MSK Physiotherapy

Aches and pains are a normal part of life. But sometimes, they can stop you from doing your usual day-to-day activities (including work). This can make you feel worried and frustrated.

The good news is that most of the conditions that cause these aches and pains can be easily treated by you, at home. But sometimes, you may need the assistance of a trained clinician to help overcome your discomfort.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a health care profession that helps people with a broad and varied range of health conditions. This reflects the diverse needs of people across their lifespan.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy focuses on the muscles and joints, posture and movement. It involves working with people to:

Help restore movement and function when this has been affected by an injury or illness.
Promote health and wellbeing.

The letters MSK stand for Musculoskeletal. It refers to the bones, joints, and muscles in the body. MSK Physiotherapists have knowledge of how the body works and how it is affected by conditions of the musculoskeletal system (soft tissue, joints, and bones). They use this knowledge to create treatment plans that suit patient’s condition.

The following link provides further information about Musculoskeletal health

Common MSK injuries and conditions account for a growing number of GP appointments. However many MSK problems can be managed without specialist treatment, through self-management.

MSK self-management involves actively managing bone, joint, or muscle pain through:

exercise,
lifestyle adjustments,
education to improve function and reduce pain.

Key strategies include:

Active Recovery: Gentle exercise and maintaining daily activities are very important for long-term recovery. Online resources offer MSK information and guided recovery exercises for different body parts. Recommended resources include:
- The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
- Move to Improve
Pain Management: Helps people understand and manage pain flare-ups. It involves education, pacing, and the right medication. Click on the following link to learn more about Pain Management
Lifestyle Choices: Eating nutritious food helps in two ways: It supports muscle and joint health, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Are you already under the care of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust Adult Mental Health Services - Neighbourhood Mental Health Service and Early Intervention? If yes, the SHAPE programme could be for you. It’s there to help people to:
- Maintain or lose weight
- Stop smoking
- Start exercising
- Learn about healthier eating.

Click on the following link to learn more about SHAPE

There are lots of other services that help people achieve a healthier lifestyle. Click on the following link for further information about Weight Managemen Health and Wellbeing
Mental Wellbeing: Addressing the impact of pain on mental health, as emotional wellbeing is closely linked to physical recovery. Talking Therapies gives free, confidential support to people aged 16 and over across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Other mental health and wellbeing services are also available by clicking on the following link Mental Health

If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, contact the Herefordshire and Worcestershire 24 hour urgent mental health helpline. To do this call NHS 111 and select the mental health option

Self-management can help with many MSK related issues. It is not however, a substitute for medical advice. Think about seeking professional help if:

you have been using the advice on the self-management sections for 8 weeks but still feel pain or discomfort.
your symptoms carry on or feel worse, or you have felt any of the following , then consider seeking professional help:
severe, constant pain.
numbness.
unexpected weight loss.

You can contact your GP Practice to talk about your condition. They may refer you to someone called a First Care Practitioner.

Are you registered with a Worcestershire GP practice in one of the areas listed below? If yes, you can also self-refer to a physiotherapy service. Click on your area to read about the self-referral options.

Important: The service may not accept your referral if the condition you want help for;