cauda equina syndrome
• If you have been seen for the same problem within the last 6 months and your symptoms have not changed

The physiotherapy department is located at College Green Health and Wellbeing Centre which is down the road from The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

Address:
Health and Wellbeing Centre
1 Bristol Road South
Birmingham
B31 2GH

Click here for more information