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Physio Direct
What is Physio Direct?
A telephone service to give early advice and support for people with back/neck/joint problems or following injuries.
Who will I speak to?
A Chartered Physiotherapist based at Neath Port Talbot Hospital and the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend.
How and when do I contact the service?
Neath Port Talbot Hospital 01639 683167 / 683168
Monday to Friday From 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 mid-day
How long will the phone call take?
The length of the telephone call will vary for each patient, 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 so he or she can fully understand your problem.
You will be asked questions about:
- Your problem and how it is affecting your daily life
- The medicines you are taking
- Any other medical problems
It will be helpful to have this information available when you ring
The Physiotherapist will then discuss with you the best way of helping you manage this problem.
This may include one or more of the following options:
- Advice
- Exercise suggestions (if needed, an exercise sheet will be sent to you in the post)
- An appointment to look at your problem with a Physiotherapist in either Neath Port Talbot Hospital or the Resolven Health Centre
All patients needing an appointment are seen according to the priority of their condition.
After the phone call you will be sent a letter with the contact details of the Physiotherapist you spoke to.
This person will help if you are not getting better following the advice you have been given, or if you have any concerns.
What can I do if I can't get through?
We appreciate that telephone lines can get very busy, although this depends on the day and time you call.
If the telephone line is busy this means that the Physiotherapist is on the phone helping someone else. The best thing to do is to keep trying.
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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 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. Other people prefer to use a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel for 10-20 minutes.
Please Note
Hot and cold can burn. Please remember that you need to check (every 5 - 10 minutes) that your skin does not become very red or blotchy; if this happens, stop use.
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Appointments