Rheumatology Support & Referrals
When joint pain, stiffness or swelling starts interfering with your daily life, getting the right support quickly makes all the difference. At Compass Health Clinic in Finchley, we help you understand what’s going on, provide hands-on treatment where we can, and connect you with trusted rheumatology consultants when specialist input is needed.
What is rheumatology, and when might you need a specialist?
Rheumatology is the branch of medicine that deals with conditions affecting your joints, bones, muscles and immune system. While many people associate it with arthritis, rheumatologists actually diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions — from autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, to degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, and metabolic disorders like gout.
You might benefit from seeing a rheumatologist if you’re experiencing persistent joint pain or swelling that isn’t responding to treatment, morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes, pain in multiple joints at the same time, fatigue alongside joint symptoms, or a family history of autoimmune conditions.
The challenge is that NHS rheumatology waiting times in London can stretch to several months, and during that time, untreated inflammation can cause lasting damage to your joints. That’s why having a clear pathway to specialist care matters — and it’s exactly where we can help.
You might benefit from a rheumatologist if you're experiencing:
Persistent joint pain or swelling that isn’t responding to rest or treatment
Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes — a hallmark of inflammatory arthritis
Pain in multiple joints at the same time, especially symmetrically
Fatigue alongside joint symptoms — suggesting a systemic or autoimmune process
A family history of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
How we fit into your care -
How Compass Health Clinic supports your rheumatology care
We’re not rheumatologists — we’re honest about that. What we are is a team of experienced osteopaths, physiotherapists and clinicians who specialise in musculoskeletal health and who see patients with joint pain, stiffness and movement problems every single day.
Assessment & clinical reasoning
When you come to us with joint pain, we carry out a thorough assessment to understand what's driving your symptoms. If they suggest something inflammatory or autoimmune, we'll tell you honestly that you need specialist input and guide you to the right person.
treatment whilst you wait
Even if you need a rheumatology referral, there's a lot we can do in the meantime. Pain management, gentle mobilisation, exercise-based rehabilitation, shockwave therapy for associated tendon problems, and education about your condition can all make a real difference.
Ongoing Support After Diagnosis
Once you have a diagnosis, much of the long-term management involves physical therapy, movement, and lifestyle support — exactly what we do. We work alongside your consultant so your care stays joined up and you have hands-on support close to home.
Conditions we commonly see alongside rheumatology
Many rheumatic conditions have a significant musculoskeletal component. Patients often benefit from the combination of specialist medical management and hands-on physical therapy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation, pain and stiffness. While medication is managed by your rheumatologist, physical therapy helps maintain mobility, build strength around affected joints, and manage flare-ups.
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, caused by wear and changes to joint cartilage. We help through exercise programmes, manual therapy, and shockwave therapy — often reducing pain and improving function without surgery.
Ankylosing Spondylitis & Axial SpA
Inflammatory conditions primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. Exercise is one of the most important treatments, and we provide tailored movement programmes to maintain spinal mobility and reduce stiffness.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Affecting some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain and swelling alongside skin symptoms. We support patients with hands-on treatment for the musculoskeletal symptoms alongside their rheumatology care.
Gout
Caused by uric acid crystal build-up, gout causes sudden, severe joint pain — most often in the foot. We help with acute pain management and rehabilitation once a flare settles.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Causing widespread muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips. Physical therapy and gentle exercise are important parts of managing this condition alongside medication.
Osteoporosis
A condition weakening bones and increasing fracture risk. We provide exercise-based programmes designed to improve bone density, balance and confidence in movement.
Hypermobility & EDS
Where joints move beyond the normal range, often causing pain, instability, and fatigue. Strengthening and stability-focused rehabilitation is a key part of managing these conditions.
Our trusted rheumatologist for referrals
Dr Anna Nuttall is a rheumatologist with extensive experience and expertise in a range of rheumatological conditions, and is our trusted consultant when we need a second opinion, or want to support you further with more complex needs.
