Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy

What do MSK physiotherapists do?

They assess and treat people who have any injury, disease or problem that relates to muscles, bones, joints and peripheral nerves. They may also provide advice to help you manage your condition, or refer you to other services as appropriate. The MSK physiotherapy service is based in a variety of health centres and hospital outpatient departments across all of Lanarkshire.

How can I access an MSK physiotherapist in NHS Lanarkshire?

There are several ways you can access MSK physiotherapy:

• Your GP may refer you
• Another Health care professional may refer you
• You can now self refer to Physiotherapy using our online form Physiotherapy MSK Self-Referral Form
• If you are unable to use the online self-referral form then you can print this self-referral form and post to us. Please note our preferred method of self-referral is online.
• You can now directly self-refer for a walking aid or splint using the form. If you are unable to complete this form, your GP can refer you.

Common Conditions

We are committed to providing you with information that is both reliable and based on the latest up-to-date evidence. There are links to different body parts that will take you to information about specific conditions.

The exercises are mostly designed to be completed at home without any equipment. While exercising please remember to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear especially for exercises involving the legs.

• For the exercises which use a wall please use a smooth wall free from any objects.
• For the exercises that require weights, a tin of beans can be used especially in the early stages.
• Exercises requiring a step can be completed on the bottom step of your stairs at home or an exercise step.
• Exercises completed in lying or kneeling can be performed on your bed or another suitable exercise surface.

You can also take your pick from 24 instructor-led videos across aerobic exercise, strength and resistance, pilates and yoga categories. A full list can be found on the NHS website.

Disclaimer

The information and videos are not a substitute for an assessment, diagnosis, or treatment for a medical condition and any exercises shown are not specific to your medical condition. Please remember if there is any doubt about your fitness for doing these exercises then discuss this with your GP or healthcare professional.

What happens after MSK Physiotherapy receive my referral?

Your details will be added to the physiotherapy waiting list based on your clinical need.

• You will be contacted by post or telephone when you reach the top of our waiting list.
• A face to face appointment will be organised. If you prefer a phone call or appointment via our video consultation platform known as Near Me you can request this.
• After the first appointment you and the Physiotherapist will agree a treatment plan.

If you do attend for an appointment you will need to attend the same physiotherapy department for all your MSK physiotherapy appointments; so, if the site they offer does not suit you, please ask for an alternative. Please note that if you choose not to accept the first available appointment across Lanarkshire you may need to wait longer.

Who do I contact if I need to change my appointment?

Please phone the MSK hub as soon as possible if you need to re-arrange or cancel your appointment. You can call the MSK hub on 01698 687442, Monday to Friday, between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. New appointments must be declined within 7 days of the date of the appointment letter to maintain your position on the waiting list.

What happens if I do not attend my appointment?

If you fail to attend your appointment without contacting us you will be discharged from the service. If you cancel two consecutive appointments, or three within an episode of care, you will be discharged. Remember each missed appointment costs the NHS at least £136.