Physiotherapy
Referrals
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy self-referrals
Managing your condition
Most new injuries, aches and pains will improve within 6 weeks with self-management. If your symptoms are less than 6 weeks' old, your condition is likely to improve with advice and exercise. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website has information about managing your bone, joint or muscle pain.
For more detailed and tailored support, please consider self-management with getUBetter.
The getUBetter app offers quick and safe advice to people with muscle or joint problems.
It can help you self-manage your condition with advice, tips and exercises. It can also signpost you to your local services.
The app is free for anyone living in Lambeth or Southwark.
Self-referrals
You can refer yourself to musculoskeletal physiotherapy for specialist assessment and management if:
- your symptoms have not improved with self-management, or
- you're concerned your condition is worsening
Please complete a self-referral form if you're:
- registered with a GP in Lambeth or Southwark
- 16 years of age or older
- not pregnant or 3 months post-partum (for back pain, sciatica or hip pain)
Self-referral forms
- Back pain or sciatica
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Foot or ankle pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain
- Hand and wrist pain
Physiotherapy self-referral video
Watch our video for more information about referring yourself to our service.
Narrator: Would you like to refer yourself to physiotherapy?
If you have back pain joint pains or have recently experienced a strain or sprain that isn't getting better then physiotherapy may be for you.
Physiotherapists are specialists in musculoskeletal health and movement and can assess and support your rehabilitation needs and self-management.
Seeing a physiotherapist early can help speed your recovery and help you achieve your health goals.
Why self-refer?
Self-referral is quick and easy.
Golda (receptionist): It bypasses the GP which helps you to support yourself and we're always here for you if you need us.
Flora (patient): I just went twice and I feel much better.
Dr Imtiaz Ahmad (GP and MSK Lead, Lambeth): Physiotherapy and services like that can be accessed a lot quicker.
We like our patients to be involved in that decision early, we like to empower them and if it's right for them to see a physiotherapist at an earlier stage we believe that we can safely use online services such as self-referral.
Narrator: how do I refer myself?
You will be asked to complete a few simple questions about your problem and provide some contact information.
This can be completed on any device by visiting the practice website.
You can scan the code on the self-referral poster in your waiting room.
Or speak to a receptionist who can help you with the decision to self-refer.
What happens next?
Your referral will be reviewed by the specialist physiotherapy team and you will be contacted to arrange an appointment within 2 working days.
Waiting times range from 1 to 6 weeks, depending on how urgent your problem is.
You can visit the physiotherapy website to find resources to support your self-management whilst you wait.
Remember for back pain, joint pain, sprains and strains think self-referral first
GP referrals
Neuro-rehabilitation physiotherapy
Visit the neuro-rehabilitation physiotherapy referrals page.
Musculoskeletal assessment, triage and treatment service (MCATTS)
Visit the MCATTS referrals page.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Visit the musculoskeletal physiotherapy referrals page.
Older person's physiotherapy
Visit the older persons' physiotherapy referrals page.
Pulmonary rehabilitation service
Visit the pulmonary rehabilitation referrals page.
Respiratory physiotherapy outpatient service
Visit the respiratory physiotherapy outpatient service referrals page.
Vestibular and facial physiotherapy
Visit the vestibular and facial physiotherapy referrals page.
Last updated: April 2025