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

Who will I speak to?.
A Chartered Physiotherapist based at Lydney Hospital.

How and when do I contact the service?
Tel: 01594 598254.
Monday 8.30am - 12.00am
Friday 8.30am - 12.00am

How long will the phone call take?.
The length of the telephone calls vary, but may take up to 10 - 15 minutes.

What will happen when I phone?.
You will be asked a number of questions by the Physiotherapist in order to fully assess your problem.

You will be asked:-.
Your problem and how it is affecting your daily life
Your current medication
Any other medical problems.

The physiotherapist will then discuss with you the most appropriate way of managing your problem. This may include one or more of the following

Advice and appropriate exercises which will be sent to you in the post.

Appointment given for further assessment in the Physiotherapy Department at Lydney Hospital.

All patients needing an appointment are seen according to waiting times.

At the end of the phone call you will be given the contact details for the Physiotherapist to whom you spoke. If you are not getting better with the advice given or if you have any concerns do not hesitate to contact the Physiotherapist again.

What can I do if I can't get through?.
We appreciate that the telephone line can get very busy, although this is variable depending on the day and time you call. If the telephone line is engaged this means that the Physiotherapists helping someone else. The best thing to do is to keep trying at regular intervals.

What can I do to help myself in the meantime?.

Keeping Active.
Research has shown that resting for more than a day or so does not help and may actually prolong pain and disability. You may need to modify your activities initially, but the sooner you get back to doing them again the sooner you will feel better.

Getting stiff joints and muscles working can be painful, but this is a normal response and not a sign of damage. Feeling a bit sore initially is normal and often a good sign that you are making progress. Changing your position or activity frequently through the day will help to prevent and reduce stiffness. Try to keep yourself active and build up to your general activity gradually.

Painkillers.
If you have been prescribed painkillers these may help you to return to normal activities. Over the counter painkillers can also be helpful: a pharmacist will be able to advise you on the appropriate tablets.

Hot or Cold.
Some people find that a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the affected area for 20 minutes can reduce pain, whilst others prefer using a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel for 10-20 mins.

N.B. Be aware that hot and cold can burn and that you need to check (every 5-10 minutes) that your skin does not become very red or blotchy: if this happens stop use.