First Contact Physiotherapist

ExamWorks Group; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Pure Physio in Luton is seeking a First Contact Physiotherapist to join the NHS-partnered community MSK service. You will assess, diagnose and support patients at their first contact, without GP triage. The role requires a physiotherapist qualified to MSc/BSc level with MSK experience and autonomy for early intervention and onward referrals.

The position is permanent, 40 hours per week, with a salary range of £42,000–£49,000 pro rata depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Qualified physiotherapist with a BSc or MSc in Physiotherapy.
• Experience in MSK assessment and management is desirable.
• Ability to work autonomously within Primary Care settings.

Responsibilities

• Assess and diagnose MSK conditions on the patient’s first contact
• Provide expert advice on pain management, mobility and recovery
• Recommend treatment or onward referral to specialists
• Order investigations such as X-rays or blood tests when appropriate
• Reduce GP workload by managing MSK cases directly

Skills

Clinical assessment

MSK knowledge

Patient communication

Referral skills

Education

BSc in Physiotherapy

MSc in Physiotherapy

Job description

First Contact Physiotherapist Physiotherapy Luton Permanent Aug 21, 2026

First Contact Physiotherapist

Location: Luton

Hours: Permanent. 40 hours per week

Salary: £42,000 to £49,000 pro rota. Depending on experience

Pure Physio has been a leading NHS partner since 2016, delivering highquality First Contact Physiotherapists (FCP)and wider clinical services fully integrated within Primary Care. We work collaboratively with Primary Care Networks, Neighbourhood Teams, GP Federations, GP clusters and ICBs across England, Scotland,Walesand Northern Ireland to provide communitybased, preventative healthcare that improves population health and reduces system pressure.

Our multidisciplinary teams — including First Contact Physiotherapists, Health & Wellbeing Coaches and Social Prescribers — focus on early intervention, prevention andlongtermwellbeing. We support MSK care, longterm conditions (including CVD,diabetesand persistent pain), social prescribing, women’s health, neurology,rheumatologyand geriatric care.

A First Contact Physiotherapist is an MSK specialist based in GP practices who can assess,diagnoseand support patients at their very first point of contact — without needing to see a GP first.

What FCPs do?

• Assess and diagnose MSK conditions on the patient’s first contact
• Provideexpert advice on pain management,mobilityand recovery
• Recommend treatment or onward referral to specialists
• Order investigations such asXraysor blood tests when appropriate
• Reduce GP workload by managing MSK cases directly

Attimesan APP maybe requiredto fulfil a requirement to:

• Take on complex MSK presentations that exceed FCP scope
• Support patients with multimorbidities (CVD, diabetes, frailty, mental health)
• Provide advanced rehabilitation planning
• Reduce unnecessary referrals to secondary care

Whydo these roles matter?

Musculoskeletal problems account for around 30% of all GP appointments.So,weensure patients get faster access to the right clinician, improving outcomes while freeing up GP time for other health needs.

Essential Training and Expertise

All FCPs are qualified physiotherapists with:

• A BSc or MSc in Physiotherapy
• Advanced MSK training aligned with the national FCP/Advanced Practice Roadmap

This enables them to work autonomously, request investigations and make complex clinical decisions.

In Summary

A First Contact Physiotherapist from Pure Physio gives patients rapid, expert assessmentswhile supporting PCNs with transparent reporting, preventative care and integratedcommunitybasedservices.

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