The term musculoskeletal refers to the muscles, ligaments, joints and nerves in the human body. Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy focuses on working with patients to help restore movement and function when they have been affected by an injury or illness. Common conditions treated are neck and back pain, osteoarthritis, muscle and ligament injuries and patients recovering from fractures/surgery.
We provide expert care, support and advice to patients, carers and healthcare professionals in GP surgeries, health centres and hospital settings.
Many musculoskeletal conditions often settle with correct advice and self-management and for this reason, we encourage all patients to try this before being referred to our service. The Patient information section provides useful information about some common musculoskeletal conditions. In this section, you will find leaflets, self-management advice, information links and home exercise programs/exercise videos for you to follow.
Please see the link for more information regarding the services we provide and treatment options that may be available to you.
The below sections could be of interest to patients and to GPs / Health Professional
10 facts everyone should know about back pain: Based on the editorial infographic publised in the Bristish Journal of Sports Medicine. 10 Back Pain facts link
STarT BACK is an online back pain calculator: The STarT Back approach uses a simple tool to match patients to treatment packages appropriate for them: STarTBack online calculator
StarTBack approach is free to use for non-commercial use and in particular for the NHS user so you are very welcome to use it. Copyright (©2020) University of Keele. No license is required for non-commercial use. Acknowledgement: The STarT Back Approach research was part-funded by Arthritis Research UK (now Versus Arthritis).
Orcha: If you have a smartphone or tablet - ORCHA is the World’s leading health app evaluation and advisor organisation. The apps are all tested and rated with clear information if they are free or paid for. www.orcha.co.uk
Versus Arthritis: is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis. www.versusarthritis.org
NHS website: Your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.www.nhs.uk
Patient UK: aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. Patient UK / health / www.patient.co.uk
Escape Pain: is a rehabilitation programme for people with chronic joint pain of the knees and/or hips that integrates simple education, self-management and coping strategies, with an exercise regimen individualised for each person. Escape Pain / www.escape-pain.org
The 'Up and Active' and' Healthy Lifestyles' teams operate across East Lancashire.
They all run a variety of Exercise Referral Schemes offering a wide range of activities and classes suitable for all ages and abilities.
Sessions are supported by specialist instructors who will be able to guide and support you through your chosen programme and work towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Please contact your nearest Up and Active or Healthy Lifestyle team to find out what they can offer you.
- For Hyndburn, Accrington, Pendle, Nelson, Rossendale, Ribble Valley and Burnley contact 'Up and Active'
- Website: www.upandactive.co.uk
- For Blackburn contact 'Refresh'
- Website: Blackburn with Darwen 'Refresh'
Osteoporosis. Useful Information for patients about osteoporosis and bone health
Gout; Helpful information on the causes, symptoms and treatment of gout for patients and clinicians
Steroid Injections / COVID vaccinations - Patient Information Leaflet. If you are due to have a covid vaccination injection this must take priority over injections booked with our service. You are advised not to have a steroid injection 2 weeks before or after the first or second covid vaccination.
How to book your X-Ray appointment (open access details / telephone numbers / opening times)
PIFU puts you in control of making an appointment when you feel you need it as opposed to attending a follow up within a set timeframe, which you may not need. It means you will have direct access to support when you feel you need it. Research has shown that regular visits do not always help to prevent your condition returning or identify new problems but can potentially cause unnecessary anxiety.