The musculoskeletal system involves muscles, bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, cartilage and spinal discs. Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists treat injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, restoring mobility and helping to relieve pain.

What we treat injuries and disorders we treat include:

  • Back pain
  • Incontinence
  • Inflammatory arthritis
  • Lower limb disorders e.g. ligament sprains, tendon injuries
  • Neck pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Post-operative orthopaedic conditions
  • Sprains and strains
  • Upper limb disorders e.g. ‘frozen shoulder’, ‘tennis elbow’

Treatment techniques, approaches we use include:

  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Advice and education on posture/ movement disorders
  • Advice on pain management
  • Mobilisations
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Electrotherapy
  • Exercise classes

Some – but not all – of our MSK physiotherapists are also trained to use acupuncture.  Some physiotherapy departments also offer injection therapy.

Referral to physiotherapy

Your doctor, hospital consultant, nurse, or midwife may advise you if physiotherapy is appropriate for you.  Some departments also accept self-referrals.

Where can I arrange to go for my appointment?

You can choose to attend the most convenient site for you. You must specify your preference to the person referring you.

If you arrange an appointment

In planning your visit, please allow up to an hour for your first appointment and 30 minutes for reviews.  Please allow extra time to find a suitable parking space if required.

What do I need to wear / bring?

  • a list of any tablets that you are currently taking
  • shorts if you have a back or leg problem.(Please do not worry if you do not have them, you will be seen in an individual cubicle or room)
  • reading glasses (if you need them)

If you have a preference to be seen by a male or female physiotherapist, please let us know in advance and we can arrange this for you. Please bear in mind this may require you to attend a different department at an alternative site.

What happens if I cannot make my appointment?

If you cannot keep your appointment, please tell the department as soon as you can. We may be able to offer the appointment to someone else and so shorten our waiting list.

If you do not attend without telling us in advance, we may discharge you from the department.

If your symptoms have improved and you do not wish to attend, please still let us know so that we can give your appointment to someone else. Even a few hours’ notice may allow us to see a patient referred ‘urgently’ to the department.

Children: If the appointment is for a child under 16 years, we would prefer an adult to accompany them

While we appreciate that not all patients have access to childcare, we prefer that you do not bring young children to your physiotherapy appointments.  If this is unavoidable, please make sure that children are well supervised at all times.

Transport: If you require hospital transport, please request this by ringing the Patient Transport Services booking line: Tel No. 0800 0323240

About your visit - Who will I see at my appointment?

Usually, you will see the same physiotherapist during your episode of care. 

How qualified are they?

They will be a qualified, Chartered Physiotherapist, unless you are told otherwise. This means they have at least three years’ full-time training and have achieved the high standard required to become a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP).

Will there be any students in the department?

Student physiotherapists may be working in the department, supervised by senior staff. We will always ask you in advance if a student could be involved in your care. You have the right to decline and to be treated by a chartered physiotherapist but your appointment may be rearranged to achieve this.

What will happen at my appointment?

Your Physiotherapist will ask some questions about your symptoms.  With your consent they will then examine the affected part of your body. You may be asked to remove some items of clothing to allow the therapist to assess the affected area properly, so please make sure you wear suitable clothing and underwear. At the end of the assessment your therapist will explain what they think may be causing your problem and discuss the management options available to you. 

You are invited to be fully involved in any decisions about your care.  Any treatments offered will be explained, including possible benefits and risks.  It is your body and you have the right to decline physiotherapy treatment at any stage without this affecting your future care.

Physiotherapy website 

If you would like simple advice on how to manage common conditions, or further information about our physiotherapy service, visit trust website https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/services/physiotherapy

 

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302