PLEASE NOTE:
We have recently identified a technical issue with the Patient Self-Referral Form on our website between the dates of 31/01/24 to 12/02/24. Regrettably, this resulted in referral data being deleted and not registering once submitted which means the Christchurch team will not have received your referral. If you completed the referral form during this period and selected Christchurch Hospital as your preferred physiotherapy team, we kindly encourage you to resubmit your information. Please follow the link to the patient referral form. https://www.mskdorset.nhs.uk/patient-self-referral-form/
Your health and care are our top priorities, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please take a moment to ensure your submission is accurate so we can provide you with the best possible support.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Due to increased pressures on the NHS locally, we would encourage patients to use the advice, information and exercises available on this website to help them with their condition before considering referring themselves to the physiotherapy service at this time.
The Physiotherapy Outpatient departments approximate wait times for routine cases are as follows:
Dorset County Hospital – 19 weeks
Dorset County Hospital (Weymouth) – 7 weeks
Dorset Health Care – 16 weeks
University Hospital Dorset (Christchurch) – 74 weeks
University Hospital Dorset (Poole) – 64 weeks
Referrals are prioritised according to need. Those requiring urgent assessments will be seen within 2 weeks.
*updated 19/03/2024
Looking after yourself
We understand how aches and pains in your joints, muscles and bones can cause frustration and worry impacting on your daily activities.
In most cases, these can be treated by yourself, in your own home using guidance featured on this page which is supported by our local clinicians.
* Please note this information is suitable for adults only.
For information on children and young people click here
Feel better, move better, be better
We understand how aches and pains in your joints, muscles and bones can cause frustration and worry impacting on your daily activities.
In most cases, these can be treated by yourself, in your own home using guidance featured on this page which is supported by our local clinicians.
* Please note this information is suitable for adults only.
For information on children and young people click here
Select a body part for more information
Foot pain
Ankle pain
Back pain
Elbow pain
Wrist and hand pain
Neck pain
Hip pain
Knee pain
Shoulder pain
Other useful information and resources
Our Dorset website
LiveWell Dorset (information and support on moving more)
NHS