Introduction

Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement. It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well being.

Physiotherapists offer specialist assessment and treatments for a wide range of problems, please see the list of our services provided below.

All Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Physiotherapists are registered with the Health Professions Council, the regulatory body for Allied Health Professionals.

Services Provided

In-patients are seen by the physiotherapist on the ward. Some sites do have specialist gyms and treatment rooms.

• Rehabilitation (recovering function) following surgery, particularly after orthopaedic (hip/knee replacement or back) surgery

• Rehabilitation following a stroke, head injury or ‘flare up’ of a neurological condition such as Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis

• Rehabilitation following a medical condition such as a chest infection or oncological (cancer) condition

• Respiratory (breathing) problems. Physiotherapists help people to manage their chest problems by teaching effective clearance of secretions, management of breathlessness and encouraging physical activity.

The Physiotherapy Team offer treatment for problems including: -

• Back, neck, hand and joint disorders
• Sporting injuries
• Women’s Health
• Bell’s (facial) palsy
• Vestibular disorders (poor balance and dizziness)
• Breathing conditions
• Neurological conditions (eg. Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis)

Please use the links in the table below for important information about your first physiotherapy appointment. Each site has a specific leaflet. Use this link for Women’s Health first appointment information.

If you are unable to attend the physiotherapy department or, because of your condition, it is more appropriate for the physiotherapist to see you at home (or usual place of residence) we can arrange a community physiotherapy visit.

How can I see a Physiotherapist ?

Referrals can be made by GP’s, Consultants and other health care professionals. You can also refer yourself by completing a self-referral form at any physiotherapy department, using an on-line self-referral form or by calling Physio Direct (see below for more details)

• Self Referral Form

Once you have completed this form you may e-mail it to

PhysioStaffSelfReferrals@glos.nhs.uk

Physio Direct is a telephone service that has been set up to provide early advice and management for adults with back/neck/joint problems or following injuries.

Undergraduate Education

Information for undergraduate physiotherapy students on placement at the Trust.

• Undergraduate Information

Links

Please find links below to other websites that may be of interest to you.

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
  

• Health Professions Council
  

Contact Us

For any other enquires regarding physiotherapy please contact the Lead Physiotherapist:

for Cheltenham and Tewkesbury:

Julie Shepherd Julie.Shepherd@glos.nhs.uk

for Gloucester and Forest of Dean localities:

Gill Banner Gill.Banner@glos.nhs.uk