Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: Types, Causes, Treatments
The system that provides form, movement and stability to the human body is called the musculoskeletal system. It is composed of bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and the structures that support the neck, back and limbs.
When the system is injured, in pain, or suffers inflammation, it is called musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Some conditions that may be classified as MSD and have a painful effect on the muscles, joints and bones include the following:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – a feeling of numbness in the arms and hands due to a pinched nerve in the wrist.
Tendonitis – is characterised by inflammation of the tissue that connects the bones to the muscles.
Muscle Strain – happens when the muscles of the shoulder, neck, back and the back of the knee get torn or overstretched.
Osteoarthritis – also sometimes called a degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis, occurs when the cartilage within a joint starts to break down and the bones lying under it change.
Fibromyalgia – is a chronic (long-lasting disorder characterised by pain and tenderness throughout the body, trouble sleeping and fatigue).
Bone fractures – commonly happen due to vehicular accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Other causes are the weakening of the bones due to osteoporosis and low bone density
Epicondylitis – also known as tennis elbow. It is a painful musculoskeletal condition that happens when the elbow tendons become overloaded due to repeated wrist and arm motions.
In general musculoskeletal disorders are caused by age-related changes in the human body, the level of activity by the patient, their family history, and their occupation. In addition to these, certain exercises can also lead to an MSD, such as the following:
- lifting heavy weights
- poor body posture while working
- sitting in only one position while in front of a computer
- engaging in repetitive motions.
Treatments for musculoskeletal disorders should be prescribed by a doctor and usually include the following:
- Medications – for pain and inflammation
- Surgery – for more severe pain
- Physiotherapy – recommended for patients suffering from severe conditions of MSD, and also when the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs fail to provide long-term relief from inflammation and pain. Physiotherapy for pain relief may include:
- soft tissue massage and stretching to relieve pain and tension
- joint mobilisations
- electrotherapy
- acupuncture
- corrective exercises
- posture awareness, and
- advice on how to overcome pain in daily activities.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is a specialised procedure designed for patients showing signs of musculoskeletal conditions or being treated for MSD. The therapy can effectively minimise the inflammation and pain of the patient and help them strengthen their body. These patients can perform functions that were restricted earlier because of the disorder.
Daily sessions of musculoskeletal physiotherapy help the patients heal quicker and build coping mechanisms during the healing process. Through therapy, an individual can also avoid the occurrence of secondary issues.
Musculoskeletal disorders must be managed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, rheumatologists, physiotherapists, pain management specialists, and surgeons. Combining these modalities will allow the patient to improve their symptoms, mobility, sleep, general well-being, and quality of life.
If the doctor advised you or your loved one to undergo musculoskeletal physiotherapy and you are looking for the best physiotherapy center in India, you can stop looking.
Mission Walk Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre has a dedicated musculoskeletal rehab facility with medical staff passionate about helping patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions. Please call or visit us if you want to know more about our services.
We will be more than happy to be of help.
