Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy  As the name suggests, this area deals with muscles, bones and joints, and is perhaps the most widely known. Musculoskeletal physiotherapist can deal with many acute or chronic conditions such as:
- Neck and back pain e.g. Stiff neck, back sprain/strain, prolapsed (‘slipped’) disc, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis
- Strain and sprain injuries of joints and muscles e.g. ankle sprain
- Sports injuries e.g. Tennis/golfer’s elbow
- Osteoarthritis, e.g. Hip, knee
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Post-surgical (e.g. joint/ligament reconstruction, spine surgeries) rehabilitation
The musculoskeletal physiotherapist uses a variety of different treatment methods to help speed up the recovery and prevent recurrence. Some of the techniques include: - Manual therapy (manipulation, joint mobilisation, massage, stetches)
- Electrotherapy e.g. ultrasound, heat therapy, electrical stimulation
- Heat and cold
- Therapeutic exercise
- Postural correction, ergonomics advice
- Analysis of sporting techniques e.g. assessment of equipment, and movement sequence (golf swing)
- Taping, bandaging, splinting
The musculoskeletal physiotherapist is not only concerned with treating the injury, but with finding the cause and correcting any biomechanical factors which may contribute to the injury.
Except from MPA website:
http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/index.php/groups/musculoskeletal-physiotherapy/mpa-overview Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia (MPA)
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia (MPA) is the group for any Australia Physiotherapy Association (APA) member interested in developing their expertise in musculoskeletal conditions. MPA is one of the largest APA National Special Groups, with around 2000 members, of whom nearly 800 have attained the highly regarded title of APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist through Masters qualifications.
APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists are rightly regarded as experts in their chosen field of physiotherapy. They employ advanced clinical assessment and diagnosis methods, and have been trained in a broader range of treatment techniques than many other health professionals. As a result, APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists are world-leaders in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of muscle and joint problems, especially low back and neck pain.
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