Prescribing in Physiotherapy for Pain

Prescribing in Physiotherapy for Nociceptive Pain: A Current and Emerging Role

Introduction

With changing demographics, higher expectations and an increase in long term conditions (Department of Health, 2012) there is an heightened pressure and demand on the NHS. To meet these demands the roles within the NHS have had to change and expand.

As recently as 2013, physiotherapists in England have been granted the right to independently prescribe, giving them the ability to prescribe drugs, including some controlled drugs. These prescriptions must be used “within the overarching framework of human movement, performance and function” (NHS England Publications, 2013)

With these new responsibilities that are becoming a part of a physiotherapist’s remit, this page looks to explore prescribing as a physiotherapist. It also looks to provide information around their scope and responsibilities for prescribing for pain that impacts specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist’s areas of expertise.