Musculoskeletal physiotherapy services

Our musculoskeletal service provides inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy at all three hospital sites, as well as local GP surgeries.  The physiotherapy departments are situated in the locations below: 

  • Leicester Royal Infirmary, Physiotherapy outpatient department, Balmoral building, level 0, can be easily accessed by the Havelock street entrance 
  • Glenfield Hospital, Physiotherapy outpatient department, ground floor 
  • Leicester General, Physiotherapy outpatient department, ground floor, near the Gwendolen Road entrance 

Inpatient services

We help patients recover and manage musculoskeletal conditions with personalised care. Our outpatient team works across all three hospitals in areas such as:

  • Hands, burns & plastics
  • A&E (Emergency Department)
  • Fracture clinic
  • Pain management
  • Rheumatology
  • Sports medicine

Treatment may include:

  • Exercise classes
  • Tailored exercise plans
  • Advice and education to help you manage your condition

Outpatient services 

Our outpatient service is aimed at providing high-quality evidence-based care for all patients who have a musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) problem. 

Outpatient physiotherapy is aimed at providing you with the tools to effectively recover and return to normal life as quickly possible, allowing you to develop management strategies to assist with your condition. 

Outpatient physiotherapists work across all three sites; Glenfield, Leicester General and Leicester Royal Infirmary, in several specialist areas including: 

  • Hands, burns and plastics 
  • A&E (Emergency Department)
  • Fracture clinic 
  • Pain management 
  • Rheumatology 
  • Sport medicine

Referral 

What do I do if I think I need Physiotherapy? Currently, you can be referred by your consultant, doctor (GP) or ward-based therapist. Alternatively, you can find the self-refer to physiotherapy form below. 

Self-referral 

If you self-refer to physiotherapy you will be contacted via telephone by a senior member of our team who will discuss your referral with you. This will be from a private or unknown number. Please note, we are unable to speak to family members over the phone. If you are unable to speak to us directly over the phone, please tick the box asking not to receive a phone call and you will be sent an appointment letter. 

If you are under a consultant for the problem, you are considering referring yourself for, unfortunately, we are unable to see you about this until receiving a referral from your consultant. 

Following the telephone conversation, we may provide you with advice regarding your problem and if appropriate book you into a 1:1 appointment with one of our therapists. 

Physiotherapy self-referral form (94kB pdf)

Our team 

We’re involved in research with orthopaedic consultants and committed to advancing physiotherapy care. Your physiotherapist will guide you through recovery with expert advice and support. Outpatient physiotherapy can include exercise classes, progressive individualised exercisese, useful advice and education to help you manage your condition.

1. What happens at the first appointment?

    When you arrive at the Physiotherapy Department, please check in at reception. This is required for safety and fire regulations. Your first physiotherapy appointment will last around 45 minutes, with follow-up sessions typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes. During your visit, a qualified physiotherapist will:

    • ask about your condition, symptoms, and general health
    • assess your movement, strength, and affected area
    • create a personalised treatment plan based on your goals
    • answer any questions you may have

    Our team provides individualised physiotherapy care to help you recover, manage your condition, and return to everyday activities with confidence.

    2. What if I arrive late for my appointment? 

    If you are late for your appointment, we cannot guarantee that you will be seen, so please give yourself plenty of time to arrive. 

    3. What if I can’t come to the appointment? 

    If you are unable to come to your appointment, please contact the department as soon as possible so we can offer the appointment slot to another patient. Let us know at least two days before your appointment if you will not be able to come. 

    If you miss your appointment and didn’t let us know, and still think you need physiotherapy, ask your GP or consultant to refer you again. If you fail to attend your appointment and do not let us know in advance, you may not be given another appointment and may be discharged. 

    4. What should I bring with me? 

    • any medication that you may need while you are here
    • a list of all the medication you are currently taking
    • details of any other clinic appointments that you may have

    5. What should I wear? 

    Your physiotherapist may need you to undress to be able to fully assess the affected area or problem. Your privacy will be respected at all times. For your first assessment we suggest you wear: 

    • loose comfortable clothing 
    • underwear 
    • you may wish to bring a pair of shorts or vest to change in to

    6. What if I have any special needs? 

    When you call to make your appointment, please tell the receptionist if: 

    • you have a medical condition, which means that you would be unable to arrange your own transport or use public transport 
    • you would like to have a physiotherapist of the same sex  
    • you would like to bring a same-sex friend (chaperone) to keep you company during your appointment 
    • if you need an interpreter, please contact the Physiotherapy Department as soon as possible before your appointment so that we can try to help you. 

    9. What should I expect from my treatment? 

    Everyone’s treatment is individualised, depending on what is most appropriate for them and their goals. A significant part of physiotherapy involves exercises, movement modification and modification of your valued activities. We believe that education around your condition and how to manage it is essential for a good outcome as well as providing you with strategies to self-manage in the future. Alongside these principles, other treatments can be used to help with your recovery.