Dr Anna Nuttall
BA (Oxon) · MBBS · MRCP · MD
- Rheumatologist
Dr Anna Nuttall is a highly respected Consultant Rheumatologist providing expert care for patients across London, both privately and within the NHS. She specialises in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of rheumatological conditions, from common joint problems to complex autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Academic background and training
Dr Nuttall graduated with honours from Oxford University (pre-clinical) and Imperial College London (clinical), two of the most prestigious medical schools in the country. She went on to complete her rheumatology specialist training in London before undertaking an MD research degree at University College London, where her work was based at the renowned Royal Free Hospital Scleroderma Centre. Her research focused on systemic sclerosis and lupus, and she has authored several publications in these areas as well as contributing a chapter to a rheumatology textbook.
NHS leadership and clinical role
Dr Nuttall currently serves as the Clinical Lead for Rheumatology at the Whittington Hospital, one of North London’s major NHS trusts. In this role she oversees rheumatology services including the provision of biologic medications, leads on medical school education, and drives the MSK CATS (Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service) collaboration — a pathway designed to ensure patients with musculoskeletal problems are seen by the right specialist as quickly as possible.
Areas of expertise
Her clinical interests span the full breadth of rheumatology. She has particular expertise in inflammatory arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis), connective tissue diseases (such as lupus, vasculitis, myositis, and Raynaud’s), metabolic bone disease (including osteoporosis and Paget’s disease), crystal arthritis (gout and pseudogout), polymyalgia rheumatica, hypermobility, tendon injuries, and back pain. This breadth of experience means she is well placed to manage patients with unclear diagnoses or conditions that overlap multiple areas.
Approach to patient care
Dr Nuttall is known for her personable, attentive approach and her commitment to clear communication. She takes the time to explain diagnoses and treatment options thoroughly, ensuring patients feel informed and involved in decisions about their care. She is fluent in both English and Russian, enabling her to connect with a diverse patient population. Her patient reviews consistently highlight her warmth, thoroughness, and the time she dedicates to each consultation — she holds an overall rating of 4.97 out of 5 on Doctify based on over 120 patient reviews.
Private practice
Dr Nuttall sees private patients at Nuffield Health Highgate Hospital, where she has access to state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities including on-site blood testing, imaging, and ultrasound. She is recognised and fee-assured by all major private insurance providers including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and Vitality, and also welcomes self-paying patients. She offers comprehensive diagnosis and management plans, steroid joint and intramuscular injections, fast access to diagnostic imaging, second opinions in complex cases, biologic and DMARD therapy, and referrals to physiotherapy, pain management, and orthopaedics when needed.
Services Available
✓ Diagnosis & management plans
✓ Steroid joint & IM injections
✓ Fast-access diagnostic imaging
✓ Second opinions in complex cases
✓ Biologic & DMARD therapy
✓ Physio & pain management referrals
Frequently Asked Questions About Rheumatology:
Q: Do I need a GP referral to see a rheumatologist privately?
A: No. Most private rheumatologists accept self-referrals, and you can also be referred by a healthcare professional such as an osteopath. We can guide you through this process. |
Q: What's the difference between an osteopath and a rheumatologist?
A: A rheumatologist is a medical doctor specialising in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions using medication. An osteopath uses hands-on treatment, exercise and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal problems. The two work best together. |
Q: Can you help while I wait for an NHS appointment?
A: Absolutely. Many patients come to us specifically because they’re in pain and facing a long wait. We provide hands-on treatment, pain management, and exercise-based rehabilitation to help you manage symptoms in the meantime. We can also refer you to a private rheumatologist to speed up waiting times. |
Q: How do I know if I need a rheumatologist or an osteopath/physiotherapist?
A: If your pain is mechanical — related to movement, posture, or injury — an osteopath is often the right first step. If it involves persistent swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, or fatigue alongside joint symptoms, a rheumatology assessment may be needed. We’ll help you work out which pathway is right. |
What should I bring to my first appointment?
A. Just come as you are. It helps to note when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, medications you’re taking, and any family history of autoimmune conditions. We take care of the rest.
Do you treat children with rheumatic conditions?
A. Our clinic primarily treats adults. If your child needs rheumatology support, we’d recommend speaking to your GP about a referral to a paediatric rheumatologist.
We're ready to help you navigate your pain when you are
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