It has been revealed by a health and life insurance magazine that patients with musculosketal problems often have to wait for up to several weeks before they receive physiotherapy.

Information obtained by researchers from 123 primary care trusts (PCTs) under the Freedom of Information Act, exposed worryingly, nine of which reported delays in excess of 18 weeks.

Over one-quarter of PCTs have waiting times of over three months, while just five offer physiotherapy in less than two weeks.

The discovery causes concern for many individuals, as evidence shows that people with long-term musculoskeletal problems face an increased risk of mental ill-health and prolonged absence from work. In addition to this, statistics suggest that four-fifths of adults will experience back pain during their lifetime and £565m is spent each year on the problem in the private healthcare sector alone.

Sue Hayward-Giles, assistant director of practice and development at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, stated that some patients "will find a private or independent provider" when faced with long NHS waits. Therefore, insurers have urged consumers to purchase health and life cover.