People of all ages and all levels of activity suffer from muscle and joint pain – or general aches and pains. There are many causes for such pain. Sudden or overuse injuries, for example, can come with overdoing it in the garden after months of doing nothing.
We treat patients who exhibit poor posture or techniques at work – manual, sedentary or office-based workers. We also treat patients who may be experiencing pain as a result of systemic disease, which is a disease that affects other parts of the body, or even the whole body.
In some circumstances, you muscle or joint pain can be experienced at the site of the problem, but in other instances, it can be what we call ‘referred pain’, which means that the pain actually originates in another part of the body.
The problem can arise from any of the following:
- Joints – any joint can be affected by pain. Fractures (broken bones), sprains and arthritis (such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis) are common causes of stiff, painful joints.
- Muscles – direct impact injury, overstretching, strains or overuse can cause muscle pain.
- Tendons – tendons join muscles to bones and are a common source of pain. Examples of tendon problems are tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis.
- Ligaments – injuries to ligaments (sprains) are the result of over-stretching or twisting of a joint.
What will your Chartered Physiotherapist do for you?
First of all, your Chartered Physiotherapist will carry out a detailed assessment of your condition. This will include taking a detailed history of your symptoms, along with a physical examination.
Following your assessment, you will receive a diagnosis of the problem, including the underlying causes.
And finally, you will be given a treatment plan that takes into account your particular condition and needs.
Your Chartered Physiotherapist will monitor your symptoms at each visit, and will progress or amend your treatment programme depending on your condition is responding.
When appropriate, your physiotherapist will liaise with your doctor, hospital consultant or other health care professional, making sure that you receive seamless and integrated healthcare.
You will be advised on when to return to work, when to resume sport, how to return to your daily activities – and how to prevent a recurrence of your pain.
What are the treatments?
No two patients are the same and your treatment plan will be completely bespoke, but the following list outlines some of the most common treatments you’re likely to encounter:
- Manual techniques – manipulation, traction or mobilisation of the affected joints to restore movement
- Soft tissue techniques – massage, frictions, trigger point therapy, acupressure and stretching
- Stretching, strengthening or postural exercises – which you may be advised to continue at home
- Electrotherapy – ultrasound, interferential, TENS, laser or electrical stimulation therapy may help speed up healing and reduce pain
- Biomechanical assessment and prescription – of orthotics (customised insoles)
- Assess and give advice – on ergonomics (working postures) to offload injured structures
- Application of heat and ice – to help pain and healing, and advice on home use
- Prescription and fitting – of supports, braces and walking aids
- Hydrotherapy- this involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment
Disclaimer
The content on this page is provided for general information purposes only and is not meant to replace a physiotherapy or medical consultation. The ISCP is not responsible for the content of any external sites, nor should selection be seen as an endorsement of them.
