Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by pain, injury, illness, or disability.

Physiotherapy is a degree-based healthcare profession and takes a 'whole person' approach to health and wellbeing. At the core is the patient's involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment, and participation in their treatment.

You can benefit from physiotherapy at any time in your life. Physiotherapy helps with treatment of back pain or sudden injury, managing long-term conditions such as persistent pain or arthritis, and in preparing for and recovering from surgery or sporting events.

Not sure if physiotherapy is right for you?

Physiotherapists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of conditions that affect a person's physical function. Physiotherapists use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions that can be having an impact on health.

Physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial in helping with:

• Treatment of back and neck pain
• Headache and migraine management
• Joint problems or injuries including arthritis, pain, and inflammation
• Pre and post-orthopaedic operations
• Musculoskeletal disorders, such as treatment of shoulder pain and knee pain
• Rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries, strains, and sprains, including sports injuries and repetitive strain injuries
• Work and leisure related postural problems
• Road traffic accident and whiplash injuries
• Treatment and management of persistent or chronic pain
• Occupational health problems, such as back or shoulder pain related to lifting, and neck and arm pain related to office work

A GP or consultant referral is not required — you can self-refer directly to physiotherapy.

Initial assessment

On your first appointment you will be seen by a member of the physiotherapy team. The therapist will discuss with you the reason for your referral. You will be asked questions about how your problem affects you, as well as your general health and lifestyle. This will be followed by a physical examination to determine what might be responsible for producing your symptoms.

At the end of the assessment, the physiotherapist will explain their findings with you and discuss a proposed plan of action, including the need for any further appointments. Every opportunity will be given for you to ask questions.