NHS Physiotherapy self-referral
Physical Activity & Physiotherapy · NHS-commissioned · National service
Some NHS areas let you refer yourself to physiotherapy without seeing a GP first — check the NHS tool to see if yours does; if not, your GP can refer you
Some NHS areas in England, Scotland and Wales offer adult MSK physiotherapy self-referral, allowing people to book an appointment without seeing their GP first. Conditions covered include back, neck, shoulder, hip and knee pain and other musculoskeletal problems. Use the NHS website to check whether your area offers self-referral — availability varies, and some areas (for example parts of outer East London) do not currently offer it. If the checker finds no service for your area, you have not lost access to physiotherapy: ask your GP surgery to refer you to community MSK services instead. Free, normally for people aged 16 and over. Children's and post-operative physiotherapy usually still need a clinical referral.
Contact
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/get-nhs-help-for-back-joint-problems/
Who it's for
Who they help: Adults 16+
Eligibility: Adults 16+ with musculoskeletal problems, in areas where the local NHS offers self-referral — check the NHS tool for your area
Not suitable for: Not available in every area — if the NHS checker shows no service for your GP surgery, request a referral through your GP instead. Children's and post-operative physiotherapy need a clinical referral.
Information last verified July 2026. Printed from https://www.socialprescriber.co.uk/charities/nhs-physiotherapy-self-referral