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Musculoskeletal physiotherapy can help to reduce pain, improve muscle strength, and restore function and mobility
Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy is a branch of physiotherapy that assesses and treats a range of injuries, disorders, and diseases involving the musculoskeletal system (the joints, bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons).
It aims to improve muscle strength, range of movement, and functional ability, helping you to remain active, return to work or hobbies. This can help to restore your independence and improve your overall quality of life.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private musculoskeletal physiotherapy treatment at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what musculoskeletal physiotherapy is, what types of treatment there are, and what conditions musculoskeletal physiotherapy can help to treat.
Our expert team of chartered physiotherapists offers treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries or conditions, including:
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy techniques include:
During manual therapy, your physiotherapist uses their hands to apply pressure to your joints, muscles, and ligaments using techniques such as massage and joint manipulation. Manual therapy is used to treat many musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, strains and sprains, and tennis elbow.
Manual therapy can help to:
Your physiotherapist can show you specially designed exercises to improve your flexibility, strength, and range of movement. Exercise therapy can also reduce pain both in the short and long term.
Exercise therapy can help to:
Hydrotherapy involves exercise and rehabilitation in water. It is primarily used to treat pain and stiffness and can be beneficial to people with conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Hydrotherapy can help to:
Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy to provide pain relief and treat neuromuscular dysfunction (problems with the nerves and muscles).
In addition to helping reduce pain, electrotherapy has many other benefits, including:
Electrotherapy is commonly used to treat sports injuries and can also help with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic nerve pain, and sciatica.
There are several different types of electrotherapy, including interferential therapy, ultrasound, and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).
Acupuncture is a technique where small, sterile needles are inserted just under the skin on specific points on the body. These points are thought to stimulate the central nervous system (brain, nerves, and spinal cord). This promotes your body’s own ability to heal and improves wellbeing. Acupuncture can help to relieve pain in a number of musculoskeletal conditions, including neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, tennis elbow and knee osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture can help to:
Your physiotherapist can offer advice and education on a variety of topics to allow you to manage your condition as effectively as possible.
They may offer advice on:
In some cases, your physiotherapist may refer you to another specialist such as a doctor, surgeon, pain management team or cognitive behavioural therapist.
At your first appointment, your physiotherapist will work with you to establish the best treatment plan for your needs.
They may ask you about:
Your physiotherapist will perform a physical examination and assess your strength, flexibility, function, gait, and reflexes. They may use palpation techniques where they apply different amounts of pressure with their hands to assess the injured or affected area.
If your condition is suitable for musculoskeletal physiotherapy, your physiotherapist will create an individualised treatment plan that is most suitable for you.
How long your first appointment lasts depends on your condition and treatment plan, but your first appointment normally lasts around an hour.
Wear loose comfortable clothes to your appointment and bring a list of any regular medications you take. You may need to fill out a questionnaire, so bring your reading glasses if you need them.
If you would like to see a physiotherapist or learn more about private musculoskeletal physiotherapy, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in February 2024. Next review due February 2027.