Complete Physio is very proud to announce the launch of yet another groundbreaking and innovative service for their patients to improve access to fast and effective treatment.
David Baker, clinical director at Complete Physio, is one of the first physiotherapists in the world to qualify as an independent prescriber of medication. He says “This has long since been a vision of the profession, and for myself personally, that physiotherapists can provide a one-stop shop to manage all aspects of patient’s musculoskeletalpain, both in acute and chronic setting. I am extremely proud to be able to use these skills for the benefit of patients that I see, and the feedback I have had from patients and referrers has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Having worked in pain clinics in Homerton and City and Hackney for over ten years, as well as being one of the first A&E physiotherapist advanced practitioners, David has extensive experience advising patients on pain medication in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain condition.
David qualified as supplementary prescriber in 2008 and was seconded to City University Department of Applied Biological Sciences between 2009-13 where he lectured on medicines management and non-medical prescribing modules. He continues to be commissioned as visiting lecturer at a number of universities around the UK, including Hertfordshire MSc modules and Coventry University, where he lectures on a range of topics relating to pharmacology and pain control medications. Also working as a freelance lecturer, David teaches in several hospital departments and the British School of Osteopathy on topics of pain management.
David provides his skills and expertise at Complete Physio – both as an independent prescriber of pain medication for patients coming to see him with complex pain problems and also from referrals from other Complete Physio clinicians and from neighbouring practices and GPs. In addition, he is an experienced injection therapist and MSK sonographer and can perform ultrasound guided injections for pain relief when indicated. David is currently the Vice Chairman of professional network and national clinical interest group ‘Association for Chartered Physiotherapists’ with an interest in Orthopaedic Medicine and Injection Therapy.
If you think this is something that might benefit you, give us a call at 020 7482 3875 or send us an email at info@complete-physio.co.uk. We are happy to answer any questions or provide you with more information.
Physiotherapists have been allowed to qualify to prescribe in conjunction with a GP or a consultant within the NHS since 2005; however, in 2012, physiotherapists won the right to train as independent prescribers. David Baker was heavily involved in the movement by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and has been individually recognised by the Department of Health for his involvement in the progression of the physiotherapy profession’s scope of practice.
Following are cases illustrating the benefits of combining skills of 1. assessment with prescribing and also 2. ultrasound and injections to provide a one-stop-shop for patients to receive fast and effective care.
Case 1
Mr J is a local builder with three weeks history of severe neck pain radiating down his right arm with pins and needles and numbness into the hand. He has no other medical problems. He has been off work for two weeks and has been taking the maximum dose of paracetamol and ibuprofen. His GP has prescribed diazepam, but he finds the side effects difficult to tolerate and is concerned about addiction.
Based upon thorough assessment and contacting his GP to double check his past medical history and potential contraindications, the patient is given a private prescription for neuromodulating medication which he is able to collect immediately that day. The patient is reviewed one week later and his pain has reduced by 60% and the pins and needles are now settled. By providing a combination of pain relief and physiotherapy, he is able to progress his exercises and rehabilitation and plan his return to work.
Case 2
Mrs K attends with five weeks of severe left shoulder pain and gross restriction of movement leading to disruption of sleep. Physical assessment and ultrasound confirm diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis. After checking for any contra-indications Mrs K is offered steroid injection for pain relief, which she agrees to, and following a local anaesthetic the injection is performed with ultrasound guidance. Patient is given a program of exercises and reviewed in a week whereby pain has reduced by 50% and movements are already improving. Mrs K also reports sleep being much improved.
Don’t let pain hold you back, book now!