Outpatient therapies and MSK physiotherapy

Expertise

All of our physiotherapists and occupational therapists are state registered. We have a thorough understanding of human movement and the conditions that can affect this. We can provide you with help, advice and treatment to reduce pain, increase movement and restore function.

We have individual treatment rooms and a gym. All patients receive an individual assessment. Treatment will consist of an individualised treatment plan which may include exercise, education, manual therapy, electrotherapy, injection therapy, acupuncture, specialist splinting and other therapeutic techniques.

We also have a number of classes both at Kingsgate House and Stepping Hill Hospital, including a back rehabilitation class, a lower limb class, a shoulder class, a hip & knee class for osteoarthritis and an ankle class. These classes include exercise, education and advice and enable patients to restore function and increase their confidence in participating in exercise.

We can refer on to other services such as orthotics, podiatry and hydrotherapy when appropriate, and advise your GP if we think onward referral to a specialist is required.

How to use the service

Access to the Outpatient Therapy Service is via referral from a Consultant based at Stepping Hill Hospital or via self-referral for staff members only.

Access to MSK Physiotherapy is via referral from Stockport GPs, first contact practitioners, and the Orthopaedic Assessment Service. Referrals are also accepted from other Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Community services via an internal referral process.

Once you have reached the top of the waiting list you will be contacted either by telephone or post to arrange an initial assessment. If you do not contact the department within two weeks to arrange an appointment, your referral may be discharged.

Before your appointment, it would be useful for you to have a think about the problem you are attending physiotherapy for. For example: when did it start? What makes it feel worse or better? How does it affect your daily life?

Please dress appropriately for an examination of the affected area and bring a list of current medications with you as this will help make the most of your time with the therapist.