Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function to as near normal as possible when someone is affected by injury, illness or by developmental or other disability.

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy treating injuries and conditions which affect the muscles, joints, and soft tissues. Injuries which can be treated by musculoskeletal physiotherapy can include:

• Ligament sprains
• Muscle strains
• Arthritis
• Cartilage tears
• Pre and post-surgery rehabilitation
• Fracture rehabilitation
• Back pain

These injuries can require a musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment and a treatment session to optimise healing and speed the recovery process. Upon assessment the physiotherapist will set goals and develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan. Some of the treatments which the musculoskeletal physiotherapist may use can include:

• Exercise therapy
• Manual therapy
• Self-management strategies

The most appropriate treatments will be selected upon the clinical judgement and the experience of the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist on the findings from the initial assessment. Treatments for musculoskeletal injuries aim to:

• Optimise healing
• Speed the recovery process
• Increase strength
• Restore normal movement
• Decrease pain
• Decrease swelling and inflammation
• Increase independence

These will all be considered by the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist when they are developing the treatment plan.