Essential for a life lived free from joint pain, muscular aches, and injury, maintaining sound musculoskeletal health with the help of physiotherapy should be a priority for us all, but for so many, it remains something they think little about, and do even less about.
Made up of bones, tissue, tendons and ligaments that work in unison to achieve a range of bodily movements and functions, when maintained well, musculoskeletal health can help us lead happier, healthier, more active lives. if you’re concerned about your musculoskeletal health, a consultation with a private GP can help you get the expert assistance you need.
Maintaining musculoskeletal health is vital for overall well-being, and physiotherapy plays a key role in this process. For more comprehensive health services, go to this site to find a trusted clinic offering quality care. These clinics provide essential medical services, helping you achieve and maintain optimal health through professional and personalized treatment plans.
Below are some of the most common disorders (MSDs) associated with musculoskeletal health, and treatable with physiotherapy:
Tendinitis
Able to happen to any tendon in the body, when tissues that connect a muscle to a bone become swollen, painful and inflamed, tendinitis is the likely culprit. Often occurring following movements that are repetitious in nature, such as typing; heels, shoulders, knees, and wrists are typically affected by this disorder.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This particular syndrome can be acquired when the forearms median nerve is compressed due to regular pressure applied to your wrist. The risk of a person suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is heightened if they have diabetes, hypertension or arthritis. With swelling and numbness as symptoms, stretching and relieving the pressure on the median nerve is essential to prevent further discomfort or injury.
Osteoarthritis
Sufferers of this musculoskeletal disorder typically experience swelling, pain, and stiffness in their joints, which in turn, leads to a decrease in movement. The lower back, knees, and hips are commonly affected by osteoarthritis, which may be caused by age, weight, genetics, and joint overuse. Generally speaking, those over the age of 50 are most at risk.
What are the most common symptoms and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders?
Swollen, stiff, and aching joints are all classic signs of a potential condition related to musculoskeletal health, and age is generally believed to be the most significant factor for anyone suffering from MSDs. As we age, our joints, cartilage and tissue wear down naturally, leading to any one of the disorders listed above.
How can you improve your musculoskeletal health?
While seeing a GP and being referred to a trained physiotherapist is the best way to get tailored advice for your body, below are 3 simple things you can do to improve your musculoskeletal health:
- Stretch
Simple but incredibly important in terms of your musculoskeletal health, stretching can help make your muscles stronger, and improve your overall flexibility.
Stretching every day can help you avoid injuries and MSDs, and prevent muscle tightness and a loss of flexibility.
- Set personal goals
By setting yourself a series of goals related to your health and physical fitness, you can motivate yourself to do more in those areas you feel you need to improve in, such as working out, dieting, and sports, and give yourself a roadmap to help you achieve your goals.
- Stay hydrated
Every aspect of a person’s life can be improved through regular hydration, from organs and joints, to cells, and it can even help you sleep and think better. Drinking plenty of water can also help to reduce inflammation that might be causing you pain or discomfort, and help to keep you active for longer.
If you’re worried about joint pain or muscle stiffness, and would like to schedule a same day appointment to discuss your concerns with a GP (and be referred to a physiotherapist who can help you), going to a private clinic is the best way to achieve this. With waiting times for GPs at their longest in the history of the NHS, you can get the help you need, when you need it, from a private clinic in your locality.
