Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is a specialist physical therapy treatment for patients who are exhibiting the symptoms of a musculoskeletal disorder or who are undergoing treatment for a musculoskeletal disorder. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy aims to help the patient recover from their condition more quickly through regular treatment sessions and to develop coping strategies to aid the patient during the recovery process and prevent secondary problems from occurring. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy involves the treatment of disorders that affect how you move – how your muscles and joints work together. Whether it’s your feet, ankles and legs, your hands, arms, and shoulders, or your backs and necks, an injury that makes it painful or difficult to move can have a big impact on your life.
Treatment is tailored to the individual based on their initial assessment. Exercise plans and advice are routinely given following treatment and the number of treatments will vary depending on the patient’s progress in recovery. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists are specialists in assessing and treating patients with musculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists have advanced training in treatments and techniques specifically applicable to musculoskeletal disorders. Most musculoskeletal physiotherapists find their patients suffer specifically from muscle and joint problems, often causing pain in the back and neck. Some treatment options can include:
- Manipulation and manual therapy
- Message
- Exercise therapy
- Electrotherapy
- Coping strategies and self-management techniques
- Pain Management
Conditions treated
Musculoskeletal conditions are typically characterized by pain (often persistent) and limitations in mobility, dexterity, and functional ability, reducing people’s ability to work and participate in social roles with associated impacts on mental wellbeing, and at a broader level impact on the prosperity of communities. The most common and disabling musculoskeletal conditions are osteoarthritis, back and neck pain, fractures associated with bone fragility, injuries, and systemic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis Conditions treated by musculoskeletal physiotherapy include:
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Frozen Shoulder
- Rotator Cuff Injury
- Shoulder Impingement
- Golfers Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Tennis Elbow
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Ankle Sprain
- Thigh Injury
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Meniscus tear
- Knee pain
- Anterior knee pain
- ACL
- Fibromyalgia
- Bursitis
Benefit
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy contributes to patient recovery and improved quality of life in several ways.
- Improves muscle strength and flexibility
- Improves range of motion, ease, and quality of movement
- Improves coordination and control of movement
- Relieves pain or eliminates it entirely
- Helps the patient to develop coping strategies to help them deal with pain or difficulty performing normal movements during the recovery process.
- Helps you to achieve physical exercise or fitness goals
- Helps in Teaching and consolidating healthy ways of moving to reduce the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the future
