You have seen your GP about a painful joint or injury and been referred to a musculoskeletal service. Now you are waiting, perhaps for physiotherapy, imaging or an appointment to discuss an injection.

What can you do in the meantime?

You can seek a private assessment while waiting for NHS care. At Light Joints Physiotherapy in Leeds and Bradford, we offer physiotherapy, focused musculoskeletal ultrasound and corticosteroid injections where clinically appropriate. You do not need a GP referral to contact us.

The starting point is understanding what you need. A scan is not always necessary, and an injection is not always the right treatment. This guide explains how to choose an appointment, what it costs and how to prepare.

Why patients are contacting us while waiting

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we are seeing more patients who tell us they are waiting for NHS MSK care. Those waits can affect different stages of their care: an initial physiotherapy assessment, imaging or an injection appointment.

For these patients, the immediate question is often what they can do while they wait. Our assessment is an opportunity to review their symptoms, understand what has already been recommended and identify an appropriate next step.

MSK means musculoskeletal the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and related structures involved in movement. NHS pathways and waiting times vary. Some people are referred by their GP; in many areas, self-referral to community MSK services is also available. The NHS acknowledges that physiotherapy may involve a long waiting list.

For information about your own wait, contact the service managing your referral.

Which private appointment should you choose?

If you are unsure, contact our team before booking and explain your symptoms and any advice you have already received.

Physiotherapy: £65

Your appointment includes assessment, an explanation of the findings and a personalised treatment and exercise plan. Hands-on treatment and strength testing may be used as appropriate to your needs.

View physiotherapy appointments.

Physiotherapy with MSK ultrasound: £95

This combines physiotherapy assessment with focused ultrasound when clinically indicated, an explanation of the findings and a personalised treatment plan.

View physiotherapy and ultrasound assessment.

Corticosteroid injection: £195

The published package includes clinical assessment, ultrasound assessment, one corticosteroid injection if clinically appropriate, and rehabilitation and aftercare advice. The £95 assessment is included in the £195 total, rather than added on top.

An injection is subject to clinical suitability. Ask the team to explain the assessment-only charge before booking if treatment may not proceed.

View injection assessment and treatment.

Prices checked on 23 October 2026. Check the linked service pages for current details.

Can physiotherapy begin before you have a scan?

In many cases, yes. Following an assessment that establishes it is appropriate to begin.

Your symptoms, medical history and physical examination help the clinician decide whether treatment can start or whether investigation is needed first.

For example, NICE does not recommend routine imaging in a non-specialist setting for low back pain, with or without sciatica. A scan is not automatically a prerequisite for advice, activity guidance or rehabilitation.

This does not mean disregarding a scan already requested by another clinician. Tell us why it was requested and bring any relevant letters. We can discuss what is appropriate while that investigation is pending.

When might ultrasound help and when will it not?

Focused MSK ultrasound can provide useful information about selected muscles, tendons and soft tissues. It is most helpful when there is a specific clinical question that the scan can address.

It does not replace every MRI or X-ray. Our ultrasound service does not assess the neck, spine, lower back, or lumps and bumps. If you have been referred for a particular investigation, contact us before booking to check whether our service can address the same question.

An ultrasound appointment should help guide care, rather than simply provide a scan.

What if you need a different investigation or specialist?

Your assessment may indicate that you need an X-ray, MRI, medical review or another specialist opinion.

If that happens, we will explain the findings, why further assessment is recommended and the appropriate next step. Depending on the concern, that may mean contacting your GP, returning to your existing NHS team or seeking urgent medical attention.

Ask whether a written assessment summary would help your ongoing care. A private assessment does not automatically speed up an NHS referral or mean an NHS service will accept it instead of its own assessment.

What should you bring?

To help us understand your care so far, bring or have access to:

• GP referral letters and relevant clinic correspondence.

• Previous scan reports and images, if available.

• A list of medicines, allergies and relevant medical conditions.

• Details of previous physiotherapy, exercises, injections and their effects.

• Information about pending NHS appointments or investigations.

• Your main goals, such as sleeping more comfortably, managing work or returning to exercise.

Wear clothing that allows the affected area to be examined comfortably. If considering an injection, tell the clinician about any recent illness, infection, medication changes or planned surgery.

Can an injection help while you wait?

An injection may be an option for selected conditions, but waiting for NHS care does not itself make an injection appropriate.

Corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation. Benefits vary, and your clinician will discuss the likely benefit, risks and alternatives in your circumstances. Rehabilitation may still be needed afterwards.

Light Joints Physiotherapy does not provide injections into the neck, lower back, spine or hip joint.

Should you keep your NHS appointment?

Before cancelling an NHS appointment or investigation, speak to the service managing your referral. You may still need that assessment even if you begin private treatment.

Keep both teams informed about treatment you receive, particularly injections, so decisions are based on an accurate treatment history.

When should you seek urgent help?

Do not wait for a routine appointment if a painful joint is hot and swollen, or you have joint pain with a fever or feel generally unwell. Seek urgent advice from your GP or NHS 111. Severe joint pain following injury, inability to walk or bear weight, or a joint that has moved out of place requires emergency assessment.

Find the right starting point

If you are waiting for NHS MSK care, a private assessment may help you understand your symptoms and decide what to do next.

Light Joints Physiotherapy serves Bradford, including Greengates and Apperley Bridge, and Leeds, including Rothwell and Colton.

Call 0113 873 0766 or contact Light Joints Physiotherapy to discuss which appointment is suitable. Tell us what you are waiting for and what has already been recommended, so we can help you choose.