First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are highly trained physiotherapists with a specialist expertise in the assessment, investigation and management of musculoskeletal conditions.
When to see your FCP
You can book an appointment directly with Keval or Emma via the receptionist, which means you won’t need to wait for a referral from a doctor. Please note that Kev & Emma only see patients aged 16 and above.
Please book directly to see Keval or Emma if you have:
- Soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
- Arthritis – any joint
- Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, e.g. tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
- Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain
- Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, e.g. pins and needles or numbness
Keval and Emma have longer appointments and will:
- Assess you and diagnose what’s happening
- Give expert advice on how best to manage your condition
- Refer you on to specialist services, or for longer term physiotherapy if necessary
Meet the team
Keval Panchal (Wednesday & Friday)
Keval is a qualified First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP), graduating from the University of Nottingham in 2011. Keval has worked in a range of NHS settings involving; Orthopaedics, Musculoskeletal Outpatients, Paediatrics, Respiratory, Rheumatology, Stroke, and Neurology, progressing to a Senior Musculoskeletal specialist Physiotherapist level within the NHS.
Keval has worked for Nottingham Forest, and more recently Tottenham Hotspur Football clubs; providing expert physio knowledge whilst on tour and in competitions with the Academy teams over the course of 10 seasons.
To provide a more holistic viewpoint on rehabilitation, Keval also has post-graduate training in Acupuncture, Clinical Pilates and Personal Training to enhance rehabilitation skills. To increase his range of spectrum in treatment and knowledge, Keval has worked in classes with people who have Chronic Low Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, Cardiac conditions, and in Healthcare of the Elderly. These experiences have helped Keval understand the social, mental and physical needs of each individual, in order to provide personalised rehabilitation and improve outcomes.
Keval is currently completing a Masters degree in Advanced Clinical Practice at St George’s University
Emma Harrington (Monday & Tuesday)
Emma joined Kingston Health Centre as a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) in January 2021. She qualified as a Physiotherapist from Kings College London in 2006 and since then has worked in a variety of musculoskeletal (MSK) roles both within the NHS and privately. Settings include Orthopaedics, hospital outpatients, Rheumatology, GP/Corporate/Gym based Physiotherapy clinics, private Physiotherapy practices and various sporting roles, including at the 2012 Olympics working with the gymnasts.
Emma has extensive experience assessing, diagnosing and treating all MSK conditions and injuries. She has a special interest in the foot and ankle and is on the AFAP committee which aims to improve Foot and Ankle education amongst allied health professionals. She has post graduate training in requesting imaging as well as recent Masters modules working towards advanced clinical practice skills for the FCP role.
When she is not at work, Emma is kept busy with her two young children and trying to fit in some training at the gym!
Get U Better App
Get U Better is an app that provides evidence based digital self-management support for acute injuries and conditions such as back pain, back and leg pain, knee pain and neck pain. It has been developed in conjunction with Kingston CCG and provides personalised daily support to allow you to self-manage many common problems. It will also prompt you when and where to seek further support.