How it works
- Fast-track referral: When an employee presents with an MSK issue, whether through a Management Referral, your First Day Absence service or directly through HR, we initiate a physiotherapy assessment within days.
- Clinical assessment: A qualified physiotherapist evaluates the condition and develops a treatment plan aligned with NICE back pain guidelines (NG59) where appropriate, giving a realistic prognosis for return to full duties. Your HR team receives a functional capacity report, not just a diagnosis.
- Treatment programme: Hands-on physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation and self-management guidance. Sessions are scheduled to minimise time away from work, with early morning, evening and virtual options available.
- Return-to-work support: The treating physiotherapist communicates directly with your OH team to recommend phased returns, workplace adjustments or modified duties. One clinical conversation, not two separate referrals producing conflicting advice.
When to refer
- Acute injury: A manual worker strains their back on shift. Early physiotherapy prevents a 2-week absence from becoming a 2-month absence.
- Persistent pain: An office worker’s shoulder pain is getting worse despite GP advice. Clinical assessment identifies the root cause and may include workplace adjustments identified through DSE & Workstation Assessments.
- Post-surgical recovery: An employee has had knee surgery and needs structured rehabilitation to return to a physical role safely.
- Repeated short-term absence: An employee keeps taking odd days off with back pain. Physiotherapy addresses the underlying condition rather than treating each absence as a separate event.
The advantage of integration
Standalone physiotherapy providers treat the body. They don’t see the employment context. Our MSK pathway sits within MCL’s SEQOHS-accredited clinical governance framework, which means the physiotherapist understands the job demands, the OH team has visibility of the treatment plan and HR receives one coherent set of recommendations. No conflicting advice from three separate providers. No information gaps between the physio, the GP and your OH adviser. We have been managing employee health and return-to-work pathways for UK employers since 1999. MSK is part of that clinical continuum, not a bolt-on. Our MSK pathway also connects with the Employee Assistance Programme, recognising that persistent pain often has mental health and wellbeing implications.
FAQs
Typically within 3-5 working days of referral. Urgent cases can often be accommodated sooner. Compare that with 8-12 weeks through NHS pathways.
Physiotherapy referrals can be included within a retained OH contract or accessed as a standalone service. We’ll advise on the most cost-effective model for your workforce profile.
Yes. Virtual physiotherapy consultations are effective for many MSK conditions, particularly for assessment, exercise prescription and self-management coaching. Face-to-face sessions are available across the UK where hands-on treatment is required.
All workplace-relevant MSK conditions: lower back pain, neck and shoulder injuries, upper limb disorders, knee and hip problems, repetitive strain injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation.
No. Referrals come directly through your HR team, your OH programme, or your First Day Absence triage line. No GP gatekeeping. No unnecessary delays. Every referral is managed within our SEQOHS-accredited clinical governance framework so quality and clinical oversight are assured throughout.