Physiotherapy is a helpful service providing tailored advice on exercise, stretches and physical activity to improve movement, strength and pain management.

Physiotherapists can also provide specific treatments such as manual therapy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture in some cases. They are experiences in treating conditions associated with bones, joints and soft tissue- such as back, neck and shoulder pains, alongside various sports injuries.

The first appointment will be held in an outpatient setting either face-to-face or by telephone and an initial assessment will be carried out to decide what help you might need . This appointment will be usually followed up with further sessions to see how your treatment is working.

You can self-refer to NHS lothian physiotherapy department for an initial routine assessment by downloading and posting your completed form to:

Physiotherapy Department
Slateford Medical Centre
27 Gorgie Park Close
Edinburgh
EH14 1NQ

To access the self-referral physiotherapy service, it is worth noting a few things before you complete the form. (see below)

1: You must be over 16, (under 16s require a GP referral)
2: Be registered with a GP Practice
3: You can self-refer for ONE issue only
4: The form below (in the self-refer tab) is for routine outpatient appointments only (urgent review requires GP referral*)

*urgent cases relate to an injury or condition that causes severe unrelenting pain, major loss of function, and results in an inability to work or care for somebody.

See the links below to download the self -referral forms for Physiotherapy. If you dont have access to a printer you can always enquire and pick up a paper form at our reception desk.

Waiting time to see a physiotherapist can take a couple of months through the NHS. You can try our exercise sheets devised by our physiotherapist for specific musculoskeletal conditions  that are downloadable and located in the joint and muscle section of the website. Or alternatively, you can access them going through our link at the bottom of the page.

If however, understandably you are looking for a private physiotherapist more urgently. See the link for a helpful guide on finding a physiotherapist in your area. The webpage includes information on how to be referred to an NHS physiotherapist and how to find a private practitioner near you.  

www.csp.org.uk

The Children and Young People’s Physiotherapy service in Edinburgh has a website which provides information/advice on a range of common conditions and queries often referred to Paediatric Physiotherapists. 

Visit their site here for more information.

They also run telephone help lines to answer queries you may have about your child or young person. This service can be accessed by parents/ carers to discuss any concerns or seek advice using the numbers below.

For concerns regarding a child’s motor skills or development call: 0131 312 2347 Thursday mornings from 9.00 to 11.00

For concerns about bone, joint or muscle pain call: 0131 312 1079

If you are struggling with mobility and at risk of falling, the physiotherapy team run a walking aid assessment service. They can provide mobility supports such as walking sticks , zimmer frame , delta walkers. 

You can download the self- referral form or alternatively , if you don't have access to a printer you can pick up a referral form at the reception desk. 

Self-referral form download here