Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is the term used to describe the field of physiotherapy practice which relates to disorders of the  musculoskeletal system. Physiotherapists who practise in this area, are skilled in the assessment, diagnosis and physiotherapy management of musculoskeletal conditions. The clinical reasoning processes employed by musculoskeletal physiotherapists enables them to reach a diagnosis consistent with the findings of the clinical examination.

Research has shown that musculoskeletal physiotherapists are highly skilled in their examination, such that they are able to form a diagnosis similar to or better than those determined by sophisticated imaging processes. For example, in the diagnosis of symptomatic facet joints, symptomatic intervertebral discs and lumbar instability.

 

Musculoskeletal 
Physiotherapy

Musculoskeletal physiotherapists in Australia have world leading expertise in the effective management of pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. These skills assist the medical practitioner with accurate, cost effective diagnosis and appropriate evidence based management.

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT - including both passive mobilisation and manipulation), McKenzie therapy and promoting early activity is effective in the short-term management of back pain.  And there is strong evidence that SMT is more effective in the management of chronic back pain than bed rest, analgesics, and massage.  More importantly, the combination of SMT and exercise rehabilitation has increasing support in the management of back pain.