School Physiotherapy Referral Pathway

When and how to refer a pupil into school physiotherapy, including what to try first and what information to include.

# School Physiotherapy Referral Pathway

A clear referral pathway means pupils are seen by the right person at the right time.

## Try first (school-managed)

- Relative rest and activity modification
- Simple pain management guidance
- Monitoring over one to two weeks

## Refer when

1. Symptoms persist beyond two weeks despite modification
2. There is a loss of function affecting school participation
3. There is any diagnostic uncertainty

## Include in the referral

Mechanism of injury, symptom duration, what has already been tried, and any red flags.

**Refer urgently if there are neurological signs or a suspected fracture.**