MSK (Musculoskeletal) Service

Welcome to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Musculoskeletal Service. 

We aim to provide safe, high quality patient-centred care in both the community and hospital settings for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or nerves. Common symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders include pain, weakness, stiffness, joint noises, and decreased range of motion.

The Musculoskeletal Service consists of the following teams and members:

• Physiotherapy
• First Contact Practitioners (FCP)
• Tier 2

We strive to provide a comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. These generally affect the:

• Spine – from the neck through to lower back
• Hips, knees, feet and ankles
• Shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands

We aim to maximise a patient’s ability to function independently using education, treatment, advice, and pain management strategies. Particularly as many musculoskeletal problems are long-term conditions.

Treatments may include:

• Home exercise programs supported with web-based exercise programmes with videos and the ability to track progress
• Gym-based exercise classes
• Pain management advice and programs
• Manual therapy
• Acupuncture
• Injection therapy
• Electrotherapy treatment
• Splinting
• Patient advice – group and individual sessions
• Patient information in a variety of formats

The service also includes a Tier 2 team led by a Consultant Physiotherapist supported by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, GP and Extended Scope Practitioners. This service has been commissioned to provide a single point of access providing clinical triage for all MSK and Orthopaedic referrals across the Fylde coast.

Our service is provided at locations across the Blackpool and Fylde coast in both local healthcare and hospital settings. Appointment times are flexible ranging from early mornings to evenings.