With time, most muscular and joint aches and pains will get better by themselves and there is no need for people to visit their GP.

To help people feel more confident about managing their ailments themselves, we are making it easier to access good quality online information on local NHS websites with useful tips and advice on how to manage common ailments such as back, knee, shoulder or hip pain.

Anyone who needs additional support can refer themselves to physiotherapy services, again without going via a GP. Physiotherapists offer specialist assessment and treatment for a wide range of problems and work with people to help them help themselves.

For advice and information about how to refer yourself to physiotherapy services, visit gloshospitals.nhs.uk/physio or glos-care.nhs.uk/physio.