Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (MSK): Epping

The MSK Physiotherapy team provide assessment, treatment, advice and support to help with a variety of issues involving the musculoskeletal system. To help restore range of movement, strength and functional ability to enable you to remain active, return to work, to participate in your hobbies and to improve your overall quality of life.

The team offers physiotherapy assessment, advice, education, treatment, supervised 1:1 exercises, group exercise classes and self-management strategies for musculoskeletal (MSK) problems. These include neck, back, knee and shoulder conditions, as well as other muscle or joint problems such as strains and arthritis. The Service is provided for people living in Harlow, Epping, Loughton, Bishop’s Stortford, Dunmow, Saffron Walden and surrounding areas.

We do not treat Neurological conditions such as Stroke, Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis and Respiratory conditions. We do not provide home visits, this is via our community service.

Only patients who are 18 years old and over and who have a GP situated in West Essex or East & North Herts can refer themselves to this service.  This area includes most of Harlow, Epping, Loughton, Dunmow, Bishop’s Stortford, Saffron Walden and surrounding areas.

The easiest way to self-refer is to complete a Physiotherapy Self Referral Form. Once you have completed the form you can send it as an e-mail attachment or print and post as directed on the form. You can also telephone us on 03442 573965 if you require help with the form. Please note that we do not offer appointments over the phone.

Please only mark one joint for assessment on the referral form otherwise your referral may be rejected. If you have multiple joint problems we suggest you contact your GP surgery as you may require an assessment and investigation prior to starting physiotherapy.

*Please note that the self-referral form must be completed using a laptop or computer. The form is not compatible with phones or tablets. If you complete the form using a mac computer, please save it as a .PDF document. If you have any problems with this, you can be sent a copy to complete by hand and then it can be returned to one of our departments. Please contact 03442 573965 if you require this option.

It is important that you do not self-refer if you have any of the following:

• pregnancy
• unexplained weight loss
• unexplained bladder or bowel symptoms
• a previous diagnosis of cancer
• fever or night sweats
• unsteadiness on your feet
• pins and needles or numbness in both arms and legs.
• multiple joint problems
• following recent surgery as we will require a letter from your consultant.

If you have any of these conditions or symptoms it is important you speak to your GP first.

Referrals will be assessed by the physiotherapy team to ensure we have all the information we need.

You will be offered one of the following depending on your symptoms

• 1:1 appointment with a physiotherapist
• Education workshop and exercise advice by an experienced physiotherapist
• Supervised exercise either 1:1 or classes

Following triage we will advise you on the next stage in your treatment.