Do I need a GP referral for physiotherapy?
No. You can book private physiotherapy yourself without a GP referral. On the NHS it depends on where you live: in Scotland each health board decides whether you can self-refer or need a referral, and in many areas of England you can self-refer too. Some symptoms need a GP or emergency care first.
Private physiotherapy: no referral needed
You can book a private physiotherapist directly. There is no need to see your GP first, and at PhysioOnClick you simply choose an appointment on the booking page.
Physiotherapist is a protected title in the UK, so anyone using it has to be on the HCPC Register. That is the check that matters when you choose a private physio, rather than whether a GP sent you.
There is one exception worth knowing about. If you plan to claim the cost back from health insurance, your insurer may have its own rules about referrals. Our guide to claiming physiotherapy on health insurance explains what to check.
Referring yourself to the NHS in Scotland
NHS inform explains that your local health board decides how each musculoskeletal service is accessed. That means the answer depends on where you live: some boards let you refer yourself, and others ask for a referral from a GP or another professional.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, for example, lets adults refer themselves to its musculoskeletal physiotherapy service. Adults can usually self-refer if they meet the criteria, so read the board's page before you apply.
If you are not sure how your own board works, the NHS inform page links to every Scottish health board. Your GP practice can also tell you.
Referring yourself to the NHS in England
The NHS sciatica page says that in many areas you may be able to get help from NHS community musculoskeletal services without a referral from a GP.
The words many areas matter here. Services are run locally, so some places still ask for a GP referral. Search for your local musculoskeletal service, or ask your GP practice reception how to get seen.
When to see a GP or get urgent help first
Most muscle and joint pain is not an emergency, and a physiotherapist is a sensible first step. A few symptoms are different, and for these a video appointment is not the right route.
The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain together with pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs, a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus, or changes in your bladder or bowels. It gives the same advice if your back pain started after a serious accident, or comes with chest pain. The NHS also says not to drive yourself to A&E.
Other signs mean it is worth speaking to a GP rather than waiting. The NHS says to see a GP for neck pain that does not go away after a few weeks, or comes with pins and needles or a cold arm. It says the same for heel pain that has not improved within 2 weeks. For sudden, very bad shoulder pain, or severe hip pain that starts without a fall or injury, it says to get urgent help from a GP or by calling 111.
We screen for these things during your first appointment. If we think you need to be examined face to face, or need a GP or emergency care, we will tell you plainly and will not keep you in an online plan that is not the right fit.
Common questions
Can I see a private physiotherapist without a referral?
Yes. You can book a private physiotherapist yourself. If you plan to claim on health insurance, check your insurer's rules, because some ask for a referral or a pre-authorisation code.
Can I refer myself to NHS physiotherapy in Scotland?
It depends on your health board. Each board decides whether you can self-refer or need a referral from a GP or another professional. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, for example, lets eligible adults refer themselves.
Can I refer myself to NHS physiotherapy in England?
In many areas you can get help from NHS community musculoskeletal services without a GP referral, but not everywhere. Check your local service or ask your GP practice.
Which symptoms mean I should not wait for physiotherapy?
With back pain, weakness or numbness in both legs, numbness around your genitals or anus, changes in your bladder or bowels, or pain after a serious accident, call 999 or go to A&E. Do not book a video appointment for these.
This information is general and not a substitute for an assessment. Don't start a new exercise programme without advice from a physiotherapist or doctor who knows your condition. If an exercise causes pain that doesn't settle, stop and seek advice.
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