The musculoskeletal system includes muscles, joints, bones, cartilage, ligaments, fascia, nerves and other associated soft tissues. Problems and injuries can occur to any of these structures, both suddenly or over a period of time, and are responsible for causing pain, reduced movement, weakness and a subsequent loss of normal function. Musculoskeletal injury can result from overuse of a muscle (repetitive strain), poor posture over time leading to abnormal tissue stresses, sports injuries such as strains and sprains, falls, and direct blows to tissue

Physiotherapy plays an important part in the rehabilitation of the body following such an injury, using manual and exercise therapies to affect pain, restore movement, strengthen muscles and encourage normal movement patterns.

Only members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy who are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council have undergone the required training and passed the necessary examinations to enable them to practice.

You will first attend an initial assessment where the physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your condition together with any relevant past medical history.

A physical assessment will then be undertaken to determine the clinical diagnosis of your problem.

The physiotherapist will then work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. The aim of this unique programme will be to cater for your personal needs, maximize your rate of recovery and reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of the problem.

Every opportunity will be given for you to ask questions about your condition and to seek advice regarding its management and prevention in the future.

There is no predetermined number of treatments for a specific condition. However, following your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss and agree a treatment plan with you. This may include advice regarding the approximate number of treatments you may require. Response to treatment varies between individuals.

Not if you are paying for treatment yourself. However, if your private health insurance covers you for treatment you may need a referral from your GP. Please check details with your insurance company.

If you have a back or leg problem, you may want to bring your own shorts to change into for the physiotherapist to assess you.