Muscles, Tendon & Joints
Riley Physiotherapy
Gillitts, Kloof & Hillcrest practices
Muscle, Joint & Tendon Problems
Disorders that affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues are collectively called musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, disease and genetic factors.
Examples of musculoskeletal conditions treated by physiotherapists include:
- Arthritis: Inflammation and damage to the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
- Osteoporosis: A condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.
- Tendinopathy: Pathology of a tendon, usually due to overuse or injury (previously called tendonitis).
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.
- Rotator cuff syndrome: Inflammation/impingement/degeneration or tear in the tendons of the shoulder.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions and protects the joints.
- Muscle strains or tears, anywhere in the body.
- Ligament sprains or tears, anywhere in the body.
- Joint injuries, over-use or traumatic, anywhere in the body.
- Fractures of the bones, anywhere in the body.
It is important to seek medical attention if you have an injury or experience persistent pain, stiffness, or other symptoms related to your bones, muscles, or joints.
Riley Physiotherapists have a special interest in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of all musculoskeletal conditions. Contact us today for an appointment.
Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Physiotherapy is important for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Some common physiotherapy techniques used for musculoskeletal conditions include:
- Manual therapy: This involves hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation, specific soft tissue mobilisation, massage, myofascial release and stretching to improve healing and reduce pain.
- Exercise therapy: Specific exercises are prescribed to help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and reduce pain.
- Electrotherapy & Ultrasound: This involves the use of electrical currents and/or ultrasound to improve circulation and healing and to reduce pain.
- Strapping: This is often applied by physiotherapists to provide protection and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Education and advice: Physiotherapists may provide advice on management, posture, ergonomics, training and lifestyle changes to help manage and prevent musculoskeletal conditions.
The goal of physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions is to help patients manage their symptoms, improve their function and mobility and prevent future injuries or complications. A physiotherapist can work with patients to develop a personalised treatment plan based on their individual needs and goals.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Pain management: Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
- Improved mobility: Physiotherapy can help improve range of motion, flexibility and overall mobility of affected joints and muscles.
- Strengthening: Physiotherapy exercises can help strengthen muscles, improving stability and reducing the risk of future injury.
- Faster recovery: Physiotherapy can help speed up recovery from injuries, surgeries and other musculoskeletal conditions.
- Preventing further injury: Physiotherapy can help identify and address imbalances or weaknesses that may be contributing to the patient’s musculoskeletal condition, reducing the risk of further injury.
- Improved quality of life: By reducing pain, improving mobility, and helping patients return to their normal activities, physiotherapy can improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
- Avoiding surgery: In some cases, physiotherapy can be effective enough in treating musculoskeletal conditions that surgery can be avoided.
When one should seek Physiotherapy for Tendon, Muscle or Joint problems
Physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions can be helpful for a wide range of people and situations. Here are some situations in which physiotherapy may be recommended:
- Injury: If you have a musculoskeletal injury, such as a sprain, strain or fracture, physiotherapy is recommended to help you recover faster and prevent future injuries.
- Ongoing pain or stiffness: If you have persistent or recurrent pain in your muscles, bones, or joints, physiotherapy can help manage your pain and improve healing and function.
- Surgery: If you have had surgery for a musculoskeletal condition, such as joint replacement or repair, physiotherapy can help you recover and regain function faster.
- Arthritis: If you have arthritis, physiotherapy can help manage your pain, improve your joint mobility and function and reduce your risk of further joint damage.
- Posture and alignment issues: If you have poor posture or alignment issues that are causing musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction, physiotherapy can help correct these issues and reduce your pain.
- Sports-related injuries: If you participate in sports or other physical activities and have experienced a musculoskeletal injury, physiotherapy can help you recover and prevent future injuries.
In general, if you have any musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction that is affecting your function or quality of life, physiotherapy may be recommended. A physiotherapist can assess your individual situation and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
Price of Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal conditions
The cost of Physiotherapy will vary depending on the area/s that need to be treated, what treatment they require and the recommended number of treatment sessions. The type and severity of the injury may also influence the cost; more complex injuries may require more sessions or specialised treatments.
We offer medical aid rates.
Please contact us if you need any further information on pricing.
How we can help
Physiotherapists at our Gillitts, Hillcrest and Kloof practices provide professional, evidence-based physiotherapy for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
How to Schedule and Appointment
MAIN BRANCH (GILLITTS):
Book an appointment via:
Phone: 031 764 2750 (preferred)
Email: info@rileyphysios.co.za
Link to contact form:
HILLCREST BRANCH (LE DOMAINE):
Book an appointment via:
Phone: 031 764 2750 (preferred)
Email: info@rileyphysios.co.za
Link to contact form:
KLOOF BRANCH:
Book an appointment via:
Phone: 031 767 3989 (preferred)
Juli-Ann Riley Physios
Link to contact form:
Our Location
MAIN BRANCH (GILLITTS):
The Gillitts Medical Centre, 15 Old Main Rd, Gillitts, 3610. Kwazulu Natal,
South Africa.
HILLCREST BRANCH (LE DOMAINE):
Le Domaine Health, Le Domaine Estate, 100 Acutts Drive, Hillcrest, 3610. Kwazula Natal, South Africa.
KLOOF BRANCH:
Juli-Ann Riley Physiotherapists, Femina Health, 75 Old Main Rd, Kloof 3610, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Frequently asked questions about Musculoskeletal Conditions
- What causes Musculoskeletal problems?
These can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, aging, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as poor posture or lack of physical activity.
- What are the common symptoms of Musculoskeletal conditions?
The symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions can vary depending on the specific condition, but common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling and limited range of motion in the affected area.
- How are Musculoskeletal conditions diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination and special tests. Sometimes further investigations are necessary. A physiotherapist can refer you for an X-ray or Ultrasound scan; but will likely refer you to a specialist if you require blood tests or an MRI.
- Can Joint & Muscle problems be prevented?
While some Musculoskeletal conditions cannot be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing these conditions, such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, practicing good posture, avoiding prolonged sitting and avoiding repetitive motions that can lead to injury.
PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a health professional consultation. Anyone experiencing a medical condition or requiring physiotherapy should book an appointment with us for a complete assessment.
Contact Us
MAIN BRANCH (GILLITTS):
Riley Physiotherapists
The Gillitts Medical Centre, 15 Old Main Rd, Gillitts, 3610. Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.
TEL: 031 764 2750
EMAIL: info@rileyphysios.co.za
KLOOF BRANCH:
Juli-Ann Riley Physiotherapists
Femina Health, 75 Old Main Rd, Kloof 3610, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
TEL: 031 767 3989
EMAIL: jariley@mweb.co.za
HILLCREST BRANCH:
Le Domaine Health
Le Domaine Health, 100 Acutts Drive, Hillcrest, 3610, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Bookings: 031 355 0030
HOME & NURSING HOME VISITS:
All private homes in the upper Highway Nursing homes
including Rob Roy, Winston Park Rest Home, Waterfall Gardens & Le Domaine Care (and others)
Bookings: 031 764 2750