Musculoskeletal Physio
MSK/Sports Physiotherapy
Musculoskeletal (MSK) and sports physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy focused on the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, disorders and diseases that affect the body’s musculoskeletal system—comprising the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or improving performance, our MSK and sports physiotherapists work to restore function and prevent further injury.
What We Treat
Examples of the conditions we treat include:
- Ligament sprains and muscle strains
- Tendon problems
- Back and neck pain
- Repetitive and work-related pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Post orthopaedic surgeries
- Sports injuries and return to activities
Manual Therapy (i.e., Massage, joint mobilisation)
Manual therapy is a technique where a physiotherapist uses their hands to manipulate, mobilise and massage the body tissues.
Manual therapy may be able to help with relieving pain and stiffness, improving blood circulation, improving the movement of different parts of the body, and promoting relaxation.
Contraindications:
· Any type of skin infections
· Circulatory problems; thrombosis, bleeding disorders
· Less than 48 hours after injury
· Acute inflammation
· High irritability and severity of pain
· Fractures and bone disease (i.e., osteoporosis)
· Malignancy
·Unremitting night pain
· Significant worsening neural symptoms and neuro conditions: UMNL, spinal cord injury, cauda equina
· Allergy to the massage oil or lotion being used
Potential Side Effects (when not contraindicated):
· Muscle ache and soreness
· Fatigue
Electrotherapy (TENS)
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current.
The electrical current stimulates nerve fibres that carry signals relating to touch. The signals travel to the spinal cord where they temporarily block the transmission of pain sensations to the brain.
TENS is not a cure for pain and often only provides short-term relief. However, the treatment is generally very safe and you may feel it's worth trying instead of, or in addition to, the usual medical treatments.
Contraindications:
· DVT or thrombophlebitis
· Haemorrhagic conditions
· Pregnancy
· Epilepsy
· Pacemaker and other electronic devices
· Placement:
o over the eyes
o on the head
o on front of the neck
o internal use
o over broken skin or lesions
o over tumours
o directly over the spine
o regions of severe paraesthesia (a burning or prickling sensation)
Potential Side Effects (when not contraindicated):
· Skin irritation
· Muscle twitching
· Muscle pain
IMPORTANT: TENS electrodes stick best on skin with minimal hair. This will also help minimise discomfort when taking off the electrodes. Hence, it may be best to shave the surrounding area that you would like to be treated the day before your appointment.
Therapeutic Ultrasound (pulsed)
Therapeutic ultrasound is a high frequency soundwave which produces a fine vibration of the cells in the body. This soundwave is the production of mechanical energy created by the vibration of a quartz crystal, which is situated inside the head of the treatment machine.
Therapeutic ultrasound may be able to help with the body’s own natural healing processes and could encourage healing in the soft tissues by increasing cellular activity, promoting healthy inflammatory response and remodelling of new tissues.
This type of ultrasound is different to that used during pregnancy.
Contraindications:
· Over suspected or confirmed tumour
· On skin over electronic implants (pacemakers)
· On an infected or bleeding area, including TB
· On the abdomen or lower back of pregnant women
· On front of the neck
· Over active deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
· Over reproductive areas
· On recently irradiated tissue (within 6 months)
Potential Side Effects (when not contraindicated):
· Minor discomfort
· Superficial burn
· Internal bleeding or scarring
ChairFLEX Exercise Class
We're introducing a FREE monthly virtual chair-based exercise class designed to boost energy, maintain strength and bring joy to adults registered with a GP in Torbay, UK.