Today musculoskeletal physiotherapy is a specialised area of  physiotherapy.
​
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is the term used for special handling techniques to promote healing of joints and soft tissues. Let’s takes a brief look at some of the techniques in a little more detail.

Myofascial release is a type of massage that stretches the fascia and releases bonds between the fascia in order to relieve pain. The fascia is the thick band of tissue beneath the skin that covers muscles, organs and bones. The connection between muscles and fascia is what is called the myofascia system. The fascia can become tightened or restricted by stress, injury, inflammation and poor posture. Massage therapy is often used successfully in treating sprains and strains by manipulating specific muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue.
​
There are two forms of myofascial release – the direct and the indirect method. The direct method gets to the deep tissue to stretch and elongate the fascia. The indirect method is a gentle stretch that brings blood to the tissues and allows the fascia to ‘unwind’ itself.

Joint mobilisation is a common practice among physiotherapists where a joint is moved passively to achieve three different but complementary therapeutic effects. Physiotherapy researchers and other scientists have shown that:
Firstly their is an effect on the nervous system to stimulate production of the body’s own natural opioids for pain control.
Second, demonstrated improvements in muscle function occur.
Thirdly, there are improvements in range of movement.
​
Hence jont mobilisation is indicated with restriction of joint (or muscle motion) or pain. It can also assist in the reabsorbing of scar tissue, promote muscle healing and joint mobility.

Manipulative Therapy is a joint mobilisation that involves a high speed low force technique at one specific joint that may result in a popping sound, called cavitation. It is has beneficial effects similar to those of joint mobilisation regarding pain control.

Take care when considering manipulative therapy, as nowadays it is being offered by non-professionals and persons who are not properly trained. Contact your Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist in Hampton on 9533 5305 to discuss any concerns you may have.

The overriding symptom of all these conditions is pain. In the case of an injury that affects the bone, or in osteomyelitis, this type of pain is more severe than muscle pain. Tendon and ligament pain, as occurs in tendonitis, is less severe than bone pain. Chronic pain may accompany the musculoskeletal pain. This is chronic pain and is real and can be debilitating if not managed.

Some conditions may cause pain by compressing a nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain injury that compresses the median nerve, causing pain and a burning sensation along the course of the nerve. In fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread and the locations difficult to pinpoint.

As your physiotherapist in the treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions, we not only treat pain, but also deal with the accompanying muscle weakness, loss of stability and decrease in functional use of the body part. Pain may be treated with deep heat such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or manipulation. Cold packs may be used initially with pain resulting from an injury.

The importance of exercise in dealing with musculoskeletal conditions can never be overstated. Exercise improves flexibility, promotes movement, and increases blood flow to the area. It also helps to reduce pain. Strengthening exercise is important to restore function and condition to weak muscles.

In severe cases such as arthritis and muscular dystrophy, it may be necessary to provide walking aids or wheelchairs to assist with mobility. If the condition has resulted from a work or overuse injury, we can advise on proper ergonomics or modifications to your technique.
​
After surgery, the best means of treating these painful conditions once the patient is medically stable, is with physiotherapy. It completes what surgery or any other previous medical intervention began, and helps you become as independent as possible. Come see us, your specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist in Hampton Bayside and we will help you on the road to recovery sooner than you think.