Musculoskeletal / Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
What is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy?
Musculoskeletal or orthopaedic physiotherapy treats individuals having problems/pathology of muscles, bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, cartilage, fascia, spinal discs. Physiotherapy uses the principles of basic sciences of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to assess patients and determine treatment goals accordingly.
Based on the patient’s need, the treatment can include various scientific methods such use of heat, cold techniques, ultrasound, microcurrents, LASER, dry needling etc for pain relief and reduction of inflammation and tissue healing. Exercise therapy techniques are used for mobility, flexibility, strengthening of muscles and joint stability. These include Myofascial release, Manual therapy techniques e.g. Mulligan, Mckenzie, Maitland, Cyriax etc. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), use of weights, exercise bands, springs, pulleys etc. Sometimes Walking/ Mobility aids e.g. cane, crutch, Walker etc or Assistive devices to help patient walk and carryout activities need to be given.
In what ways does musculoskeletal or orthopaedic physiotherapy benefit?
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy contributes to the patient’s recovery and quality of life in many ways such as:
- Reduces pain or eliminates it completely
- Improves muscle flexibility, strength and endurance
- Improves range of motion of the joint
- Improves ease and quality of movement
- Improves coordination
- Improves balance and control of movements
- Helps post operative patients with pain relief and improves movement during the recovery process.
- Improves weight bearing on bones
- Improves and normalises ability to walk indoors and outdoors
- Returns the person back to do his activities independently
Thus, it it helps the person to regain mobility, strength, function and quality of life.
Common conditions encountered for musculoskeletal or orthopaedic physiotherapy:
- Back pain
- Postural Neck Pain
- Cervical Spondylosis
- Lumbar Spondylosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Sacroiliac Joint Strain
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Foot and Heel Disorders
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer's Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Post Fracture Rehab
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bursitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Kyphosis
- Scoliosis
- Trigger Finger
- Ligament Tears
- Foot Sprains
- Post-surgical Rehab
… and many more conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a Physiotherapist plan a treatment?
A Physiotherapist’s approach to treatment is to treat a ‘person’ rather than “just a body part”.
A Physiotherapist will assess you and make a need-based personalised treatment plan depending on your medical diagnosis, health condition, body mechanics , your existing functions, activities and functional needs at home, workplace and outdoors. The treatment plan includes scientific and evidence-based techniques and a home exercise program which will be customised as per your unique situation, needs and goals.
Is a Doctor's prescription needed prior to Physiotherapy?
Very often Doctors refer the patients for Physiotherapy. Prescription is necessary, especially for post Stroke, Myocardial infarctions, inflammatory disorder, infections, post operative cases, fractures etc. to ensure that the patient is medically stable and can be mobilised.
In case the patient consults a Physiotherapist directly, the Physiotherapist will do a thorough physical examination, diagnosis and guide the patient, and refer to the appropriate medical speciality as necessary. A Physiotherapist is part of the Medical team. They work closely with the Doctors.
Ensure to carry your prior investigations, medical records, discharge summary etc. with you for your consultation.
What is the duration of each session?
This will depend on the type of your health condition. Some may take as less as 15 minutes to some up to 45 min and sometimes even longer for patients with multiple issues.
How many sessions/days of Physiotherapy will I need to take?
This will depend on your health condition. A simple sprain of muscle spasm may be treated in 1-2 sessions whereas conditions like post fractures/ surgery, Stroke, spinal cord injury, respiratory cases may require many more sessions. Your Physiotherapist will be able to guide you.
However, please remember that there will be certain exercises, change of work style habits, Do’s and Dont’s that your Physiotherapist will advise you which you have to carry out routinely for prevention and recurrence of symptoms.