Musculoskeletal (MSK) is a term meaning ‘muscles’ and ‘skeleton’.
Musculoskeletal problems can be caused by many reasons such as bone, muscle, ligaments and nerve issues.
Physiotherapy is provided by specialist trained and regulated practitioners called Physiotherapists. Here at UHBMT, we strive to provide expert management, care and advice to patients, carers and other health care professionals.
We often work as part of a multidisciplinary team across the Trust, providing specific individual tailored care to each patient should you need our care.
This page will hopefully provide you with useful information and links for a number of common conditions seen within Physiotherapy and advice for self-management that may help with your recovery.
Osteoarthritis General info
Osteoarthritis (OA) hip
Osteoarthritis (OA) knee
Osteoarthritis (OA) foot/ankle
Osteoarthritis (OA) spine
OA hand/wrist
Osteoporosis
LBP
Neck pain
Bursitis and Hip pain
Knee pain
Knee sprain/ Traumatic Injury
Ankle Sprain
Shoulder pain
Frozen Shoulder (Capsulitis)
Traumatic Shoulder Injury and Carpal tunnel
Elbow pain lateral/medial epicondylitis
Achilles Tendinopathy
Planta fasciitis
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
How I can help myself?
Assessment
The physiotherapist will ask you a range of questions about your problem, as well as complete a thorough physical assessment, which could include looking at your movement and strength of your affected joint/issue.
It would be helpful if you could think about the following before you attend your appointment:
- How and when did your condition start?
- What activities/ positions make your symptoms better or worse?
- Your medical history and any medication- as this can impact your management.
- What are you hoping to achieve from physiotherapy?
What to wear
To thoroughly assess your medical condition, it is highly likely that your physiotherapist may need to expose the joint above and below your problem. If possible try to wear appropriate clothing for the clinicians to assess you e.g. a vest, shorts.
Consent/Chaperone
Consent is always your choice when you are asked to agree to any form of assessment or treatment, please remember you have a choice. You are always free to say no or to ask for more information before you make up your mind. If you would like a chaperone in your consultation or treatment, please let your physiotherapist know and we will arrange this.
What to bring
If you could bring a list of medications you regularly take this would be beneficial.
What to expect
Following your consultation, you will be able to discuss your condition and the best management plan for you. All management programmes are individually tailored to suit your needs. Treatment options might include detailed advice and education on the problem and a tailored exercise programme to address movement quality and function. This can also be reinforced by other physiotherapy modalities, training and exercises. To get the most from your treatment you will be asked to follow advice and undertake exercises at home.
Outpatient Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy departments
Furness General Hospital
Dalton Lane
Barrow in Furness
LA14 4LF
Tel: 01229 491161
Medical Unit 2
Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Ashton Road
Lancaster
LA1 4RP
Tel: 01524 583361
Westmorland General Hospital
Burton Road
Kendal
LA9 7RG
Tel: 01539 795318
Queen Victoria Centre
Thornton Road
Morecambe
LA4 5NN
Tel: 01524 583361
Ulverston Community Health Centre
Stanley Street
Ulverston
LA12 7BT
Tel: 01229 484045
Booking service
Community Patient Contact Centre (CPCC)
Westmorland General Hospital
Burton Road
Kendal
LA9 7RG
Tel: 01539 716998
There are several ways to access physiotherapy services at UHMBT. Consultant clinics can directly refer into physiotherapy if required.
Alternatively, you can contact your registered GP practice and initially assessed by a qualified practitioner (GP/ practice nurse/first contact physiotherapist) who will screen to make sure your condition is appropriate for physiotherapy and that you don’t need other investigations.
You should be provided with advice and if your condition does not improve an onward referral to physiotherapy will be made by your healthcare provider.
You will then directly be provided with an internet link to access a patient online referral where you will be asked as series of questions to best understand your condition and prioritise you appropriately.
We appreciate your time in completing the form. Once the form has been submitted a member of our team will review the information and allocate you an appropriate appointment slot, you will then be contacted by the community patient contact centre (CPCC) to book an appointment.