Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy in Merseyside

Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy assesses and treats problems with your muscles, nerves, joints, tendons, ligaments and spine. At Merseyside Health, our HCPC-registered physiotherapists and sports therapists combine a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a tailored exercise plan to help you move with less pain. Appointments are available at our clinics across Merseyside and online.
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What Is MSK Physiotherapy?

MSK physiotherapy is the most common type of physiotherapy, and it is what most people mean when they book to see a physio for pain or an injury. It focuses on how your body moves and why it hurts, rather than simply treating the sore spot.

No two injuries are ever quite the same, so every plan starts with a detailed assessment of your symptoms, your history and what you want to get back to doing.

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What Does MSK Physiotherapy Help With?

Our physiotherapists regularly help people with:
If you have picked up an injury playing sport, our physiotherapists are skilled at managing sports injuries, many of them are good athletes themselves. The sporting experience in the team is very broad.
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What Happens at Your First Appointment?

Your first appointment combines assessment and treatment, so you leave with a clear plan and something to work on straight away.
  • We talk through your symptoms, medical history, daily routine and goals.
  • Your physiotherapist assesses how you move and pinpoints what is driving your pain.
  • We explain what we have found in plain language and agree on a plan together.
  • Treatment starts in the same session, usually a mix of hands-on therapy and modalities such as laser, shockwave or acupuncture and exercises to do at home. Your treatment preferences will be considered carefully and clear advice provided by the therapist.
Treatment is built around hands-on therapy and exercise, with other therapies added where they are likely to help.

Manual therapy uses skilled handling techniques to ease pain and improve movement. Depending on your assessment, this may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, muscle energy techniques, Mulligan mobilisation with movement and spinal manipulation.

Mulligan techniques involve gentle joint mobilisation while you move, and are commonly used for neck and spinal pain. Many can be taught as self applied techniques so that you can continue to manage your symptoms yourself at home.

Spinal manipulation is a quick, small-amplitude, high velocity thrust technique used mainly for lower back, neck and mid-back pain. It results in a cavitation of popping sound which can cause local muscle relaxation and pain relief. Your therapist will always check for any reason it would not be suitable for you before offering this treatment.

Exercise is at the heart of long-term recovery. Your programme is tailored to your age, pain levels, exercise history, available equipment and lifestyle, and may cover mobility, strength, power, cardiovascular fitness, balance, and approaches drawn from Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi.
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Which Treatments Can Be Included in My MSK Physiotherapy?

Your physiotherapist can add other therapies to your plan where they are a good fit for your condition. These are delivered by our physiotherapists, often as part of your MSK treatment rather than as a separate service.
  • Shockwave therapy, which may help stubborn tendon problems such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and Achilles pain
  • Low level laser therapy, used alongside other treatments to help manage pain and promote healing
  • Acupuncture from trained physiotherapists, which may help ease pain and muscle tension
  • Muscle stimulation, which can help muscles that are weak or inhibited after injury or surgery
Your physiotherapist will always explain why they are recommending a therapy and how it fits into your plan before you start.
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Can I Have MSK Physiotherapy Online?

Yes. If you cannot get to a clinic, or would prefer to be seen from home, we offer online physiotherapy through a secure video platform. Your exercises are shared through an app so you can follow them between sessions.

If you need to be seen in person but struggle to leave the house, our home visit physiotherapy service brings a physiotherapist to you.

Where can I see an MSK physiotherapist?

MSK physiotherapy is available at our clinics across Merseyside:
You can find out more about our musculoskeletal physiotherapists on our meet the team page.
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. You can book directly with us online or by calling 0151 433 2459. If you are claiming through health insurance, check with your insurer first, as some ask for a referral.
They usually mean the same thing. MSK physiotherapy is the clinical name for treating muscles, nerves, joints, tendons and the spine, which is what most people think of as general physiotherapy.
It depends on your condition, how long you have had it and your goals. Your physiotherapist will give you an idea after your first assessment and review your progress at every session.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that lets your physiotherapist see and move the area being treated. For hip, knee or ankle problems, shorts are helpful.

Our current fees for initial assessments and follow-up appointments are listed on our pricing page.

Ready to get moving again? Book your MSK physiotherapy appointment online or call us on 0151 433 2459 to find the right clinic for you.