About us
The musculoskeletal (MSK) service supports people with new or recurring problems affecting their joints, muscles, soft tissues and nerves. The service is split into two parts:
The MSK physiotherapy team provides assessment, advice, education and physiotherapy treatment for people with new or recurring MSK problems, as well as those living with long-term MSK conditions.
The MSK Advanced Practice team assesses people who may need further investigations, injections or a surgical opinion. They work closely with hospital orthopaedic services to make sure patients receive the most appropriate treatment.
Inclusion criteria:
We accept referrals for adults aged 17 years and over with new, recurring or long-term MSK symptoms, provided they do not have an urgent medical problem or symptoms that suggest another medical condition requiring a different type of care.
Exclusion criteria:
- Conditions that are not primarily musculoskeletal, for example: neurological conditions, podiatry referrals, suspected inflammatory arthritis, fibromyalgia, balance disorders, mobility problems (including walking aid referrals), pregnancy-related back pain, headaches that are not related to a neck problem, diastasis recti, bone health management referrals.
- Symptoms that may indicate a serious underlying medical condition
- Suspected cauda equina syndrome
- New or worsening muscle weakness or progressive nerve symptoms
- Active cancer diagnosis or treatment
- Acute trauma including traumatic fracture or acute tendon rupture
- Suspected fragility fracture
- Active immunosuppressive therapy
- Specialist diagnostic work up or surgical opinion for scoliosis/spinal deformity
- Post-surgical problems e.g. problems following joint replacement surgery, such as a painful joint replacement
- Unexplained lumps or bumps
- People who require assessment by a specialist multidisciplinary pain management service
