People registered to one of Frome's three GP medical practices can now get help when they experience musculoskeletal (MSK) pain without seeing a GP.

The new service allows patients to self-refer to either see a specialist MSK practitioner in their GP practice, or be seen by the physiotherapy team at Frome Community Hospital.

MSK pain affects many people, particularly their joints, bones and muscles, and sometimes associated tissues such as nerves – this can range from minor injuries to long-term conditions.

Over 20 million people in the UK, almost a third of the population, have a MSK condition such as arthritis or back pain. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, limited movement, and disability, which affect quality of life and independence.

Vicky Hier, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust's MSK physiotherapy lead for the Frome area, explains: "As part of the new service, people in Frome and the surrounding area who experience musculoskeletal pain can get quicker access to support from our team.

"By offering this easier way of getting care and treatment for MSK, we're improving the choice for patients, whether that be through their GP, MSK practitioner or physiotherapist, and it means that, unlike before, they don't necessarily need to see their GP for previously diagnosed or recurring complaints.

"There are two ways that patients can get this support, one of which is through specialist musculoskeletal practitioners, who are based in the GP surgeries. Patients can still ask for an appointment with their GP if they'd prefer."

To be seen in a GP practice by an MSK practitioner, patients must be registered with either Beckington Family Practice, Frome Medical Practice or Mendip Country Practice.

"All you need to do is contact your GP practice to request an appointment with your MSK practitioner via an online request or telephone call," Vicky continues. "Appointments are then usually available within two weeks.

"The only criteria that patients must meet for a self-referral is that they have to be over 16 and have an MSK condition. Anyone with pelvic health conditions, such as pregnancy, would need to be referred via their GP.

"Then patients registered to the GP practices above can also choose to self-refer into our physiotherapy service at the community hospital.

"To book an appointment with a physiotherapist at Frome Hospital, visit the Somerset FT website here or type 'Frome MSK referral' into your favourite search engine."

"If you don't have access to a smart phone or computer, you can still be referred to physiotherapy via a referral from your GP."