• 01 Oct 2020
• |
• By Admin

What Is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy?

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The human musculoskeletal system, also known as the locomotor system is an organ system, which enables human beings to move, using their muscular and skeleton systems.

It provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body.

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is advised and applied when the patient is not able to move, or there is pain due to the movement and the balance between joints and muscles is disturbed and they are not in sync with each other.

In layman terms, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy involves the treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain, which impacts muscles, ligaments and tendons, and bones as it causes difficulty in movement.

The focus areas for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy can be your arms, legs, feet, ankles, shoulders, back or neck.

Symptoms Of Musculoskeletal Pain

Some of the common symptoms associated with Musculoskeletal Pain are:

• Pain during moving arms/legs/neck/shoulder
• Weakness
• Stiffness in joints and muscles
• Decreased range of motion
• Joint noises
• Swelling/inflammation
• Tenderness
• Impaired function
• Fatigue
• Sleeplessness

Causes Of Musculoskeletal Pain

• Damage of muscle tissue due to wear and tear of daily activities
• Trauma caused to a specific body part, due reasons such as jerking movement, accidents, fractures, fall, sprains, dislocation etc
• Postural strain
• Repetitive movement
• Prolonged immobilization
• Spinal Alignment Problem
• Muscle Shortening

Often the pain is concentrated in one area such as neck or arms or wrists. However, in conditions like fibromyalgia, the pain is spread all across the body.

When the Musculoskeletal Pain originates and ends within a short span of time, it’s known as acute pain, and can last for few days to maybe couple of weeks.

But if the pain continues for more than 3-6 months, then its chronic pain, and focus should be on treatment, as soon as possible.

Some of the common disorders associated with Musculoskeletal Pain are: arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures and dislocations, arcopenia or muscle loss, scoliosis and more.

Treatment Of Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is considered one of the best treatments for Musculoskeletal Pain. Depending on the location of the pain, and the severity, various exercises can be applied which improves range of motion, strengthening of the joints and improve overall movement and mobility.

Here are some of the physiotherapy exercises and activities recommended are:

• Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations, manipulations
• Soft tissue techniques such as myofascial release, PNF, stretches, trigger point technique, massage
• Muscle strengthening and stretching exercises
• Electrotherapy options
• Posture assessment and exercises
• Ultrasound

Besides these, some other therapies and treatment for Musculoskeletal Pain are:

• Physical Occupational Therapy
• Acupuncture and Acupressure
• Relaxation and Biofeedback therapy
• Osteopathic manipulation
• Therapeutic massage
• Chiropractic care
• Topical analgesic such as creams, ointments, gels, lotions

Besides, some doctors also suggest Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs which should be only taken based on medical prescription and the advice of the doctor. These are primarily pain-killers and not a permanent solution to the problem.

Consult with our expert Physiotherapists at XYZ Clinic, and find out the best possible way to treat and minimize Musculoskeletal Pain and discover how Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy can help you with it.