Therapy Speciality Lead for Elective and Trauma Orthopaedics and Hand Therapy - Caroline Timms
Therapy Speciality Lead for Therapy Out-patients (MSK, Pelvic Health, Respiratory) and Paediatrics - Sarah Sykes
If you are a health professional you can refer into our services via email to uhlphysioreferrals@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Musculoskeletal services
Our musculoskeletal service provides inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy at all three hospital sites, as well as local GP surgeries.
Inpatient services
Inpatient physiotherapists pick up all-new admissions to the wards they cover, allowing early treatment as appropriate.
You will see us on:
- Inpatient elective orthopaedic services at the Leicester General Hospital.
- Burns & plastics service is at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
- Trauma orthopaedic services cover 4 wards at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
- Women’s health services at the Leicester General and Royal Infirmary.
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.
Our outpatient physiotherapists work in a number of specialist areas including:
- Hands, burns and plastics
- A+E
- Fracture clinic
- Pain management
- Rheumatology
- Sport medicine
Outpatient services are available across all three sites; Glenfield, Leicester General and Leicester Royal Infirmary.
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.
You can self-refer to physiotherapy here
Our team
We are currently involved in a variety of research trials working with orthopaedic consultants and furthering our profession.
Alongside this, your physiotherapist will provide you with advice and education surrounding return to your normal activities and work. We are skilled in a range of techniques that can be used if appropriate to help in your recovery.
Outpatient physiotherapy can include:
- Exercise classes
- Progressive individualised exercises
- Useful advice and education to help you manage your condition.
Outpatients FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) by patients who have an outpatient physiotherapy appointment:
Please Note
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust will not tolerate violence or aggression to any patient, visitor or member of staff. We would request that you treat staff with respect, considering the manner that you would wish to be treated.
1. How to find us?
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
2. What happens at the first appointment?
Please report to the reception desk on arrival in the Physiotherapy Department. You must do this on every visit to the department to comply with fire regulations.
Your first appointment will normally be 45 minutes and follow up appointments are usually 15 – 30 minutes
We aim to be prompt, so if you are still waiting 10 minutes after your appointment time, please report this to the reception.
Your physiotherapist will ask you questions about your injury/problem and how you are feeling generally. Then they will usually examine the affected area.
Your physiotherapist will work out a treatment plan with you and there will be time for you to ask any questions.
Once referred for physiotherapy you will meet someone from our team who will ask you about your story so far and what you would like to achieve from treatment.
Following this, they will see how you move, look at your strength and what you are able to do.
Your initial appointment will include a thorough examination.
Our physiotherapists can provide you with an individualised treatment programme and coach you through this journey.
3. 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.
Click on the link to find out more about the different ways of getting to the hospital.
4. 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 try to use the appointment for another patient.
Please try to let us know at least two days before your appointment if you will not be able to come.
If you missed an appointment, and didn't let us know but still think that 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.
5. 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.
Coming to a hospital clinic - click on the link for more information about coming to a hospital clinic
6. What should I wear?
Your physiotherapist may need you to undress to your underwear to be able to fully assess the affected area or problem. For your first assessment we suggest you wear:
- Loose comfortable clothing
- Underwear
- You may wish to bring a pair of shorts or vest with you to change in to
Your privacy will be respected at all times.
Coming to a hospital clinic - click on the link for more information about coming to a hospital clinic
7. 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.
Support and advice - click on the link to find out more about the support services in the hospitals
8. What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability.(CSP 2019)
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.
