Most of the people we see have a muscle or joint problem that is getting in the way of everyday life: a back that seizes up after gardening, a neck that aches after a day at the laptop, a knee that complains on the stairs. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is how we treat them.
Problems we treat
- Lower back pain, sciatica and slipped discs
- Neck pain, stiffness and tension headaches
- Shoulder pain, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff problems
- Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and wrist pain
- Hip pain and osteoarthritis
- Knee pain, ligament and cartilage problems
- Ankle and foot pain, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles problems
How we treat you
We start by working out why it hurts, not just where. That means looking at how you move as a whole, because a sore knee can come from the hip or foot, and neck pain is often linked to how the upper back and shoulders work.
Treatment is then a mix of:
- Manual therapy: joint mobilisation, spinal and peripheral manipulation and soft tissue massage to ease pain and free up movement.
- Exercise therapy: a programme to restore strength, flexibility and control, progressed as you improve.
- Pain relief where needed: acupuncture or dry needling, electrotherapy, heat or ice.
- Advice: on posture, work set-up, sleep positions and how to stay active without making things worse.
How long will it take?
A recent strain often settles within three to six sessions. Pain that has lasted for months usually needs a longer, more gradual plan. We will give you a realistic estimate at your first appointment and review it as we go.
Book a musculoskeletal assessment in Ilford.
Common questions
What is the difference between MSK physiotherapy and sports physiotherapy?
They overlap. MSK physiotherapy covers any muscle or joint problem, whatever caused it. Sports physiotherapy focuses on injuries from sport and on getting you back to training safely.
Will I get exercises to do at home?
Yes. Every patient leaves with exercises suited to their problem and level of pain, written down so you can follow them.
Do you crack backs?
Spinal manipulation is one technique we may use when it is safe and helpful for you. It is never essential, and we always explain it and ask first.
How quickly will I feel better?
Many people notice some improvement after the first one or two sessions. How long full recovery takes depends on the problem and how long you have had it.
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