The University Hospitals Plymouth Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service offers specialist physiotherapy assessment and treatment across multiple sites within Plymouth, South Hams and Tavistock.
We accept self-referrals, referrals from GP’s, consultants and other health professionals including nurse practitioners, podiatrists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
We see patients with Musculoskeletal related pain and disability, this can include:
Sprains
Fractures/broken bones
Tendon injuries
Ligament injuries e.g. ACL
Arthritis
Chronic pain
Reduced mobility
Rheumatological conditions
After surgery (e.g. knee replacements, hip replacements)
Neurological conditions including stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s (discuss with your GP)
Functional neurological disorder (discuss with your GP)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (discuss with your GP)
Falls/fear of falling/reduced mobility - self refer to the falls management exercise programme
We are able to offer an extensive range of treatment options tailored to the needs of the patient. Appropriate and evidence-based treatment options will be discussed with you in your appointment, these include:
Exercise therapy delivered to individuals and in group settings.
Lower limb rehabilitation class (ACL, Osteoarthritis)
Back rehabilitation classes
Hydrotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions
Manual therapy
Injection therapy (intra-articular and peri-articular steroid injections)
Acupuncture
Taping/strapping
When we receive your referral, we will contact you by phone or letter. The letter will ask you to call us to book a time that works for you. We will explain where to go and what will happen at your first visit. You may get a confirmation letter once your appointment is booked.
Appointments run Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (this can vary from site to site). Please tell us if you have any special needs, like needing a translator.
If you cannot come, please give at least 24 hours’ notice so we can give your slot to someone else. If you cancel or change more than 2 appointments, or if you fail to attend a prearranged appointment without giving us notice, you may be discharged back to your referrer in line with Trust policy.
To cancel an appointment please call the relevant location.
Contact us:
Hydrotherapy Pool Level 3 - Tel: 01752 432208
Kingsbridge OPD MSK appointments - Tel: 01752 438203
Physiotherapy Reception Level 7 - Tel: 01752 432233
Tavistock OPD MSK appointments - Tel : 01752 436131
Check where you need to go.
Leave early, as parking can be difficult.
Bring a list of any medicines you take.
Tell us if you have a pacemaker.
Wear suitable clothes (shorts are helpful if we need to check your back or legs).
Your first appointment will last up to 40min.
Children under 16 must come with a parent or guardian.
The physiotherapist will:
Ask questions about your problem, medical conditions, and medication.
Do a physical check.
Agree an appropriate treatment plan with you. They may book more appointments if needed.
You can bring a friend or family member if you like.
This is a teaching hospital, so sometimes student physiotherapists may join in (you can say no if you prefer).
Follow-up appointments last up to 20 minutes.
We also offer Single Physiotherapy Assessments. We will complete a one-off assessment with advice and exercises for ongoing self-management. You can request a Single Physiotherapy Assessment on your self-referral form.
We also offer group exercise classes for back pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis, ACL injuries, and a general exercise class. You can discuss these with your physiotherapist at your appointment.
Our current wait times are:
Urgent: 2 weeks
Routine: 8 weeks
The service is staffed by approachable and professional senior physiotherapists, rotational physiotherapists and technical instructors. Rotational staff rotate into the department every 6 months.
We also have students within the department. These are closely supervised by senior staff and you will always have the option to see a qualified member of staff.
We operate across several sites, these are:
Derriford Hospital, Zone E, Level 7
Plympton Health Centre
Ivybridge Health Centre
Plymouth treatment Centre at Albion
All above departments can be contacted through the main Physiotherapy Department on 01752 432233.
Our wider community sites can be contacted direct via the below phone numbers
Tavistock Hospital 01752 436131
South Hams Hospital at Kingsbridge 01752 438203
