NHS Forth Valley - Physiotherapy Services

Physiotherapy Services

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists are specialists in human movement and injury, who work together with patients to promote return of function. Treatments can consist of 'hands-on' treatment, exercise and complimentary techniques to promote healing. No treatments are used without obtaining patient consent. Physiotherapists also try to prevent problems recurring by giving advice and encouraging appropriate exercise and self-care.

What training do physiotherapists have?

Physiotherapists have a four year university degree and post graduate training in muscle and joint conditions, orthopaedics, stroke and other areas. During this training over 1000 clinical hours are completed in a variety of different specialities.

All physiotherapists employed in Forth Valley are Chartered Physiotherapists registered with the Health Professions Council.

What conditions do physiotherapists see?

Physiotherapists are involved in treating a huge range of conditions in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Outpatient treatment is provided in the physiotherapy departments in Stirling Royal Infirmary, Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary and in 20 health centres across Forth Valley. Common conditions seen in outpatients are

neck and back pain
joint problems e.g. injuries, arthritis, pain and swelling
sports injuries or other acute injuries e.g. sprains
work related conditions
after orthopaedic surgery
after fractures
persistent pain
women's health conditions including ante and post natal care
children's conditions e.g. postural and walking problems and neurological conditions
adult neurological conditions e.g. stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis
cardiac rehabilitation
chest conditions

Physiotherapists work on the wards in Stirling Royal Infirmary, Falkirk & District Royal Infirmary and in community hospitals across Forth Valley. Common conditions seen in hospital are

chest conditions
mobility problems or falling
after general or orthopaedic surgery
post natal care
neurological problems e.g. stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis
following amputation
children's conditions

Community physiotherapy is provided by ReACH (Rehabilitation and Assessment in the Community and at Home), a multi-disciplinary team providing rehabilitation across Forth Valley for over 16 year olds at home.

Primary Care physiotherapists provide a service to adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems and to the elderly within Stirling Royal Infirmary, Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary, community hospitals, day centres or patients' homes across Forth Valley.

How do I get referred to a physiotherapist?

You can be referred to outpatient physiotherapy by a GP in Forth Valley, a hospital consultant or other health professionals.

Physiotherapy Patient Leaflets:

Click on the titles below to access advice leaflets

Acute Ankle Pain
Ankle fracture
Knee Osteoarthritis
Low Back Pain
Neck Pain
Wrist Fracture

Links

Arthritis Research Campaign	A UK charity dedicated to the treatment and cure of arthritic conditions
Back Care	A UK charity helping people manage and prevent low back pain
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy	Professional,educational and trade union body for the UK's 47,000 chartered physiotherapists, students and assistants.
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland	Aims to improve the quality of life for people in Scotland affected by chest, heart and stroke illness through research, advice and support.
Health Professions Council	The regulatory body for health professions in the UK, including a register of all Physiotherapists.
Pain Association Scotland	Provides support and information to help deal with long term pain
Physiotherapy advice	Site developed by NHS Lothian giving advice and exercise for managing knee symptoms.
Shoulder doc	Patient information and professional educational material on shoulder and elbow problems

Contact details

Stirling Royal Infirmary Physiotherapy Department

Stirling Royal Infirmary (SRI)
Livilands
Stirling
FK8 2AU

01786 434061
01786 450588

Falkirk & District Royal Infirmary Physiotherapy Department

Falkirk & District Royal Infirmary (FDRI)
Majors Loan
Falkirk
FK1 5QE

01324 616038
01324 616086

ReACH (Rehabilitation and Assessment in the Community and at Home)

Hut 9 (Old Ward 3)
Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary
Majors Loan
Falkirk
FK1 5QE

01324 677572
01324 616068

Primary/Community Care Service

Physiotherapy Department
Lochview
Stirling Road
Larbert
FK5 4SE

01324 574359
01324 574346