Muscle & Joint Pain

People of all ages and all levels of activity suffer from muscle and joint pain, or general aches and pains. Pain can either be experienced at the site of the problem or it can be ‘referred pain’ which means that the pain occurs in a location which is not the site of the problem. 

 

Causes of muscle or joint pain may include:

  • Sudden or overuse injuries
  • Poor posture or ergonomics
  • Systemic diseases

 

Joints – gout, sprains and arthritis (such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis) are common causes of stiff, painful joints.

Muscles – direct impact injury, over-stretching, strains or overuse can cause muscle pain.

Tendons – tendons join muscles to bones. Examples of tendon problems are Tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis.

Ligaments – injuries to ligaments (sprains) can be the result of over-stretching or twisting of a joint.

Physiotherapist's Role

The Physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment of your condition. This will include taking a detailed history of your symptoms, along with a physical examination.

Following your assessment, the physiotherapist will formulate a diagnosis, plan a treatment programme and alter it according to symptoms and the level of progression.

When appropriate, your physiotherapist will liaise with other health care professionals, making sure that you receive holistic healthcare.

You will be advised on when to return to work, when to resume sport, how to return to your daily activities – and how to prevent a recurrence of your pain.

Treatment Techniques

  • Exercise programmes
  • Stretching, strengthening or postural exercises
  • Biomechanical assessment and prescription of orthotics
  • Prescription and fitting of supports, braces and walking aids.
  • Advice on ergonomics (working postures) to offload injured structures
  • Application of hot or cold therapy – to help pain and healing, and advice on home use.
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Manual techniques – manipulation, traction or mobilisation of the affected joints to restore movement.
  • Soft tissue techniques – massage, frictions, trigger point therapy, acupressure and stretching.
  • Electrotherapy – ultrasound, interferential, TENS, laser or electrical stimulation therapy may help speed up healing and reduce pain.