What is musculoskeletal physiotherapy?
Our Musculoskeletal (MSK) team assess, diagnose & treat muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, nerves and consider how these structures help you to move and be able to live your life.
We aim to: improve your movement and strength; help you to take part in your normal activities and things you enjoy; be a part of your community; help you to understand and manage your symptoms, keep yourself healthy for your future.
Your condition may have come on recently after an injury to a particular area, or have been present for a long time across multiple parts of your body. We will safely review your referral and we can support your needs within our service or by onward referral if this is indicated and your wish.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect many people and can affect your joints, bones and muscles and sometimes associated tissues such as your nerves. They can range from minor injuries to long-term conditions.
There are more than 200 MSK conditions and they can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Ranging from acute injuries (fractures) to chronic diseases (arthritis, back pain), they are leading causes of disability and work-related sickness.
Poor MSK health has a huge impact on people, their employers, the NHS and the wider economy. In fact, over 30 million working days are lost due to MSK conditions every year in the UK and they account for up to 30% of GP consultations in England.
People are living longer with complex MSK conditions – for many people a longer life will mean more years spent in ill health. By 2030, over 15.3 million people in the UK will be over 65 years of age, resulting in an ever-increasing demand on MSK services.
- Joint disorders: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Back/neck pain: General back pain, neck pain, and spinal disorders.
- Bone diseases: Osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteomalacia.
- Soft tissue injuries: Tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, and strains.
- Trauma: Fractures, dislocations, and ligament tears.
- Symptoms: Persistent pain, joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, and muscle aches.
- Causes: These often stem from overload, natural degenerative changes that make you more prone to overload or traumatic injuries.
- Risk factors: poor general health, Age, obesity, and stress and physical strain.
Over 20 million people in the UK, almost one third of the population, have a MSK condition such as arthritis or back pain. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, limited movement, and disability which affect quality of life and independence.
For medical information on musculoskeletal conditions and treatment, visit the NHS' patient website: nhs.uk.
You can also browse our self-help page and conditions page.
If you are or going to be a carer for someone, here are some helpful links:
Support and benefits for carers
Citizens Advice Carers Support
NICE: Support for adult carers
Here is information for different support available in Isle of Wight