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What is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy?

When you experience pain in your joints, muscles, or even bones, do you brush it off as the result of age, a past injury, or just a sign you need to stretch more often? Do you wonder if it’s something more? It’s worth checking out because your pain may be a sign of a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition. 

MSK conditions include a wide variety of bone, joint, and connective tissue disorders such as arthritis and trauma. These conditions can also affect the muscles (sarcopenia) and spine (neck and back pain). MSK conditions can occur in more than one part of the body or system, such as in the case of inflammatory and pain disorders or connective tissue diseases (lupus). 

Depending on the severity, MSK conditions can significantly impact your wellbeing and ability to perform day-to-day activities. It’s essential that you listen to your body and identify the cause of your pain.

Musculoskeletal Treatment Options:

There are many ways that MSK conditions can be treated, such as: 

  • Medication
  • Manual therapy
  • Acupuncture, acupressure
  • Aids, assistive devices, or splints
  • Surgery
  • Lifestyles changes
  • Cold and heat therapy
  • Relaxation and biofeedback methods
  • Resting more and working less
  • Anesthetic or anti-inflammatory injections
  • Strengthening and conditioning
  • Stretching
  • Chiropractic treatment
  • Therapeutic massage

Physiotherapy is one of the ways to ease the symptoms of MSK conditions by addressing the cause, which could differ based on whether you have muscle, bone, connective tissue, or joint pain.

How Can Physiotherapy Help Musculoskeletal Conditions?

According to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, MSK affects nearly 11 million Canadians aged 12 and older. A growing amount of research shows that MSK physiotherapy can alleviate symptoms and improve patient’s quality of life. However, only 1 in 10 Canadians seek help from a physiotherapist. 

One of the most significant benefits of physiotherapy is pain relief, but it can also lead to other improvements such as stronger muscles, better stability, mobility, and more.  

The Benefits Of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Treatment

You should talk to your doctor or physiotherapist to find the right physical therapy exercise program for you, especially if you have an MSK condition.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to alleviate pain caused by MSK conditions, particularly in low-impact activities such as tai chi and water aerobics. In addition to helping symptoms associated with MSK conditions, regular exercise also:

  • Assists joint lubrication
  • Relieves pain and stiffness
  • Increases flexibility 
  • Improves muscle strength
  • Enhances balance
  • Promotes better sleep quality
  • Improves posture
  • Supports bone density 
  • Boosts general health and fitness
  • Reduces stress
  • Uplifts your mood
  • Supports a healthy body weight

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is a valuable tool to avoid future injuries and promote faster recovery times. Your physiotherapist will create a plan centered around self-management and independence. By applying what you learn during your sessions at home, you can gradually lower or eliminate your discomfort through routine physical activity and exercise and live a happier, pain-free life.

 

Although you can carry out many of these exercises at home, you should only do so after receiving a professional diagnosis. Physiotherapists undergo extensive training to identify and evaluate musculoskeletal conditions. During your sessions, your physical therapist will inform you of your treatment plan and teach you how to effectively manage your condition independently at home. However, during your sessions, they will employ various skills and methods as part of a holistic strategy. 

 

Physiotherapy treatment is proven to expedite recovery times, lower the likelihood of re-injury, and facilitate early detection of acute events. It is among the most effective ways to regain your quality of life after an injury, allowing you to return to work, participate in activities, and mitigate disabilities — even for patients with a poor outlook.

In addition, physiotherapy for MSK conditions is proven to be more affordable than other treatment options. Physiotherapists’ detailed clinical knowledge of MSK treatment can lower healthcare costs for many patients and possibly postpone or eliminate the need for surgery through proper conservative management. Not only does this save the patient money, but the overall healthcare system as well. Employers who offer on-site physiotherapy often have fewer workplace injuries, claims, and shorter leaves, all of which result in lower expenses.

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Calgary

If you have a musculoskeletal condition, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of physiotherapy. It is a key component in your continued care and treatment, facilitating faster recovery and functionality in the affected area. 

Self-management and independence are the foundation of any musculoskeletal physiotherapy treatment. These programs are especially beneficial to avoid future injuries and prevent the condition from progressing.

Outpatient physiotherapy is affordable and associated with faster return-to-work times and better quality of life. But it all begins with the right diagnosis and treatment. Visit Brentwood Physiotherapy for musculoskeletal physiotherapy treatment, neck pain treatment, lower back pain treatment, rheumatoid arthritis treatment, and more.

To book an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists, click here

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