Musculoskeletal therapies in Southend-on-Sea for a wide range of Musculoskeletal conditions. Musculoskeletal treatments are available from our clinic based in Leigh-on-Sea in Southend. Remote consultations are also available.
What is the musculoskeletal system?
In the human musculoskeletal system, the muscular and skeletal systems work together to support and move the body, including the limbs, neck and back. Injuries and diseases related to the cartilage, ligaments, nerves, tendons, bones and joints may affect the entire musculoskeletal system.
Issues within the musculoskeletal system may arise due to sudden exertion, repetitive strain, repeated exposure to force or vibration, or awkward posture.
What are the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders?
The symptoms of MSK disorders can vary, but often include pain and fatigue, and sometimes sleep disturbance and muscle twitching or burning. The pain can be localised or widespread and can worsen with movement. There is generally and aching or stiffness of the entire body and sometimes a feeling described as pulled or overworked muscles.
MSK disorders are the biggest cause of work absence and physical disability in the UK, with osteoarthritis affecting more than 8 million people. Lower back pain and neck pain are two of the most common complaints.
Examples of musculoskeletal disorders include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Back & neck pain
- Ligament sprain
- Thoracic outlet compression
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Inflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tension neck syndrome
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome
What treatment is available for MSK conditions?
MSK conditions are typically treated with anti-inflammatory medications, however, different types of manual therapy can also be used to treat the symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders and even speed recovery.
At The Body Matters, we offer a range of treatments for the symptoms of MSK disorders, including exercise that stretches and strengthens the muscles, MSK physiotherapy, MSK osteopathy, acupuncture or acupressure and relaxation techniques including mindfulness.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
If you are suffering from back or joint pain, including conditions such as arthritis, then musculoskeletal physiotherapy (MSK physio), a specialised area of physiotherapy, can help treat the symptoms of your condition. MSK practice can either isolate what is going on in the body as the cause of pain, known as a biomedical approach or, consider not only what is going on in the body, but also factors such as sleep patterns, anxiety and stress and diet and exercise levels, known as the bio-psycho-social (BPS) approach. The BPS model of healthcare also looks at how certain beliefs unconsciously impact on the individual experience of pain.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapists can offer an advanced clinical assessment and diagnosis, are trained specialists in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, and can offer a broad range of treatment techniques. Matthew Oliver is a musculoskeletal (MSK) therapist helping patients suffering from all physical pain, be it lower back or neck pain and any joint or muscle pain that is impacting their personal and/or work life and overall wellbeing.
Matthew has a keen interest in pain science and has studied extensively to be able to explain to patients ways they may better understand why things hurt and create a context to better deal with suffering and give confidence in painful movements. Evidence has demonstrated that those that have an understanding and context behind why they hurt have a statistically better outcome than those that do not. Negative thoughts around pain may make the situation worse with catastrophising thoughts and behaviours. Catastrophising thoughts often lead to fearful avoidance of movements and positions that provoke pain, which in turn cause considerable de-conditioning of the muscles and joints further reducing tolerance to these physical stresses on the body.
During the consultation, Matthew will listen to their story and look to identify factors that contribute to the pain to help with context to reduce fear and anxiety around their pain. The process would then make specific recommendations on rehabilitation and/or movement type exercises to build muscle strength and gently expose patients to movements and resistance that hurt.
Musculoskeletal Osteopathy
Musculoskeletal osteopathy treatment (MSK Clinical Osteopathy) involves gentle manipulation of the muscles and soft tissues. Musculoskeletal osteopathy aims to improve the body's musculoskeletal system by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework.
Acupuncture for Musculoskeletal Pain
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for the alleviation of musculoskeletal pain and arthritis-related pain. Acupuncture reduces MSK related pain by stimulating the brain to produce natural, pain-relieving endorphins, such as melatonin and serotonin.
Mindfulness for Musculoskeletal Pain
Meditation and mindfulness have also been shown to have promising results in the intervention and management of musculoskeletal pain.
Remote Consultations Available
We continue to use remote consultations to provide our services without physical interaction, if required, by shifting some appointments to video consultations.
Read our Remote Consultations page for more information.
Call The Body Matters on 01702 714968 for more information about musculoskeletal disorders, musculoskeletal physiotherapy and other MSK therapies in Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
