Musculoskeletal

What is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy?

Musculoskeletal physiotherapists work with people with a wide range of conditions affecting muscles, bones, joints and nerves. Examples include low back pain and arthritis, which are the top two most common physical health conditions. These conditions are often complex, longstanding and can be very disabling for some.

Musculoskeletal physiotherapists work in a range of settings including private practice, public health settings (hospital and outpatient clinics) and are often part of multi-disciplinary healthcare teams with other health professionals.

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy treatment may include hands-on treatment techniques, education, specific exercise prescription and home or community exercise programs. Some people with musculoskeletal conditions require additional support including access to other equipment and supports. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists can help guide the most appropriate services and supports for individual needs. 

Who can they help?

Areas of practice within musculoskeletal physiotherapy relate to specific body areas or pain conditions. These might include working with:

  • People with back pain
  • People with neck pain including pain after motor vehicle accidents
  • People with headaches (and dizziness)
  • People with shoulder, elbow or hand pain
  • People with hip, knee or ankle/foot injuries
  • People with arthritis
  • People with nerve pain or more widespread pain
  • People with injuries from work
  • People recovering from surgery
  • People with pain or injuries from sport or recreational activities

Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists have attained formal recognition of their expertise via Fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. This is the highest level of clinical qualification available in Australia.

Specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists are often involved in providing second opinions or specialist care for people with these more complex musculoskeletal conditions. This can work in a variety of different ways. They may provide:

  • Shared-care (collaboration with the doctor and local/treating physiotherapist or other health professional)
  • Specialist care (a course of treatment delivered by the specialist physiotherapist, potentially as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Common for more complex cases)
  • Broader recommendations for management (eg. around diagnosis, recovery expectations and referral to other medical or healthcare specialists).

Every person has their story

Fatima's Story

Fatima is a 49 year old mother of three who has lived with widespread spinal and leg pain for over 20 years. She has tried a range of medication, spinal injections, physiotherapy, chiropractic and exercise treatments. She has attended a specialist msuculoskeletal physiotherapist for an expert opinion of further options for managing her condition. From her consultation, Fatima receives:

  • an evidence informed diagnosis
  • a list of the factors contributing to her problem
  • a plan for management
  • a time frame for expecting progress with her plan
  • a follow-up appointment in six weeks

Fatima’s GP receives a letter outlining the management plan. Her local treating physiotherapist sits in on the consultation with the specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist (a valuable learning opportunity) and is then able to continue to monitor and progress the management plan prior to the six week follow-up. Fatima feels she has a better understanding of her condition and feels more in control and confident regarding her recovery.

Specialists

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