What is it?

Musculoskeletal Direct is an online questionnaire designed to help you receive the right care at the right time for problems such as back, neck and joint pain.

What is a musculoskeletal problem? 
Musculoskeletal (commonly referred to as MSK) problems, can affect your bones, joints, muscles, spine or nerves. They are a common cause of pain and disability and can affect you at any age.  

Common musculoskeletal problems:  

• Osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, neck and back 
• Back and neck pain
• Muscles, tendons, ligament and nerve pain
• Sports and exercise injuries

Use this form if you: 

• are 18 or over 
• are registered with a City & Hackney GP Practice 
• have a non-urgent musculoskeletal problem 

Do not use this form  if you: 

• have an urgent health problem , if you feel your problem needs urgent attention, please contact your GP practice
• have had your musculoskeletal problem for less than 14 days 
• have already been referred to Physiotherapy by your GP or First Contact Practitioner (FCP)
• have an appointment with a FCP or GP already
• have more than 2 areas of pain

This form is not suitable for help with: 

• a neurological condition (such as Stroke or Multiple Sclerosis)
• a gynaecological condition (such as prolapse or incontinence)
• a respiratory condition (such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) or Cystic Fibrosis)
• lumps, bumps or rashes
• pain related to current pregnancy

What happens after I complete the online questionnaire?

• Referral generated: upon completion, a referral is automatically sent to the physiotherapy department
• Telephone call: within two weeks, a senior physiotherapist will call you to review your symptoms.

Can I still be referred to physiotherapy by my GP? 

Yes, if you would prefer to see your GP or FCP please contact your practice. 

Open the form here