Joint Pain and Muscle Problems (MSK)
If you have joint, muscle or back pain, help is available.
Many muscle and joint (musculoskeletal or MSK) conditions improve with the right advice, exercises and self-management. You don't always need to see a specialist straight away, and early movement and rehabilitation can often help reduce pain, improve function and speed up recovery.
Self-help support
We recommend the free getUBetter app, an NHS-approved digital programme that provides personalised advice, exercises and guidance for a wide range of muscle and joint conditions, including back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, wrist and elbow pain. It offers 24/7 support and helps you understand when you can safely manage your condition yourself and when you should seek further medical advice.
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis and many other joint conditions. The Versus Arthritis website is an excellent resource. Take a look at the recommended Exercises for healthy joints | Back, neck, knee and foot exercises as well as the Let's Move with Leon programme (a free 12-week exercise programme designed specifically for people living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.) The sessions can help improve strength, flexibility, balance and confidence to move.
Physiotherapy at our practice
If your symptoms are not improving, or you would like an assessment, you can book an appointment directly with one of our First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) at the surgery. They are experts in assessing muscle, joint and bone problems, can provide advice and treatment, arrange investigations if needed, and refer you to other services where appropriate.
When should I seek urgent medical advice?
Please contact the practice urgently or seek immediate medical attention if you have joint pain following a significant injury, a hot, swollen and very painful joint with fever, sudden severe weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or unexplained weight loss or pain that is not settling. These symptoms may require prompt assessment.