Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy

Outpatients’ service

This service treats patients with a range of muscle, joint and related conditions to help restore movement and function to maximise their quality of life and help them to achieve their functional goals.

We use a range of evidence-based treatments and regularly review our practice to ensure we remain at the front of improving patient care.

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy takes a holistic approach that involves the patient directly in their own care. Physiotherapy is not a passive treatment. To get the most from your treatment, you will be asked to do exercises and to follow advice discussed with your Physiotherapist.

All the Physiotherapists working at the Hospital are Chartered Physiotherapists and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Occasionally students may see patients under supervision of a qualified physiotherapist, in which case you will be asked for your consent, please tell us if this is not acceptable to you.

Face-to-face appointments

You will receive a letter asking you to ring and book an appointment. If no contact is made within 2 weeks of sending the letter you will be removed from the waiting list.

Please do let us know if you do not wish to be on our waiting list or that your condition has since improved and treatment is not required.

You will be offered a choice of times and location for your first appointment. Please be aware that some specialities are only based at one site. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment, this allows you to book yourself in at the reception desk. If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your appointment time your physiotherapist may not be able to see you.

For safe and effective care it is important that we have a complete picture of your health (both past and present) and any medications you take. It would be helpful if you could complete the Health Form (PDF, 619 KB) prior to your appointment and bring it with you. Alternatively, you can complete the form which is available from the physiotherapy reception desk on arrival for your appointment (please allow at least 10 minutes to complete this prior to the start of your appointment).

On the first attendance you will be clinically assessed by one of the physiotherapists in the department who will be able to inform you if physiotherapy can be of benefit to you. Students may be involved in your care but are supervised at all times.

You will be asked about your medical history, lifestyle and symptoms. The physiotherapist may ask you to undress to your underwear as part of your assessment to allow your joints, muscles and nerves to be examined. For a neck or shoulder problem you may feel more comfortable wearing a vest, for a lower back or leg problem you may wish to bring shorts. Your privacy and dignity will be respected at all times.

If physiotherapy is appropriate the therapist will discuss with you the best treatment options for you to gain the maximum benefit.