Short answer: **no**. You can book a physiotherapy appointment directly, in clinic or online, without seeing your GP first. This applies whether you're dealing with back pain, a sports injury, recovering from surgery, or managing a longer-term condition. ### Why self-referral works Physiotherapists are trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal and movement-related conditions themselves. A GP referral isn't a legal requirement to access physiotherapy privately; it's simply one route in, alongside self-referral and, in some cases, referral following a hospital stay or surgery. ### When it's still worth involving your GP or specialist Self-referring doesn't mean cutting your GP or consultant out of the picture entirely. If you have: * A recent diagnosis, scan result, or specialist report * A surgeon's specific post-operative protocol or precautions * An ongoing condition being managed elsewhere ...it's genuinely useful to bring or share that information at your first appointment. It helps your physiotherapist build an accurate picture faster, and means your treatment plan works alongside your existing care, not separately from it. ### What about NHS physiotherapy? NHS physiotherapy access varies by area and typically does involve a referral pathway, usually through your GP. If you're specifically looking for NHS-funded treatment, check with your GP practice about local referral routes. ### The bottom line If you're waiting on a referral before booking, you likely don't need to. Book directly, and bring along any relevant medical information you already have—that's all it takes to get started.