What MSK means
MSK is short for musculoskeletal. Physiotherapy as a profession also covers neurological rehabilitation, respiratory care, women's health, paediatrics and more. MSK physiotherapy is the branch dealing with the structures that move you, and it is the one you will see in private clinics, sports settings and most NHS outpatient departments.
What it treats
Low back and neck pain, sciatica and trapped nerves. Shoulder problems such as rotator cuff pain and frozen shoulder. Knee and hip pain including osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. Tendon conditions such as tennis elbow, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy. Ankle sprains and foot pain. Sports injuries and return to sport. Rehabilitation after fractures and after operations such as joint replacement, ligament reconstruction and spinal surgery. Posture and work-related pain. Headaches with a neck component.
What treatment involves
A detailed assessment of movement, strength and the tissue involved. Hands-on treatment including joint mobilisation, manipulation where appropriate, soft tissue techniques and, in some clinics, acupuncture or dry needling. A progressive exercise programme built around your problem and goals. Advice on activity, load and how to avoid the problem returning. Where needed, referral for imaging or to a consultant.
What to expect from a good MSK physiotherapist
A clear explanation of what is wrong, a plan with an estimated number of sessions, exercises you can actually do, and a review point. Registration with the HCPC. Willingness to say when physiotherapy is not the answer.
MSK physiotherapy at Omnia
Our physiotherapists in Chiswick assess in a 70-minute first appointment, treat on the day, and can combine physiotherapy with acupuncture, manual therapy, THOR Laser and Pixformance movement analysis where it would help. We are recognised by AXA, Vitality, WPA and Aviva.