Musculoskeletal pain affects the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. It can be acute (having a rapid onset with severe symptoms) or chronic (long-lasting). This type of pain can be localized to one area or widespread throughout the body. Conditions such as arthritis are also common contributors to musculoskeletal discomfort.
Lower back pain is frequently diagnosed, while other common presentations include tendonitis, myalgia (muscle pain), and stress fractures.
What are the causes?
Anyone can experience musculoskeletal pain. It is often caused by an injury or sprain to the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves.
Other contributing factors include:
- Overuse: Pain from overuse is a common issue for many adults. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly lower back pain, are frequently associated with overuse.
- Postural Issues: Poor posture or prolonged periods of immobilization can place stress on the musculoskeletal system.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on whether the pain is caused by an injury or overuse, and whether it is chronic or acute. Common symptoms reported by patients include:
- Localized or widespread pain that may worsen with movement.
- Aching or stiffness in the body.
- Sensations of muscle strain or fatigue.
- Deep aching sensations within the muscle tissue.
At our clinic, we provide a range of management options tailored to your specific condition.
- Joint Mobilisation: Techniques aimed at assisting movement in stiff or painful joints to help improve function.
- Injection Therapy: For suitable candidates, we offer injection options such as corticosteroids or prolotherapy (dextrose). These are intended to assist with pain management and inflammation.
- Trigger Point Therapy: This approach focuses on “knots” in the muscles (trigger points) which can be a source of pain. Treatment may involve massage, stretching, or local anaesthetic injections to help release tension.
- Medical Acupuncture: We offer medical acupuncture as a treatment modality. This involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, intended to assist with pain relief and muscle function.
- Comprehensive Area Management: We provide assessment and treatment plans for neck, thoracic, lumbar, shoulder, and hip conditions using a combination of medical modalities.
- Rehabilitation: Specific exercise therapy designed for self-management and recovery at home.
For patients with chronic or long-standing musculoskeletal conditions, we can organize a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) where clinically appropriate.
- What is it? A structured plan designed to help manage chronic conditions by identifying your health needs and setting achievable goals.
- Eligibility: Your doctor will assess your eligibility for this plan during your consultation. If appropriate, this plan may also provide access to subsidised sessions with allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists or exercise physiologists) to support your recovery.
Note: Individual results vary. A consultation is required to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your condition.
