Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability.
Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice.
They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.
The profession helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to stay in work while helping them remain independent for as long as possible. Find out more about physiotherapy.
Our main focus is on empowering people to manage minor issues successfully themselves, whilst providing high quality and equitable clinical services across Dorset for when they are required.
Physiotherapy for a Musculoskeletal condition is available by patient self referral or HCP referral. Please also be aware there are resources on the MSK Matters website which will help in many cases.
Please note: Most initial physiotherapy appointments will be carried out via telephone, options of video consultations and face to face when appropriate and safe to do so. Currently no group sessions will take place.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is available in different locations across Dorset. Our services are based at Dorset County Hospital, University Hospital Dorset and all of the community hospitals across Dorset. Physiotherapy is also available in some GP practices. Patients can either self-refer, or a healthcare professional can help complete the HCP referral form which will indicate where the service is available.
Hand Therapy:
Specialist therapy and splinting for hand conditions. Available by HCP and self-referral. The service is located in secondary care at the patients most local acute hospital.
Paediatric Physiotherapy:
This specialist service is for patients under 16 requiring access to physiotherapy.
Learning Difficulties:
If a patient under the age of 16 requires support that would be best met by a more experienced team, please speak to your GP about options available in your local area.
For adults with Learning Difficulties, there is a physio service integrated with Social Service teams. Please speak to your local council for more details.