Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that affect the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves of the body. They can cause pain, stiffness, inflammation, weakness and reduced mobility. MSDs can affect any part of the body, but they are more common in the back, neck, shoulders, knees and hips. Common musculoskeletal conditions include conditions such as osteoarthritis, fractures, muscle strains, bursitis and tendonitis.
Obviously since the term “musculoskeletal disorder” covers a broad range of disorders, injuries, and conditions, many different symptoms might arise. The most common symptoms include:
Joint pain
Tenderness
Reduced range of motion
Inflammation
Muscle spasms or cramps
Sleep disturbances
Aching
Stiffness
Burning sensations
Pain that increases with activity
Fortunately, our team of physiotherapists can help people with MSDs improve their function and quality of life. We are experts when it comes to the body and human movement. We typically will implement a variety of techniques, such as exercise, manual therapy, education, advice and modalities, to treat the underlying causes and symptoms of MSDs. Physiotherapy can also help to prevent or reduce the risk of developing MSDs in the future.
Some of the benefits of physiotherapy for MSDs are:
Relief of pain and inflammation by improving blood circulation, reducing muscle tension and stimulating natural healing processes.
Restoring and enhancing range of motion, strength, flexibility and coordination by correcting biomechanical imbalances, improving posture and alignment and facilitating movement patterns.
Improving function and performance in daily activities, work, sports and hobbies by increasing endurance, stability and balance and reducing fatigue and stiffness.
Educating and empowering patients to manage their condition and prevent recurrence or complications by providing self-care tips, exercises, ergonomic advice and lifestyle modifications.
If you have a musculoskeletal disorder or want to prevent them, physiotherapy can be a great option for you. Physiotherapy is safe, effective and personalized to your needs and goals. To find out more about how physiotherapy can help you with MSDs, contact the Advanced Physiotherapy team today!